Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Glenn Dugger in General Tech Discussion 7 years ago

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Re: Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Skip Reeves » 7 years ago

Skip Reeves

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Hi Glenn,
I figure the same thing. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the the two courses I took and if I was closer to a centre I'd probably take the overhaul course. As far as Transport Canada (our Equiv. to FAA we can work on them too.
I've had some ask me if I was current to work on their Rotax and I tell them I've had the courses then show them my federal license and let them know that's what makes me current. I don't sign off on ultralights or advanced ultralights which I think in the states is now referred to as LSA. I assist owners as they are allowed to sign their own annuals and other maintenance.
I think maybe Rotax could consider no expiry date for licensed aircraft maintenace engineers (AME) and A&Ps US and equivalent ratings in other countries.
Anyway thanks for the note.
Cheers

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Re: Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Roger Lee » 7 years ago

Roger Lee

125 5.12k 4.53k

The reason Rotax wants refresher course is for updates and changes that occur. The reason that the Heavy maint. is required to do all over again is because darn few mechanics with that rating do any real heavy maint. work. Most that people do is at the service and Line maint. levels.

The FAA stance is yes if the mechanic has similar training, has the manuals (this rarely happens), has the proper tools (this is sketchy with many) and has access and previews all new SB's or documentation before any work (another rarity).

FAA says these are are legal , but don't think it's a good idea to perform the work without some instruction since the Rotax is quite different from a Cont. or Lycoming which too often an A&P that has not gone to school treats the Rotax as one of these. I just did a Flight Design that has been treated this way and it cost the owner $4300. A Remos came in recently too that has had only 2 A&P's work on it and di the aircraft and engine no favors. Their cost may be up in the $4K range too.

So even though it may be legal the FAA says along with other experts it may not be your best idea. After all I've seen these years I would want a mechanic with some Rotax experience, at least the service and line maint. class and the manuals on hand. If I ask them what the latest SB's was and they say what's that time to go else where.

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

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Re: Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Skip Reeves » 7 years ago

Skip Reeves

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Roger, Correct me if I'm wrong, but Rotax provides access to all manuals free, whether you own a Rotax engine or not. These are amended periodically as changes occur and bulletins are regularly posted. I don't know how things are done in the US., but if an AME here works on anything, all tools that require it must be certified in accordance with manufactures recommendations. The AME must complete the task in accordance with the manufacture's service and maintenance manuals/instructions and if an area is lacking instruction IAW 43.13. In order to do that he or she must have access to the latest pubs for the equipment they are working on...its the law and could cost one their licence. Are there some here who do what you describe in your first para...indeed. Those are the type of individuals who don't follow the rules and taking a refresher does not change the way they do business.
I have worked on Continental, Lycoming and Franklins as well as Rotax. There is nothing significantly different about a Rotax technically; however, I think it is an easier engine to work on than the others and unlike a lot of die hards who like the 40s and 50s technology I like the Rotax. Unfortunately that is only a very tiny portion of the work I see as there are very few certified aircraft in my neck of the woods with Rotax engines. They are all not much more than simple 4 stroke engines. If you want complex then we start getting into turbines and yes you need the courses in order to be endorsed. I've worked on Pt6 singles and twin packs Allison T-56 P3 Orion, GE-T-58s Sea Kings, Lycoming T55 Chinooks, PT 6 Twin Packs.Bell 212 and 412 and a few straight jet engines and of yes had to have courses on them all, but never had to do refreshers courses.
Having said all that, back to your point about those mechs who don't have tools or pubs. The pubs are available and if they don't have the special tools it's a mute point anyway.
Bottom line for me is I think the two courses I took were great.I took them in Vernon British Columbia. Did I learn anything absolutely. Could I have gotten by without it absolutely as long as I had the tools and manual, just the way I would hope most A&P (US) or AMEs (Canada) would. I don't know what your background is , but I think you are putting all megs in a rather bad light. Just playing devil's advocate here. Have a great day Roger.
Cheers Skip

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Re: Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Skip Reeves » 7 years ago

Skip Reeves

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PS Roger, I'm jealous I love your state. Hope to get back and winter a few months in Mesa again next year

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Re: Finding a CERTIFIED Rotax Tech

by Roger Lee » 7 years ago

Roger Lee

125 5.12k 4.53k

Hi Skip,

Come on down to Tucson, AZ any time.

It sounds like your AME's have a tighter control than our A&P's. Some of these guys are just plain sloppy and or lazy and of course some are very good. Just like any profession.

You can get the manuals free from this site under support, right off the Rotax website or from the Rotax flying & Safety club site. Same with the Rotax documents.
There is NO excuse for any mechanic to work on an engine and have no idea where to find these.

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

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