Non-stop Atlantic crossing

Thomas Borchert wrote in message ...
Peter,

. I just wish they got the
engine reliability sorted out.


Show me numbers that make the Thielert appear unreliable. I haven't
heard of ANY. But I'd be real interested.

On one hand TDi engines are the first really promising "new" engine
concept for GA in some time. Microjets may become much cheaper but
they will always be for the high, fast, and rich crowd. We need an
alternative for 200kts below the flight levels that doesn't rely on
100LL.

That being said, there's a lot of questions for the TDi to answer, and
most of those will come with experience. Airplane engines are finicky
things and even with the exact same engine you see different issues
depending on how they're installed. Plus, I know I can get parts and
decent service for a Continental or Lycoming without too much hassle,
but I suspect that it will take time to build up expertise in the
diesels.

Also, I want to know that given the cost, Thielert/SMA/whoever will
not go out of business anytime soon. If that happens then the engines
are living on borrowed time until parts inventory runs out. Then
supporting them mushrooms in price. Again, not a concern buying brands
L or C.

Still, I hope Thielert succeeds. I'd be willing to be a test pilot,
but a test owner is a bit more than I've the wallet for. Like the old
saying goes, "pioneers get arrows in the back, settlers get land."

-cwk.