Microlighters

Hi there all you knowledgeable guys and gals

I am in the market for a 3 axis microlight, not to replace my trike but rather to use to commute between work and home.

Range +/- 500 miles
Cruse speed +/- 110 mph
Cost +/- R 350 000.00

There are many models out there and it has become so difficult to decide which one to choose from.

I would really appreciate some help, perhaps including internet sites for local agents or some honest opinions from owners of various models.

Thanks and regards

Bumpy

Hi Bumpy, me not a GURU, but you MUST buy the new African Pilot Mag. It has a very good comparison on most of all the new available light 3-axis in RSA, I enjoyed it a lot. Was only a bit dissapointed that the Bush Baby was excluded from the comparison nevertheless a must, pricing, speed, etc.

I think you should look ata ultralight but what sort of route do you need to fly, mountais or what perhaps from where to where.

I would suggest a Gyro as most weather conditions will not affect if you can fly or not, whereas a fixed wing you sometimes need to pull out the big brass ones.

hi bumpy.

come see us at Micro Flight Aviation @ Rhino Park.
we play and sell with alot of fast toys and the guys also know of a few low hour nice toys on the market..

Based on your requirements I would suggest the Jabi with the 120hp engine. There have been a few of the SP's for sale at around the R350K mark. Should get you around at 115kts cruise and it has adequate short firld performance. Make sure it has upgraded U/C if going to use on ground/rough strips.... The 80hp will get you around at 95kts, but the xtra cost for speed is worth it if you do the trip weekly or even bi weekly.... (I save 30-35hrs a month of drive time by using the plane rather than the car)

For slightly more you could get the 4 seater Jabi and have a whole lot more aerie for your bucks, but would need PPL....

2c

PS
I was in same boat some time ago. Search AVCOM.co.za for discussion (search jcvb jabi J400). I test flew some 15+ aeries and short listed the Jabi, StingRG, Samba, RV and some big iron as I had 400nm round trip to make. Final decision was RV as R:$ dropped below R6:R1 which changed landed price of imported speed machine by R130,000......

PPS
Not financially linked to Jabi or "dissing" other models available, just that the Jabi provides best bang for the buck in speed dept...

I would suggest a sting. Very fast (110-130kt). In your price range. economical. Contact microflight for info. braam@microflightaviation.co.za

Sting was well over R400K when I was looking 2 years ago. Has price come down?