Hello Gentlemen,
I am considering buying a lancair that has a rotary engine in it. What
issues do I need to look for? I have read a fair amount on the subject.
Doesn't seem that the "bugs" have been worked out as of yet? Does a
normal A&P mechanic know what to look for or am I barking up the wrong
tree? If not where do I get the plane serviced, etc...? Regular gas vs
avgas? Do most FBO's carry normal fuel or is that an issue? Does
elevation and temperature effect normal fuel? What about FAA
certification of the aircraft and insurance? Can you get a plane insured
for reasonable rates with a rotary engine? If so where? Do the normal
maintenance regs apply to rotary engines? Seems as if TBO's are much
farther out for rotary engines and much less costly? I am sold that the
rotary engine is the way to go but these are all issues that concern me.
Sorry to be a thousand questions guy but can someone shed light on these
subjects, links, etc...?
Best Regards,
Ormand Hunter
Who built it? A lot depends on who built it and how good of a job
was done.
You may have to rework a few details.
Please take some pictures and post them. I might be able to identify the
original builder. Lancair 320-360 are hard to cool as there is not a lot
of room under the cowl for rads. Is it flying now?
Most A&P's don't know what to look for. It will burn auto gas no
problem. BIG
savings. Auto gas is hard to find but there are web sites that list
them for
cross country fliers. It is not a certified airplane. It will be in
the category
of an experimental aircraft.
The builder is authorized to work on it but I am not sure who is for
the second
owner. Perhaps an A&P. People get insurance but most people don't
mention the
auto engine. You need to read the fine print to see if auto engines are
excluded. I don't really think there is an official TBO for the
engine but I
think the need for an annual still applies. You may have to train
your A&P :)
Basically a rotary is fine if it has good compression and high oil
pressure.
There are very few parts to go out. The back lash in the gear box
can be checked
in seconds.
There are other people on here that can do a lot better job than I
on most of
these questions.
Paul Lamar
Greetings Ormand,
There are two issues here.
First is the issue of the airframe, who can work on it and is it in good
shape.
The first question is easy. _Anybody _ can work on an experimental
aircraft. It doesn't have to be the original builder nor does it have to
be an A&P. There are some caveats, however. If what you do, as the
repairer (or builder, for that matter) falls under the clause of "major
repair" you will have to go back into testing phase. Each experimental
aircraft is certified with a set of restrictions which will specify
exactly what you have to do.
As I wrote above, anybody (skilled or not) can work on the aircraft,
doing major or minor work. However, only the original builder, if he/she
has the repairman's certificate, for that plane, or an A&P can sign off
the conditional inspection (mandatory annual inspection).
If you are interested in the aircraft, get on the fora and websites for
that aircraft, get to know who can do a good inspection, and have
him/her look at the aircraft. An A&P will know very little about the
plane unless he has built one him/herself. Don't trust 'em for that.
Through your web contacts, for that aircraft, you might be able to find
an a&P who is willing to let you do the annual work and then inspect it
for you. (An AI is not required for the mandatory conditional inspection.)
Secondly is the issue of the engine.
How was the conversion done??? whose parts were used, whose ignition,
prsu, muffler, cooling, etc.
How many hours has the plane flown? Why is the person selling it? The
engine will be the easier of the two to evaluate (and much easier to
repair if needed)_
From your questions, it seems like you are not terribly savvy about
homebuilts. This comment is not made to down you, or your knowledge,
but before you jump, you need to get a good base of knowledge to prevent
getting badly burned.
This plane may be a gem, or on the other hand it may be a piece of fecal
matter. If you don't have the knowledge, or are not able to have
somebody that does have the knowledge help you select it, you will
either have a great plane, or will have to carry a roll of Charmin with
you at all times. Not only is money at stake but so is your posterior
Rich
Rich,
Thank you for your reply! I appreciate your imput. No, I'm a novice when
it comes to homebuilts. It makes me a little apprehensive to think about
a non-professional putting the plane together that carries me and my
family? Anyway, thnak you for your comments and recomendations.
Best Regards,
Ormand Hunter
Some of the guys on here do a better job than professionals.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ormand,
If you have decided not to buy this airplane perhaps you will share
with us the name of the person who is selling it and the contact
information. Perhaps somebody else on here is interested.
Paul Lamar
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