Robin ATL
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Manchester
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Robin ATL
Has anyone had any experience of flying the V tailed Robin ATL. It did not get a warm welcome initially in the early 80's due to the fact it only had a single ignition.
However I understand it has some unusual stalling characteristics and would be happy to know what anyone else thinks!
However I understand it has some unusual stalling characteristics and would be happy to know what anyone else thinks!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Manchester
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Robin ATL characteristics
I operate a Robin ATL out of Manchester Barton and I can say that it is a very pleasant little aeroplane to operate and fly.
The stall is quite benign and well advertised by a buffet of the tail. In the stall the aircraft will descend at stall attitude without any tendency to drop a wing.
There are quite complicated aerodynamics over the V tail and one characteristic of the ATL is that the tail stalls long before the main wing. This results in the rear end buffet.
The aircraft is very well harmonised and extremely stable. Being a Robin it has an excellent view from the cockpit.
The other point of note is that it is very much a stick and rudder aircraft. I also fly a C172 and so have had to get used to the idea of actually using rudder peddles! The narrow rear boom and V tail means that the maximum crosswind component is 20kts. That's an improvement over what I'm used to but I have yet to test it out.
The stall is quite benign and well advertised by a buffet of the tail. In the stall the aircraft will descend at stall attitude without any tendency to drop a wing.
There are quite complicated aerodynamics over the V tail and one characteristic of the ATL is that the tail stalls long before the main wing. This results in the rear end buffet.
The aircraft is very well harmonised and extremely stable. Being a Robin it has an excellent view from the cockpit.
The other point of note is that it is very much a stick and rudder aircraft. I also fly a C172 and so have had to get used to the idea of actually using rudder peddles! The narrow rear boom and V tail means that the maximum crosswind component is 20kts. That's an improvement over what I'm used to but I have yet to test it out.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cheltenham
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Robin ATL
Our flying group has been operating a Robin ATL (with Limbach engine) for several years now. It is actually for sale, but only because the majority of our group want a four seater, and I have flown her regularly with no problems. I usually say to other pilots that if I hadn't been told it had a V tail, I wouldn't have known! After flying her, most people seem to agree with this statement.
The stall with or without flap is very benign (on our aircraft at least) with no significant wing drop.
In summary - a delightfully economical and gentle aircraft to fly.
The stall with or without flap is very benign (on our aircraft at least) with no significant wing drop.
In summary - a delightfully economical and gentle aircraft to fly.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: frome
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robin atl
I have had a robin atl since 2000, and although as with every aircraft you never have perfection the atl is close as i can get for what i was looking for. It has great visability, is relaxing to fly. It could do with a little more power. The wing profile gives for a comfortable flight and is very forgiving. I don't understand the fuss people make about the v tail, i love the look of it and the controls do what they say on the tin! There are no suprises with this little plane. It's very quiet in the office! not all loud mouthed like our american manufacturers!! Consumption for the JPX engined atl is about 11 to 15 litres per hour, and mine is passed for unleaded!
Chris fox
Chris fox
Join Date: Jul 2007
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ATL
I had an ATL for a while and it was a very pleasant a/c to fly. Best to avoid windy days as a strong wind would seriously affect ground speed unless you are returning the same day same route !
Surprisingly good at short field and quite benign flight characteristics.
Great for short trips around the local area although I have flown 300 NM across France and Belgium in one day against a 20 kt headwind, embarrassing to see cars overtaking me.
Surprisingly good at short field and quite benign flight characteristics.
Great for short trips around the local area although I have flown 300 NM across France and Belgium in one day against a 20 kt headwind, embarrassing to see cars overtaking me.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Hampshire
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Can anyone tell me how much to allow for overhauling a limbach or jpx engine and where to get it done. Also how many man hours are involved in the 2000hr and 6 year wing bolt inspection fThanks
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Italy
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Robin ATL/L
Fine plane and very cheap flight in almost all weather conditions (not so much windy) [IMG]/Users/macmini/Pictures/Foto Bluenose/Modified/2012/18:mag:2012/IMG_0237.JPG[/IMG]
I'm very Happy of it now over simply and sure with Vortex Generators on my wing that increase control and performance with only 75hp Lymbach engine...
I'm very Happy of it now over simply and sure with Vortex Generators on my wing that increase control and performance with only 75hp Lymbach engine...
