Microlighters

Hi to all

I am sure most of this is covered on the forumalready, but here goes anyway. (If you can point me to the threads that would also suffice).

I am a PPL with a desire to own my own set of wings. I am thus trying to establish a partnership in order to purchase something that is going to be a pleasure (ito of costs) and a joy to fly. First prize is an RV 6 or 7 (see topic here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15920 ), but failing this materializing I was wondering what the pros and cons of microlights are. Some questions that I have are:

1. Are microlights particularly sensitive to DA and weather conditions? (I stay in "GoeTeng" / Harties and haven't seen much microlight activity for some time. And when I have, they have been buzzing around either in the early morning or late afternoon)

2. Comfort- how do microlights compare to a cozy cockpit of a blik? (Is it that cold? and do you have to wear a spandex suit to enjoy the flight? )

3. Range & speed- what is the typical range and speed of microlights up on the reef?

4. What are the makes/models to look at and which to avoid/steer clear of?

5. Licence- what licence implications are there for a PPL to fly a micro?

6. Any other reasons why I should or should not go the microlight route? (Try not to be biased here, ok )

All your feedback appreciated.
Thanks
Android

I would see what partnerships and airfields availabilities are in your area and test fly as many as you can.

If you want to fly 300 miles on a Saturday morning then start with the RV's but to get in the air with an airrie costing under R 300 g's and less than R500 per hour, the oppertunity is there.

Everything has limitations you got to find what will suit your needs.

Just reading into your post are you commenting on the flex wing microlight or ALL microlights. Remember that there are plenty of fixed wing microlights as well LSA fixed wings.

Thanks AndyG for pointing out the distinction . I am specifically referring to flex wing microlights (weight-shift trike), like Tumbleweed's avatar.

Android wrote:Thanks AndyG for pointing out the distinction . I am specifically referring to flex wing microlights (weight-shift trike), like Tumbleweed's avatar.

The next question would obviously be budget...

The next would be:
Would you rather be flying 150miles, but have 3 great hours in the air? Or fly 300miles in under 2?

On your other questions:
1. Not more than other aircraft. Our engines might not have all that horses, but we are a lot lighter as well. If you fly close to MAUW, and it will bite you, no matter what you fly.
2. Depend on what is comfortable? Not all aeries are comfortable. Like boeings are not. My bum gets tired on a trike after 3 hours, but the same apply to a piper. I do both.
Obviously you will get cold on a trike, but at least you can wear 5 layers of clothes. Plus you get an electric vest which work with 12V. That help. In summer you can go and fly naked to make up for that.
3. Cant say for up on the reef, but that again depend on what you fly. Fly a aquilla at 50mph. You might have a duration of 3.5 - 4.5 hours. Get into a GT450 or quicker, and you will do a comfortable 80mph for the same duration.(Never flown a GT or quicker though.)
4. Start out on a aquilla or cobra or the like. Get a instructor, and get his opinion, as well as fly them. You will quickly like one more than the other.
5. Unfortunaly you will have to do a whole course. Exams will be ATG. Airlaw might depend on when you have written you last one. not sure. Hours will be in the order of 25 hours. Still, I speak in the dark here, rather get the facts from a school.
6. No. Go and give it a go. Just remember, that it does not matter what you fly (be it a airbus or a trike) they measure you flight time in hours, not in distance.

Hope this help.

Its like comparing a bike to a car. They both have wheels and an engine but you cant compare it as both have their pros and cons.
A trike is not a method of transport but a lot of fun to fly when the conditions are right. We like the wind in our faces and the feeling of freedom.
Like some other members already said, go and fly it but go 3 times: once in the morning, once in the middle of the day and once in windy conditions and then make up your mind.

I sold my trike to fly fixed wings and regretted it soon. Personally I am flying trikes again but it is not for everyone

You can fly a LSA of CCM plane on your PPL.
You have quite a few airfields in the Haries area go and visit them. Aviatiors, Brits,Kroon etc.

The planes to choose form is
Sling,Cubby,Bushbaby,Cheetha,Rans,Thunderbird,Bantam,Aviatika,Savanah,Rv 12,Jabiru,JK Junior,Kitfox,Foxbat,Sting and the list goes on.

Each one of above is a plane in its own right with its own flying characteristics.

The advantage of them are that they are cheeper dan your Cessna’s to maintain,Use less fuel, and would even out perform a 172

Contact pietb on the forum to arrange for a test flight in ONE of the above mentioned planes, you will be surprised !!!

Thanks for all your responses so far (keep 'em coming).

I.t.o. budget, I have seen machines listed in the R50k - R75k region. That is very appealing as a means to get up in the air.
However, i do require something that can handle a reasonable x-country (eg. Aviators to Welgevonden) and that can justify flying vs driving wrt time saving .

t-bird wrote: You have quite a few airfields in the Haries area go and visit them. Aviatiors, Brits,Kroon etc.

I fly out of Aviators, but haven't seen any microlight activity there for ages Gonna visit Aeroden this w/end or next.

Regards
Android

Android wrote:I fly out of Aviators, but haven't seen any microlight activity there for ages Gonna visit Aeroden this w/end or next.

Come visit Kroon tomorrow morning and have a lekka breakfeast. Hop skip and jump from Harties. Seems there is going to be quite a few okes to chat to and check out their stuff.

Under flying events: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15495

I flew my Thunderbird from Rhinopark to Botswana border. No problems and quite a few available for sale for +- R 100 k

How about this one ZU BPD

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15609

Low Leve; wrote: Come visit Kroon tomorrow morning and have a lekka breakfeast. Hop skip and jump from Harties. Seems there is going to be quite a few okes to chat to and check out their stuff.

Under flying events: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15495

Thanks for that, Low Level

Anyone with a trike keen to pick me up from from Coves tomorrow? ...else I will do the deed and drive

Give me a call - 083 638 8056

demon, thank you for the kind offer . Thatchman, however, was kind enough to pick me up and take me along to the Kroon fly-in this morning - what a wonderful experience!!! It was my first time in (on?) a trike and I was pleasantly surprised at how gentle and predictable the ride is. I certainly am not going to rule out the option of going the microlight route if the RV partnership doesn't materialise.

Once again, a BEEG thanks to Thatchman for the experience!

Android