Included With Flight Design CT, Airborne Trikes, Others
The Rotax 912 family of aircraft engines is, by far, the most
popular powerplant for light sport aircraft in the United States --
and it is also popular worldwide in other designs, from trikes and
microlights to small twin-engine aircraft. The motor has proven
itself for nearly 20 years in all kinds of applications... yet a
large part of the aviation community is unfamiliar with its proper
care and feeding.
Like any precision mechanical device, it will last and deliver
if treated right; and it won't, if it isn't.
To that end, Paul Hamilton of Adventure Productions and
writer/producer for ASA, with the help of the Aero Technical
Institute and Lockwood Aviation has prepared an owner's DVD that
shows and explains what it takes to treat these engines right.
Lockwood is an authorized repair and overhaul station for Rotax,
and the Aero Technical Institute provides Rotax training for owners
and mechanics alike.
"Rotax 912
Introduction" answers many of the questions a new Rotax owner needs
to know: What oil should I use? How do I purge the air from the oil
tank? What are those various tubes and hoses, unfamiliar to
old-style aircraft engine mechanics? What do I need to know about
the coolant options? What about fuel filters? Oil filters? What
gasoline is best, and why? What should I look for on a preflight,
or on a more-extensive inspection?
Most importantly, the DVD also aims to steer those who are
unfamiliar with the 912 (be they neophytes or experienced aviation
mechanics) away from doing things that can damage the engine. The
912 isn't fragile... but it is different, and treating it the same
way one treats an old-tech airplane engine will not be good.
The largest purveyor of Light Sport Aircraft in the world,
FlightDesign, includes "Rotax 912 Introduction" with all its
Rotax-powered planes.
"I've watched the DVD, and find that this is essential
information, very well-presented," said Flight Design Germany CEO
Matthias Betsch. "We feel so strongly about its benefit that
FlightDesign has decided to include this DVD with every CT they
deliver, worldwide."
Tom Peghiny, President of Flight Design USA, added "the DVD
answers common questions our customers have about how to care for
their engines, and it should reduce service costs and the overall
cost of ownership."
Aircraft manufacturers, flight schools, dealers, and aircraft
rental FBOs are also utilizing the DVD. Airborne USA, the largest
Weight-Shift control importer, is now supplying the DVD with new
aircraft. SportsPlanes, a multi-line LSA distributor, is also
supplying the DVD with each aircraft.
Both companies educate and screen rental customers by requiring
customers to watch the DVD, and successfully complete a short
multiple choice quiz before they rent an airplane.
The DVD is available for individual purchase, for owners, flight
schools, and FBOs, for $49.95. As the distributor notes... there is
nothing you could do wrong to a 912 that would cost less than
that!