What differentiates between a SEP (cessna etc) and a Fixed Wing microlight?

[mjtibbs]

Hi,
Probably is a silly question but its eating away at me.
I came across some pictures today of the Ikarus C42 fixed-wing microlight and it was only when checking out the G-INFO on the CAA website that I realised it was classed as a microlight.
I imagine that the main difference between SEP a/c and Fixed Wing microlights is the engine type/power/aircraft weight?
I was quite shocked to see the Ikarus was classed a microlight. I just saw the propellar at the front and assumed it was a SEP.
I am an engine newb and dont know a great deal about SEP's and fixed wings to be honest.
heres a pic of the Ikarus C42:
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/6/2/5/1224526.jpg

[Heliport]

MAUW? :confused:

[tangovictor]

the main differences are
450kg MTOW
and a lower stall rate
can be flown with nppl m licence
http://www.bmaa.org/default.asp
will answer most of your questions

[airborne_artist]

The UK definition of a microlight is -
"Microlight aeroplane means an aeroplane designed to carry not more than two persons which has:
(a) a maximum total weight authorised not exceeding:

300kg for a single seat landplane
450kg for a two seat landplane
330kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane, or
495kg for a two seat amphibian or floatplane and
(b) either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 knots calibrated airspeed"



And as you have seen, aircraft like the C42 can be built as either a microlight or a Group A aircraft, with exactly the same airframe and engine. As a group A they will have a higher permitted AUW, and you'll probably find that the lack of weight limit issues means they have more avionics and a smarter trim in the cabin!

Have a look at the performance of this aircraft (http://www.avnet.co.uk/lts/pages/ulc.htm) which is a UK legal microlight. Max level 145 kts, cruise at 137 kts, burns 14.3 l/hr at 131 kts. (almost exactly 150 mph).

[Brooklands]

If its a kit built microlight, and operated on a PFA administered permit to fly, then the PFA stipulate a maximum empty weight as well. IIRC this is based on an 80kg pilot (and passenger if a 2 seater) and one hours fuel.

For the Icarus this works out at 265kg or 268kg depending on which Rotax engine (80hp or 100hp) is fitted. This is in section 15 of the PFA Data Sheet (http://www.pfa.org.uk/Data%20Sheets/322%20C42%20IKARUS.pdf) for the C42.

I'm not sure about factory built microlights as the BMAA look after the permit to fly for these.

Brooklands

[Fuji Abound]

Price :)

[Edited to add: Running costs]

[Edited to add, ones very new and the other is very old, but the new one will porbably not last as long as the old one has!]

[mjtibbs]

thanks for the info guys.

I am looking into studying for my JAA PPL, just the whole finance thing is a serious factor.

Although; these fixed-winged badboys and the NPPL could be an option, but if i'm gonna spend X amount, i'd rather go the full 100 so I could fly worldwide and would no doubt be able to rent SEP's easier than finding rentable fixed-winged mlights. (I would imagine)

ive got alot more considering/researching to do :ugh::ugh::ok: