Plane Year Question

[FormerCirrus]

Is my P2008, N343X, a 2017 or 2018 model?

The FAA registry says the manufacturing year is 2017. (The FAA registry also errs saying my residence in Los Altos CA is in Kings County ... which is in the Central Valley).

Reason I ask: Next month's annual is either a Year 4 annual, or a Year 5 annual. If Year 5, the rubber hoses must be replaced. A two-day annual turns into a week or more, depending the availability of the rubber hoses. Te A&P estimated an additional 12-18 hours for rubber replacement. 

Motor Logbook says the following:

Engine (Rotax 914) was completed in November 2017.

Earliest entry of first engine run in the Motor Logbook was February 1, 2018.

Airworthiness and LSA sign-off was April 27, 2018, and the entry said 3 hours on engine, 3 on prop.

Ship date to the U.S. was June 2018.

So ... for annual purposes, is N343X in Year 4 or Year 5?

[WinP]

Maybe call Tecnam Sebring??

[Cluemeister]

Did you try rotax-owner.com?

Edit:  If it were me, I would consider the a/w certificate date to be the start date.  In this case, we're talking only a 6 month difference between date of manufacture and date of a/w certificate.  I would probably inspect at 4 years, just to make sure they're ok, and then replace at 5. YMMV

[ChiMike]

Keep in mind that the hose replacement is an ordeal: Tecnam does not provide a set of replacement hoses and they have a couple that they have modified to work with their engine-box configuration. Have them thoroughly inspected—but it is unlikely every one of them is anywhere close to needing replacement.

I attempted to do this in 2020-2021: a complete nonstarter as my mechanics could not get replacement hoses from Tecnam or their other sources that did not require substantial bending and configuration.

Also, I believe it is advised, not mandated.

What experiences do others have with this issue?

[cole505]

Feb 14, 2022 16:31:59 GMT FormerCirrus said:

Is my P2008, N343X, a 2017 or 2018 model?

The FAA registry says the manufacturing year is 2017. (The FAA registry also errs saying my residence in Los Altos CA is in Kings County ... which is in the Central Valley).

Reason I ask: Next month's annual is either a Year 4 annual, or a Year 5 annual. If Year 5, the rubber hoses must be replaced. A two-day annual turns into a week or more, depending the availability of the rubber hoses. Te A&P estimated an additional 12-18 hours for rubber replacement. 

Motor Logbook says the following:

Engine (Rotax 914) was completed in November 2017.

Earliest entry of first engine run in the Motor Logbook was February 1, 2018.

Airworthiness and LSA sign-off was April 27, 2018, and the entry said 3 hours on engine, 3 on prop.

Ship date to the U.S. was June 2018.

So ... for annual purposes, is N343X in Year 4 or Year 5?

Hi Former C,

‘’I have exactly the same issues with my airplane, The data plate on the firewall says Mar 2018 even the Insurance Company shows my airplane as a 2017. Just like you I thought I bought a 2018 P-2008? Not sure how to correct this? But like you I am going by the first log book entry’s which are dated Mar 2018. As far as 5 year rubber replacement go’s I am with ChiMike, and his recommendations. It’s Not set in stone that these hoses be replaced exactly at the 5 year point……. I did the hose replacement on my 2012 at the eight year point and once they were off I cut and inspected the interior of the hoses they did not show any or very little deterioration. Rotax recommends this time change it’s NOT Mandatory, but an advisory. And believe me if you ask any one of 20 different Mechanics you will get a whole spectrum of options. As the Pic you will have to decide when this gets done. Roger Lee 520-349-7056 or 520-574-1080 did my change out on my 2012 he would be and excellent choice for information on this procedure. Roger is always happy to share his many years of experience with you he’s a very easy man to communicate with, he’s also a Master Rotax Instructor.

‘Also Buzz just recently did his change out he would be another good source of information on this matter. He had a heck of a time tracking down one of the coolant lines. Remember this is a major under taking. To do it correctly the engine needs to be moved away from the airplane with an engine stand. This is Not a reason NOT to do it just information to help you decide……… when to do it…….. 
Ray & Lucy ✅😊✈️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😊

[FormerCirrus]

Thanks, everyone. My A&P agrees that the 4-18 A/W signoff is the start date for subsequent annuals. So I'll punt the hose issues for at least another year.

FYI, my plane has run either 100LL or 94Ul in its life. Thus has avoided mogas, and ethanol's, um, dislike of rubber!

[Flocker]

Feb 15, 2022 14:13:38 GMT ChiMike said:

Also, I believe it is advised, not mandated.

What experiences do others have with this issue?

This.  If you're flying it a lot, they should not need replacement.  

[slingpilot]

My Sling will hit the five year mark in 2023. That said, I plan to inspect and wait unless something warrants replacement at that time. My Sling runs 98% of the time on 91 octane no ethanol fuel and 100LL during the winter to keep octane higher while flying less. It’s hangered, so not exposed to the elements and severe temp changes other than when it’s run. I think this is a conservative plan.