transition training in RV-12

[pietermk]

Originally Posted by Peterk

For me personally, the largest transition issue was learning the throttle control system used for the Rotax. It is spring loaded to go full power unless locked. That went against all my muscle memory. Learn how that puppy works during your taxi tests. My final best solution was to operate the "push/pull" with my palm around the end while my single index finger rests on the locking "turn" so that I can lock and unlock at anytime instantly without moving my finger more than a half inch. First time you take your hand off the throttle without locking it you'll get smart real quick.

Pete

I just want to say that it is not a Rotax "feature" this is how Vans implemented it. It is the one thing I am apprehensive about, I understand the reasoning but those locks are sometimes hard to loosen especially when your hands are cold. The Remos uses a similar lock but no throttle springs and the one I fly you have to really tighten to stop the throttle from creeping out.

Peter

[Peterk]

Originally Posted by pietermk

I just want to say that it is not a Rotax "feature" this is how Vans implemented it. It is the one thing I am apprehensive about, I understand the reasoning but those locks are sometimes hard to loosen especially when your hands are cold. The Remos uses a similar lock but no throttle springs and the one I fly you have to really tighten to stop the throttle from creeping out.

Peter

No. It is a Rotax "feature". It is specifically addressed in the Rotax 912ULS Installation Manual. It is part of the carburetor set-up...full throttle warnings included. Van's apparently decided to leave well enough alone. I have no idea what Remos did but it is a certified SLSA and bound by Rotax to use only their certified technicians. You might ask how they got permission to change it.

[Mich48041]

The super strong springs are supplied by Rotax with the engine.
The throttle cable is supplied by Van's.
Joe Gores

[yankee-flyer]

The suoer-strong springs that come with the RV-12 installation were made either for Van's or Rotax by McFarlane Aviation. They have a much softer set available strictly for the '12-- I forget the part number but they'll know what you're talking about. They'll still pull the throttle open in you turn loose of it, but not nearly as fast. They have the same "straight" lengths as the originals and Are "clocked" the same.

Wayne 143WM

[rgmwa]

Originally Posted by yankee-flyer

The suoer-strong springs that come with the RV-12 installation were made either for Van's or Rotax by McFarlane Aviation. They have a much softer set available strictly for the '12-- I forget the part number but they'll know what you're talking about. They'll still pull the throttle open in you turn loose of it, but not nearly as fast. They have the same "straight" lengths as the originals and Are "clocked" the same.

Wayne 143WM

McFarlane lists two different part numbers with the same description. Does anybody know which is the softer spring?

http://www.mcfarlane-aviation.com/Se...&Search=rotax&

[rgmwa]

Originally Posted by rgmwa

McFarlane lists two different part numbers with the same description. Does anybody know which is the softer spring?

http://www.mcfarlane-aviation.com/Se...&Search=rotax&

Another thought: does anyone know whether Vans is using the softer springs on new engines?

[BigJohn]

McFarlane No. 6534. See: http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=139315&row=14

[Peterk]

I'll stick with the factory spring...Rotax that is. It is only a transition issue because it's different/not dangerous...or even difficult to work with. In fact, if my throttle breaks on take off, my preference would most certainly be the spring that opens the throttle the fastest.

Pete

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by yankee-flyer

The suoer-strong springs that come with the RV-12 installation were made either for Van's or Rotax by McFarlane Aviation.

This statement is false.

The engines are supplied to RV-12 builders by Van's, configured as built and delivered by Rotax. The installed springs are the standard part that you would get if you ordered springs using teh Rotax Illustrated Parts Cat.

The only things specifically done to the engines for installation on an RV-12 are that they get assembled with the water pump inlet housing pre-installed in the correct orientation, and a main water pump housing with outlet pipes pointing directly forward.

[gblwy]

I'm in favour of sticking to the Rotax spec'ed engine, but that doesn't alter the fact that some builders don't have a problem with setting the throttle friction, and others do. My throttle creeps forward at all revs below about 4500 no matter how tight I twist the friction grip.

It's not much fun on a go-around after tightening the throttle as much as possible to keep the revs low for landing.

I wish I could change something to make this a little more user-friendly.

Cheers...Keith