Steven

What happened to the magnetos in the Rotax 912iS ? It sounds like the new engine depends on the alternators on the main circuit whereas the old 912 had magnetos and would continue running on one or both magnetos even if the alternator or primary circuit failed.

Fast Eddie - that's an interesting scenario about the Diamond TwinStar engine power loss due to a jump start - I read that the new Rotax 912 also has an ECU (engine control unit). Would the Rotax engine still run if the ECU shut down due to electrical problems such as low current (amps) ? Here's the article - http://www.rockwellcollins.com/sitecore/content/Data/News/2012_Cal_Yr/CS/FY12CSNR21-ECU.aspx

Why does the CTLS maintenance manual warn never to jump-start an aircraft with a weak or dead battery ??? Can it cause damage to the battery or electrical system ? I successfully jump started my plane on several occasions (with an 1800 amp auto jump starter) due to a weak battery or other problem (I'm trying to find the root cause). Here's the quote from page 10-4 of the maintenance manual - Never “jump-start” an aircraft that has a “dead” or discharged battery. It takes approximately three hours to recharge a fully discharged battery with the aircraft generating system or external power. http://documents.flightdesignusa.com/CTLS%20MM%20rev.4.pdf