*UPDATE: Rotax released SB-912i-003iS R1
Ok with all the news, hype and speculation out there – we wanted to get to the bottom of it all. Just the facts!
The most important thing to remember in all of this, is that the 912 iS Sport Kit (the KIT) is a must choice for any current 912 iS owner. According to John McBean of Kitfox Aircraft (John was the first person in the US to install and test fly the Sport Kit upgrade) found that he upgrade produces a much better torque curve than the current iS engine. He even noted that he was keeping up with a 914 Turbo during the flying tests. Add in the fact that Rotax is providing the KITS free of charge (parts only) to all current owners (for a limited time) this is a no brainer choice.
So with that being said, is it an easy installation? No, it is not. This is not a simple bolt on and go procedure. Technically it should take between 8 – 12 hours for a current Heavy Maintenance rated independent ROTAX Maintenance Technician (iRMT) to perform the swap. Also bear in mind that there is an stronger clutch in the KIT as well to handle the additional torque, so that means the gearbox has to come apart. There are a few other things to factor in, so here is a quick overview:
- First – ASTM COMPLIANCE must be considered. I hate wordy things but here goes: This is for all owners to consider, but especially important to owners of SLSA aircraft where ASTM compliance is required by the regulator and the standards. As soon as you modify the engine, it is no longer ASTM compliant. That in turn means the aircraft cannot be flown legally. Fortunately this can be solved by doing some verification tests prior to and after installation of the kit. Click here for a the compliance verification form.
- Second, because the engine will no longer be a 912iS, but a 912iS Sport, the engine serial number plate will have to change. A new plate (same serial number) is provided with the kit – but it must be ordered ahead of time so that it can be added to the kit before it is sent to the iRMT that is doing the installation.
- Third, your current electronic control unit (ECU) will need to be returned for a software upgrade. Yeah this is a bit of a hassle, but if you time it with the installation of the kit (step 4) it will not be that much of an inconvenience.
- Fourthly, the actual KIT needs to be installed. This job can only be performed by an iRMT that has a current 912 HEAVY MAINTENANCE RATING. (see www.rotaxirmt.com for listings.)
- Fifthly (lol – rarely ever say that word) – all the old parts have to be returned to your local independent Service Centre (iSC).
- Lastly, for you SLSA owners, a new ASTM compliance check and application must be submitted. Rotax can then issue a new compliance statement if required.
This seems to be a lot of steps – and there are – but remember the first paragraph – it is worth it. Thankfully you are in good hands. Contact your local (iSC) and they will go over all these details, help you find a technician and schedule an appointment for you. Rotax does have an amazing support network.
It is important to note that with the release of the new engines and kits. there are new manuals. You can find a copy of these on www.RotaxFlyingClub.com or www.FlyRotax.com
