Interesting, yes, but I doubt it would be encouraging. I fully
acknowledge that this is undoubtedly a relatively risky venture. Just as
private flying is relatively risky compared to commercial flying.
This is a synopsis of the message I give anyone who asks me about the
pros & cons of installing an alternative engine:
In choosing to do this, you are betting your life that you have the
necessary skills and knowledge to develop a one of a kind aircraft propulsion
system - not a trivial task, and a far greater challenge than using
time proven systems based on conventional aircraft engines. If your
primary goal is to build an aircraft and fly it safely, buy an aircraft
engine from a reputable source and install it to the best of your
abilities. Do not consider cost as the primary reason for doing
otherwise. Only if you have some 'Fire in the Belly' to power your
aircraft with some alternative should you even consider it. If you
do, there is no better alternative than the Mazda rotary.
The up-side is the satisfaction gained from successfully meeting the
challenge - it is beyond description. If you save a nickel in
the process, consider it a small bonus.
Tracy
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Another rotary failure
A very interesting comparison
would be accident/incident rates for experimental with certified engines vs
experimental with ‘alternative’ engines.
Al
Subject:
[FlyRotary] Re: Another rotary failure
Rusty,
Couple of years ago we lost 3 Cozy's
within few months due to Lycoming engine problems. Not landing with engine
problem, but total lost of all 3 aircraft. Nobody said a word. Like it was the
most ordinary thing?
On Feb 13, 2006, at 2:03
PM, Russell Duffy wrote:
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.
Rusty (one rotor, no
prop)