CPS Revs Up Rotax Classes in America’s West

It’s springtime and all across America as the weather enters an inviting phase, pilots are getting out their ultralights, light kit aircraft, and the Light-Sport Aircraft. Doing a very thorough check of the airframe is obviously important but thoughtful pilots will not overlook their engine.

For years now, all manner of light aircraft are lifted by a powerplant from one brand: Rotax.

So, where do you take your Rotax engine for qualified and quality work? A number of repair stations or mechanics have established a reputation after being trained to work on these engines. However, as the LSA sector expands around the globe and as companies far and wide began to embrace the Austrian engine, a steady growth has occurred in maintenance technicians. When engine models change and to assure approved mechanics have the latest information, recurrency training is also required.

Many owners are quite capable of doing some of their own work. Where do professionals and experienced amateurs go to get training? For those in the western states one good choice is California Power Systems, now part of the Aircraft Spruce conglomerate.

March is a great month for flying and a good month to get new or updated training. California Power Systems — or simply CPS — is ready with a series of classes. This first is happening as this was written. Others are following shortly.

Occurring today and tomorrow (but sure to repeat) is the CPS Rotax 2-Stroke Service Course is for technicians wanting to rebuild or maintain all water-cooled and air-cooled 2-stroke Rotax aircraft engines such as the still-in-production and very popular Rotax 582. Emphasis is on students being able to perform a complete engine rebuild with failure analysis and a focus on preventative maintenance.

Coming up in days — on March 16-17, 2016 — is a Rotax 4-Stroke Service Class for those who want to maintain 912 series engines. This class is also geared to owners wanting to do their own scheduled maintenance. If you hold an A&P certificate or are an approved LSA Repairman, you will receive training to perform all scheduled maintenance and Level One troubleshooting procedures.

For a higher level of maintenance, mechanics need greater training. These individuals will want to take CPS’s Rotax 912/914 Maintenance Class is for technicians wanting to perform serious maintenance tasks on 9-series engines. The class focuses on troubleshooting faults, removing major components for shipment to heavy maintenance rated technicians, and reassembly. “This class will be held on March 18-19, 2016,” said CPS.

If you have already taken training from Rotax outlets like CPS, you may need the Rotax 2-Stroke Renewal Course or the 4-stroke (912 & 914) Renewal Course. These two courses are for current iRMT license holders. The renewal program will cover all new materials released within the past 24 months. This is the most inexpensive and informative way to get a 24-month extension on your current certification. The course will be held on March 20, 2016.

Finally, with professional mechanics in mind, CPS offers a Rotax 912/914 Heavy Maintenance Class , designed for those making a living as a Rotax repair technician. The class covers a complete field level teardown, inspection, and reassembly. The class will be held on March 21-23, 2016.

“All CPS classes will be held in our training facility at the Chino Airport (KCNO),” said California Power Systems. For detailed information and future schedules for any of these Rotax Classes, please visit the CPS website at the links above or call Bryan Toepfer at 800-247-9653 x302 or email Bryan.

If you can’t make any of these classes, contact Bryan at CPS to hear when the next series starts.