But thousands of cars pass that way each day, and one breaks down. The (admittedly anecdotal) issue rate described for planes sounded much higher.
It's more to do with the relative consequences. A car engine goes out and you cal AAA, an airplane engine goes out and you have a serious problem.
If you have at least two engines on your plane, one failing ain't so bad?
As the saying goes, when you have an engine failure in a twin, the remaining engine takes you to the crash site faster. ;)
I was responding to "when's the last time your engine gave out"
The anecdotes above I read as difficulty getting an airplane engine started, which is definitely true compared to a modern car engine. Even using proper technique, mine can be frustrating to get and stay started after a fuel stop. (It’s a vapor lock issue that arises from heat-soaking while stopped for fueling, not something that makes for a safety-of-flight issue.)
Not necessarily engine problems.
That is freaking wild to me.
Hmmm. Something to do with lack of state warrant of fitness in US?