REFLECTOR: Alternative engines

[NMFlyer1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/13/2008 9:29:08 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  
davedent at comcast.net writes:

Also I  was told by Falcon Insurance that you can't get insurance if you have 
an  auto engine in your plane. 




Incorrect. I was told that falcon would insure it(by a falcon rep).. so  will 
AIG and Costello. 
 
The rest of the post is too much of a blanket statement to pick apart...  
although it will fit many people's approach to an "auto conversion"  There  are 
plenty that took the time to do it right that have been flying what started  
out as an auto engine for many hours. I am one that hopes to do that myself...  
but must admit I am not airborne yet. 
The statement that it takes more time (if it is done right) is an  
understatement!  It takes lots more time... and won't  save you a penny on initial cost. 
 
I believe that there are a few key points:
 
Don't use an auto engine because: 
    you think it will be cheaper in the outset. 
    you think you can turn a salvage or spare engine  into a wonderful 
aircraft engine
    you think that you can run a dragster engine in  your aircraft and really 
haul ass.
 
Do use an auto engine if: 
 
You Really, Really like a challenge in engineering and problem  solving
You can design an engine specifically for use in an aircraft
You don't mind things taking 10 times as long as the factory's engine  choice 
install
You really know that a substantial benefit can be had with the engine  you 
chose (over what the factory recommends) that is worth all the money,  headache, 
time and adventure. 
 
It is not for everyone. Many folks have ruined their aircraft ( and  
sometimes themselves) by being too cavalier about a used auto engine in their  
aircraft. Some never finish their projects because it just takes too much time  and 
effort. Some.. love the challenge, the adventure and the problem solving..  and 
look forward to adding another successful "auto" engine to the experimental  
list. 
 
One last thing... and this was a great point to ponder. When I was asking  on 
this forum about engines for my 173 FGE , a person asked me: "Just how  
experimental do you want to be... what are you comfortable with?'  
That takes some honest soul searching to answer. 
 
 
   Kurt  Winker
 



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