What Microlight?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: West Country
What Microlight?
Morning
Grandma, bless her and may she Rest In Piece, has left me some money which I am looking to use to purchase a microlight. My research has narrowed the choices down to 3 - the YLAC WT9 Dynamic; Ikarus C42 and EV97 TeamEurostar. Of course, I'll be arranging a test flight in each of these 3, but also wondered if anyone had any comments on my final 3 (flown in them, or better still own them); and have I missed another bird worth considering?
Any input gratefully appreciated.
CdJ.
Grandma, bless her and may she Rest In Piece, has left me some money which I am looking to use to purchase a microlight. My research has narrowed the choices down to 3 - the YLAC WT9 Dynamic; Ikarus C42 and EV97 TeamEurostar. Of course, I'll be arranging a test flight in each of these 3, but also wondered if anyone had any comments on my final 3 (flown in them, or better still own them); and have I missed another bird worth considering?
Any input gratefully appreciated.
CdJ.
Joined: Nov 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,458
Likes: 368
From: Wildest Surrey
To be realistic, depends what you want to do. For cross countries. you could look at a Shadow DD, but if you just want a fun machine, an AX3 or AX2000 takes some beating.
Joined: Jan 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 38
Likes: 63
From: The Smaller Antipode
He asked for Microlights. Do your choices fit into the microlight category in the UK, javelin ? ( I presume UK is involved ? )
Many of us are restricted to microlights as we can no longer meet the requirements for a Class 2 medical cert. that is a necessity with the PPL that is mandatory for your choices in NZ, javelin, hence our involvement with "microlights" ( LSA I guess, really )
Their 'snowmobile' engines are superior to, more economical than, more reliable than, and easier to handle than many 'Spam Can' 1940's technology engines that I have experienced - and you don't need licensed aeronautical maintenance engineers who charge like wounded bulls, to change the oil and plugs. ( at least not in NZ )
First of all - 2 of the options are low wing, and the third is high wing, so make that decision.
Which construction type do you prefer ? The Dynamic is carbon fibre, and the Euro Star metal I believe ?
My aero club started with a Tecnam, which is basically aluminium with both fabric and 'plastic' additions, but we damaged two fuselage stringers and when buying my own syndicate machine, we went for wood and fibreglass, like a boat, and are delighted with the ALPI Pioneer - 300.
With V.P. prop. retractable gear, 130 kts, cruise, 15 litres/hr consumption, and 4 hours endurance with 2 up and baggage, it doesn't deserve the name ' microlight' and beats the 152's and 172's that are around hands down. And it is fun to fly.
My only experience of the EuroStar was a model known here as the Sportcruiser - same manufacturer. It was lovely to fly, and had a wide cockpit, but it had a heavy empty tank weight, so 2 people and fuel for any distance might be a challenge - do the sums. Not especially fast, either.
A colleague has a Dynamic, loves it, just fitted long range tanks and enhanced wings, with winglets - not quite NZ - UK nonstop, but watch this space !! Hurtles along at around 140 kts most times.
Best of luck, you'll love whatever you choose.
Many of us are restricted to microlights as we can no longer meet the requirements for a Class 2 medical cert. that is a necessity with the PPL that is mandatory for your choices in NZ, javelin, hence our involvement with "microlights" ( LSA I guess, really )
Their 'snowmobile' engines are superior to, more economical than, more reliable than, and easier to handle than many 'Spam Can' 1940's technology engines that I have experienced - and you don't need licensed aeronautical maintenance engineers who charge like wounded bulls, to change the oil and plugs. ( at least not in NZ )
First of all - 2 of the options are low wing, and the third is high wing, so make that decision.
Which construction type do you prefer ? The Dynamic is carbon fibre, and the Euro Star metal I believe ?
My aero club started with a Tecnam, which is basically aluminium with both fabric and 'plastic' additions, but we damaged two fuselage stringers and when buying my own syndicate machine, we went for wood and fibreglass, like a boat, and are delighted with the ALPI Pioneer - 300.
With V.P. prop. retractable gear, 130 kts, cruise, 15 litres/hr consumption, and 4 hours endurance with 2 up and baggage, it doesn't deserve the name ' microlight' and beats the 152's and 172's that are around hands down. And it is fun to fly.
My only experience of the EuroStar was a model known here as the Sportcruiser - same manufacturer. It was lovely to fly, and had a wide cockpit, but it had a heavy empty tank weight, so 2 people and fuel for any distance might be a challenge - do the sums. Not especially fast, either.
A colleague has a Dynamic, loves it, just fitted long range tanks and enhanced wings, with winglets - not quite NZ - UK nonstop, but watch this space !! Hurtles along at around 140 kts most times.
Best of luck, you'll love whatever you choose.
Last edited by ExSp33db1rd; 19th May 2009 at 09:36.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 0
From: Midlands
Non of the following are Micros (in the UK);
Champ, Cub, Jodel, Luscombe, Emeraude, Pioneer – 300, Sportcruiser
You have chosen a slightly odd mix. The Dynamic is a carbon hot ship which will tour at 120kn, the Ikarus C42 and the EV97 TeamEurostar are capable of around 85kn. Watch the useful load on all three! The C42 and EV97 are both used extensively as trainers, and are direct competitors. The Dynamic is in a different class speed wise and competes with the CT and MCR01 ULC. All three can be factory built or home built.
Go fly as many different types as you can. Talk to real owners and take your time!
Good luck,
Rod1
Champ, Cub, Jodel, Luscombe, Emeraude, Pioneer – 300, Sportcruiser
You have chosen a slightly odd mix. The Dynamic is a carbon hot ship which will tour at 120kn, the Ikarus C42 and the EV97 TeamEurostar are capable of around 85kn. Watch the useful load on all three! The C42 and EV97 are both used extensively as trainers, and are direct competitors. The Dynamic is in a different class speed wise and competes with the CT and MCR01 ULC. All three can be factory built or home built.
Go fly as many different types as you can. Talk to real owners and take your time!
Good luck,
Rod1
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Nr Gatwick
You can not compare the Jab to a Eurostar very compact very uncomfortable
and no toe brakes. we are on our second Eurostar knocks the socks off of all
the others and it looks like an aeroplane and not something put together with
Fabric.
If you are looking for speed and twitchy go for the Bambi and hope it don't fall apart.
and no toe brakes. we are on our second Eurostar knocks the socks off of all
the others and it looks like an aeroplane and not something put together with
Fabric.
If you are looking for speed and twitchy go for the Bambi and hope it don't fall apart.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
You could go for the 100kt cruising Jabiru.
Cheaper than all 3 as well.
I can get from Deanland to Abbeville and back on £28.
ex. Rans flyer ;-)
Flight for Life.
Cheaper than all 3 as well.
I can get from Deanland to Abbeville and back on £28.
ex. Rans flyer ;-)
Flight for Life.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
"You can not compare the Jab to a Eurostar"
This is VERY True,
1. A ready to fly Jabiru is £11,500 less than the Eurostar.
2. The Jabiru's Vno is 15mph faster.
3. The Jabiru is stronger (+9g as opposed to +6)
4. The Jabiru's cabin is 1" wide than the Eurostar.
This is why when it comes to UK spec microlights the Jabiru still holds the records for Altitude, Economy and Speed (2 x records).
Also, you an paint the Jabiru microlight without it going over the weight limit ;-)
Don't get me wrong the Eurostar is a very nice plane, but £££ for Knots nothing comes close to a Jabiru. Simple as that.
This is VERY True,
1. A ready to fly Jabiru is £11,500 less than the Eurostar.
2. The Jabiru's Vno is 15mph faster.
3. The Jabiru is stronger (+9g as opposed to +6)
4. The Jabiru's cabin is 1" wide than the Eurostar.
This is why when it comes to UK spec microlights the Jabiru still holds the records for Altitude, Economy and Speed (2 x records).
Also, you an paint the Jabiru microlight without it going over the weight limit ;-)
Don't get me wrong the Eurostar is a very nice plane, but £££ for Knots nothing comes close to a Jabiru. Simple as that.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Depends how big your @rse is!
I find the soft leather seats in my Jab are great.
It's not my @rse thats the problem it's my bladder, I could never use the 6 hours endurance of the Jab, I'd have to come down for a pee!
I find the soft leather seats in my Jab are great.
It's not my @rse thats the problem it's my bladder, I could never use the 6 hours endurance of the Jab, I'd have to come down for a pee!
Last edited by Rans Flyer; 19th May 2009 at 14:59.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Plumpton Green
Rans Flyer,
You really need to catch up. It now looks like this
EuroStar SL - Great Light Aircraft, Now Even Better
pato
You really need to catch up. It now looks like this
EuroStar SL - Great Light Aircraft, Now Even Better
pato
