There been numerous recent thefts involving Rotax engines in the UK, with some having taken place in the last few weeks.
Sydney Charles has been compiling the information over the years and the thefts appear to be conducted by an organised team. We understand that these engines can be used in farming equipment and can be easily transferred. From what we have seen, the thieves know their way around engines, and know how to take them from aircraft in a quick and clean way. They also seem to know their way around the CAA website and can easily identify possible targets.
Interestingly, we can now see a common thread: thefts are occurring in February / March in time for the planting season and also in August / September in time for the harvesting season. Common locations seem to be Herefordshire and Cambridgeshire, but thefts have also been reported in other parts of the country.
We would like to take this opportunity to raise your awareness of this matter and to consider taking extra security precautions to protect your aircraft and engines, especially during the prime periods listed above.
Please do let us know if we can be of any assistance in this matter.