COVID19 Maintenance of Airworthiness during Lockdown

Good day,

I live in South Africa we are all in level four lockdown which is very restrictive, in particular with Recreational Aviation which is prohibited. I am concerned with corrosion as my hangar is approximately 500M from the sea.

Our  Civil Aviation Authority is granting Special Flight Permits  based on Official Engine Manufacturers recommendations.

Our local Rotax agent  issued a letter stating that we should fly for at least an hour every two weeks. Shortly there after they retracted the letter.

Lycoming and Continental have issued documentation stating that aircraft should be flown regularly or words to that effect.

We request an official document from Rotax stating that it would be beneficial for Rotax Owners to operate their engines in flight in order to lubricate and burnoff condensate etc etc.

It also has a beneficial advantaage in that pilots will not lose currency/recency.

So far there is no indiction when this lockdown will cease. We are not expecting the situation to improve anytime soon.

Once we have an official document our authority will grant a  special permit to fly.

We would appreciate if Rotax would consider issuing a bulletin regarding continued airworthiness during lockdown

Sincerely

Tony van Vliet

912ULS owner

Ser# 6781852

Kougawings,

   We have a similar situation in NZ. This is a catch 22 situation.

On one hand Rotax does not require a regular engine run/flight monthly like Lycoming/Continental does and therefore the CAA will not allow us to fly.This is annoying as a Pilot.....but

On the other hand we are fortunate that Rotax believes there is no downside of not running the engine monthly. Therefore with a Rotax powered aircraft you can easily go on holiday, or not fly for a while without any issues. In strange places with severe winters you can go months without any significant issues.

Over all we are perhaps, frustrated, but better off having a Rotax powered aircraft.

Hi Glenn

I certainly agree with your sentiments w.r.t. owning a Rotax powered aircraft.

Regards

Tony

Rotax 912 Aircraft Engine Storage during Covid-19 Pandemic and How to Properly Store your Engine

Aircraft and components (including engines), which are not flown often, may require additional maintenance. These may be subject to damage from corrosion and contamination, which may adversely affect their safe operation and service life. Some manufacturers publish guidance as to how best protect these aircraft, engines and components.

Failure to store the aircraft/components in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines may affect the safe operation of the aircraft/engine and warranty claims. Manufacturers’ recommendations should be followed when returning an aircraft to service following storage. Failure to properly store or ‘return to service’ an aircraft/component may result in an aircraft accident/incident.

The need for an aircraft storage programmer must be evaluated by the owner/operator. It is important to consider the recommendations of the manufacturers, the environmental conditions and frequency of aircraft activity. For certain aircraft manufacturers, aircraft which remain inactive for 30 days, or more, require a storage programmer. While some manufacturers recommend, in coastal areas, that the aircraft should be flown at least once a week for a minimum of one hour to remain active. Initiating an effective storage programmer shall minimize the risks to your aircraft, components and engine(s).

Owners/Operators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the recommendations published by the aircraft, component and engine manufacturers with regards to storage.

Typically, aircraft storage involves covering all openings which may allow moisture/dirt ingress, securing the aircraft and protecting the components. If the airplane is to be stored outside, the pitot tubes, static vents, air vent openings in the engine cowl, and other openings may require protective covers to prevent entry of foreign objects including dirt, insects and birds. Component manufacturers may also issue recommendations regarding the safe storage of the component e.g. GPS units, avionics boxes and tyres.

Getting the 912 ready for periods of storage - there are two ways of doing this. The first is with a fuel stabilizer. The second is by draining the fuel system.

1. Oil Change.

2.Oiling the cylinders

3. Carburetor and exhaust

4. Battery

and different Hourly maintenance requirements.

25-hour Inspection Requirements

a. Inspect oil screens for evidence of internal damage or wear for aircraft not equipped with filter media oil filters (full-flow or paper type oil filters).

50-hour Inspection Requirements

a. Inspect oil screens and filters for evidence of internal engine damage or wear;

b. Check the record of oil consumption

c. Check and record each cylinder’s compression

d. Check the reference RPM

100-hour Inspection Requirements

a. Inspect the interior of each cylinder as described

b. Perform a cylinder leak

200-hour Inspection Requirements

a.Remove rocker covers for inspection of valves, springs, rocker arms, shafts, etc.

After 12 months you will be inspecting and Hand-Cranking every 3 months.

♥