Is this the end of microlighting in S.A. ?

[lamercyfly]

I am not blaming Mike Cathro. The question was asked more than once, on this thread, "who at CAA"........I merely answered it. And Mike did earn his good reputation as the owner of the school at Panoramo. I don't quite understand your mail Mike? He built up a darn fine name for himself in the industry.

And yes, Mike did the right thing. This nonsense of CAA interpreting the laws by the 'flavour of the day' is bollocks. At last some-one who is not afraid of sticking his neck out and applying the stupid rules, so that we can start taking some action...

PM me of you want Mike, and I'll let you in on some useful information....

Ta.

Cheers.

[Carel]

We bitch and moan about the Rotex service implications.

Maybe it is ime to start looking at alternative engines ?

[gertcoetzee]

1. Every microlight training school in South Africa, which is using microlights, is operating illegally!!!

Dave, like many others I regard your opinion of more value than that of that organisation of which I am no longer a member. Does the above apply to those of use operating privately as well? If so, please regard today's log on http://www.zu-dve.com as a theoretical log.

Maybe it is ime to start looking at alternative engines ?

Let's say 200 Rotax 582s installed over the past two years at what, R50000 a piece = R10 000 000. I would guess the local agents are as concerned as we are. After an email to Niren he promised to respond on forum - let's hear what they have to say.

[Chunky]

I dont think Mike Cathro needs to reply to messages here on this forum. He is basicaly doing what he has been instructed to do. He is enforcing the rules that have been put in place.

If you take another look at the whole situation, Mike operates a school plane that has a rotax 582 on it. I know his engine is around the 200 hour mark, and I also know he is rushing to have a new HKS engine fitted asap.

Now, if there was any chance of extending the 300 hour rule, surely he would know about it by now. So why then is he going for a new HKS engine with an 800 hour TBO.

Simple, the 300 hour crank rule is not going to change. Either change the crank at 300 hours or change the engine to something else. We are all bitching and moaningabout it but there isnt much we can do.

Its only after the first incident with a 300 hour plus engine that everyone is going to scramble for a new crank or a new engine, until then we all going to hope that the rules will change. I am not holding my breath, i have heard from to many people (In the right places) that this is not going to happen.

[ZULU1]

Hiya Gert and others..

It is for this sole reason that I have been working with the HKS 700e to create more power, I honestly believe that the rule book is now cast in stone. I (hopefully) am wrong and some sense prevails. But if not then the reality for economy flying; well we will all seek an alternative.

At this stage I hope the HKS will be suitable after fuel injection with a 1,000 hr tbo. I may be wrong but a Engineers solution could be the only sensible way forward.

I reiterate..to date no solid results have come from negotiations.

I am not the HKS agent however I have embarked on the efi project with a hope that the motor will provide a suitable inexpensive alternative for the masses. Looking at 70 hp at present..sea level. Fingers crossed !!

If the Rotax motors are expensive (to buy and operate), well so be it. You pays your money and take your choice.

Will keep the forum posted as I hope to test fly in the next few weeks.

I understand that Mark Gregson is now the HKS agent, maybe he has a better idea of pricing ??

Paul (zulu1)

[grosvenor]

All those shouting for action by Aero Club - you are all members of Aero Club, aren't you?

(And as an aside, the new law states that in order to fly a NTCA, you have to belong to Aero Club of SA )

Dave

[RudiGreyling]

<SNIP>

2 ATF's were rejected by Mike Cathro, him of Panoramo Airfield fame,who is now a beloved inspector. He works under Andre Swanepoel in the ATF department.

The ATF's were for 2 members of our highly respected Snake Formation Team............ Hows zat........
<SNIP.

If that is true (Display team near public at airshows) then these guys could be considered "Commercial" and hence they should be held to different rules then non commercial, another pet peeve off mine since the beginning. This can also explain to me why certain non commercial guys got away with a big "BUT" and an ATF and these not, while they are trying sort out the mess in the background. Now with everything boiling over, i guess they are going to be hard! All this stirring ads to the emotions.

With regards to new inspector, a new broom sweeps clean they say...

NTCA was initially small and for free spirited individuals, the industry saw it as an easy CHEAPER out, COMMERCIAL started getting involved seeking money from JOE PUBPLIC, and now we are sitting met die GEBAKTE ARTAPPELS.

No shots poked at anyone, and I am not going to debate with anyone personally, this is just what I think! Make up your own mind.

Rudi

[JACO]

Zulu1, please keep us ( the forum ) up to date on your findings with the HKS motor, even i would consider an alternative.

Thanx

[Morph]

Is there any value in us collectively lobbying Rotax themselves to change the wording of their manuals.

BTW I still hav'nt seen the Rotax document that states that the crank must be replaced every 300 hours. Anybody got a copy. If it is a pdf you can attach it to you response.

It is not in the maintenance manual

[gertcoetzee]

I would love to know whether I am flying legally or not. As Morph pointed out before, until I get a notice from CAA to the contrary I consider my current ATF as valid. For now my only knowledge is based on rumours.

I have send an email to Dennis Jankelow to ask whether they hold the same opinion regarding my insurance. I am waiting for their comment.

Rotax agent Aviation-Engines (Niren) promised " We are currently working with CAA on finding a solution, we hope to finalise something by the end of this week and inform everyone accordingly. As a long term solution, Mike Blyth is also busy with the amendments to the regulations."

What are the alternatives to Rotax and $$$ ?

[gertcoetzee]

So I phoned the CAA. The short and the long of it is NO. I spoke for 20 minutes to Mike Cathrow and he told me the following:

* the CAA approved the Aquilla with 582 based on the 582's manual which says it should have a complete overhaul at 300hrs. The "not for aviation purposes" applies to FAR23 Certified aircraft

* the AP certifies for the ATF that all has been done as it should have, and if after you get the ATF you pass the 300hrs you have to get it done for the ATF to remain valid.

* when the law was in planning, the call for input from aircraft owners (ie read MISASA) was ignored

* Mike Blythe is now in the process of asking for exemption, which if granted, will unlikely be for more than a total of 450 hours

* Rotax will not change wording on their documentation.

* the 300h overhall needs to be done by an Approved Service Centre, and I have asked A-E for a quote on this.

* A-E will buy your Rotax582 for R8000 and sell it to a company that converts it to a wind generator for the movie industry

* the alternative is a HKS which needs and overhaul at 800 hours, and the agent is Mark Gregson at oh8two 39two3149 (I have left a message for him to call me re $$$)

* the penalty for a first offence is R5000 after that R10000 (and Mr Cathro is not coming to Cape Town this weekend)#

* Mr Cathro himself has done 8000 microlight hours, and states that he has had more problems with the Jabiru than the Rotax, but the law is the law and CAA are not the bad guys here, they are enforcing the law which was passed because of no objection from those who should have objected (ie me, you and especially the body whom most of us belonged to at the time when objections had to be made)

[gertcoetzee]

And then I phoned Mr Opperman from Dennis Jankelow who did not bother replying to my email, and now tells me that my insurance is valid only on the ground, so I cancelled that (and await a refund).

[Low Level]

Morph wrote:

Is there any value in us collectively lobbying Rotax themselves to change the wording of their manuals.

My guess NO. Rotax as an international company will cover their asses in case of engine failure resulting in injury or death.

My bet is on the fact that the crank replacement is a recommendation, and not compulsory, and this Rotax SA must sort out with CAA bringing statistics to the table, and the fact that it is NTCA.

[gertcoetzee]

And then Mark Gregson returned my call. The HKS700E costs R55000, installation excluded. Installation might need new moounting plates from Solo Wings, and a new oil tank bracket. It runs at half the fuel consumption, and "never" need spark plug replacements, and must be overhauled at 800 hours.

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/hks_aviation/

[gertcoetzee]

And then the quote from A-E for an overhaul - but this is only for parts!

http://www.zu-dve.com/582.pdf

Total R24616.25

I then phoned the local agent, Mr John Navaro from Stelair, who will give me a quote for the work.