flyrotary@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

I installed a Subaru EA81 in my Avid in 1999. It was my own conversion. Flew it for 10 years, and am now very close to start flying the one rotor rotary.

My take on the alternative engine is:

If cost and ease of maintaining the engine is the single most issue, go certified.

You have to dedicate your self to a lot of learning and patience, if you want to get it right. Once you got through all that, it certainly is all enjoyment and pleasure, with never ending, and very close attention to everything going on in your creation.

Richard Sohn
N2071U

http://www.fairpoint.net/~res12/home.html

From: Patrick Panzera

Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 4:51 PM

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Subject: [FlyRotary] Top 7 reasons for using an auto conversion

Here's what I wrote.

I was asked to keep the comments short:

Top Seven Reasons to Consider an Automobile Conversion

Cost to install. When compared to the cost of a new aircraft engine, a fully installed and properly functioning automobile engine can run 25% to 50% of its certified counterpart when compared new-to-new.
Cost to rebuild. When rebuilding an auto conversion, it can typically be brought to zero-time with all new parts for what a used yellow-tagged aircraft crankshaft costs, that’s if your core is serviceable.
Cost to operate. Most auto conversions can be operated on automobile fuel, cutting the per-gallon cost nearly in half. Modern auto conversions have tight tolerances eliminating the need to add oil between changes.
Cost to maintain. Aircraft spark plugs range from $26 to $60 each. Automobile plugs are one tenth of that and typically require half as many. The same can be said for virtually every maintenance item.
Convenience. Nearly every part you might need to repair or maintain your auto conversion can be purchased from any number of suppliers in your home town, even on Sunday, or are a short drive from what ever airport you might have landed at.
Smoothness. Virtually every auto conversion is noticeably smoother than its aviation counterpart, reducing fatigue on components and occupants.
Because you can. Why are we building an airplane in the first place? If all you are after is the performance offered by homebuilt aircraft, why not just buy one second hand? Most of us build because we want to build. There’s a great amount of satisfaction that stems from standing back and saying, “I built that.” The same applies for an automobile engine conversion, especially if it’s never been done before.

And remember, there are a lot of experimental aircraft that were designed (and proven) from the beginning to use an auto conversion, so many of the points for a certified engine aren't relevant, and many of the reasons against an auto conversion also apply to those who would consider installing an aircraft powerplant where an auto conversion is specified.