I'm probably a year or so away from looking for some type of propulsion system for my -14 project. As decision time gets closer I become more concerned about what I?m hearing about the uncertain future of 100LL. When I discuss these concerns with others, the typical statement I hear is ?they?ll come up with something?. Well, this issue has been around for many years now, and so far a suitable replacement is yet to be produced. Apparently, it?s a little more challenging than expected. I wonder will the whole 100LL phase out plan just go away, or will some type of ?band-aid? fuel be introduced until engines can catch up with the times. I realize this can be a controversial subject, and I may be overreacting. I imagine the folks that already own the 100LL burning engines are likely hoping for some type of 100LL replacement, or that the FAA/EPA will give up on the AVGAS phase out plan all together. On the other hand, the group that have yet to buy engines are hoping for some type of miracle, and a new engine will be developed that doesn't require 100LL,..and will be similar in weight, shape and fuel burn of the Lycomings. Big wish list I know.
Again, I may be overreacting to this, but this 100LL thing has kind of taken the wind out of my sail for my build motivation. I enjoy my project, and have no intention of throwing in the towel. However, I just can't bring myself to buying an engine that requires a fuel with an uncertain future.
I would love to put a small turbine, or diesel up front. However, I just don't believe the current options are a good fit for the RV-14. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though!
It appears the most likely scenario may be sticking with the lycoming and modding the engine to burn something other than 100LL. I've heard the engine for the 14 (Lycoming IO-390) with a compression of 8:7:1 is just over the limit for running a lower octane unleaded fuel. The 390 would need to be derated, and have hardened valve seats. I have not researched what the derated HP would be, or if it would it be sufficient for the RV-14. My knowledge of piston airplane engines is pretty basic, but I'm learning.
So...anybody else out there have issues with buying an Avgas burning engine given the 100LL issue, or is it just me??
Here's some links that help "fuel" my concerns:
FAA PAFI program updatehttps://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas/
AVGAS facts and Future
https://www.shell.com/business-customers/aviation/aeroshell/knowledge-centre/technical-talk/techart12-30071515.html
100LL Replacement or not?
https://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Are-We-Gonna-Get-a-100LL-Replacement-for-Not-230953-1.html
The need for leaded Avgas (This site has interesting info of all kinds)
http://www.epi-eng.com/aircraft_engine_products/demise_of_avgas.htm
and on the R&D front:
What happened to this NASA project?
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/PAO/PAIS/fs01grc.htm
Give Continental credit..at least they're trying!
http://www.continentalmotors.aero/diesel/diesel-engines.aspx
Turbine Aeronautics (wishing these guys luck!)
https://www.turb.aero/
PBS (there was one of these in a 10) very pricey and fuel burn issues. would love one though!
http://www.pbsaerospace.com/our-products/tp-100-turboprop-engine
Again, I may be overreacting to this, but this 100LL thing has kind of taken the wind out of my sail for my build motivation. I enjoy my project, and have no intention of throwing in the towel. However, I just can't bring myself to buying an engine that requires a fuel with an uncertain future.
I would love to put a small turbine, or diesel up front. However, I just don't believe the current options are a good fit for the RV-14. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though!
It appears the most likely scenario may be sticking with the lycoming and modding the engine to burn something other than 100LL. I've heard the engine for the 14 (Lycoming IO-390) with a compression of 8:7:1 is just over the limit for running a lower octane unleaded fuel. The 390 would need to be derated, and have hardened valve seats. I have not researched what the derated HP would be, or if it would it be sufficient for the RV-14. My knowledge of piston airplane engines is pretty basic, but I'm learning.
So...anybody else out there have issues with buying an Avgas burning engine given the 100LL issue, or is it just me??
Here's some links that help "fuel" my concerns:
FAA PAFI program updatehttps://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas/
AVGAS facts and Future
https://www.shell.com/business-customers/aviation/aeroshell/knowledge-centre/technical-talk/techart12-30071515.html
100LL Replacement or not?
https://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Are-We-Gonna-Get-a-100LL-Replacement-for-Not-230953-1.html
The need for leaded Avgas (This site has interesting info of all kinds)
http://www.epi-eng.com/aircraft_engine_products/demise_of_avgas.htm
and on the R&D front:
What happened to this NASA project?
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/PAO/PAIS/fs01grc.htm
Give Continental credit..at least they're trying!
http://www.continentalmotors.aero/diesel/diesel-engines.aspx
Turbine Aeronautics (wishing these guys luck!)
https://www.turb.aero/
PBS (there was one of these in a 10) very pricey and fuel burn issues. would love one though!
http://www.pbsaerospace.com/our-products/tp-100-turboprop-engine