Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By Genghis the Engineer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654096
I can think of quite a few, having had the privilege of flying much of the UK's 3-axis microlight fleet over the years, as well as a few foreign ones.

But, I'm not going to answer, I'm going to offer some more questions.

- What country?
- What budget?
- Owner maintenance, or going to pay somebody else to maintain it?
- Do you want to build a kit, or buy something you can fly the next day?
- Priority for long distance touring, or local bimbling?
- Will anybody be training on it?
- Anybody / many people over ~85kg in the syndicate?
- Will you have hangarage, or need to store it outdoors? Do you want to be able to trailer it regularly?

Answer those, and I think it's possible to make some meaningful recommendations.

G
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By TheFarmer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654106
It’s interesting that the suggestions here vary from 40 mph to 120 mph, and from £1,800 to £65,000!
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By Genghis the Engineer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654107
TheFarmer wrote:It’s interesting that the suggestions here vary from 40 mph to 120 mph, and from £1,800 to £65,000!

Hence why I think that the exam question needed clarifying!

G
User avatar
By skydriller
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654173
Actually, as I know absolutely nothing about microlights or even the names of any of them, the very varied response was actually helpful. :thumleft:

@Genghis the Engineer To add more info:

Im not personally looking for an ULM, but my Aeroclub is - and Im on the board.
French Aeroclub/Group with our own hangar & maintenance capability.
Used for training and for members to bimble and fly-out within France.
We will be buying a ready made aeroplane - even if a kit someone else made.
Doesnt have to be new - budget 20-40k, but would prefer the lower end!!
(Yes, I think there are several over 85kg....)

Previously we have "wet leased" a G.1. ULM, hence my thinking Rugged Rotax power Tricycle Highwing type :?:

Regards, SD..
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By TheFarmer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654189
There are very few that can do the following:

912 engine.
Cruise at 90 kts +
4+ hours endurance
Sub £15k to buy
Can carry two adults, full fuel and 50 lbs baggage.
Get up and away in 100 metres.

Those that can are brilliant in my opinion.
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User avatar
By Genghis the Engineer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1654198
skydriller wrote:Actually, as I know absolutely nothing about microlights or even the names of any of them, the very varied response was actually helpful. :thumleft:

@Genghis the Engineer To add more info:

Im not personally looking for an ULM, but my Aeroclub is - and Im on the board.
French Aeroclub/Group with our own hangar & maintenance capability.
Used for training and for members to bimble and fly-out within France.
We will be buying a ready made aeroplane - even if a kit someone else made.
Doesnt have to be new - budget 20-40k, but would prefer the lower end!!
(Yes, I think there are several over 85kg....)

Previously we have "wet leased" a G.1. ULM, hence my thinking Rugged Rotax power Tricycle Highwing type :?:

Regards, SD..


I think I'd have a good look at the Sky Ranger - originally French, now British. Probably with a Rotax 912, but you can save a lot of money with the 582 - although lots of people dislike 2-strokes, personally I've never had problems with them.

https://www.skyranger.co.uk/en/

Twin stick, originally a French design, very very well supported by the UK supplier now, reliable (if not sparkling) handling, ditto performance. Adequate payload for a couple of fat pilots and a few hours fuel (and, frankly, really tolerant of being overloaded), excellent safety record. Prefers to be hangared, but not essential.

It was sold as a kitplane, but there should be plenty second hand. Very hard to bend, but very easy to repair if you do.

G
By Nomad63
#1654208
Twin stick, originally a French design


I've not seen a twin stickSkyanger in the UK, all single/central stick AFAIK
Anyone considering one second hand, keep in mind that any still having the original Dacron covering will need re-covering soon, I don't think any have been built with Dacron for a good few years now, the xlam ones are doing ok but even some of them have had to be re-stitched after about 10 years.

This is an area where plastic and metal covered aircraft are at a distinct advantage over unpainted sailcloth
types, the fabric is far less durable on the modern dyed coverings than proper old school painted cloths

Oops sorry hadn't realised SD was in France disregard comment on Single stick.
Last edited by Nomad63 on Wed Nov 28, 2018 8:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
By Spooky
#1654295
You could get a CT, C42, Skyranger or Foxbat in that budget. All nice to fly and suitable for beginners through to experienced pilots.

However if I was in France, I’d go for the FK 12 comet!