300hr rebuild

[Morph]

Aah yes, coming down now. I think I should explain

The reason why I am so sensitive to the statement

Maybe you should choose a sport/hobby that better suits your budget!

is that I've heard it a few times, and always from those who have their own hangars, and multiple planes and seemingly unlimited budget etc etc. The othernight in our clubhouse we were discussing keeping the hangarage costs within reason and preventing speculators from buying up the realestate and driving the prices up, when this complete A#$%hole blatently told everyone that "if you can't afford it you don't deserve to be flying". In other words it's only a sport for the elite few, and I disagree. It is exactly this level of arrogance that has pushed our sport away from the average man.

This by the way was never a slate at the reliability of the Rotax motor, which is without question, nor the ability of AE to deliver a service. However there is a place in this little world of ours for everyone, and if someone brings out a reliable cost-effective engine then the market should support it.

So, Niren, sorry for the blow-up but I had a sensitive button there.

[DarkHelmet]

This is also a VERY touchy subjecto for me, albeit, I did not do my research thoroughly enough...

I bought an aerie with 224 hrs on the clock, flew it and then inspected the manual - only to find what? A crank replacement due at 300hrs... Not a surprise you want after investing 35 hours for training when you thought you were brainy enough to do it in the required 25.

YES, it is NOT a cheap hobby to fly, Nirren's comment did grief me slightly but when I go to a doctor I want the best not a qwak. I took my trike to Gideon Niemann (no advertising intended and now flame towards AE either). Why did I take it to him? He helped me one morning at 06:30 to fit my new 3.57 gear torqued to spec and I took my bird there for inspection when the time came.

Have to say he did an AWESOME job and also stated pretty clearly that manufacturer recommendation is to replace cranky at 300hrs, what he said off the record is my concern and my responsibility and he will not be held liable for it.

Bearings, rings, seals etc were done and I opted to push her another 150hrs on the crank.

On a sidenote, Nirren I have never met you but thank you SO SO MUCH for being involved so actively as you are on these forums. You represent Rotax and you make me proud to be a Rotax owner! As for Mr Flymo (aka Morpheus) we are on the same side and we share and voice our opinions in lieu of making flying a better, safer, cheaper experience for everyone!

Cheers guys!

[FAWGie]

The crank should be inspected again at 450 TTSN, due to leagal implications I am reluctant to say to anyone that the crank may be used further. The decision lies with the owner.

Niren that is why I posted the question in the first place "due to legal implications"

But the question is still unanswered

So Mr Middleman where are you

Let's be fair here, these are non-certified engines and therefore what Niren is actually suggesting is that the engien can be flown with any number of hours so long as it passes proper inspection and tolerance tests....The supplier would like to avoid the legal wrangle of suggesting extended hours where a non-thorough inspection is done and then followed by an engine out would attract blame in the wrong quarters...

It would be easy for Niren to suggest optional change at say 300hrs and mandatory change at 500 hours, but at least he has hinted that you need to use your own discretion....

At the end of the day, it will be up to you to PROVE to your insurer that the plane was indeed airworth, irrespective of hours

On my 503, I changed the crank, piston, rings, etc...etc...at 300 hours...My AP said that there was tons of life left in them, bu to me it was a reasonable price to pay to have them done early and have piece of mind !!! The choice is ultimately yours

Lastly, the comments about having a sport that one can afford - It doesn't get much cheaper than this - try certified planes and you will cry.....but then folk will always complain..... I'd rather support a supplier who is outspoken and open to discussion .....

[IFLYHI]

FAWG Dawg wrote:

Let's be fair here,....

I think when the dust was at it's highest, my reply, page 1 bottom, sums it all up nicely

[Leprachaun]

My 2 cents worth - If in doubt there is no no doubt its your decision .
Should you die in an incident because of a crank failure - you have no worries - you sit on cloud nine - The concern is the family and friends left behind - some may wish you well some may miss you , who knows the family may even curse you - its your choice - the AP who signs out your plane may ask for your inspection before he adds the entry (checked and found to be in good order acording To CAA and manufactureres specification !) some will pass it some wont - for sure I wont - Life is about choices - you choose you lose - now ya know why I fly a 503 - How many lives can you buy for the R8k mentioned ??? .
Aviation engines , I must add always have spares available and are willing to assist at all times - the may not be the cheapest , but once again when you buy fish and its a bargain smell it first .
Today is Fly day

[Boet]

Untill the other manufacturors produce engines that is as good as the Rotax`es, I, for one, will not be the first one to rush in with my cheque book aflutter. Very happy with the service and spares back-up given by Niren and his team
ROTAX RULES