Rotax maintenance costs

[Ted Christopher]

When I had my annual done on my SLSA RV12 this winter the Rotax certified mechanic told me to expect a $5,000 charge next time for the mandatory rubber hose change. The hoses look like new, the plane has less than 300 hours. I am considering having the plane recertified to ELSA, where I would have more latitude about what repairs and replacements are made. I thought the factory built RV12 would have reasonable maintenance costs but the last annual, with stabilator and trim tab upgrades, ran $1,700.

[RFSchaller]

Ted,

For 5 grand you could go to the three week repairman course, do the replacement yourself and have enough left to cover happy hour every night after class!

Rich

[rcarsey]

Orrr.... find a Light-Sport Repairman (not an A&P) to do the work. I'd imagine it'd have to be cheaper..

I would probably advise against re-certifying in E-LSA.. You'd lose some value in the plane... how much, I dunno.. depends on what the demand is for S-LSA (the additional demand from flight schools, CFIs and other commercial operators?).

[Ted Christopher]

I know I may lose some value in the plane if I recertify, I will think about the three week course. Thanks.

[Cammie Patch]

Please don't re-certify, the SLSAs are hard to come by. Why not sell it to me and get a nice ELSA built by an A&P?