Maximum time allowed between engine run up

Personally I would not run it during a lock down unless you are going to get it up to full temperature and drive the moisture out of the oil and the crankcase. This can be difficult to do on the ground, it often needs a flight to do this.

I don't generally fly over the winter from November to March and I don't do anyting special other than run the fuel down as low as possible before lay-up and then refill with fresh fuel in the spring and then go flying. I obviously give the plane a good check including dropping the float bowls and taking a good look at the fuel filter. The cylinders are nikasil so they should not corrode.

I don't even rotate the prop during the lay-up as I don't want to scrape any oil off any of the surfaces.

I have a Pipistrel Sinus with a 912. It is a motorglider. I do not fly from November to April. I drain the fuel from my wings and run the engine dry. I have been doing this for about 7 years with no issues.

Gino Cavicchioli

Pipistrel Sinus

Canada 

Dear Kevin Stewart & Gino Cavicchioli,

Many thanks for your prompt responses. It's absolutely clear from both of you;  we need not do anything other than drying off fuel as much as possible, Sounds fine.

Another point to note is, we are expecting monsoon to strike in June-Aug period. Humidity reaches 70 -80%. Do we have any additional concern for that?  Ray 

If you are in a high humidity environment then I would suggest spraying the crankcase, gearbox, inlet manifold castings and any screw heads with a water repellant like ACF-50. That will stop any surface corrosion that makes the engine look untidy. I would also put some on the hose clips if they are not stainless steel.

It is definitely worth emptying the carb float bowls and the fuel in the tank since if it contains ethanol it will absorb moisture from the air.

Many thanks , Kelvin.

I am now better informed on the issue. Surprisingly, nowhere in the Rotax manuals, this topic is dealt with. 

I appreciate your cooperation in clarifying my doubts. 

Best regards,

Ray