Right airplane for a beginner in Nicaragua

[rudi]

Hello,

I'm new here and therefore already my apologize.
I live in Nicaragua and got my PPL last year. Due to the lack of possibilities to rent a decent plane in this country I want to buy one.

A factor to consider: Avgas is expensive (6.70 USD/gal) and only available @ MNMG. No other airport in Nicaragua has Avgas.

What do you think of a 172 with a Thielert 2.0 conversion?
I know this is expensive but for me it seems the logical choice. Another option is to buy now a 172 Avgas with it's motor close to it's end and maybe in 2 years make the conversion to the diesel.

Maybe I also would have the opportunity to rent the plane.
I will not fly more than 200 hours p.a.

Thanks for your help and best regards from Managua,
Rüdiger

[sternone]

Hello, and welcome,

I guess the C172 thielert 2.0 is the best choice for you... BUT since th 2.0 needs to prove himself that it fixes all the shit thielert had in the 1.7 you might wait a few years if that is possible.

Better would be if you tell us what your budget is and what kind of runways you use and what is your needed payload etc..

[rudi]

Hi and thanks for your answer.

Question: Which are the problems with the Thielert 1.7 Diesel? I had the chance to fly it once in Florida and loved it.

My current budget would be around 60 K. This sure is not enough for the Diesel.
Runways: mostly paved, some gravel or grass.
Payload: I would like to have the chance to fly with 4 people 300 nm range and with 2 people and some luggage 500 nm.

Thanks for your help, regards,
Rüdiger

[sternone]

Diamond said they knew of 22 in flight stopages, that is way to much, the 1thielert .7 engine sucks. if you loose all electricity the engine will stop running (FADEC you know...)

The only way for you in your budget is to buy an old 172 tart and indeed when you have cash enough buy a convertion, remember that thielert engines are made from mercedes A class cars and that TCM for example is comming out in end 2008 with a diesel engine MADE for aviation witch will be much lighter and hopefully more stable... most of non - us GA planes will change their engine to a diesel one when TCM and others come out with these diesel engines.

If you are really sure about getting a diesel plan i would relook to my finances and buy a new C172 with diesel in 2 years (then they will have dropped thielert for TCM or simular)

[Salvatore61]

Hi Rudi. Sternone is right on the ball. Thielerts are under scrutiny by FAA. Sudden engine stoppage is terrifying. Also each thielert will cost more than 70K just the engine ... a c-172 with Thielert will go for 275K ...a used STC'd one maybe 150K. You can get a nice 206 or 210 for that price. Also you may explore to have the Automobile fuel STC and that may help you in Nicaragua. Otherwise you have to store your own fuel at the remote site.

[rudi]

Hi Salvatore,

Thanks a lot for the info and the tip with the Mogas STC. Would this be available for a 172 or 182 and do you have any idea where I can get more information on this, like gas specs etc. ?

[@rchi]

hi

In my aeroclub, we have got a Cessna 172 Thielert 1.7, and we haven't problem.

-It's less expensive (less 20/30€ than with a basic engine) => 110€/ one flight hours (100 for a student pilot)

-it's easier (thanks to the FADEC)

-it's more silent (peoples think that it's a micro light plane, because the sound is similar at a ROTAX or other little engines)

Just a good plane

some pics here:

Aéroclub de Pons-Avy - Le Cessna C172 Thielert (F-HAYL)