Does anyone have experience working with aluminium and composite materials in aircraft construction? What material will be the best option in the long run?

How reliable is the Rotax engine on the Europa?

On the VANS RV9, would a Lycoming or Wilksh diesel engine be the best option? (purchase price, overhauls, fuel consumption, reliability etc.)

Had a long conversation with PFA engineering on the subject of engine reliability. To say they spoke highly of the Rotax would be an understatement. Apparently the relatively small number of failures has mostly been caused by bad maintenance. The Rotax has a lot of light alloy, and the max torque setting for a lot of the bolts is very low. Several failures have been caused by over tightening various bolts.

As an engine design it is much more modern than the Lycoming. It’s water-cooled heads prevent shock cooling and it is light and fuel-efficient. I do not understand why it is not fitted with electronic ignition, but the rest of it is pretty good.

The Diesels are an unknown quantity and the Vans organisation has no interest in supporting them. I suspect that in 5 to 10 years these engines will be the way to go but I was not prepared to be a first wave guinea-pig.

I like to reply as an instructor who has been forced into being current on a mono wheel europa.

They are utter ****, bordering on very dangerous.

Maybe i have been lacking in my dodgy aircraft exposure.
But the thing is horrible in a x-wind.

It isn't a tail dragger (or dosn't handel like one).

it spins round on the mono wheel and it will bite.

The only other PFA aircraft which is more scary is the "flying turd outa INV" which stalls 10knts below its cruise speed.

MJ

MJ

Sorry mate kinda lost me there - what aircraft were you referring to...??

Kingy

As a PFA inspector I get to see a few aircraft and the Vans types are almost allways built to a very high standard.
The vans seems to be a well "sorted" aircraft and you will not get any surprizes if you buy one second hand ( if you can find one!).

All composite aircraft are much harder to inspect for damage so it is vital that if you are thinking of buying one second hand take a PFA inspector who knows the type along to to help you look at it , this advice is good for all composite aircraft and not just the Europa.

If I was in the market for one of these aircraft I would probably buy the Vans due to the metal construction but I prefer my light aircraft made out of wood bt that is another debate !.