Not to blatantly bash the Rotax (just subtly), but from what I've
seen of 'em, there is enough wires, cables, hoses and fuel lines to
probably hold the engine in place. I think that's what kept ....was
it Gary's? ......plane flyable, and let him land after one blade
departed and the resultant vibration shook the engine loose. You old-
timers will recall who I mean. I'm pretty sure that was a Rotax
engine. Seriously though, I'm NOT bashing Rotax, but I wouldn't bet
on any amount of the normal wiring, hoses, etc. to hold ANY engine in
place once the vibration of a less-than-complete prop begins.
Lynn Matteson
Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
Jabiru 2200, #2062, 814.7 hrs
Countdown to 1000 hrs~185 to go
Sensenich 62"x46" Wood prop
Electroair direct-fire ignition system
Rotec TBI-40 injection
Status: flying (and learning)
On Nov 16, 2009, at 3:14 PM, Clint Bazzill wrote:
> I do not think you need a cable around the engine on a Rotax
> powered aircraft. I know of 2 props that came apart, the vibration
> was so great that the carbs flew off and engine stopped. These
> engines are not like the heavy direct drive aircraft engines.
>
> Clint
>
> > Subject: Re: Engine Restraint Cable
> > From: akflyer_2000@yahoo.com
> > Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:56:53 -0800
> > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
> >
> <akflyer_2000@yahoo.com>
> >
> > I have not had this happen on a "real" plane, but lots of times
> on models. One of the local guys builds alot and I do the test
> flights for him. When we go into electrics, he though that a good
> friction fit would hold the engine on... I flew a few of his
> variable CG airplanes till I started checking them over real good
> before the first flight! He used a plug in harness on one and when
> the motor came off, it came unplugged and was gone. She was
> uncontrollable tail heavy and came in spinning hard. 2 others he
> soldered the connections and when they came off it was just
> exciting for a few till I got it settled down.. it was kinda like
> chasing a crane load that starts swinging on ya. Both of those
> planes I was able to land in one piece. I know the scale is
> different, but I am with Lynn on this one. I would rather have a
> engine swinging a little and have a chance to get it on the ground,
> than to have the engine depart completely and have no option other
> than to try to bend!
> > over in the cramped cockpit and kiss your @ss good by!
> >
> > --------
> > DO NOT ARCHIVE
> > Leonard Perry aka SNAKE
> > Soldotna AK
> > Avid "C" / Mk IV
> > 582 IVO IFA
> > Full Lotus 1450
> > #1 snake oil salesman since 1-22-2009
> >
> > hander outer of humorless darwin awards
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Read this topic online here:
> >
> > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=273185#273185
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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