Question to Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: I recently got my Sport Pilot certificate. I’m interested in purchasing a 2014 Air Creation Tanarg. It has had one owner and only has 49 hours on it. It has been hangared and plugged into a battery charger and started up regularly to run while the owner has dealt with health issues.
I really would like to buy it, but wonder if you would advise me not to?
Please be honest. Thanks so much.
Lorry Chrysty
A: Lorry, I would first like to congratulate you on getting your Sport Pilot’s certificate. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of an exciting future for you in aviation.
With regard to your question about the 2014 Tanarg, I must admit that I know nothing about the offerings in the ultralight area in our industry.
Since you asked for my advice, I’ll offer it, with that caveat.
I’m basing my decision on basic common sense, which tells me to recommend that you not buy this aircraft.
My main concern is the fact that it is a 2014 model with only 49 hours of operation.
The fact that it was started up on a regular basis makes me very nervous because this is the type of operation that is known to cause serious internal corrosion in the engine.
That’s because while conducting a ground run-up, it’s almost impossible to get the engine oil temperature hot enough to boil off the moisture in the oil. The water then combines with the sulfur in the oil, which comes from unburnt fuel in the blow-by past the rings. This forms an acid that attacks the cam and lifter surfaces, forming surface rust.
When the engine is finally started, the rust acts as a lapping compound which, in turn, starts the wear process that eventually leads to corrosion and, eventually, engine failure.
Lorry, I’ll offer my apologies for poking holes in your dream, but honestly feel you should bypass this one.
I’d suggest you approach buying any aircraft slowly, and ask lots of questions, such as total time, does it have a history of extended periods of inactivity, and review any and all maintenance records.
Actually, these points are highly recommended no matter what kind of used aircraft you are thinking about buying.
I am so proud of you for reaching out and asking important questions and I encourage you to continue to do that. I wish you luck, and I know you are about to enjoy a fun-filled future in aviation.
Buy it and fly it. You can wait forever to find the perfect machine
Nobody took the time to ask you how much the seller is asking which I find unbelievable.
Is it cheap enough that you can afford to over haul the engine?
Can you have it looked over by someone with some expertise in the engine?
It all depends on the price.
Assume it will require an over haul very soon and adjust you offering price accordingly.
Good luck if you buy it.
And congrats!
$49
This is one of the best quality triikes in the weight shift category of sport aircraft.
Having said that, 1. The engine should be looked at by a qualified Rotax mechanic. 2. This type aircraft needs a considerable amount of flight trainin for one who has never flown trikes. 3. There are not a lot of instructors to be found..
Absolutely agree with Paul. The lack of flight use and the occasional running of the aircraft (really a motorized hang glider) is the worst thing that you can do to an engine. I recommend storage oil from Aeroshell and then park the aircraft until the next time it is to be flown and at that point you install 15W50.
I get frustrated when I hear of people taking any aircraft down to the runup area for ten minutes since this is the absolute worst thing that you can do to an aircraft engine.
I believe the cam and lifter faces are key. A small amount of corrosion cab turn into spalling in short order!
Thank’s for the advice, I was planning to do a borescope inspection of the Rotax 912 ULS engine on the aircraft. I’d e able to see the valve seats and guides, but nothing on the camshaft.