Hans Conser wrote:

Page 18 Feb issue of Flying:

"FAA Certifies Auto Engine Conversion

In November the FAA granted type certification to the Thielert Aircraft
Engines (TAE) TAE 125-01 four cylinder aviation diesel engine.  The
model is a diesel automotive engine, made by DaimlerChrysler, which TAE
converts for airplane use by adding a gearbox and other aviation
specific parts.
The certification for the engine, known as the Centurion 1.7, is the
first of its kind for the FAA.  The approval surprised many industry
observers because it entailed producing an engine with parts that the
manufacturer (DaimlerChrysler) would not verify.  But the FAA was
surprisingly willing to work within this restriction and allowed
Thielert to verify, through a combination of component testing, parts
validation, test stand runs, and ongoing testing that the engine, and
the parts that make it up, meet an acceptable level of safety.
To our knowledge, the certification of the engine also entails another
first, the approval of a powerplant with a timer before before
replacement (TBR) limit--1000 hours or 12 years, whichever is
first--with no overhaul allowed.  When the engine reaches one of those
milestones the owner must replace it with a new engine.  The company is
working toward a 2,400 hour TBR, and will pro-rate replacement engines
from the beginning at the 2400 hour figure.
Thielert plans to offer an STC for retrofit installations of the engine
in Cessna Skyhawks.  Diamond is developing its Twin-Star light twin
around the Centurion 1.7 engine, and OMF is working on a diesel version
of its two-place Symphony."

Perhaps it is time to certify the 13B.

Hans

 
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