Microlighters

Hey everyone!

Im new to the forum and would like to know if there is any body that can help a very stupid guy out?

I am a commercial pilot(helicopter and fixed wing), that made a very stupid decision to buy a shaddow (3axis) microlight in the junk mail, without doing my homework.....

First of all , I dont know anything about the microlight side of aviation at all....
What I do know is that I love flying in all possible ways I can! So is there anybody that can give me advise on the Shaddow ? its basically the same as a MAC CDL, but with a single surface wing with spoilers on top of the wing and a large rudder,and offcourse a elevator, so I think maybe she is a 2 axis with the help of spoilers, and a Rotax 503 single ignition that swings a 3 blade prop. The engine runs very good and start with the first pull. The plane got NO instruments, but I got a radio. The wings surface looks like it could be in a good condition. She really need new tyres, but that is all I can figure that is wrong with her.

But now the big question? Is she nice to fly? I dont want to fly anywhere, coz I do that every day with a Baron 58 at 200 Knots. All I want is a plane I can fly around the wind sock on a sunday afternoon if the weather is perfect.... Is it worth spending money on her? And if so, what is the cost to get somebody to do all the paper work and get her in the air for me?

Im based in Kimberley but is willing to take her to anybody that want to help me with her!

All your suggestions is welcome, good and bad!

Hope to hear from the experts soon!!

Not sure exactly what advise do you need?. Basic instruments you need is airspeed - engine temp(CHT and EGT), a Compass and that is about it.
Let an AP look it over - find somebody with a rating for it to assist you and that's about it.

The Shadow was the first microlight that I flew in (around 1985 @ Rhino Park)

I have a friend who flies a Quick Silver, single surface with a 503 SCSI from Rhino Park and he has lots of fun ! His only instruments are an ASI (bird feeder tipe) and an ALT meter. No engine instruments !



Jason in his plane after another fun flight.

Hope you have your plane flying soon !

Fly safe,
Rudi

Hi Green tree, very lekker little arie if you fly in 100% calm conditions and stay around the patch. I do not think you need anything other than a bird feeder type ASI. You can try to get intouch with a guy called Phillip Van Niekerk in the Bapsfontein area. He is very clued up on these little planes. Some will tell you to change it to a 3 axis and to recover the wings to a dual surface. I would leave it as is if it is safe. They are so forgiving and fun to fly. Now if you are planning on distance then this is not the plane to have. their cross wind capibility is very poor and does not penetrate a head wind well. Change spark plus every 5 hours and if it has the belts instead of the gear box be sure that the belts are good. When an approved person checks it out he needs to do a wing sail test. Very NB!!! Otherwise enjoy it. Jamie

Thanks for the replies so far.

Rudix my microlight looks exactly the same as on that picture, so glad there are still flying, i thought I really made a bad decision to buy it!

Is there anybody in the Kimberley area that can do a ATF on this kind of plane? If not do anybody have a contact details of someone that can help me?

Regard!!

Philip, 08dubbletoo58 8618

Green Tree, Get hold of John Boucher, 'bad nav' on the site. (If you haven't already) He is a Kimberley boy and would be a world of information and assistance. His cell is 0 8 2 5 5 3 1 1 0 5
NB Just don't pi$$ him off... He gets a bit hot to handle. LoL