When auto conversions are done right, there is no doubt they offer substantially lower per flight hour costs than traditional engines. Mine saved me about $18,000 initially over a new O-360/ Hartzell C/S. I invested that money at an average of 9.6% for the last 10 years compounded so that's over $50K more I have in the bank than going the other route. I've replaced a few spark plugs and changed the oil. Fuel burn is very similar. Even if I get $40K less for the aircraft in 10 more years, I'm still way ahead. Any overhauls costs are 20% of traditional costs.
We have many similar cases. The V6 and V8 glider tugs in Oz were operating for 40% less per flight hour than with the 540s they replaced and the acquisition costs were a fraction of that. The gyros and my friend with his Rover V8 conversion with 1000 trouble free hours, ditto.
Traditional engines simply can't compete with a reliable auto conversion due to the high initial outlay. This is one of the main factors in choosing, especially in high usage applications like training or glider towing. Too many people never consider how much that initial outlay for a traditional engine impacts them down the line financially say in 10 or 20 years. It's huge, much bigger than losing $10-30K at the end (assuming you do well on investing the saved money of course). People usually pay $1000-$5000 for the engine on a DIY conversion. Often the gearbox costs more than the engine. True mass production, as in millions of units, makes auto engines very inexpensive compared to traditional ones.
We have many similar cases. The V6 and V8 glider tugs in Oz were operating for 40% less per flight hour than with the 540s they replaced and the acquisition costs were a fraction of that. The gyros and my friend with his Rover V8 conversion with 1000 trouble free hours, ditto.
Traditional engines simply can't compete with a reliable auto conversion due to the high initial outlay. This is one of the main factors in choosing, especially in high usage applications like training or glider towing. Too many people never consider how much that initial outlay for a traditional engine impacts them down the line financially say in 10 or 20 years. It's huge, much bigger than losing $10-30K at the end (assuming you do well on investing the saved money of course). People usually pay $1000-$5000 for the engine on a DIY conversion. Often the gearbox costs more than the engine. True mass production, as in millions of units, makes auto engines very inexpensive compared to traditional ones.
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