DG1000T Solo 2350C Engine A.D.

Yet another A.D. prohibiting the use of the DG1000T engine in the United States kicked in on May 29th 2015. This is the 3rd failure resulting in a third A.D. prohibiting the use of the engine, due to repeated propeller departure (as in breaking off). The current A.D. mandates immediate propeller shaft testing, while at the same time banning starting the engine, due to recurring propeller shaft fractures. Now a third consecutive season banning the use of the engine has passed.

If you are in the process of ordering or considering a new DG1000T, I personally would recommend giving it some closer consideration. In my opinion, the glider is unparalleled in performance, handling, fit and finish. However, the Solo 2350C 2 stroke engine and integration into the aircraft, speaks for itself. The engine in my experience is finicky regarding gasoline type, has high vibration, has high part failure, has poor service support from Solo,and has had the unnerving problem of propeller departure for the last three gliding seasons. To be honest, I have had weed whacker engines that are more reliable and easier to care for.

Now, even in the face of the 3rd proposed propeller shaft fix, a new problem with the engine mounts has apparently developed due to new vibration issues caused by the proposed fix. Part of the proposed fix involves replacing the metallic mounting hub which attaches the propeller to the propeller shaft with a rubber hub. A rubber hub, are you kidding me. Save your money (and lots of it) and buy something else.

NG
N918FC
DG1000T