Rotax guru slates Oshkosh forums

Phil Lockwood, one of the nation’s most knowledgeable experts on the Rotax engine, will present new information on the 912 series, as well as give up-to-date fuel advice during two forums at this month’s Airventure in Oshkosh.

The first forum will be held Tuesday, at 10 a.m., focusing on the latest improvements made to the 2010 Rotax 912 and the new 2,000 hour TBO. In addition, “Rotax has now approved the 115-hp Rotax 914 Turbo for 2,000-hour overhaul,” noted Lockwood. The overhaul period now matches common life cycles for more familiar Continental or Lycoming powerplants. The second forum, slated for 11:30, will focus on Rotax’s two-stroke engines, which remain popular with light aircraft. Lockwood will also discuss different fuels in use today, including 100LL and the different octane auto fuels with and without Ethanol and how operation is affected. Other commonly asked questions involve oil and the most recent service information.

“Airplane mechanics will want to come and broaden their knowledge base,” explained Lockwood, “as they can enlarge their customer base by serving the Rotax operator community. In these difficult times, more business is always welcome, but mechanics need training.” Additionally, all Rotax owners or operators may benefit by attending the seminars at AirVenture.

Rotax advises the 2,000-hour TBO applies to all new engines, but can be made retroactive to many older engines. In his seminar, Lockwood explains the changes and informs attendees how they can participate in this ground-breaking change.

Lockwood Enterprises also has been deeply involved with testing new oils to work with longer-lived engines and different fuel sources, he said. Offering a first-hand view of the testing and results from these new products, Lockwood will walk his audience through the possibilities. In addition, with concerns about the long-term supply of 100LL avgas, he discusses ethanol additives and using premium auto fuel in Rotax engines.

Using his signature presentation, a computer slide show with dozens of detailed photos, Lockwood delivers his talk on Rotax engine operation, care, and maintenance. In his talk, he will answer such questions as:

• How does the new 2,000-hour TBO affect me and what do I have to do to gain this advantage?
• What’s new with two-stroke Rotax maintenance?
• How will the use of auto fuel containing alcohol affect the 912?
• What kind of maintenance is the owner of a SLSA legally allowed to perform?
• What qualifications & training are required to legally perform non-owner maintenance on SLSA?
• What new oils are advised for use with the Rotax 912?

After hearing Lockwood’s presentation, A&P mechanics that wish to gain further engine training can contact Aero Technical Institute (ATI) (www.aerotechnicalinstitute.com) regarding classes to increase their ability to service Rotax engines. A set of 16-hour courses is offered by ATI at Lockwood’s facilities at Sebring Airport (SEF) in Florida.

The 9-series engines from Rotax power an overwhelming majority of LSA. Since 1973 Rotax has delivered more than 125,000 aircraft engines — including more than 30,000 9-series engines — and the company can produce more than 200,000 powerplants annually. Over its history, Rotax has delivered more than 3 million engines of all types.

Lockwood Aviation is the country’s largest service organization for Rotax engines. For more information: 863-655-5100 or LockwoodAviation.com