Flexwing microlight advice.

[Beethoven]

I wonder if anyone may be able to assist. I have finally made the decision that I want to take up flexwing flying. I have had a couple of trial flights in the past but could not be bothered selling my share in my Piper up to this point. I would not get away with not taking my step dad flying virtually every week but the trouble is he is nearly 17 stones in weight and I am 12 stone so I just wanted some advice of the most appropriate flex and still have enough fuel for an hour or so with reserve. I would really like to keep it as basic and inexpensive as possible and was hoping that the older machines such as blades etc may be suitable but seeing as my step dad will be my main flying partner any machine I get would have to be able to cope with the pair of us. Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

Beet

[magpienja]

With out converting your weight into kg I'm not sure,

But it it helps...I fly the forerunner to the Blade...a 1993 Flash 2 Alpha...they have the same cockpit seat loading at 110kg max...with a total cockpit load of 180kg...with a total mauw of 370kg,

Some of the later machines such as the GT450 have a mauw of 450kg...not sure about there seat limit though....but much more expensive,

P.S. just found an on line converter...the pair of you work out about 185kg...so your not far off there....have to get granddad to try and shed a few kgs,

Hope that helps.

Nick.

[Beethoven]

Many thanks Magpienja. If the flash 2a could fit the bill and allow enough for a decent length flight then I would definitely consider that. I have currently got a share in a Pa38 which I have only flown solo up to now but after working out how heavy my passenger could be with 20 us gallons on board, it came out at a shockingly low 9 stone!!! Currently my only acquaintance who could fly with me with that limit is my Jack Russell..

Beet

[Genghis the Engineer]

Look on the BMAA website - the "Type Approval Data Sheets" there describe the microlights useable for training.

Each TADS shows the seat weight limits for that type.

A couple of years old now so won't have a handful of the newest types, but the other useful source of information on this is this book (http://www.afeonline.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2309).

G

[magpienja]

I would only consider a F2a like mine if it where powered by the 582 rotax...there are some about,

Mine has a 503 and would be working very hard at your kind of all up weight...although I fly solo 95% of the time and its just fine for me...burning about 10lts per hour and give 700-800fpm climb,

A Blade 582 is a capable machine...available for 5K onwards.

Nick.

[patowalker]

Each TADS shows the seat weight limits for that type.

A couple of years old now so won't have a handful of the newest types, but the other useful source of information on this is this book (http://www.afeonline.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2309).

Recommended. The guy that wrote the book was responsible for many of the TADS and I believe he also oversaw the increase in some seat weight limits.

[Beethoven]

Many thanks for the replies folks. I was very interested to find out about the seat weight increases on the blade and flash2a aircraft and the TADS were exactly what I was looking for. I will also put an order in for that book Genghis and Pato and hopefully by the time I've changed over it will be somewhat warmer than it is now:ooh:

Beet

[Stephen Furner]

The Quick GT450 www site claims 110KG seat loading and max combined pilot + passenger of 210KG. However there is also a pilot min weight requirement.

Our Aircraft Range - P&M Aviation (http://www.pmaviation.co.uk/gt450.html)

This might solve prob for your step dad if he is at correct weight for his height, but is only a short term fix if he is gaining weight and is not dealing well with health problems of middle age spread.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Virtually all flexwings have a pilot minimum weight requirement, usually about 55kg.

If you are lucky enough to weigh less than 55kg, you'll get little sympathy from me, and can sit on a lump of lead!

G