Av Fuel prices.........

[Mark McConaughy]

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) has already achieved the type certification according to EASA requirements for the CENTURION 4.0 on 28 October 2004. The CENTURION 4.0 is a V8-engine with 261 kW (350hp). The CENTURION 4.0 is running only with jet fuel.

They are concentrating on engine development and certification. Their main target market for these engines comprises national and international aircraft manufacturers (OEM).

Projects for the installation of Thier engines into aircraft are being implemented by these aircraft OEMs. There are currently also some feasibility studies being carried out for retrofits using the CENTURION 4.0. These are being undertaken at the moment by various development organisations for different aircraft types. The aircraft types affected are currently also equipped with conventional engines rated at around 300 bhp. I feel the 337 would fall into that group.

We know the 337 frame can handle that (i.e. Riley super skyrocket). However, with the limited market I wonder about the economics. This engine is supposed to be turbocharged. I am assuming (I know that's the best way to get in trouble) but I assume that it could run the pressurization on a "P" model.

I also read where Cessna did some research with Icing on the "P" and apparently, it did pretty well but there was something in the cert. reg about available horsepower. At the time, the engine they were using was the production version (225 HP). I guess I am wondering, more thinking out loud than anything, that with the above-mentioned conversion could we also see a posibiltiy of certification for operating in known icing conditions.

Another thought is maybe the use of mogas could be pursued, anyway these are just some thoughts I had and I am sure that greater minds than mine have been working on these problems, but these are questions I've had for a while. (Did not mean to imply that I had answers because I certainly do not.)

The problem I see coming is this. With the increased security concerns, public use airports in the US are closing at the rate of about one every two weeks according to AOPA, and the general decline in general aviation. Couple this with about the only people who use avgas are people with personal aircraft.

At some point, it could get to where avgas is not going to be profitable for anyone to produce. At that point, if we do not have a "Plan B" we will be the owners of some very expensive yard ornaments. If you don't think things like that happen ask the Commerative Airforce, or the Valiant Air Command what they do for fuel in some of their birds that they can only operate at half power because they can't get 115/145 avgas (I know some of you remember purple gas, showing our age).

In some parts of the world, I am told avgas is not even available. Nevertheless, like I said these are just thoughts.