Microlighters

Can the learned please give me an idea of the max payloads your typical trikes can carry at density alitudes up to 8000 feet in jhb.

I have for instance looked at the Aquilla website & the payload with the 503 or the 582 is 200kg but does this exclude fuel, thus limiting the payload to approximately 160kg.

Are these craft ok on the reef 2 up etc.

Any input would be welcome.

Hi RV

In my opinion the Aquilla with a 503 is a definate no go at that altitude, the 582 will be fine, remember too much power is just enough! I had an Aquilla in Bloem at 4500ft and with 2 adults and 50ltrs of fuel it is not an easy task to get it airborne on a summers day.

Ive once flown a Aerotrike with a 582 at Springs and it was powerfull enough to get get you out of any normal situation.

Regards.

I fly a Windlass 503, with Aquila 2 wing on it, in Centurion.

Flying on my own, is not too much of problem, obviously I keep a very close eye on the QNH and temperatures of the day, especially during summer. I have taken my wife with me for flips, but again, carefully watching QNH and temperatures.

With low QNH and / or high DA, there is a remarkable decline in the climb rate, that I can obtain. The engine also ends up working a lot harder to maintain straight and level flight, also consuming a lot more fuel.

Obviously, this lack of power limits your options, should something go wrong and you need to abort a landing, or climb very quickly.

A 582 will be sufficient, in my opinion.

Thanks guys, I have heard now from a couple of people that the 503 is a bit small for our DA.

Attached is a calculater I have on my phone for DA. In excel format and always handy

Thanks Piet

It would come to many as a shock that we can have a DA easily in jhb up to 8500 feet. It is also not only about decreased engine performance, but wing performance too. My twin is turbo charged so the engines deliver full power at our high DA, but the aerie flying performance is degraded.

The chances are good that I will soon be buying a trike, the twin is too fast for having a jolly around the cabbage patch & is used for my trips to Port Alfred mostly. I want to have cheap fun over weekends. The microlighters are having all the fun & us certified blik types are kakking off with maintenance & running costs.

RV Sometime wrote:The microlighters are having all the fun & us certified blik types are kakking off with maintenance & running costs.

Now we're talking.

.........and we have cash left for some decent beer.

Go For it, Andre, but buy a 582 or a 912! Then, bring it to Port Alfred with you, and we'll show you what flying is reaalllyy al about!

LM

RV Sometime wrote:Thanks Piet

It would come to many as a shock that we can have a DA easily in jhb up to 8500 feet. It is also not only about decreased engine performance, but wing performance too. My twin is turbo charged so the engines deliver full power at our high DA, but the aerie flying performance is degraded.

The chances are good that I will soon be buying a trike, the twin is too fast for having a jolly around the cabbage patch & is used for my trips to Port Alfred mostly. I want to have cheap fun over weekends. The microlighters are having all the fun & us certified blik types are kakking off with maintenance & running costs.

This is way I keep this handy calculation with me just to check before flying. I carry a small anemometer in my car. It measures wind speed, humidity and temperature. With all that info and the calculator, I am always sure of the DA. Currently my QNH on my instrument panel is not to be trusted. Always at 1031
Must get it calibrated again

pietmeyer wrote: This is way I keep this handy calculation with me just to check before flying. I carry a small anemometer in my car. It measures wind speed, humidity and temperature. With all that info and the calculator, I am always sure of the DA. Currently my QNH on my instrument panel is not to be trusted. Always at 1031
Must get it calibrated again

But that means that you will not be able to fly for some time??

Andre, if you have the moola then go for the 912 (GT 450). Up here in the big smoke the 503 is a bit on the light side unless you are very skinny and planning on flying solo most of the time. However 582 is the way to go but as you mentioned the wing makes a bit differance on lift and speed and also your prop selection can play a big role

Tracer wrote:

pietmeyer wrote: This is way I keep this handy calculation with me just to check before flying. I carry a small anemometer in my car. It measures wind speed, humidity and temperature. With all that info and the calculator, I am always sure of the DA. Currently my QNH on my instrument panel is not to be trusted. Always at 1031
Must get it calibrated again

But that means that you will not be able to fly for some time??

And that is why it will remain at 1031 for a while longer

Unless you're a skinny arse and don't intend flipping your big mates or fat girlfriends after 10h00 don't consider less than a 582.

if however, you battle with working out the DA just go straight with the 912S and make sure its in a GT450.

Hi RV Sometime.

Give me a call next time you come through to Port Alfred its my hometown.

Dave 0828909288

coastwise wrote:Hi RV Sometime.

Give me a call next time you come through to Port Alfred its my hometown.

Dave 0828909288

Wilco, I am going down to Kenton from 19 dec to 3 jan, would be gr8 to get together for a cold one. A mate of mine owns the brewery on the Kowie, we can meet there.