Jabiru vs Rotax

[AndyCAP]

Thanks again FAWG

I actually wrote my previous posting before reading your experience of Jabiru vs Rotax - clearly you type faster than me!

Thanks very much for your unbiased feedback. You are in quite a unique situation to be objective about the comparison and you have confirmed what I have suspected all along.

The issue of correct maintenance is paramount and has been echoed by the guys at Aerosud & BantamCity

[FAWGie]

Interestin reading.

Question?

Why no Jabi motors on trikes?

jcvb,

1) The jabi engine is designed a tractor rather than pusher engine and it is air cooled, so requires effective ram air...

You could stick one on a trike, but would need air ducting to facilitate that and would probably spoil the simplicity of trike mounting, etc....

2) The larger diameter prop is beneficial in trikes as the persons/undercart block a great deal of centre airflow for the prop......therefore in this config, the geared motors driving larger diameter props are more suited.....

Probably for the above reasond, planes like the Bantam have stuck with tractor config, even though pushe rconfig would have looked far nicer....

[Groundfish]

Hi all

To start, I own neither a plane or a trike, but am spending lots of time researching getting flying.

From what I've gathered, its mostly a personal choice now of whether you like Rotax or Jabiru engines. I think its much of a muchness. The only real tangable issue is the fuel and the smaller prop but so what?! Even the fuel cost is bearable considering the saving in installation.

Maintenance is a given, You must do it! Most people I've met in the homebuilt/trike flying fraternity build their trust in one or two planes and then say they're the bee's knees, never really giving the opposition much notice, because they don't offer themselves the opportunity.

I recently visited an airfield where there is a microlight school and a PPL school. I went on a flight in a Bushbaby powered by Rotax, and it flew well, no lack of power. These guys are all for Rotax (of course) Then shortly after I visited the PPL school and asked their oppinion without telling them I went to fly in a BB. The guy there said, yeah they're probably OK, but he doesn't trust a gear drive. He likes direct. Guess what, he bought 2 Jabbies recently.

Perhaps compare the increase in market share that Jabbies are experiencing as an indicator?

Bottom line is planes can be dangerous no matter what engine you put on it, but you must trust your machine. If you don't like an engine for some reason, then don't buy it.

regards
42

[FAWGie]

Groundfish,

Welcome to the forum....you are 100% correct....all the engines that are being discussed are not infants with regard to engineering evolution, so at the end of the day, it's up to personal choice and affordability....

As someone who owns and flies planes with bothe brands discussed above, I would have no hessitation to recommend either of them and I have first hand experience of their reliability, etc....

You hit the nail on the head with your point - All engines need proper maintenance to be carried out - If this is not done, then even the best engine in the world will fail....When I did my own investigations, I found that many of those that gave negative reports had in fact cut corners in their maintenance and/or incorrectly installed the motor in question.....

By way of interrest, there was a program last night on Discovery channel, whereby three teams (British, American and French) built planes form "scrap" and flew them... I don't know if anyone picked up on the fact that one engine was a Hirth, one was a Rotax and I'm not sure what the third engine was.....anyone know?

[Groundfish]

Thx for the compliment. Most of the deductions are common sense, though. Even your car will stop of not properly maintained. Only difference is your already on the ground

I don't have discovery, but my guess is they probably deliberately guided each team to use a different motor. Marketing is rife everywhere!

[BIG-G]

Hi all. I have been flying Microlights for nearly 18 years and involved in flying for most my life. Many engines have come and gone. Many more will still come and go. What motor has stood the test of time, has great local backup, has a company that spends millions on research to improve their engines specifically for the use in microlights.

There has only been one totally comitted for the longest time.

Rotax!!!

[FAWGie]

Hi all. I have been flying Microlights for nearly 18 years and involved in flying for most my life. Many engines have come and gone. Many more will still come and go. What motor has stood the test of time, has great local backup, has a company that spends millions on research to improve their engines specifically for the use in microlights.

There has only been one totally comitted for the longest time.

Rotax!!!

Big G,

Rotax is a safe bet...I've got an aerie with a 912 too, but don't rule out other types....technology is advancing in leaps and bounds with FADEC, etc....

Rotax have not been so successful with the supply of their larger engines targeted at the lycoming/continental market....

Other type liek Hirth are fitting fuel injection to their 2-stroke 100hp model...

Lot's of combinations and new stuff out there.....Don't let perceptions and market acceptance dictate your choice in engine brand...we are "experimental" for good reason....

[BIG-G]

I believe that Rotax has stuck to carbs instead of fuel injection for the biggest reason safety. All rotax engines are designed to be self sustaining. In other words give them petrol and they will run. Most fuel injection systems require addition pumps, electronic management systems etc etc. Just one more thing to fail I guess. That is why I am sure they are holding back.

But as you sa. What this space for new exciting engines!!

[FAWGie]

There are some new radial motors being made in Australia...could add to the excitement....

[AndyCAP]

Now that will have a cool 'Mad Max' / retro look!

A trike with a radial engine!!