WIX Archives
Re: Why are DBs so expensive to operate?
Posted by bdk on Mon Mar 11, 2002 12:58:38 PM
In reply top Why are DBs so expensive to operate? posted by Ray Crawford on Mon Mar 11, 2002 12:01:05 PM
In day to day operation they shouldn't be more expensive (gas, oil, and plugs), but if you amortize the overhaul cost into the operating cost per hour, the scarcity (hence expense) of spares would come into play.
Actually, I think the high cost is more a factor in the initial aircraft restoration more so than the operating expense. If you treat the aircraft right (no air racing or crashes), maintenance should not be much different really. Planes of Fame have operated their Zero for years with the same engine- the only original airworthy Zero engine. I don't think it has been off of the airplane since it was restored, except for when it has been removed to facilitate shipping the aircraft to Japan for flight demonstrations.
I think that the DB on David Price's E-model has been removed for repairs, but I think that this was due to issues stemming from the initial overhaul (excessive oil leakage) rather than any normal maintenance issues.
: Why are DBs so expensive to operate in comparison to Merli
: ns?
:
: Is the "phenomenal cost of getting a DB running and keepin
: g it that way" due to engine design or simply because of h
: igh prices because of spare parts scarcity?