which engine?

[kieran]

i'm new to the gyrocopter world and have recently purchased a 1989 vancraft lightninig. it needs an engine, prop and rotors. the original engine was a 503 rotax. Is that the best way to go or has there been a better alternative since it was made? Does anyone know if the original rotors and prop are also the best way to go?
thanks kieran

[GyroDoug]

Kieran,

There are a lot of people flying a single place with a Rotax 503. It is a proven engine with a good reputation. However, whether it will be the ideal engine for you depends on your personal situation and how and where you want to fly. Things like how much you weigh? what altitude you are flying out of? what kinds of density altiude do you expect to fly in? Are you going to be flying over hospitable terrain in case you do have an engine problem or do you plan to fly over areas that could be a real challenge to find a place to land in an emergency? All these things can effect what will be the ideal engine for you. Oh, I almost forgot a big one, What kind of Gyro budget do you have? Most people would agree that a Rotax 912 4-stroke is a pretty great engine for a single place but they are very expensive and not for the budget conscious. Best of luck with your dream to fly.

Gyro Doug

[PW_Plack]

Kieran,

Welcome to the forum! When you get a chance, fill out your location with more than just your city. I have no idea where "Lorette" is, but there might be some other gyro fliers nearby with whom to get together if you'll give us country and state/province.

Which machine do you have? Is it the Vancraft Rotor Lightning, with portions of the frame made of welded mild steel, or the newer Sport Copter Lightning, built entirely of bolted aluminum tubing? Both were made during that era, and both used the 503.

The Rotax 503 has gone through a number of upgrades over the years. It is reknown as one of the simplest, most reliable engines for an aircraft in this class.