Engine has clocked 50,000 in the fleet, new service centers to be established

During the past two years more and more pilots have chosen the innovative diesel/jet fuel Centurion 1.7 aircraft engine Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE). As of today, the engine is installed in over 300 aircraft. During 50,000 accumulated flight hours the Centurion 1.7 has worked in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

TAE has now announced plans for a record flight in 2005 -- the Centurion 1.7 will attempt to become the first diesel engine to power an aircraft on the famous Charles Lindbergh route in half the time. The company also announced that it will open a training center for technical service in the US.

At the end of 2004, more than 300 general aviation aircraft are flying with the Centurion 1.7 diesel aircraft engine from TAE. The engine has proven very efficient and reliable, particularly in the Cessna 172 and Piper PA28 retrofits. In the Diamond DA-40, Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 models, more than 50,000 total flight hours have been logged.

Only a few DA-40's experienced corrosion on the cylinder head which could have led to water damage. TAE has completed an investigation into the problem. The corrosion is electrochemical in nature and has been traced to the cooling system. Nevertheless, no in-flight engine failures have occurred. In order to offer quick and long-term assistance to all customers the manufacturer of the DA-40-TDI, Diamond Aircraft Industries, will soon publish a Service Bulletin. Retrofits of the Centurion 1.7 in the Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 are not affected, therefore, there will be no Service Bulletin for these aircraft.

In May 1927, Charles Lindbergh successfully completed the first transatlantic solo flight in a single-engine aircraft. As the next challenge in terms of reliability and cost effectiveness, TAE is planning a non-stop Atlantic crossing in 2005. TAE wants to retrace Charles Lindbergh's route with a single-engine Diamond DA-40-TDI. TAE aims to complete the 5,800 km (3,130 NM) flight from Long Island (NY) to Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France in half the time that it took Lindbergh, 16 hours and 30 minutes.

The Centurion 1.7 is expected to consume 300 liters, just over 79 gallons of fuel, on the flight, for an estimated cost of 290 Euros, or some US $390 at the current exchange rate. From every point of view it should be a historic flight of records -- first solo flight in a single-engine diesel aircraft and flight with fewest fuel consumption on the transatlantic passage.

TAE is constantly expanding the service network for their Centurion engines. This year TAE has trained, audited and authorized 31 additional service centers. There are now more than 65 service centers in 20 countries. In the 2005, TAE will be training new service centers, especially in the US. In this manner, TAE plans to guarantee service and support for their customers even before the first diesel aircraft are delivered in North America.

FMI: www.diamondair.com, www.thielert.com/en/aviation/engines.htm