Microlighters

Hi all, I am new to this forum although I have been following as a guest for a while. I am currently busy with my ppl but have lately been playing around with the idea of buying myself a trike to fly on those nice sunny days. Problem is I know nothing about these flying craft and would appreciate any advice on type, what to look out for etc. My requirements is basically as follows: nice beginner/intermediate trike, 2 seater (I weigh app 100 kg) and I would like to be able to take-off from my plot (if this is even an option). I know this does not give you much info, but this is as much as I know - any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to our forum .
Go to a microlight school in your area,and go fly with an instructor -he can give you advice on what trike,and if you can fly from your plot.

Where would the closest school be to Port Elizabeth?

Hi apologies for the late reply

I'm up in GP so not sure about trike schools in your area but perhaps contact MISASA (http://www.weboonline.com//misasa/webContact.php) they should be able to point you in the right direction

Depending on the trike you get I'd say you need as much runway as you can afford minimum 300m with no obstacles like power lines etc IMHO (take off roll is 60-80m and landing 40-60m on most trikes if not mistaken but you dont want to be on the limits)

Like the others suggested go for an intro flight and see if you enjoy the open cockpit thing

Cheers
Ant

Plan on landing being a bit longer - I've been told that brakes are for sissy's...

Hi all

Thanks for the replies, sorry about the confusion on the part of using it on the plot. I have more than enough space for landing and take off. I currently have an option to buy a windlass with a 503 and an aqualla 2 wing, any info on this set up - R 30 000 plus the trailer.

Also what other subjects will I have to do for a MSL?

newbie ppl wrote:Hi all

Thanks for the replies, sorry about the confusion on the part of using it on the plot. I have more than enough space for landing and take off. I currently have an option to buy a windlass with a 503 and an aqualla 2 wing, any info on this set up - R 30 000 plus the trailer.

Also what other subjects will I have to do for a MSL?

Hi before you buy a trike get a qualified AP / your flight school instructor to have a proper look at it

I learned the hard way, bought a "bargain" & already spent about 15k on the engine alone (rings stuck, oil leaks, stator kaput etc etc etc...)

30k sounds like a very good price but it depends on lots of things, hours on airframe & engine, general condition, instrumentation, extra's etc

If you can have a look at the piston sleeves to make sure they're loose & general condition of carbon buildup etc

Also make sure it's a dual ignition!

How much do you weigh incl pax? 503 obviously don't have as much power as a 582 but down at the coast it should be 100%

I speak under correction (phone RAASA to double check: http://raasa.stepsonline.co.za/index.php/?page_id=67)
you might have to do specific WCM principles of flight & engines + airframes)

Cheers
Ant

Alkemac wrote:Plan on landing being a bit longer - I've been told that brakes are for sissy's...

You have brakes??? Wow, amazing Alkemac! I have a brake pedal...but no idea what it actually does...

Welcome to the forum Newbie Glad you've finally decided to buy a "real" airplane! (just kidding )

My advice to you is the same as I have given to other newcommers to the WCM world....dont be too hasty. I dont know the PE world too well but there must be a Flying school within reasonable driving distance for you to do a proper Intro Flight and learn a bit more about these magnificent flying machines us trikers love so much, their advantages and their limits.

The instructors we have in this country are 99% brilliant pilots as well as incredible resevoirs of information and experience. This game is no different to others in that there are many potential pitfalls waiting around the corner. The "Bargain priced trike" is more often than not in need of serious repair or maintenance and as you can see by Ant's post above, you can very often find things getting rather expensive in a very short space of time. (especially after you have just coughed up a few grand to complete your NPL!)

Personally, I try and discourage the purchase of a trike before someone has completed their training. The reason why is because just like the fixed wing world, not all Trikes were created equal and you really need to make sure that the plane you buy will suit your needs. This decision can only be made when you have a few hours under the belt. Always have the machine you plan to buy overlooked by an experienced hand, preferably an AP. Remember that you will be "committing" yourself to an airplane for the next 5-10 years on average....make sure it's the right one!

Other than that, good luck! I hope you join our world of aviation. I have flown in many different aerie types and I can honestly say I've never enjoyed a flight as much as I have flying my own Samoosa....the exposure, the view...the fact that you feel like an integral part of the airframe make this one of the best forms of flight around.

Having your own "runway" and plot just makes me jealous dammit!!!!

newbie ppl wrote:Where would the closest school be to Port Elizabeth?

Larry and Sharon from Grahamstown Flying School is the closest to you. oh eight two 574 6 one oh 2
I live in Plettenberg Bay and recently completed my trike license there. Was the closest place for me.
Good luck, loads of fun.
Steel