Microlighters

Hi Gents :D

Just a big HOWZIT to all of you from East London.

Joined this site about 2 days ago. After reading some conversations in the forums, I'm having second thoughts. I thought pilots did a medical to be declared sane!

I am seriously looking into obtaining an MPL and getting of the ground. Aviation is a huge passion of mine. Always has been. I think I'm ready to trade my sanity for wings.

I suppose the best place to start is at the bottom. Any tips, suggestions and advice would be very welcome.

Greetings

Fruidman :D

Welcome Fruidman :D

First tip - If you are totaly sane don't microlight,

Do you want to dfly trikes or 3 axis?

Welcome bru I'm also an ex East londoner.

Maar dis mos 'n Kiwi daai?

fruidman wrote: Any tips, suggestions and advice would be very welcome. :D

Don't ever look directly at the sun!

Welcome and I know that you will enjoy every hour and cent you spend in the air! Also, keep on logging on here and keep us updated as to your progress; you may also learn a thing or 2 from the more experienced members here.

Hi Guys!

Thanx for the great response! :D

Firstly...Ek kon nie 'n prentjie kry van 'n DODO nie- KIWI sal moet doen tot ek vlerke kry... (Cloud Warrior)

Why would anyone in his right mind leave East London??? (The Agent)

Fortunately I know Loanshark and have spoken to him. He assured me that he would introduce me to the right people. Also offered to take me for a spin in his ML. Can't wait! (Demon)

Thanx for that tip Wart! No Looking directly into Sun has been added to my "NOTE TO SELF" catagory.

Thunderboy; What's the difference between trikes and 3 axes? Does any of this involve chopping down trees?

Hou die bokant blink!

Chat Later

Fruidman :D

fruidman wrote: Thunderboy; What's the difference between trikes and 3 axes? Does any of this involve chopping down trees?

Hi Fruidman, and welcome,

This is like asking if there is a difference between a motorbike and a car.

Trikes are weight-shift planes, it has a wing like a hang-glider and the engine pilots etc are suspended below the wing on a frame. The name is a bit of a misnomer since most planes are 3-wheelers. You operate your steering while on the ground with your feet, your right foot is throotle and the left is brake. Flying is achieved by physically moving the bar, that moves the whole wing. Advantages - short take off and landing, can land on beaches etc. Disadvantages doesn't like heavy winds, slow, pilot is exposed to the elements




3 - Axis, looks like a traditional plane. Usually enclosed. Feet control the rudder, nose wheel for steering, right hand controls the joystick, which in turn controls the ailerons on the big wings, (rolling left and right) and the elevators on the rear wings(up and down) with the rudder giving you left and right you have the 3-axis. The left hand controls the throttle. Advantages, usually faster, less exposed to elements, negatives, not as flexible for short landings and rough fields

COOL!!

I want one of those!! The 3 axes!

I would probably try out both first, but since I obtained my PPL on a Cesna,(Microsoft Flight Simulator) , I would like to go for the 3 axes. (Anyway, the elements make my nose run)

Disadvantages doesn't like heavy winds, slow, pilot is exposed to the elements

Thanks for taking the time to paste the pictures Morpheus. Great advice.

On another note: I have heard that the safest place on an aircraft is way in the back seats...have you ever heard of a plane reversing into a mountain...

Can one purchase DIY kits for 3 axes?

If so, what would the cost and duration be? (If one could spare say 20 hrs a week)

Fruidman

fruidman wrote: I thought pilots did a medical to be declared sane!

We do take medicals to be declared sane, and we are sane, to each other that is. Watch out bud, this forum becomes addictive, (ask me, I get beaten every night - for spending to my time "checking emails")

Get a copy of this months African Pilot - it has all the microlight kit planes in it that you can build, unfortunatley I don't think any SA 3 axis microlights are available in kit form (unless you go Bushbaby & then you can use your PPL but kind of deflects from the open microlight thing)
If you doing convex from ppl you will find 3 axis easier to convert to than trike as controls are the same but there is also more flying involved than say a cessna.

Just ensure that there are parts and back up service available for the kit you choose - see how many are already flying in SA and speak o the guys flying that type)

But :D most importantly have fun

I know what you mean

this forum becomes addictive

I am currently on AWOL, sitting at my wife's office with ADSL.

She just doesn't understand the importance of these forums! Complains endlessly when I kick her off her work PC...

Thanx for that input ThunderBoy.

I just wanted to know as a matter of interest. At this stage I'm still saving up to buy an issue of African Pilot!

Quite honestly, I don't mind how I get into the air, as long as I eventually do...ASAP!

fruidman wrote:Can one purchase DIY kits for 3 axes?

If so, what would the cost and duration be? (If one could spare say 20 hrs a week)

Fruidman

Yes you can get kits quite easily. The best value for money kit wise is the local Bush Baby ans then the Cheetah. The Bush Baby kit is about R85k without instruments and Engine. It will take you about 300 hours to build. so in this case 15 weeks. Engine and instuments will cost another R60K



The next is the Cheetah, also local R115K for the kit just add Engine and Prop for say 50K. Build in 150 hours, or 8 weeks

There are imports and generally they will cost you about R200K unbuilt and also take 300 hours to build.

Wow!

Maybe one day when I'm big I'll consider that route. I think for now I should concentrate on obtaining my MPL.

Nice pics, thanx.