Too heavy for 503?

[Beefmaster]

Hey guys,

Went to see an instructor this morning, and getting ready to start my training. Have heard from a few guys that I'll be too heavy for a 503, us being on the highveld (Mpu) and all, so asked about training on a 582. He doesnt have one, so I said I would buy one. He seems to be insisting that I do my dual hours at least on his plane and the solo on my own, but don't know if I'm too big for a 503 for dual purposes. It does have a 17sqm wing on it though and air will be getting thicker and cooler soon.
I weigh 120kg, and dont wanna stress too much when I should be flying.

Some advice from the guys who know please! Any heavies done training on 503 at this altitude?

[Tumbleweed]

Beefmaster, I trained on a 503 Windlass in Secunda, 115kg and the instructor about 90 kg.

I was always the last oke in the air with minimum fuel for the lesson. I think as long as you're on minimum weight (fuel and remove pannier bags) you should get way with it if you stay on those long runways of yours. You'll be airborne after 150 metres but wait forever to get above 400 feet.

As long as you realise you're on on the edge. If you're uncomfortable, go train at Boris in Witbank or buy a 582 equipt for dual training.

[Big-D]

120kg - Eish bud, I am 125kg and will never ever fly duel in a 503 even if Niels Holgerson himself is the instructor

The 17wing would surely make a difference but rather train on a 582, will make life easier - Even in a 582 with 80kg pax I can feel a big difference in lift - You plan to fly a 582 once licenced so learn on a 582 is my advice, I did training on my own 582 airy - Was not a problem

D

[John Young]

Microlighters now has its own "front row for a scrum" -

Tight head prop must go to Beefmaster at 120kg,

Hooker - our own Tumbleweed at a mere 115kg, and

Loose head to Big D at a whopping 125kg.

Beefmaster - it's a "no brainer" - 582 or 912 only unless you can find a 43kg instructor.

You didn't mention what type of trike - check payloads on the Solo Wings web site for example;

MAXIMUM PAYLOAD 200 kg (your 120kg, plus 37kg for fuel, plus a 43kg instructor).

Kind regards
John ZU-sEXY

[Beefmaster]

Hehe!! Any takers for lock positions?? How bout you John??

I hear your point on the 503. Just wanted to make sure. Dont wanna rob the poor instructor of income for his aerie... But i'll have to isnt it?? There was one on the for sale section I was eye balling, 80hrsTT, ballistic chute, for R95k.. you guys probably saw it... But someone took it!! They should pop him in the opposing scrum so I can kick his sorry ass!!

So many trikes so litle money...

[KFA]

He he I'll take hooker @ 115kg. We only at 500ft MSL and I fly regularly with guys up to 100kg, Climb rate at 300ft/min.

[Stephan van Tonder]

I'm a short head behind at 112kg and my instructor at 100 odd recons we will get airborne in his 503 windlass but we won't be flying over the drakensberg for sure.
Perhaps get that instructor to place the 582 you buy into the school books for the time you train and get it done that way. It's not an uncommon thing to do and not a major hassle. At least he still gets the income. All it needs is the training bars and dual throttle controls.

[John Young]

I'm a short head behind at 112kg and my instructor at 100 odd recons we will get airborne in his 503 windlass but we won't be flying over the drakensberg for sure.
Perhaps get that instructor to place the 582 you buy into the school books for the time you train and get it done that way. It's not an uncommon thing to do and not a major hassle. At least he still gets the income. All it needs is the training bars and dual throttle controls.

Hi,

OK, we have found our lock - thanks Stephan.

Suggest you go the owner / trainer route. That way your trike is always available for tinkering and flying. As a guide, time in the air should cost < R 300 per hour on the owner / trainer option.

I used this option when doing my MPL. Many trikes are sold with full dual controls.

Regards
John ZU-sEXY

[Beefmaster]

Thanks John,

Will keep shopping, otherwise, you know any other members on the forum from Middelburg?? Maybe I can ask to rent one privately until I have cash to buy... Not a good time to make debt for toys

[Low Level]

Will keep shopping, otherwise, you know any other members on the forum from Middelburg?? Maybe I can ask to rent one privately until I have cash to buy

P.M. JFK on the forum. but I'm not sure if he has 503 or 582.

[Beefmaster]

Chatted with JFK he field on Sunday, its a 503. I've mailed DarkHelmet to ask if he can draw members details for me off the forum and give me a list.. Hold thumbs!! Else I may not fly soon

[Morph]

Weight is a reality we all live with and must be constantly in your mind when flying. When you start out the last thing you need to be stressing about is being trained in a marginal aircraft wrt performance. Rather go to an instructor who can teach you on a 582.

Additionally once you have your licence, you will be limited to the size pax you take because of your weight, it is a fact of life. Buy the plane that best suits your requirements. At altitude, unless you are a 70kg runner who flies solo only, you need a 582 minimum.

It is a buyers market now, lots to choose from and cash is king

[C205]

Beefmaster, don't want to poach but Boris at Witbank has a 582 he trains on. IMO its better to train on a school trike than your own.
Good luck

[Beefmaster]

Hey 205,

I have considered flying with Boris, went for a flip with him last weekend.. The problem is having to drive up and down to Witbank everyday for who knows how long until I have my licence. He says around 5 months!! Too much expenditure, you see if I could loan one from someone, not that they would but might, then I could still train in Middelburg... I have a dilemma!! Boris is great though

I see you're based in WB? You fly MLs and blik aeries??

[C205]

Hi Beefmaster
Driving up and down could be a problem. There's no better way to start a day at the office than with a permanent smile on your face and a far-away look in your eyes because you've already been flying. Will you be training with Ludie then?
I fly two axis (Quicksilver MXII) conventional ML, but I'm a lifelong student (it seems) - but that's a long story. Went solo on a trike some years ago.
Enjoy your flying