Curious about Rotax maintenance challenges
Posted by glillyg@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 3 comments
I’m on the cusp of getting my PPL, which has me daydreaming of purchasing a plane. LSAs seem like a decent option for one’s first plane as you can get a newish plane with glass avionics at a relatively affordable price. My thought is that new pilots (or, at least me) may be better off in a slower plane while building experience.
My concern is that most LSAs use a Rotax engine. While I understand that they are lighter and more efficient, I am worried that it will be a problem to get maintenance. Right now, I’m flying out of KJWN, in Nashville. Based on Rotax’s website, there does not seem to be many Rotax certified mechanics in the area, which leads me to wonder if I’ll be able to get maintenance at all or if it might be particularly expensive.
Pilots with Rotax engines, what challenges have you faced compared to others with Lycoming or Continental engines? Have you been able to get non-Rotax-certified A&Ps to service your Rotax? Are you still glad that you purchased your plane with a Rotax or would you recommend sticking with the traditional power plants?
imitt12@reddit
Not an aircraft owner, currently a student, but I've also been looking into LSA ownership and Rotaxes. The FAA has stated that any A&P is legal to work on a Rotax engine, they are not required to be factory certified. However, it's generally a good idea to have someone who is at least familiar with Rotax engines, given how different they are to your traditional Lycoming or Continental. I've heard of plenty of LSA owners with Rotaxes flying away for their annuals if they don't have a Rotax comfortable A&P nearby, sometimes states away. Far as I'm concerned, it's a good excuse to get some XC hours and take a mini vacation.
imitt12@reddit
Also I'd like to point out that an older certificated aircraft can be had for similar prices as newer LSAs, and many of those aircraft have been TSOed for glass avionics.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m on the cusp of getting my PPL, which has me daydreaming of purchasing a plane. LSAs seem like a decent option for one’s first plane as you can get a newish plane with glass avionics at a relatively affordable price. My thought is that new pilots (or, at least me) may be better off in a slower plane while building experience.
My concern is that most LSAs use a Rotax engine. While I understand that they are lighter and more efficient, I am worried that it will be a problem to get maintenance. Right now, I’m flying out of KJWN, in Nashville. Based on Rotax’s website, there does not seem to be many Rotax certified mechanics in the area, which leads me to wonder if I’ll be able to get maintenance at all or if it might be particularly expensive.
Pilots with Rotax engines, what challenges have you faced compared to others with Lycoming or Continental engines? Have you been able to get non-Rotax-certified A&Ps to service your Rotax? Are you still glad that you purchased your plane with a Rotax or would you recommend sticking with the traditional power plants?
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