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!

FMI: www.ap-store.com