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Hi ROAN,

Tecnam have published a mandatory service bulletin to disable the Rotax soft start feature on the 912 whilst an investigation is completed into false activation of the soft start (retard ignition timing) during flight here:

https://reservedarea.tecnam.com/Utility/Download.aspx?file=d0106b02-db0f-41ea-bfbc-ec56a0f459c5

without knowing the specific details of the issue (e.g. does it only impact Tecnam due to a potential unique way they connect the ignition systems) or is it likely to be applicable to all Rotax engines fitted with soft start feature no matter who the airframe manufacturer is?

Keen to hear if anyone has more experience with this issue please.

 

Regards,

 

Byron.

 

 

10531_1_SB_097-UL-_Rotax_912S_Engine_Soft_Start_Deactivation.pdf (You do not have access to download this file.)
  • Re: Tecnam 912 service Bulletin to disable soft start

    by » 7 months ago


    Hello Byron

    Currently this is only a Tecnam issue.  Rotax has not informed any of the distributors of any issue.  I suspect it may have something to do with other issues in the wiring in that since 2010, the introduction of the soft start system, we have not found any problems related to it.  I have no idea how the Tecnam system can activate the soft start inflight, perhaps that is the question.  

    There is a Rotax factory flyin in Austria in a week, perhaps some news will come out at that time.  I will be there and ask for a comment, as I am sure others will as well.

    Cheers


  • Re: Tecnam 912 service Bulletin to disable soft start

    by » 3 weeks ago


    Hello Rotax Wizard,

    Have you been able to talk to the Rotax guys about the mandatory service bulletin published by Tecnam? Any progress?

    I am in a dilemma whether to apply the bulletin regarding soft start on a Tecnam P92 Echo MKII I am servicing. I know soft start well and I am not in favor of disabling it. However, the bulletin is mandatory and if I do not apply it, I cannot release the airplane to service.

    I am a technician who has been performing maintenance for years, I have never encountered such an absurd situation. Also, I am an amateur pilot who has been flying all kinds of aircraft with Rotax engines for years and an experienced electronic engineer. Until today, I have neither experienced nor heard of a problem in the form of loss of power mentioned in Tecnam's bulletin. I have examined the engine of the aircraft covered by the bulletin, the entire starting and ignition system, all cables one by one and I could not see any problem that does not comply with Rotax's directives. The owner of the aircraft is a very experienced pilot and states that he also has never experienced any engine problems in his aircraft.

    I would especially like to point out that Rotax's failure to intervene and clarify this issue for 6 months is a serious negligence in my opinion.

    Regards,

    Ismet Icel


  • Re: Tecnam 912 service Bulletin to disable soft start

    by » 3 weeks ago


    Quote,

    "I would especially like to point out that Rotax's failure to intervene and clarify this issue for 6 months is a serious negligence in my opinion."

     

    Except most likely just a Tecnam issue and not a Rotax issue.

     


    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: Tecnam 912 service Bulletin to disable soft start

    by » 3 weeks ago


    Roger Lee wrote:

    Quote,

    "I would especially like to point out that Rotax's failure to intervene and clarify this issue for 6 months is a serious negligence in my opinion."

    Except most likely just a Tecnam issue and not issue.

    Gee Roger - you feeling underpar?  Not like you to dodge a legitimate Rotax question.

    Rotax should have a position, on the Tecnam Service Bulletin, as it would seem to involve Rotax engines.😈


  • Re: Tecnam 912 service Bulletin to disable soft start

    by » 3 weeks ago


    Hi Sean,

    It may involve it, but may be due like many other issues that popped up over the years when aircraft MFG's fail to follow Rotax's wiring and installation requirements. I've seen several aircraft MFG's not follow Rotax wiring and installation requirements over the years and had trouble for quite a while until they fixed things. Many times there's a reason to do things a certain way. Plus Rotax has many decades of testing and run time on world wide engine use so I'm sure they have the knowledge.


    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


    Thank you said by: Sean Griffin

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