Insuring an ELSA with a non-traditional engine
- Thread starter MarkH
- Start date
Find another agent. I've had no trouble insuring an ultralight with a Cuyuna engine or an experimental with a half VW, though those were liability only. I'm currently using Falcon, though my current [experimental] plane has a Lycoming engine.
MarkH
Line Up and Wait
I'm eyeing it because it burns 2.4 gallons per hour in cruise.
wanttaja
En-Route
I think you'll find that the cost of fuel will not be one of the major expenses of your aircraft.
The average homebuilt flies 50 hours a year. Let's assume $5/gallon car gas. That's $600 a year for gas costs.
Insurance alone will run cost more that that. I'm paying ~$300 a year for liability only, and hull insurance would add quite a bit to that. Heck, in my case, annual hangar rent is five times my annual fuel cost.
So, unless your airplane is volume-constrained for fuel, pick the HKS because of its suitability to your airplane, or because you like the technical details. Not because of a low fuel burn.
Have only six HKS-engined homebuilt accidents in my database, but all were were non-engine-related.
As far as insurance is concerned, have you checked the EAA/Falcon partnership?
Ron Wanttaja
MarkH
Line Up and Wait
Thanks @wanttaja, the plane fits my goals, and it give me everything I want other than the engine. I am encouraged by the low fuel burn, but I have some hesitation about parts availability.
I have requested a quote from EAA/Falcon previously and the quote was a bit high ($2000 for liability only), so I am looking for other options.
I have requested a quote from EAA/Falcon previously and the quote was a bit high ($2000 for liability only), so I am looking for other options.
Daleandee
Final Approach
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I have an auto conversion (Corvair) on a Sonex tailwheel. Best recommendation I can offer:
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