Diesel Cessna 172

[cforst513]

Recently I've mentioned my flight school's diesel Skyhawk. In case anyone wants more information, here are 2 links:
http://www.epicaviation.com/tae-distributor/tae-distributor.html
http://www.centurion-engines.com/c17/c17_retro.htm

 

[xshuttlefa]

The diesel revolution in GA is finally slowly happening. I don't expect to fly a diesel light plane anytime soon, but as soon as the advantages of diesel powered planes ( burn Jet A, better economy, higher TBO times, single lever power control, FADEC systems) become more common, the smell of 100LL will be replaced with the smell of diesel.

 

[minitour]

I'm looking forward to teaching in a plane with one lever, FADEC, glass, etc...

Geez...How much easier will that be?

-mini

 

[Geronimo4497]

Anyone have a diesel conversion for my Jeep?

 

[aucfi]

the smell of 100LL will be replaced with the smell of diesel.

heaven forbid....

looks sweet though. the numbers are impressive if they hold up. 9 hour endurance and only 5.3 gal/hr at 12,000.

 

[mattfish42]

Nine hours in a 172!? Why?

 

[pilotyip]

how much will it cost?

 

[Workin'Stiff]

For the 172, 14V Firewall forward = ~ $50,000 USD... Little spendy for an airframe with roughly the same value (for older airframes). That's just the engine, sans labor. Great concept... Just alittle too expensive right now...

 

[jergar999]

Now if only the military would sell their diesel KLR motorcycles (120 miles per gallon) I would be lining up at the diesel pump.

 

[cforst513]

how much will it cost?

in terms of cost to rent, at epic a "normal" 172SP is $94/hr. the diesel is $86, i think.

 

[mzaharis]

The Time between Replacement (no overhauls) for that engine is currently 1000 hours. They're trying to expand it to 2400 hours, and until then, if you hit up against the 1000 hour limit, they'll replace the engine for 42% of the regular replacement cost.

http://www.centurion-engines.com/c17/faq/faq_content.htm#TBO

That engine has been having some problems in the Diamond TwinStar - they haven't been able to get quite the high-altitude performance they hoped for (> 12,000 ft) due to cooling problems. They've also held off on selling these engines in the States until they can establish a maintenance network.

If they can "debug" it and create the maintenance network, it might be a good alternative, especially if the only company in the world that makes TEL for 100LL decides to get out of the business.

 

[gkrangers]

in terms of cost to rent, at epic a "normal" 172SP is $94/hr. the diesel is $86, i think.

94/hr now? Damnit...

 

[cforst513]

well that is the regular price. riddle kids get it cheaper, plus that now has the fuel surcharge added in. it's $88 for the riddle kids

 

[gkrangers]

well that is the regular price. riddle kids get it cheaper, plus that now has the fuel surcharge added in. it's $88 for the riddle kids

I want the $80 back!!

Not bad tho.

I'll come down after Ophelia passes. Theyll prolly want to check me out again, since its been a few months.