On the subject of failures in general, am I the only one who thinks there have just been way too many of these in the last couple years?  In virtually every case, the engine has been the victim, rather than the cause of the problem, but to the casual observer, it looks bad for the rotary.  I'd hate to calculate the number of flight hours per serious problem for currently flying rotaries.  I'd also hate for the insurance companies to do it.  Let's hope this trend doesn't continue.  

 

Cheers,

Rusty (one rotor, no prop) 

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I agree with Rusty, the failures per hour rate has me jinxed. My wife refuses to fly with the rotary, my daughter will not allow the grandsons to fly with me and I'm running out of flying time since my next birthday brings on #70. YUK!

 

So am contemplating trying to sell a firewall forward package for an RV tri-gear including front nose gear leg. I have had no serious problems with the system other than the current cooling system requires me to thottle back after take off during 90 degree days to keep the coolant temp down. Oil temps are never a problem. You can see my installation on Tracy's (Laura's) web site www.rotaryaviation.com and look for Bernie's RV9 project under recent updates. The engine was built by Bruce Turrentine, RWS gearbox and EC2 with latest updates. The EM2 is optional ( I can use it with the lycoming), engine mount is by Fred Breese, 4 corvette coils. NipponD alternator and Sensenich prop. Just had the airplane to Tracy's for computer updates and he said it runs right on target. If you are interested, either email me off-line at jbker@juno.com or call me at 772 466 6701.

 

Bernie Kerr