I get your meaning now. There is no doubt that compared to the Skycatcher the Merlin is an attractive airplane. Similar speed and much better load capacity.Nomore767 wrote:"If you meant the 912iS adds weight over the 912ULS, that is true."
Andy that is what I meant, probably didn't say it well.
Point being that IF Glasair are marketing the plane as "Skycatcher +" i.e.. 'fixed' some of the negative Cessna issues then one was getting the empty weight down and hence improve the useful load. Down from say 863 lbs ( I flew a C162 at this weight) to 790 is an improvement, but why not increase that using the 912ULS?
The improved fuel burn on a 24 gal tank doesn't provide a 'great' return, for me, over the higher weight and increased price of the engine. Offering an engine option might be better but Glasair are offering one version and only one option, the second screen, BRS, autopilot package.
I get what you are saying about the 912ULS, but it seems to me that that engine is out of favor with manufacturers of "new" airplanes now that the injected engine is out there. I tend to agree with you, the 912ULS is proven and extremely reliable, so why not save some weight or at least have the option? Especially considering the $12k premium the injected engine commands.
24 gallons with a 912ULS is still nearly four hours even if you run at WOT; more than enough for decent range and more than the bladder capacity of most of us. At normal cruise that is going to be four hours plus a more-than-legal VFR reserve.