Il giorno mercoledì 26 marzo 2014 13:56:56 UTC+1, ha scritto:
Hi all,



I am looking at buying a self launcher in the near future. I am not clear about the issues around superseded engines.


Some earlier Ventus 2CM had the Solo 2489 indeed. I see it is still listed in the Solo Engines web page, so I suppose it still a supported unit.

The Rotax 535 as fitted to 2-seaters (Janus, Nimbus, DG500M) is superseded and spare parts are difficult to source (to say the least). Binder offers an expensive conversion to Solo engine for those sailplanes.

The Rotax 505 as fitted to DG400-800 is superseded as well, but I think most parts are still available, though a complete overhaul cannot be obtained anymore. Same for the single cylinder 275 (ASH25E, DG600M, ASW24E).

As for the rules, I guess it very much depends on the country in which it is registered, and on the wording in the individual (and approved by the authority) maintenance program (called IHP in German documents). With the appropriate wording in the IHP, we can continue to use such engines until satisfied of their performance. We can even eventually skip periodic inspections under our own responsibility; I don't recommend that, of course.

When ownership changes, a new IHP must be issued, and approval must be asked at the national authority. This way, the new owner can also accept such responsibility.
These engines are mechanically quite reliable, so generally a complete overhaul is seldom necessary. I have only heard of some piston rings failures on the 535 and 275, but not in my experience on the 505.
A major failure leaves the pilot/owner with few options, however.

aldo cernezzi