Microlighters

Hi there guys, I am looking to get some advice from you. I am currently still completing my training but will very shortly be looking to buy my first trike. There seem to be some very good deals on trikes powered by a 503 DCDI engine. We will leave the airframe/wing choices out for now, but my local AP has told me that in his opinion, they are underpowered here at altitude. He suggests the more powerful 582. Just looking to get some more opinion from the expierienced PIC's, Obviously the extra horse power in the 582 will always be an advantage but they cost a lot more... What do you guys think? I won't be able to spend much more than R60K. I have seen many low hour 503 powered trikes in that price range.

What should I be looking at for my first trike?
My apollogies for posting such a "rookie" question.

Bundy wrote:He suggests the more powerful 582.

I agree with your instructor especially with 100 kg pax. on board.

Regards
John

There is NEVER a substitute for POWER!
Go for the 582, you will pay a little more but its well worth it. Up here at alititude a 503 doesnt cut it. Its not worth finding out later that you need to get a bigger motor! ( believe me you wont be sorry! )

Also it becomes VERY difficult to take up a pax when the QNH is low,
There are some great buys out there at the moment ....very cheap considering what you are getting! ( check out the FOR SALE SECTION )

Just my 2c

Later

Too much power is just enough, rather go for a 582 and have reserve power rather than a 503 and too little performance to get you out of trouble!

I had a 503 Windlass and a 503 Aquilla and I many times wished for a 582 especially when you take up a PAX and 50l of fuel, you anyway wont compromise anything when it comes to fuel consumption.

Thanks very much for the input guys, will just have to save up and go for the 582 then! What is the difference between the silver top 582 and the blue top?

503 would be enough at the coast, but not at altitude, unless you fly solo all the time

The Silvertop is the older version to the Blue Top. No real differences in performance, but there were some cooling issues/crank issues that were fixed in the Blue Top. Having said that, if you maintain the SIlvertop correctly, and regularly and ensure that the lubrication mix is right, then there is no reason that the engine shouldn't last for thousands of hours.

the 582 needs to have a major every 600hours. if your engine is close to that, realise this is going to be a 20 to 30K expense, unless the seller has just done it

Thanks Morph!

Hey Bundy

IMHO there is nothing wrong with a 503 except for it being heavier on juice than a 582.....
My dad and i flew a 503 Aquilla from rhino park( Me 80kg Dad 100kg) with a full tank of juice and no problem, ok yes the runway is long.
We have been to Aero 57 next to the krugersdorp highway a couple of times, not one of the easiest runways short compared to rhino park and same story 2 up full juice no problem.

I Say there is nothing wrong with a good old 503 It makes you a very good pilot (sometimes not enoughpower for the go-around....)

BUT.....

The more power the better...

Ciao
Hugo

Thanks Hugo,

I must admit that initial cost was the biggest reason for me starting this thread, I guess I will probably go and fly a 503 for myself and then decide. At this stage, with the low hours I have perhaps it will be wiser to invest in the 582. They seem to be in the region of about R30k more in the second hand market.

The other option of course is to buy a 503 and then convert to the 582 later on but I have a feeling this will cost too much than just buying the 582 immediately? This way at least I can get myself a trike quite soon. I just dont feel comfortable flying a "rental" for too long. One never knows their history!

If you are still debating after the above posts and looking at 503s you need to keep in mind that some wings are "high lift" wings and generally have a larger surface area. 15m2 wing with a 503 is better than a 12m2 wing with a 503 at altitude.

The Aerotrike Spirit 15 wing was specifically developed for use on the reef.

The link below gives you some idea of the effect wing will have on performance at altitude.

http://www.aerotrike.co.za/products/buy ... guide.html

I fly a Windlass with a 503 and a 17.1 wing.
With both myself and DH and 70% fuel the climb is a bit slow but it just means you need to plan a little further ahead.
Alone i get nearly 1200 f/m climbout.