Purchasing an AX2000

[Genghis the Engineer]

As aviation organisations go, BMAA paperwork is one of the less painful.

I'd think that with the parts, a capable assistant, and a winch, I could probably change the engine in a weekend - but it won't be a cheap exercise when you add up all the small bits you need to change.

In my opinion - just go shopping for an AX2000 with a 582 on it already, unless the HKS engined one is a particularly nice airframe for a spectacularly low price.

Or an X'Air/582, which in my opinion is still the nicer aeroplane - albeit without a source of spares in Rochdale.

The 503 is arguably an even more robust engine than the 582 - it's just not so well supported now, and really needs an airframe as lightweight as an AX3 or Thruster TST to be viable. On an X'Air or AX2000, it's going to be gutless.

G

[chevvron]

But the 582, being water cooled, just seems an overall better engine; more powerful obviously but also much smoother and quieter.

[Small Rodent Driver]

Several years back Rotax dropped what was IMO the best engine they did for microlights. The liquid cooled 462.

Lighter than the 582. Single carb made it very economical and being liquid cooled it was quieter and more punchy than the 503. Just about the right power output for a 390 / 450kg aircraft.

Pity they didn't develop it to bear twin DCDI ignition as in the other models.

[Heston]

I see that P&M have just announced they are to close their Rochdale business and group everything at their site near Marlborough. So the OP won't have the local parts supplier advantage if he goes the AX route.

[chillindan]

Cyclone AX-3

So 12 months on from this thread I've just agreed the purchase of an AX-3 and now have a couple of other questions for those who kindly contributed to this thread last year:

1 - Anyone know where I can buy a set of decent outdoor covers for one? Its been hangered all its life but I haven't managed to find any hangar space in the North West yet that is reasonably priced and/or even available

2 - Anyone know of any hangar space a farm strip or something within an hours drive of Rochdale? Theres tie down space at Carr Valley which is where I'm looking at basing it but would prefer to keep it in a hangar if at all possible

Many thanks as ever,
D

[chevvron]

You lucky bugger; wish I could find a decent one down south here, I 'd love to re-acquaint myself with it. No good if you want to go somewhere but a real 'fun' STOL aeroplane.

[x933]

Vertigo Covers seem as good as any.

[Grass_Strip_Goat]

I am 4 years into ownership of an X Air 582 Wide Door which I fly off a small grass strip. I can only speak for my own experience and I am NOT an expert:

Much easier to get in/out of than an AX. Even the "Wide Door" version has a knack though.

Still available as new which means all spares can be had via X Air UK. They provide a nice, efficient and friendly service with a usually very quick turn around.

Fantastic suspension on the gear copes really well with rough strips.

582 totally reliable if looked after and cheap to run - if you don't rev it out you can cruise one up on about 12lph of Mogas & oil premix. Two up and revving it will see fuel consumption increase substantially.

Don't expect to go anywhere fast - cruise is approx. 55Kts, flying faster just sucks fuel.

Handles like a dream, lovely to fly, easy to land.

Approx 230Kg empty which gives a useful load of approx. 220Kg.

BMAA quite painless to deal with.

Farm strip fun for circa £5K.

Has made me very happy!

All a year late for this thread of course!

[Grass_Strip_Goat]

Nigel at Top Flight Sails is a good call. Very reasonable and excellent quality.

[chevvron]

Originally Posted by Grass_Strip_Goat

582 totally reliable if looked after and cheap to run - if you don't rev it out you can cruise one up on about 12lph of Mogas & oil premix. Two up and revving it will see fuel consumption increase substantially.

Don't expect to go anywhere fast - cruise is approx. 55Kts, flying faster just sucks fuel.

Someone will probably tell you not to do the following, but I found it did wonders for fuel consumption using a 503 if at about 500ft agl, you gently back off the throttle until you see a slight drop on the rev counter, then push it open again a tiny amount.