Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
- RV Sometime
- Look I'm flying
- Posts: 218
- Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:30 pm
- Location: Bedfordview
Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.
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.
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.
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.
"Good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgement!"
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.
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.

- RV Sometime
- Look I'm flying
- Posts: 218
- Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:30 pm
- Location: Bedfordview
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
Thanks guys, I have heard now from a couple of people that the 503 is a bit small for our DA.
- pietmeyer
- Pilot in Command
- Posts: 967
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:41 pm
- Location: Ingwe Airfield, Centurion
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
Attached is a calculater I have on my phone for DA. In excel format and always handy
- Attachments
-
- Density Altitude.xls
- (18 KiB) Downloaded 298 times
Piet Meyer
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
- RV Sometime
- Look I'm flying
- Posts: 218
- Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:30 pm
- Location: Bedfordview
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.
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.
- Low Level
- Frequent Flyer
- Posts: 1204
- Joined: Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:18 pm
- Location: Pretoria - Rhino park
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
Now we're talking.RV Sometime wrote:The microlighters are having all the fun & us certified blik types are kakking off with maintenance & running costs.

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



Happiness is: Wanting what you have.
ZU-CFW
My soul called, and it wants it's life back. Only one thing to do. Let's fly.
ZU-CFW
My soul called, and it wants it's life back. Only one thing to do. Let's fly.
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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
LM
Still Flying
- pietmeyer
- Pilot in Command
- Posts: 967
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:41 pm
- Location: Ingwe Airfield, Centurion
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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 1031RV 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.

Must get it calibrated again
Piet Meyer
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
But that means that you will not be able to fly for some time??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


- Andre
- Got my wings at last
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2005 11:47 am
- Location: Crosswinds - Randpark Ridge
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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 

Working is for the birds
Airborn Edge 582
ZU-CND
Airborn Edge 582
ZU-CND
- pietmeyer
- Pilot in Command
- Posts: 967
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:41 pm
- Location: Ingwe Airfield, Centurion
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
And that is why it will remain at 1031 for a while longerTracer wrote:But that means that you will not be able to fly for some time??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![]()

Piet Meyer
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
Jabi J400 ZU-DUU (Wonderboom)
- Tumbleweed
- Toooooo Thousand
- Posts: 2349
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 7:14 pm
- Location: FASC
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.
if however, you battle with working out the DA just go straight with the 912S and make sure its in a GT450.

Sling ZU FYE - For Your Entertainment
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
Hi RV Sometime.
Give me a call next time you come through to Port Alfred its my hometown.
Dave 0828909288
Give me a call next time you come through to Port Alfred its my hometown.
Dave 0828909288
Aviate Raptor
- RV Sometime
- Look I'm flying
- Posts: 218
- Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:30 pm
- Location: Bedfordview
Re: Trike payloads at Gauteng density altitudes
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.coastwise wrote:Hi RV Sometime.
Give me a call next time you come through to Port Alfred its my hometown.
Dave 0828909288
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests