Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By gonzohop
#1652832
Hi all :)

I'm just one step away from taking the plunge on building a Europa XS Trigear, after exploding my brain with research on kit planes...

... but I haven't seen one in the flesh yet! I'm based near Bournemouth and was wondering if there's an owner nearby who wouldn't mind me coming to have a look around it. Even better if they built it themselves as I have a zillion questions. :lol:

Many thanks.

Richard
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By Rob P
#1652852
Out of interest what weighting of the decision was the construction and what the flying qualities?

Rob P
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By ArthurG
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1652854
Make sure you actually have a flight in one before building one. I thought I was in the market for one until someone kindly took me for a flight. Legroom was too confined for my frame.
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By Grelly
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1652867
ArthurG wrote:Make sure you actually have a flight in one before building one. I thought I was in the market for one until someone kindly took me for a flight. Legroom was too confined for my frame.


Yup, me too. I've flown in the Monowheel version a couple of times. I had to fly with no shoes and no cushions to fit in. I'm 6'2".

I think there are some extra room mods, like a high top canopy, but I don't know how much difference they make.

Really like the aircraft though.
By Bobcro
#1652892
ArthurG wrote:Make sure you actually have a flight in one before building one. I thought I was in the market for one until someone kindly took me for a flight. Legroom was too confined for my frame.



I bought an early mono and an engine for it but never flew it as we couldn't get full and free control movement. So gladly not sadly sold it.

Many owners love them but do make sure that it fits your needs both now and in the future.
By PeteM
#1652944
Before committing to the effort of building an aircraft I would very strongly advise actually flying exactly the same type for a few hours.

My recollections of a monowheel were cramped, lovely in the air, a bit of a slug getting off the ground (only 80hp) and a pain landing and on the ground. A friend converted his to trigear and took particular delight in telling Ivan how he had created a really nice aircraft out of the silly compromises that originally existed!

But they are a lot of effort to build in comparison to many of the competitors, have similar performance and many of the published performance figures for all of these aircraft are shall we say 'selective'. The prop and engine combination has much more impact than airframe in the majority of cases.
By VigiFlyer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1652960
Hi,

I’m a part owner in a Europa Classic Monowheel. We looked at trigears as well as XS models opted for a classic mono. Happy to have a chat with you anytime.
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By gonzohop
#1652970
Really appreciate the feedback everyone. I've contacted the factory to see if they do trial flights - just waiting to hear back. There's a few reasons I chose the Europa:

1. Low-wing - just my preference.
2. UK-based. It seems all the other kit-build planes are in far-off-lands and I can't be doing with with big shipping costs and import duties. And it's nice to know the factory isn't far away.
3. Cost. My budget is limited - this fits the bill nicely.

In fairness, I'd have prefered an aluminium aircraft - only as I prefer the look of them and it "feels right" but the only manufacturer I could find is Vans and if they weren't in the States they would have been my first choice. Plus I have no experience working with composites so building the Europa will be a steep learning curve.

I'm 5'10" so I think I should be ok inside the cockpit of the XS - but as suggested, trial flight is a must.

Richard
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By gonzohop
#1652975
Marvin wrote:I own and fly one.

PM me if you want to talk but I’m not in the Bournemouth area.


Thanks Marvin - I'll PM just as soon as admin release that facility to me. :D :thumleft:
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By gonzohop
#1652986
VigiFlyer wrote:Hi,

I’m a part owner in a Europa Classic Monowheel. We looked at trigears as well as XS models opted for a classic mono. Happy to have a chat with you anytime.


Thanks VigiFlyer - I'll PM as soon as I have the facility!