Microlighters

Has anyone ever done the calculation of working out the running cost of a 582 vs 912, assuming that ALL items in both maintenance schedules are adhered to.

With the shorter TBO of the two stroke - perhaps the cost of ownership of a 912 is not that far off a 582 as some of us may think? May be an interesting comparison.

All I have noticed is that most of the Rotax service bulletins that come out are for 912’s and you hardly see anything for 2 strokes???

503 rules the "donkey list"

Slider wrote:All I have noticed is that most of the Rotax service bulletins that come out are for 912’s and you hardly see anything for 2 strokes???

503 rules the "donkey list"

Quite right - perhaps it has something to do with the two strokes not being meant for aircraft (the Rotax disclaimer discussed on another thread), whereas the 912 is targetted at aircraft use, so they probably have to be a bit more carefull and responsible.

What about a Rotax / Jabiru / whatever list, compairing them to each other??

You are correct. I did an estimate a few years ago when we were thinking of building a B/Baby. The average cost per hour, including the initial capital cost of the motor, over the TBO life time of one 912 is a lot lower than that of the 582 motors. It changes a bit if you ignore the factory recomendations and replace bearings at 300 hours, crank and bearings at 600 and motor at 900h but, if I remember correctly, a 912 is still significantly cheaper. The Spreadsheet model may have died with my old computer but I will see if I can dig it up.

What is the TBO cost of a 582?

Thanks Cosmin.

I didn't expect it to be that far over. We should update the 1997 model and even include some of the other motors that have emerged as being contenders in the last few years.

From the 1997 figures.

Cost of operating for 1200 hours is

582 $28,305
618 $30,230
912 $20,460

skybound ® wrote:Thanks Cosmin.

I didn't expect it to be that far over. We should update the 1997 model and even include some of the other motors that have emerged as being contenders in the last few years.

From the 1997 figures.

Cost of operating for 1200 hours is

582 $28,305
618 $30,230
912 $20,460

Indeed. New up to date figures would be interesting. Also bear in mind that the TBO of the 912 has now been increased to 1500 hours. This makes the 912 even more attractive.

However when working out the costs, also bear in mind the annual utilization. Most microlights fly less than 50 hrs per year. So will the 1500 hr TBO be relevant? Who will fly his aerrie for 30 years?

Regards,
Arnulf

Arnulf wrote:However when working out the costs, also bear in mind the annual utilization. Most microlights fly less than 50 hrs per year. So will the 1500 hr TBO be relevant? Who will fly his aerrie for 30 years?

The acceptable practice appears to be working out a cost per hour - providing for the major and other maintenance. Whether you actually reach it or not is not really taken into account. It is assumed somebody will have to pay for it at some point in time.

Will also find the value of an aircraft will be adjusted by the hours to go before overhaul, so indicrectly you will loose a portion at time of sale.

Gents
Do you have a formula available that one can use, preverably in Excel format to calculate the running costs of an aircraft.