Help...

[Ned_Da_Fly]

Hi there,
Im a bit of a newbee....
I am looking into getting into microlighting, but it seems the options on planes are limitless!
I am looking at the weight-shift style planes, but i am completely lost when it comes to wings and engines and even trike setups!

I also need training but i have heard horror stories about these training guys...
Can you guys sugest anything?

[extra300s]

Hi there.

First you need to tell the guys where you are located to direct you to a proper (tried and tested and passed) instructer. Then what I wouls say is go for the Solowings trikes as they are very popular www.solowings.co.za for specs and new prices.

If you are inland I would say get at least a trike with the 582 Rotax motor on. Keep wathing this site and you will learn allot. And ask all the questions you need, filter through them, then decide for yourself what route to take. Still in the sart of training but I can say this is great fun.

Good luck and don't give up
Karl

[Tracer]

Hi,

It will help if you can tell us where you are located?

[Arnulf]

Hi there,
I also need training but i have heard horror stories about these training guys...

[Ned_Da_Fly]

Thanks Guys,
I am located in Pretoria...
I had a look at the Solowings, Verry nice!
I think i might like something fairly strong with a reasonable top speed cos going for a trip to north Botswana sounds like a thing i must do
Is there a spec-sheet or website with info on the difrent rotax motors?
I guess i want the "perfect" motor.... gr8 power while sucking as little fuel as possible..

[3wheels]

Hi Ned_Da_Fly,

Welcome to Microlighters

I am also pretty new to the game and have recently completed my license, Circus with "African Grey"

I bought a trike and trained on it, alot of people say that you should fly the school trike first so as not to hammer your own trike with the heavy landings - I disagree and would recommend doing it on your own trike ( With having just spent R100K , there is no way I was going to hammer it - I believe it helped me fly better, quicker) Own opinion ofcourse.
I also got to know and understand my trike and had an "experienced eye" the instructor doing all the pre flights etc. teaching me alot about my own trike.

I spent a long time looking forthe right trike - there are a few things to consider -

Hours on motor ( 600hrs = new crank +/- R25K )
Size of motor - 503/582 etc... Here in the Highveld a 582 is the recomended size
Type of trike - I looked for one that is locally made and one that is popular ( Aquilla was my choice )
Performance - that can be tweaked at a later stage ( new wing etc) I have an Aquilla II wing.

Lastly but the most important, read the topics on this forum, browse the technical talk, you will learn alot, check out the aircraft for sale and you will get an Idea of what the pricing is like, and ask questions - You will be truly amazed at how helpfull and knowledgeable the fellow forum members are.

If you really want to do this, sign up at a flight school and start your training, that will give you time to work through all your questions and help you make the right choices.

Welcome to the best time of your life !

Good luck and keep us posted.

Cheers

[Ned_Da_Fly]

Thanks 3weels!
I think going the same way you did by buying the trike first and then training on my own trike.
I am kinda hopeing to buy a decent 2nd hand trike cos 100k is a bit steep 4 me...

What is the deal about the crank replacement at 600h? Can i do it myself or does some guy gotta sign it off?

[Morph]

At the moment the crank needs to be inspected and replaced on inpection if neccessary. The ony person who can do this is a suitably qualified AP (authorised person)or repair center. This inspection needs to be entered into the logbook and signed by this AP. However there is no reason why you cannot be there and help the AP, or even do the work yourself under the supervision of the AP.

As far as your trike vs schools trike, I would definately go the schools trike route. I know 3-wheels said if it is your own you are more careful, the problem is, while training things happen. Also why wait. So start your training ASAP, get to know the trike, talk to your school mates, instructors, here on the forum. Drive, bum lifts to the breakfast sessions, fly ins, and get to know the guys. Ask questions and start carefully formulating an idea of the trike you would like to own. Right now you have no experience and could buy something that is wrong for you. As you are learning get to fly in as many different trikes as possible. The guys here on the forum are very lekker okes and generally will happily take you up in their aerie so you can get an idea of how it flies.

Then either wait until you fully qualify, or at least until you go solo before you get your dream machine. If it is a different make and model a simple conversion can be done during your training or once qualified.

Most importantly, start your training now. It's going to take you 6 months at least. By then you might have managed to sweet talk your bankmanager and softness and your budget could be in favour of getting something really nice and safe, instead of bargain basement.

[Ned_Da_Fly]

MMM good info you guys!
Can anyone recomend a training centre near PTA?
I think i must go have a chat with an instructor so i can start flatening of the wallet...

[Morph]

Which side of Pretoria?

Look in the Microlight Clubs, Training Schools and Flight Centres forum.

PTA West
Centurion, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3565
Rosslyn, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2694

East of PTA
Jag near Cullinan dam, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7218
Rhino Park, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3292

I am going to move this to the Training forum

[Low Level]

East of PTA
Jag near Cullinan dam, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7218
Rhino Park, viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3292

.......and ERMF - Microland - about 25 km east of Elarduspark, on the Delmas road - ermf.co.za

Rhino Park's trike training facility not working good at the moment.

[Ned_Da_Fly]

Thanks Guys,
I posted it there not knowing so lekker where it realy belongs
i am located in East PTA.

The search is on for a school then...

[Low Level]

Microland - go hang around there, talk to people. Maybe get a fun flight with somebody. Usually always action there on Saturday mornings and week mornings.

About 22 km on the Delmas road, from the last traffic light at the Delmas road/De villebois intersection, on the left hand side.

[Tower]

Yup, Microland is the place to go.