Operating in Desert Heat (June-August) 912 ULS

[ATP Time Builders]

It can get up to 115 degrees here in Las Vegas.

A flight school recently told me that they ground their Air-cooled Rotax (all models) powered aircraft if the airport temp >97 degrees.

They claim to have experienced too many maintenance issues prior to establishing this rule. They operate 30+ such aircraft at high density altitude airport.

What do you say? Similar experience or rules?
Only applies to flight schools? Possible but not sure.

[cole505]

Hi ATP,

I am just over the mountain east of KHND at KBVU I have have owned a P-2008 the last five years I was flying the 912 ULS and definitely have to factor in Density Altitude and temperatures. In the Summer it was fly very early or late and really had to watch fuel load with a passenger. KBVU has a 5000ft runway on a hot day full fuel and passenger I need over 3000ft to get into the air....the high wing is the only way to go for training here in the desert! I have flown the Sling a low wing 912 fuel injected airplane extremely fun to fly. I rented it from a local flight school in Carson KCXP City the bubble canopy was extremely hot! It had a retractable shade that helped, but still had the cook factor. I did this before I purchased the P-2008 that was all the convincing I needed...... I have since bought a New P-2008 with the Turbo, all the years I flew the 912 I had wished I had bought the P-2008 Turbo equipped. And Wow! What an extreme difference in performance! I absolutely recommend the P-2009 Turbo it’s the only way to go for flying here in the Las Vegas heat. I hope this helps you decide which way to go with your flt training, I think the Astore is a very beautiful airplane it’s ideal for flying back east or in the northern states hope to fly one someday........... I also hope to meet you one day heck, we are only 13 miles apart. I like to flying into KHND for lunch or breakfast maybe we can meet there one day lunch is on me........

Ray & Lucy 😎✈️👍🏻🇺🇸😊✅