On January 4th Peter Kember picked up the first 912S available to builders
in the UK. Over the next month he installed it into his Europa, building a
new scoop onto the front of his cowling as the engine apparently runs
hotter, and to that end comes with a GRP jacket around the barrels which is
to be connected to a fresh air supply.
On the 11th February we did 2 hours of ground running, taxiing around the
Biggin Hill peri track. All went well except one engine stop and one small
period of rough running, which we concluded was possibly due to a lack of
fuel, the tests being done with minimum fuel on board.
On Saturday the 13th Peter performed the first test flight. (The PFA
required that the aircraft undergo a full test program as this was the first
mono wheeled Europa to be fitted with the 100hp 912S). Everything went well
except for one very brief rough running peiod (just seconds). Fuel pump on
and a change of tank cured the problem.
Back on the ground we found a little bit of muck in one filter and also the
filter was letting a small amount of air in. We then conducted a full test
schedule lasting some 2 hours with all flight configurations explored, al
with no problems. The take-off performance with the 100hp and the Warp Drive
VP prop is truly stunning and we have already decided that when we fly
together (as we often do) we will now have to take-off first in 'XDY every
time. Also the top speed is pretty amazing, straight and level now show a
solid 150 knots, confirmed 2 way on the GPS.
Last week Peter flew again and once more suffered the seconds of rough
running, but ground checks showed nothing unusual. On Saturday while taxiing
back after landing the engine ran rough and stopped. A few moments later it
started perfectly.
At all stages he asked around extensively and reported the incidents to the
factory and the PFA.
Now to the point of this message. Today he has discovered, after talking to
Skydrive, that the 912S 100hp engine has a problem with carb icing. It
appears that Rotax do a special plenum chamber for the 912S, which
apparently could be better. Perhaps with that in mind Nigel Beale of
Skydrive has come up with an alternative (he has been suffering carb ice
problems with his 912S engine for a long time). Nigels fix is a water heated
collar for the carb complete with a temperature sensor for the carb. The
only shame is that Peter was not informed of the problem or the fix. (Come
on guys, the aviation fraternity is better than that).
So if you are going for this engine in your Europa, and it looks like it's a
better bet than the 914, then make sure you have an answer for possible carb
icing.
Dave Watts 'XDY
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