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Rotax 912 - WAS article

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msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:07 pm Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

Scott:

   

  Not knowing whose Model 3 you're considering, I can't opine with regard to specifics. But if you follow the list you already suspect that a Model 3 with the 912 can be a spectacular performer. As far as I know, the 912 is a good engine but my personal experience is behind a 582. At about 35 hours, I'm pretty happy with it (knock wood) despite some strong negative opinions from others on the list.

   

  How about it listers . . . can anyone give Scott some specifics on the 912?



Scott Patterson <scott(at)lifeseeker.com> wrote:

  [quote]--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Scott Patterson 



Marco,



Very intriguing article.



I'm poised to purchase a Model III with a 912UL. I've gathered all the

Service Bulletins for my inspection (in MI) this 	 		See the all-new, redesigned Yahoo.com. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=40762/*http://www.yahoo.com/preview] Check it out.[/url]

darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article

I owned a model III with the 912UL and had a great time with it.  Typical takeoff (solo) was about 200' with initial climb around 1000 fpm and then settle in around 800 fpm.  Cruise was around 75 - 80 mph at 70% -75%.  I had a 3-blade warp drive on it and had it pitched to about 5300 - 5400 on takeoff.  Keep in mind I fly in Utah with a field elevation of approx. 4200' msl so your numbers will only increase with lower elevations.  Obviously, the plane was great, however the model III and earlier require you to "fly the rudder" much more than to the IV and later versions.  The ailerons don't have differential throw and the vertical stab is significantly smaller that later models giving it much less yaw stability.  Having said this, I never had a problem with it and the flight characteristics taught me to be a better pilot.  If it is in good condition, go ahead with it, you will have a blast.  By the way, what is the N-number (just checking to see if it my old one)?



Darin

Starting wings on Series 7

scott(at)lifeseeker.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:32 pm Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

Darin,



Thank you for your response. N61724.



My concern is about the TBO of 1500/10 years. The previous owner was killed

in an automobile accident, and it languished in a hanger thereafter. It has

100 hours TTE/TTAF, and a current Condition Inspection, but as I'll be

flying over water (30 miles) to Catalina Island, I need to be prudent.



Any thoughts on the advisability of a full overhaul as a precaution?

-- 



Scott Patterson 



S & P Brokerage, LLC

1339 Playa Azul, PO Box 2588

Avalon, CA 90704



310-510-2392    Office

310-510-2371    Fax

310-433-7728    Cell



scott(at)spbrokerage.com

Check Out My Recently Published Novel:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1425937810

mike
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article

I absolutely love my 912ul, when I get to fly by myself, like last night, it takes a while to get the smile off my face after landing.  My 4 will do a consistant 90kts. GPS.  I believe it goes down about 4kts. when I'm at gross, and goes up about 4kts when I am by myself and half tanks.  My advice on going over water for 30miles on any airplane is to get one those self inflating life vest.

darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article

I agree on the floatation device.  I would take one or at least a self inflating raft.  I believe this is actually in the FAR/AIM as a requirement when flying furthar than X miles from a shoreline (can't remember what the X value is though).



Darin

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:34 am Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

Scott,



Obviously one's experience doesn't necessarily transfer to another, but I 

suspect that after you spend the day or two from Michigan to the Southern 

California Coast, you will be quite comfortable with the 912.  I was at the 

forum two years ago at Oshkosh when Rotax Guru Eric Tucker said that if the 

engine is running it will get you there.  I guess what I would do is stop on 

the coast side, refuel, check out the fluids - coolant and oil, check for 

sign of leakage in the oil lines etc. and  go for it.  I remember a time in 

Northern Montana when we were flying over a broad valley totally obscured in 

fog.  It was a bit unnerving and interestingly enough hearing becomes more 

acute as we all thought we were hearing strange sounds from our engines - 

our imaginations went wild.  The one thing that gave me a bit of comfort was 

the GPS that showed the track of the highway.  I knew that would be the low 

spot in the terrain and knew if I had a problem, I at least knew how to 

avoid the mountains.



I think the life vest idea would be very prudent and if your home base will 

be Catalina, then I suspect it will be regular equipment anyway.



Lowell

---

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:47 am Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

On Jul 26, 2006, at 8:04 PM, darinh wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   I would take one or at least a self inflating raft.


	


.. Uh? Someone's talking about the sea and ... I was asleep? 

Here is what I would do if I was to fly long distance over the water:

No survival raft. They are expensive, require yearly inspection and you 

would probably never manage to deploy it and board it from a sinking 

Kitfox.

My solution would be a survival suit and a hand-held EPIRB (the 

maritime equivalent of a ELT that also works on the Cospar-Sarsat 

satellites). Let's face it, if you ditch in the water, you won't have 

many hours to be recovered, raft or not. The suit will keep you warm 

and dry until the SAR helicopter is over you. One drawback, though, the 

suit can be like a Turkish bath in a Kitfox cockpit.



Cheers,

Michel

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Richard Rabbers

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 114
Location: Benton Harbor, MI - USA

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article

 	  Quote: 	
		  I agree on the floatation device. I would take one or at least a self inflating raft. I believe this is actually in the FAR/AIM as a requirement when flying furthar than X miles from a shoreline (can't remember what the X value is though). 	




Gliding distance to shore - otherwise - personal floation device and at least one pyro device. Raft is not required, and also very heavy... but makes floating a little more comfortable. Actual floats are another alternative though ocean surface may not be 'friendly'  



Richard

Lots of over single engine water time... always carried a raft, never used it. Had two events could be considered close calls, both long stories.

scott(at)lifeseeker.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:32 am Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

Michel,



Thank you for your recommendation.



Are you aware of any Light Sport regs concerning over water operation? I

combed the FARs, and Light Sport Rules, and only found water landing regs.

-- 



Scott Patterson 



S & P Brokerage, LLC

1339 Playa Azul, PO Box 2588

Avalon, CA 90704



310-510-2392    Office

310-510-2371    Fax

310-433-7728    Cell



scott(at)spbrokerage.com

Check Out My Recently Published Novel:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1425937810

RichWill

Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Southern Maine

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article

I currently own and drive a Model III with the 912UL.. 80hp, 3blade GSC wood prop. Agree and concur with the stats.. Rotate at 200' , climb 1000-1200fpm, cruise 75-85mph at 75%power... It's a great engine and plenty of gitty up when you need it... Flew a similar 582 and just so much more go.... than that!!! 



I weigh in at 235lbs and I can fly S&L with no hands at 3500rpm... I love it!!



Rich

N50PC

michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 3:25 am Post subject: Rotax 912 - WAS article

 	  Quote: 	
		  I remember a time in Northern Montana when we were flying over a

broad valley totally obscured in fog. It was a bit unnerving and interestingly

enough hearing becomes more acute as we all thought we were hearing

strange sounds from our engines...


	


I don't think this is a function of acute hearing, but rather a phenomenon known as "automatic rough."  I've had many an engine exhibit this behavior over inhospitable terrain late at night when the weather is marginal.  



Mike G.

N728KF

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