RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

Forgot about the Evolution, but the price is more than the TT, plus the ability to tune the engine is a double edged sword. Good, because for newbies it doesn't allow them to stray outside of the engines comfort zone. Bad, because the band for tuning is small. On power, I would say that the AX and TT have a little more power than the Evolution. Add it to your list

Evolution .46NT $89.99
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...rodID=EVOE0460

My list would be

1) TT.46
2) Evolution .46NT
3) OS .46 AX
4) OS .46 LA


Lee

RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

Actually, on the Evolution engine, if you take the limiters off, it can be tuned just like any other engine. They are good for a newbie, though.

RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

Got to agree that an LA is a great starting point for training. I've recently achieved solo using a 40LA and while it was far from a power house it has proven to be immensely reliable, easy to tune, and starts every time. The 40LA may be fractionally underpowered by comparison to other engines but it's perfect for your first trainer and probably the second aircraft. On most trainers the AX is overkill.

I found that my LA runs happy on 10% and gives sufficient power for the trainer (Boomerang 40). It's a little sluggish with a full tank of fuel but then the tank is rather oversized for the application. It needs a long take off (which is good training), hauls the fully fueled trainer around, and as it burns off performs very nicely with mild aerobatics.

If anything, I'd recommend the 46LA for that extra power that might be needed if something goes really wrong at low altitude/speed. The 46LA will also be suitable for the next aircraft.

For those that are experienced, the LA may seem like a weakling. Most of the newer engines easily outpower it. Problem is, beginners don't need that power. Wait to you get experience, then go buy a performance engine.

One new flyer out our club has several trainers (even more if he didn't crash them regularly). In some of these he uses a 46LA. His flying is far better, more realistic, and quite comfortable. He learns more when flying this way.

His other trainer has a 46AX, by comparison it's a rocket and screams around the sky. The pilot is nervous and always on edge because the plane is so fast. The slightest mistake and it's all over. Even tweaking the EPA to give smaller throttle openings the power comes on way to fast.

Ignore any implication the LA engines are rubbish. Yes, they are plain bearing but this is to keep costs down. Yes, they aren't overly powerful but that's not what the engine is designed for. They are low cost, incredibly reliable, and very easy to operate. Highly recommended.

RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

What did he do, hook the throttle to the retract channel? :D

RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

I think what everyone is failing to remember that throttle management is very important with any engine. Also, if you are on a buddy box, your instructor will need every little bit of power to save your plane and get you out of a real funky attitude. An AX isn't over powered. Use of throttle management whenever you fly is important.

RE: Engine for Trainer - LA or AX?
 

If you want a longer lasting, more powerful, more reliable engine the AX is the twice the engine the LA is. It has beautiful transition from low to high speed and it just purrs. The LA is on ok engine,, it starts easy, and runs ok and all but if you have $50 to spare I would go with the AX. It will last your several times longer then an LA and its just better made. I have had both and the LA just isnt the quality engine the AX is..... but, it will do fine for the money.