Southern Aero, LLC

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at Southern Aero

07/09/2024

We are getting ready for Oshkosh and Airventure 2024!! If you are Oshkosh-bound, please plan to attend our Forum on Wednesday, July 24, at 11:30 am, Workshop Classroom B . Our Forum is titled, "Franklin PMAs, STCs, SUPs, and the FAA." I hope to see you there!! Robert Still

Send a message to learn more

03/05/2024

Here is what's going on. Southern Aero has not been properly notified by the FAA, which is a violation of Order 8120.16A for Suspected Unapproved Parts. But we do have the document, and it is real. Since someone decided to report to the FAA everyone in the Franklin engine service and parts community that are perceived to be competitors (and continued to try to buy parts from us while doing so) we have all been visited by a FSDO or MIDO representative, had our inventories examined thoroughly, and thought we had been cleared.
What the document says in FAA speak is we were unable to provide a contemporary (Part 45 compliant) markings for certain parts, or a paper trail proving the actual Type Certificate, PMA or STC holder for the named 50-year-old LEGAL, AIRWORTHY parts. CAA era parts, not FAA. Please understand the difference here. It is a question of labels and provenance, not safety and airworthy-ness. Do you know where your father's birth certificate is? Here is the fun part, and we can prove this. Every part on this list was on a list the MIDO inspectors already had ahead of time and came to see, SPECIFICALLY. Hmmm. Our source in the FAA says that the protocol set forth in 8120.16A, providing for a process that allows for identifying and correcting these discrepancies has not been followed, and we will act accordingly.
We have done our best to stay out of commenting publicly on what we know, hoping the process that we know is ongoing would eventually take care of the problem. But more importantly, Southern Aero has not ever, and will not ever provide any un-airworthy parts or perform any unapproved procedures to anyone.

12/24/2023

Merry Christmas

04/16/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgkwcCmTCvg

Legacy Engine Franklin - Zenith CH601XLB Aircraft built by Joe Aloof based in Dunnellon FL gives us a tour of his custom Airplane!👇🏼 👇🏼👇🏼 Click "SHOW M...

02/23/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWUp3PKxZsk
details in video

This video introduces the new bolt on alternator for the Franklin aircraft engine.Specifications are12 volt nominal system voltage, clamped at a maximum of 1...

10/07/2022

Super Cub wing rib stitched and ready for tapes. One down and one to go!!

08/22/2022

As promised, here is more info on the alternator project. First, We have been working for years to get every existing manufacturer of aviation alternators to build one for us, which would make the certification process much easier. Every one of them turned us down. Here is what we have done on our own:
Specs: 12V. 40Amp output is projected at 1700RPM and above. MTBF and any TBO is yet to be determined. We will be submitting paperwork for PMA and a STC once initial testing warrants. We have fitted prototypes to a static test engine and a flying aircraft.
NO sales as of yet, but some will be sold to experimental users to gain reliability info in the near future. The photo shows how it was done in the past with the original auto length shaft and an adapter. We have a factory made long shaft. You will use your existing drive gear and absorber from your generator, NO modifications. An external voltage regulator is in development. Unlike the"pie in the sky" of the past, this project is for real. There will not be any requests for "upfront" deposits. All updates will be on this page. Thank you for your interest

07/11/2022

Due to an increase in prices of certain parts used in cylinder reconditioning, we must announce the following:
1. 150 and 165 overhaul charge is now $800.00 for your serviceable cylinder. There are core charges if the cylinder supplied is unserviceable. Price includes new liner, new modern guides, new valve seats and new springs.
2. 220 cylinder overhaul charge is $850.00. Same details as above.
3. All seals, gaskets, packings and O rings necessary for installation are available.
4. Most special removal and installation tools are available, as are manuals. Call.

07/11/2022

A pic of the airframe shop here at Southern Aero where museum quality restorations are done. All metal work, wood work, fabric and paint are done in house. Engine work is done is a separate clean room.

06/07/2022

Here are the photos I promised of how we do sliding windows. This is a -3. Earlier models use different latching systems.