Rotax 912 powered Taylorcraft

[blue_ridge]

Does anyone know of a Taylorcraft owner that has switched to a Rotax 912 engine? How would you transition from a Standard category aircraft to an Experimental one?

How do clip wing Taylorcrafts do this?


. Thanks

[3Dreaming]

Not all clip wings are experimental, some are still standard category modified under a STC. Anyway the change is to experimental exhibition category which is somewhat restrictive. If you could find a certified Rotax, then it should be doable and can keep it standard category. A certified 80 horse would be even better.

[EXPlanes]

I flew 150hrs on a Rotax 912ULS before selling the experimental plane I built. The engine runs like a sewing machine but here is why I would not own another. The service bulletins that Rotax puts out are great but they send out many and sometimes it may cost you over $3000 to replace a small inexpensive part that the Germans say may be defective. Although in the experimental category you do not have to comply with all the SBs it probably makes the most safety sense to do so!
Remember, to run 100HP in such a small package requires tight tolerances and the need to properly transfer generated heat. If the cooling system malfunctions even slightly with a rapid rise in temperature the engine will seize quickly. Also, I had an oil thermostat fail just before rotation causing the oil temperature to rise so rapidly I thought the gauge failed. Luckily, I was able to shut down and save the engine. Overall, they run smooth, provide enough power for most applications at lower torque, but are expensive to purchase and also expensive to properly maintain. I find the air-cooled engines are less likely to be so finicky, have just about every failure mode/part designed out of them, more cost effective to own and maintain, and will bring you home on a bad cylinder! Unfortunately, parts may be difficult to obtain and brand-new air-cooled engines are also becoming expensive.
Good luck on your choice I think a Tcraft would run fine on a 912ULS an d allow you to streamline the cowl to even reduce the frontal area.
By the way I know of builders that have had aircraft in the experimental exhibition category and fly them everywhere by stating in the annual paperwork they are attending every flyin around the country!