The position of the oil tank and whether the airplane is equipped with a nosewheel or tail wheel figure into your knowing when the oil level is acceptable (tank shown at lower left).

CONSIDERATIONS

When you’re building your own aircraft and thinking about controls, consider that the Rotax carburetors have built-in throttle springs. (In the event of throttle cable breakage, the throttle will go to full rpm, so you won’t be left with idle power at a critical phase of flight. With full power hard-wired, you at least have control with the mag switch.) That means the carburetor will always be trying to pull the throttle open. A vernier throttle (as you’d ordinarily see handling mixture control on a Lycoming or Continental) or other friction-type throttle system helps keep the throttle from creeping open as you fly. Note that some airframe manufacturers use these throttle springs to pull to idle! Be sure you know how your aircraft is set up and know what to expect if a throttle cable breaks.

If you build your own aircraft, remem-
ber that the Rotax was designed as a
system. If you change intake or exhaust
systems, for instance, you should plan
extensive experimentation to get the carb
jetting and needle profiles just right. Don’t
know how to do this? Use the whole sys-
tem, as delivered.

Tim Kern, EAA 825075, is a private pilot and Certified Aviation Manager as well as an aviation writer and consultant based near Indianapolis, Indiana. You can find him online at www.TimKern.com. Special thanks to Mark Paskevich of Rotech Flight Safety Inc.

REGISTER AT ROTAX-OWNER.COM

To better understand the unique requirements of your Rotax, explore the resources at www.Rotax-Owner.com (Registration, e-mail updates, and product reviews are free.) That site hosts a complete video library of both e-learning and expanded video instructions that explain proper maintenance, available for an annual fee. This information is especially useful if your mechanic is not familiar with Rotax engines. Rotax engines have unique requirements; by watching Rotax-Owner videos, owners, operators, and maintenance personnel will be better informed to perform the right procedures and appreciate additional training rather than working from assumptions that do not apply to your Rotax.

Lastly, register at www.Rotax-Owner.com to receive all critical safety and service information about Rotax engines as released by the Rotax factory. This factory-authorized site is the best way to stay up to date on the latest Rotax information and news. The more you know about your engine, the happier you will be with it!