RNN: It is great to have you at the Rotax independent Service and Training Centre here at Oshkosh 2015. What have been the 10 most asked questions at this year’s show?
1. What is the TBO on Rotax engines?
A. 2 strokes are 300 hours and 4 strokes are 2000 hours.
2. How much do Rotax aircraft engines weigh?
A. Depending on the engine anywhere for 65lbs for the two stroke to 185lb for the new Rotax 915iS. You will have allow for things like airframe installation, and liquids.
3. What is the price of the Rotax engine?
A. Anywhere from $5,000.00 to $28,000.00 depending on the model. The prices are currently favorable due to the current exchange rate.
4. Will this engine fit in my aircraft?
A. The easy answer is you should use the Rotax engine type that the aircraft manufacturer recommends.
5. What oil should I use in my Rotax 4 stroke engine?
A. Rotax recommends that you use new red bottle Aeroshell Sport Plus 4.
6. What fuel should I use in my Rotax four stroke engine?
A. Premium unleaded auto fuel (93 octane or higher).
7. What are the major maintenance costs of the Rotax 4 stroke engine?
A. Carburetor and gearbox maintenance are the primary expenses to consider. Although the gearbox is common on all the 4 stroke, you can eliminate the carb maintenance costs by using the new fuel injected engine.
8. What is the fuel consumption of the Rotax 4 stroke engine?
A. Depending on the aircraft and installation anywhere from 5.0 gallons per hour to as low as 3.0 gallons per hour on the 912 iS fuel injected engine.
9. Will the Rotax engines make it to the TBO they claim?
A. Yes.
10. Are the Rotax engines difficult to maintain for a person wanting to do their own maintenance?
A. With independent Rotax Maintenance Technician training, the maintenance is relatively easy. We have training dates coming up in September/October this year. To sign up, please go to www.RotaxiRMT.com.
