Microlight tourer

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I am a professional pilot who knows very little about single engine aircraft. Is it possible to buy a Microlight tourer that I could do journeys of about 120nms (in good wx, of course) or do you need to look at buying something like a Cessna 172?

[mad_jock]

I was in the same boat to do with microlights until that prat crashed his in Dundee.

Have an internet troll for FLIGHT DESIGN CTSW

It is seriously one nice bit of kit.

[Rod1]

Have a look at the MCR01. It is available as a micro or a VLA. You will get 120 – 155kn at 75% (depending on version) on around 18lph mogas.

Rod1

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Thanks to the suggestions in the last 2 posts.
Cheers 1 to go

[Bushfiva]

A somewhat noob question here: would it be sensible to get a PPL and end up owning an MCR01, or is it best suited to people with more experience? Its pricing point, performance and range seem to be a good fit. Am I missing something? As a microlight/VLA, are there gotchas that don't apply to other GA aircraft?

[Rod1]

“A somewhat noob question here: would it be sensible to get a PPL and end up owning an MCR01, or is it best suited to people with more experience? Its pricing point, performance and range seem to be a good fit. Am I missing something? As a microlight/VLA, are there gotchas that don't apply to other GA aircraft?”

The MCR01 Club is a home build VLA, this is a sub set of “Group A” so no complications at all. The ULM version is identical apart from the bigger; more complex and heavier wing (and higher cost) but is a micro.

With any fast Rotax machine you will have differences. If you learned in a modern VLA (which is becoming more common) then you need to understand the CS prop and adapt to 138kn, which will not take too much effort. If you have never sat in a Rotax machine then you will need a bit longer to understand the engine, oil check etc. If you learned in aircraft with poor vis and ailerons which do almost nothing then you may find it hard to suppress the silly grin for several days, maybe even weeks.:ok:

Rod1

[XXPLOD]

I fly both the Icarus C42 and EV97 Eurostar. Both excellent VFR machines with low operating costs. They will do a 120nm leg with ease. Both are Rotax 80 or 100hp, cruise at 80-85kt using 14L mogas ph and a 4 hour endurance. The Eurostar in particular is a lot of fun to fly.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I am a professional pilot who knows very little about single engine aircraft. Is it possible to buy a Microlight tourer that I could do journeys of about 120nms (in good wx, of course) or do you need to look at buying something like a Cessna 172?

A simple old-technology microlight will probably cruise around 50 knots, carry 30-50 litres of fuel, and burn around 13-18 litres/hr.

A more modern flexwing will cruise around 65 knots, burn around 15 litres/hr, and carry around 65 litres.

The most modern 3-axis aircraft will carry 100+ litres of fuel, cruise at 90+ knots and still burn around 15 litres/hr.


Or in other words, virtually any microlight costing you more than about £8k will manage 120nm legs without much trouble.

G

[micromalc]

I've been flying a variety of 3 axis microlights on and off for about 20 years and in my experience, for comfort, cost and prerformance you can't beat the EV97 Eurostar. It will land and take off in the smallest of grass strips and still
"fit in" at any of the larger GA airfields.

[jonkil]

Most Micros will easily do a 120NM leg, even the 2 stroke x-airs with ease, I flew one for a couple hundred hours and did a lot of nice trips in it. For more range then most micros with the 912 rotax has good range, I now fly the C42 and do a lot of touring in it, from North west Ireland to the UK regularly, France,Spain and a good bit of mainland Europe each year. It cruises at a reasonable speed but there is faster stuff there like Rods MCR01 and the CT range, but I operate in and out of very short strips, some only 150 metres long, that is where it really scores. Just back from a 1600 Nautical mile jaunt around France this weekend, great fun with 3x C42, 2x Xair Hawks and a Skyranger.
Route shown below.

Regards,
Jon
http://www.nmai2.flyer.co.uk/misc/routetofrance.jpg

[Bushfiva]

Argh, way too much info. I only needed enough to be somewhat interested. Now I'm really really interested :uhoh:

[Pace]

Have to admit my interest too.
The down side to these high performance microlights (I use the term loosely) has to be the purchase cost which can be 50K plus.

Someone mentioned group ownership schemes? does anyone have any details? or rental establishments?

To Rod1 these aircraft are becoming so sophisticated that it is a shame that they cannot be flown IFR in clouds.
May I add that a beat up 30 year old C150 can as can "gliders":O. That would be useful to save scud running all over the place.

But yes Biggles aircraft did get me drooling too

Pace

[mikehallam]

Suggest your fig's apply to nearly new a/c.

A study from time to time of AFORS might be a better alternative, allowing one to buy into a current a/c's Permit and fly from day one.

e.g. Rans S6 a group of whhich are flying from Australia to Europe at present.

Mike Hallam.

[Pace]

Mike

Yes I was referring to the new generation aircraft like the CTSW and others which can almost cruise at 2 nm a min yet can also go in and out of very short strips.

They not only look good but are very fuel efficient.

Interesting snippet I heard yesterday does anyone know the answer?

Using MOGAS you can claim around 60p a litre back in tax as the fuel is not being used on public roads?

Pace

[micromalc]

several clubs not far from london have shares available in eurostar, c42 etc

Try Damyns Hall, Booker (high Wycombe) and Plaistows Farm and check out the BMAA website

[Jodelman]

Using MOGAS you can claim around 60p a litre back in tax

Yes, but only on the fuel in the tank when you go abroad. My tank holds 110 litres and the fuel drawback amounts to about £60 each time I cross the channel.

[Rans Flyer]

"The down side to these high performance microlights (I use the term loosely) has to be the purchase cost which can be 50K plus."

You can pick up a 100kts Jabiru for £16.5K. (http://www.afors.com/index.php?page=adview&adid=13222&imid=0)

[Justiciar]

Rans Flyer you have a PM!

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Rans Flyer

Please can you PM me details of this aircraft?

Thanks 1 to go

[Genghis the Engineer]

The best site (in my opinion) for second hand microlights would be AFORS (http://www.afors.com/index.php?page=browse&cat=SALE&sec=TAXI&loc=&make=&age=&price=&adage=&needle=&search=search).

If you want data sheets on types, then most UK microlight types have downloadable data sheets from the BMAA website (http://www.bmaa.org/techinfo.asp) (under TADS and HADS) or the LAA website (http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/engineering/aircraftList.html). The choice is enormous, and almost invariably, whatever the type, somebody on PPrune will have flown it and be able to offer a useful opinion as well.

G