Hi all,
I'd like to share my experiences gained over the last 140 hours. I flew
both the 912S and 914 and I noticed a difference, so much so that I sold my
unused 912S (at loss) and purchased a 914.
The 914 is a smoother engine, I assume because it has a lower compression.
Is starts easily, even when hot and has never kicked back When the aircraft
is at MUW I use the boost and its a game changer, I can get it off the
ground very quickly. I find this useful when there is a strong cross wind
or on short grass strips. The other advantage is performance at altitude.
I gain around 1.5 knots per thousand feet, and at 10,000 feet I cruise just
shy of 150 knots @ 70% power, after that the increased fuel burn makes it
hardly worth while to use higher power settings.
As with every thing, nothing is free, at 500 hours I plan on removing the
gear box, overhaul the carburetors and at that time the turbo will go in for
checks / repairs.
It really comes down to mission profile. If most of your flying is weekend
pancake breakfasts, fly outs and short hops then the 912S is probably the
engine for you. My flying profile is the reverse, I have an auxiliary tank
and it is mostly cross country flying with a fully loaded aircraft.
The ultimate question in choices is, if I were to do it over again would I
choose the same.... for me that is a yes. (Apart from getting hit by
lighting)
Paul
http://europa363.versadev.com/LightningStrike.html
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