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.

Champ, Cub, Jodel, Luscombe, Emeraude or anything else that doesn't have a snowmobile engine and has some character :E

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.

Have you considered a Sportcruiser? Ok so you may have to build it (put it together) but its no big deal.

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.

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

Please don't buy a C42 second-hand - because I'm trying to buy another one!

I done 25 hours in the ev97. It has great visibilty and a sporty responsive feel. I quite liked it but chose a jabiru in the end.

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.

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.

And a sore @rse

"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.

All very good but you still got the sore @rse
I rest my case :)

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!

http://www.flightforlife.co.uk/tiny-jab.jpg

Sorry but from the front it looks like one of natures swimmers

Rans mate, very nice aircraft.

Chef du Jours, did we help, or do you need more?

Rod1

I've always thought the Eurostar looked a bit like.....

http://iyokobat.files.wordpress.com/...rry-dvorak.jpg

or

http://flight.cz/cricri/photos/FR-Fr...e_secchi_3.jpg


Hello Rod1, Different thread, same old conversation eh! ;-)

I like it.:ok:

Rans Flyer,

You really need to catch up. It now looks like this

EuroStar SL - Great Light Aircraft, Now Even Better

pato

RF
Bet you would swap for that one.:p