What to do

[flightexpress]

I have a air command 503..I was wondering if I should upgrade to a 532 engine to give me more power..I have a 503 sc on it now..But I don't like the climb on it and it seems like I have it almost wide open to stay level..My rotax guy said that it will kill my engine faster than normal, by running it like that..Should I upgrade to a 532..I do plan on getting the CLT kit this week..Just don't know what to do about the engine..I called Ernie and he said that the blades that I have should be fine for my size and weight of the gyro...........Kurt

[Chuck Roberg]

I hope you meant the 582 blue head Rotax and not the 532. Everbody has an opinion on what power you should have. The bottom line is, you are the one flying it and you are unsatisified. So I would say go with a 582. Plus with summer coming and warmer temps the climb sure won't improve.

You didn't give your weight. But that has to be factored in as well. Also what type of prop are you using?

[Rotor-Head]

I have a air command 503..I was wondering if I should upgrade to a 532 engine to give me more power..I have a 503 sc on it now..But I don't like the climb on it and it seems like I have it almost wide open to stay level..My rotax guy said that it will kill my engine faster than normal, by running it like that..Should I upgrade to a 532..I do plan on getting the CLT kit this week..Just don't know what to do about the engine..I called Ernie and he said that the blades that I have should be fine for my size and weight of the gyro...........Kurt
I've got an AC 447 that I just put a CLT kit on and I am climbing about 150-200fpm MORE than I was as a HTL machine. After I took off for the first time (CLT), I was at 3/4 throttle and climbing better than before at full throttle. The CLT will make a difference. The rotor will fly a bit more level (less drag).

I would do the CLT first and then make the engine decision (since you should go CLT anyway). You may like it just fine with the 503 and CLT.

What is your machine weight, your weight and rotor diameter?

[flightexpress]

No chuck I meant the 532..A couple of the guys in club fly them here and my engine guy said he could get me one..They put out just about as much HP as the 582..But I'm not sure what I'm going to do..I just may take Rotor-Heads
advice and stick the CLT on and leave it like that....Kurt

[Udi]

Unless you are a very heavy person, the 503 should be strong enough. Did you do a pull test to see that you get the rated HP out of your engine? What climb rate are you getting?

Udi

[flightexpress]

Udi I weigh about 220..I have not done a pull test yet..Maybe this weekend..I was wondering if it is normal to use so much power to fly..In my ultralight I can pull back on the power alot and still fly good..I know gyros love power but was just wondering what I'm going to do to the engine..If it hurts it running like that........Kurt

[cgmg]

Kurt,

Try adding a second carb. It's cheaper than another engine, and should gain you around 6hp. We did that on our old engine, and it improved our climb rate slightly.

I'm flying an Air Command CLT, weigh in at 145 dressed for flight, with 23' Dragon Wings. Right now, with our new 503, the worst climb rate I see on my VSI indicator is 400 fpm on a warm day. On cool days, I can see 700-800 fpm of climb. I typically climb at 40-50 mph indicated airspeed.

Hope this info helps with your decision.

[Rotor-Head]

145 ????? I guess you get a good climb rate!!!! I thought I was good at 400-450fpm (best) at 175lbs. wow!

[flightexpress]

Thanks guys for all your help

Kurt

[Udi]

Kurt - Rotax specifies max time at 100% power for some of its engines, but I don't think this is the case for the 503 - especially with the single carb. I know some people who used Rotax engines with dual gyros, who were flying at full throttle 90% of the time, and the engines were doing fine. If you are planning on doing the recommended maintenance at 150 and 300 hours than I think you have nothing to worry about. The 503 is a very reliable little engine. One thing the 503 does not like is thermal shock. Warm the engine before you go to full throttle, and don't go quickly from full throttle to idle.

If you don't have the 503 manual, you can download it and lots of other stuff online at http://www.rotax-owner.com/

Udi

[barnstorm2]

I've got an AC 447 that I just put a CLT kit on and I am climbing about 150-200fpm MORE than I was as a HTL machine. After I took off for the first time (CLT), I was at 3/4 throttle and climbing better than before at full throttle. The CLT will make a difference. The rotor will fly a bit more level (less drag)

Wow, this is great news, I thought someone said you climb decreased!

This is really good news!!! :D

Perhaps I will do the CLT upgrade rather than going to an Ultrawhite or Butterfly.

If I can get good climb out of her after CLT upgrade and a set of Dragon Wings I will be very happy.

Otherwise I would be looking for a new more powerfull singleplace.

Do you mind if I ask about how much you weigh?? I clock in at 190lbs.

Thank you!!

[Rotor-Head]

Do you mind if I ask about how much you weigh?? I clock in at 190lbs.

Thank you!!
I'm at about 175lbs. I'll have much more information on the differences of HTL and CLT on my Air Command this weekend. I plan on flying both Saturday and Sunday.... All day if I can.

I will bring still and video cameras with me.