EBB
I think it should be noted that manufacturers don?t set up dealer networks as such so a lack of Rotax friendly mechanics (we are called ?engineers? in Europe) can hardly be blamed on Rotax.
Are Lycoming and TCM directly responsible for the numbers of mechanics experienced on their motors?
If more people bought Rotax powered aircraft in the USA then the experience would be there to satisfy demand.
In Europe that?s what has been happening for the last 25 years and now most airfields will have Rotax friendly and experienced maintenance facilities.
Without doubt the USA drives the vast majority of what happens in worldwide powered general aviation. There are perhaps two exceptions to this rule ? one is the Rotax 91x series of engines and the other is diesel engines.
Diesel engines are far more popular in Europe than in the USA, both in the automotive world and in general aviation. In aviation we pay far more for aviation gas than you do Stateside. Currently we pay around USD$12/USG for 100LL. Jet A1 is available at a much more attractive price which is a huge factor in the popularity of Jet A1 burning diesel engines in the European GA scene.
Diamond make their Lycoming powered aircraft in Canada and diesel powered ones in Austria. Will the SMA powered C182 once it is certified or STC Centurion powered C172 prove a hit Stateside?
Rotax didn?t feature large in the USA until a few years back when the weight-limited LSA category came into being (apart from Predators which aren?t strictly GA....). Perhaps Rotax didn?t promote itself in years gone by because of potential liability concerns. Perhaps it wasn?t welcomed by many as it was built outside of the USA.
I remember seeing the C162 prototype at Sun?n?Fun with a Rotax 912 under the cowling. Why did Cessna ditch the 912 for the TCM O-200D? Probably not because the weight and balance figures didn?t work with the Rotax up front....
Rotax aero engines are most definitely a worldwide success and with the LSA category are even becoming an accepted alternative in the USA to the home grown heritage aero engines.
Sure Rotax sometimes have problems but no more than Lycoming and TCM etc. They certainly cannot be accused of avoiding their responsibilities.
Chicken and egg ? support the product as owner/pilots and the maintenance shops will soon be there to support you.
I?ll save posting my credentials and Christmas card list for another day....