flyeyes
Well Known Member
We don't have an RV-12, but have had an AirCam in the family for a dozen years with a pair of 912 ULS engines.
We've learned most of the Rotax quirks over the years, but occasionally they still surprise us.
Broken "P" leads are somewhat common, especially since the engines (and associated wiring) are exposed to the slipstream on the AirCam. Since the 912 doesn't have a mixture control, pulling the engine to idle and hitting the primer will stop it instantly (flooding it).
The electronic ignitions are designed to not fire below 300 RPM, which means that the engines are impossible to hand start.
Except when they aren't.
One of the other pilots on the AirCam was turning the right engine through by hand as part of the normal preflight and the engine started.
We didn't think that was possible.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, but he had to run around to the cockpit and turn the master and boost pumps on to hit the primer.
The right engine otherwise runs flawlessly, I don't know if this represent a subtle failure in the ignition, or if it is possible anytime.
I do know that from now on I will treat the Rotax prop like I would a Lyc/Continental and touch it only with extreme caution.
We've learned most of the Rotax quirks over the years, but occasionally they still surprise us.
Broken "P" leads are somewhat common, especially since the engines (and associated wiring) are exposed to the slipstream on the AirCam. Since the 912 doesn't have a mixture control, pulling the engine to idle and hitting the primer will stop it instantly (flooding it).
The electronic ignitions are designed to not fire below 300 RPM, which means that the engines are impossible to hand start.
Except when they aren't.
One of the other pilots on the AirCam was turning the right engine through by hand as part of the normal preflight and the engine started.
We didn't think that was possible.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, but he had to run around to the cockpit and turn the master and boost pumps on to hit the primer.
The right engine otherwise runs flawlessly, I don't know if this represent a subtle failure in the ignition, or if it is possible anytime.
I do know that from now on I will treat the Rotax prop like I would a Lyc/Continental and touch it only with extreme caution.