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Russell Duffy wrote:
Greetings,
I just noticed that this year's winner of the best non-certified engine is a Europa, with what looks like a 912S/912ULS. What's up with this? While the 912ULS is not certified, I understand that it's the same as the 912S, which is certified. The only difference I'm aware of is the price and paperwork. This also appears to be the standard engine for the Europa. Hard to believe this should win over people who use truly alternate engines, and roll their own FWF installation.
But it's all clean and shiny. We all know that is what makes an engine safe, reliable, light, powerful and cheap. Besides, how else would you define "best"?
This gives me an idea. My RV-8 has an AeroSport O-360 that just arrived. Since this is an "experimental only" engine, I should be able to enter the "best non-certified engine" judging next year :-)
Have all the aluminum parts anodize shiny red, make straight hose runs (even if that means laying them against the muffler), and leave off anything that might create clutter under the cowl (like airfilters or proper ducting) and you'll win for sure. Shucks, you can just attach rubber hoses with spring clamps and no one will blink an eye, as long as they're painted nicely.
I've always thought the big show awards were a farce. The winning requirements all seem to boil down to 'glitz'. No consideration seems to be given to how the glitz got there, who did it, or whether it was useful. No consideration is given for advancing the state of the art (reducing cost, increasing safety, reducing complexity / pilot workload, reducing drag, increasing speed, etc.) It's all "Oooh! Shiny things. Purdy. Me like."
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,|"|"|, Ernest Christley |
----===<{{(oQo)}}>===---- Dyke Delta Builder |
o| d |o www.ernest.isa-geek.org |
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