PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Buying a light aircraft
View Single Post
Old 5th Sep 2012, 11:30
  #49 (permalink)  
Immortal
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: FMMI
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes Aquila. There is nothing like it.

Garmin 500, GNS 650, extra horizon and you're NVFR equipped. Rotax reliability and easy maintenance (go to a shop with experience with Rotax though). Fuel with RON 92,95,98 with up to 10% alcohol is no problem. Avgas is an option, but if you use that fuel type to often, your aircraft sees the mechanic every 50 hours instead of 100 hours.

Nice feature about the Aquila is that normally the Rotax has a 5 minute limit with full power applied (100%). After these 5 minutes you must reduce power a bit. The Aquila has the reduced power (95% or so) for take-off, so you can continuously climb to your cruising altitude with the power applied at the take-off run. So the engine is actually derated to 95 HP at take off. I think (but maybe it is a psycological thing) that it is better for the engine not to run it at 100%.

When you've flown 2000 hours the 912Si could be a retrofit option for the Aquila and it is even easier to fly without any carb heat things stuff to forget. Not speaking about the fuel savings with the injected engine.

The only thing it lacks (as most other VFR 2 seaters unfortunately) is pitot heat. It is not even possible as on option...

If you like retractable gear, this is also a nice aircraft: Single Engine - P2002JR - Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam

Is no IFR not a deal breaker for you?
Immortal is offline