Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James R Depfer Sr. on October 23, 2015 at 10:32am

Hello Chris, I don't know what special tools you would need for your plane, although I suspect you probably already have whatever you need after building it.

As for the Rotax, I would try to incorporate the normal engine maintenance (25hrs, 50hrs, 100hr, 200hr, etc) with the condition inspection. You should reference the free online Rotax maintenance manual to determine what tools are needed. I would also recommend you join the Rotax-Owners ( http://www.rotax-owner.com/en/ ), if you haven't already done that. Lots of good videos show you how to do the maintenance checks. If you haven't already purchased a carb sync kit, I would recommend you get the Carbmate carb sync kit. It is much easier to use and appears to be more accurate. If you plan to do service and maintenance on your engine yourself, I would recommend the 2 day service class and the 2 day maintenance class. I went to the ones at Lockwood and they were really good.

Jim

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Permalink Reply by Chris Beebe on October 23, 2015 at 12:14pm

Thanks, James! I did not build this airplane, just bought it! I already have manuals for the 912 and good inspection lists to use for the annual so I should be in good shape! Good to know about the carb synch tool! I hate having ineffective tools in the tool box!
I plan to take the rotax two day class in the future but the local one for me is held once a year! My luck has it that I will be out of the country the weekend it is scheduled! :(

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Latimer on October 24, 2015 at 11:30am

I have a 601HDS with a Rotax.  The special tools I use are:

Carbmate to check carb balance

Differential Compression gauge

Cable tension gauge to check the tension of all control cables.  This was more of an issue for the XL guys, but it doesn't hurt to check.

digital protractor for checking the pitch of Warp drive ground adjustable prop.  This year one of the blades was slightly different than the other two blades.

FWIW

Jerry

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Permalink Reply by david shrader on October 25, 2015 at 5:53pm

Inspection mirror, good flashlight, and a checklist to follow... Won't miss anything that way. Diff tester and something to check the antifreeze. If you do annuals, a condition insp. is the same. You don't need a IA for the sign off if your a A&P.
Dave

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Permalink Reply by Chris Beebe on October 26, 2015 at 7:11pm

I have not worked in the industry in over two years! In fact, the last time I signed anything off on an aircraft was back in 97! Needless to say, I talked with a FAA inspector and to be legit I need an IA to check my first one off and then I can sign off the next ones!

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