Sport Pilot Talk

EppyGA · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 48

AZPilot wrote: slsaowner wrote: I may go to OSH just to harass the Birminghams about the dearth of Rotax-trained mechanics. People aren't going to buy a plane like the P2006 if their local A & P can't work on it because he/she doesn't have Rotax certification. There are only two shops in my whole state qualified to work on the Rotax 912, and some of the neighboring states have none. If Tecnam wants to sell P2006s in the U.S. they're going to have to do something about Rotax service, and if they do make a commitment to expand the available network of such service centers, this would be good for the whole SLSA industry.

Yep, this is something that all of the "top tier" manufacturers need to step up to, although "top tier" doesn't necessarily mean well capitalized. I also think ROTAX should be helping this along as they are really the major beneficiaries of more LSAs sold.

I would say it is like the chicken and egg thing. A&P's don't want to invest in the training if there are no Rotaxes in there area. They might not even know if there are any in a 50 mile or so radius that could become customers. A lot of these businesses aren't always very ahead of the game. They have no easy way of knowing that there might be a half dozen or more Rotax powerplants nearby, they only know there aren't any on their field.

glyn · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Texas

Ok guys. Its almost that time !! Depending on weather, I'll be flying a Sierra up there. I should make it friday afternoon. Be sure to come say hi. I be in between working booths but if you interested shoot me a pm and ill send ya my cell number.

tadel001 · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 251

Rotax trained mechanics can be an issue. There are not many in our area. In fact, when we sell a Rotax plane, part of our service commitment will include having our mechanic come to the owner's airport if necessary. it isn't the best business plan but at least we are able to support the product we sell.

Rotax is working on a more expedited training course, i.e. online and traveling to your location. Hopefully that will happen soon.

frfly172 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 67 Location: Quincy Mass

cant make osh this year planning on sebring in jan.could anyone going to osh keep us informed on lsa IFR also new engine options thanks.

glyn · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Texas

yea, Tadel001 should be able to tell you more about it. i caught the last bit of Tecnams meeting. hopefully will get more of a chance to talk tomorrow. im suppose to be working the Remos booth monday though.

KellyZ · Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

What did the Tecnam importers have to say at Oshkosh about their plans for establishing a support network for the P2006? As I understand it, any Rotax-trained A&P can "annual" a S-LSA, but I'd guess you have to find a Rotax-certified A/I to inspect a P2006.