Thielert (Diesel Engines)

"Peter" wrote

And what new aircraft are there? It's difficult to sell into the USA
(e.g. to Cessna) because a U.S. aircraft maker has to be really
careful beta testing new engines (see the Rotax fiasco; the name still
stinks in the USA) and because of the U.S. not-invented-here syndrome
(call it patriotism if you like but it is an awfully powerful tool to
keep people buying the old engines).

Correct deduction, wrong reason.

The name Rotax stinks because of the quality of the product, not because of
where it was invented. It is not tough enough to stand up to the rigors of
a plane being flown all day long as a trainer.

So spare us the "we won't buy it because it is not American" crap. I'm sick
to death of hearing that.

Add to that, the fact that Rotax did not get a service capability built up
before they brought the Rotax powered planes here. Few people knew how to
work on them.

Some companies that are selling light sport aircraft with Rotax engines are
doing pretty well, but they are providing the necessary training for working
on the engines. Many people that own the Rotax engines privately love them.

I admit that I am still scared of them. Too many poor experiences with the
smaller Rotax engines to believe that the bigger aviation versions could be
enough better to be worth my life. Nothing to do with patiotism.
Self-preservationism.
--
Jim in NC