Liberty Manufacturer Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 4700; Flight Crew Type 2800
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After startup sequence exhibiting; as has been the case since last annual inspection; moderate engine skips at low RPM between 1000 and 1200 RPM; performed uneventful VFR flight from ZZZZ to ZZZZ1 and parked.Approximately 30 minutes later; taxied for Runway XX and run-up was similarly nominal.  After being cleared for takeoff; initial climb exhibited a few engine misses and while continuing to gain altitude; called ATC with a request to land due to engine issue; possibly related to spark plug fouling.Received clearance to land on any runway; and chose to perform a 80/260 reversal of course right-hand (due to terrain) and established on final 06. With reduced power; engine was shaking as if a cylinder was not operating; a FADEC caution illuminated; and landing was calm and uneventful.Requested to perform a run-up; on the western taxiway; which was unsuccessful; then requested taxi back to apron and the assistance of a mechanic.
Liberty XL-2 instructor pilot reported aircraft engine problems after takeoff resulting in a return to departure airport.