Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By bilko2
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845047
I have had my Robin Aiglon for 40 years and it could probably see me out BUT I am considering the pros and cons of these new plastic wonderplanes (typically 600kg, 150+ kts with Rotax 100hp, retractable, 1000nm range, VP prop, autopilot etc).

All sounds wonderful but I would be grateful to hear from those with practical experience.

I'm used to flying in rough weather in the Robin. Wind and turbulence is very rarely a factor. Is this a problem for the plastic microlights? Wing loading for my Robin 76kg/m2, for a typical fast microlight 62kg/m2, difference larger at lighter weights.

Crosswind is rarely a problem, I can cram the Robin (theoretical limit 22kts) on in most conditions even if I leave some rubber behind sometimes. Are microlights more fussy in this?

I can now land on rough fields, do these fast microlights with small wheels need golfing greens to land on? or does their lightness make it better? Typically they weigh half as much as the Robin.

How easy is it getting dispensation for IFR/night? I know it's theoretically possible .... but can it be done in real life?

I am aware of the paperwork problems going foreign.

In summary I use my aircraft to go places, will a microlight be less capable for this?
By Lefty
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845053
Simple answer is yes, microlights are less capable in extreme weather.
However you could ask yourself “how often do I really meet those conditions / how often do I really need to get there”? I suspect that the answer is not very often. So if the microlight will suffice for 90% of your flying at a fraction of the cost.

Nb, please do tell me what microlight will do 150kts on a 100HP Rotax. ? I’m not sure it is possible.
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By lobstaboy
#1845060
IFR/night isn't allowed (now or anytime) in UK registered Microlights. The rules for micros are not the same as for other permit aircraft.
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By Genghis the Engineer
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845067
Based upon present experience and trajectories..

- probably nearer 120kts than 150.

- expect very well finished aircraft with quarter to half the running costs of present equivalents.

- If you want IFR and night it will have to be certified to light aircraft standards not microlight standards.

This is definitely worth watching, and there will I'm sure offer some lovely aeroplanes capable of fantastic touring use, if that is your thing, but day-vfr only in my opinion.

G
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By russp
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845074
Lefty wrote:
Nb, please do tell me what microlight will do 150kts on a 100HP Rotax. ? I’m not sure it is possible.


I know a guy who is expecting to fly a Sting Stream as a microlight in the UK this year... VNE of 180 Knots and max cruise of 160 Knots... https://stingaircraft.co.uk/
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By CloudHound
#1845090
Once COVID travel restrictions ease we’re hoping to bring a model to the UK for a few days demo flights.

Dates not yet even pencilled in though.
By Shoestring Flyer
#1845092
Rotax powered aircraft manufacturers generally quote very unreal world speed figures.
In most cases the figures are just plain fiction!
Flat out in a VNE dive on a perfectly calm day maybe they can achieve them but certainly not in a normal cruise configuration that you or I would want to fly at!

The other main thing to look at with all aircraft, as you have already identified, at the lighter end of the market is the wing loading. That will usually govern in what conditions you want to fly the aircraft in.

All will be a lot less capable than your Robin Aiglon but will be a lot easier on your wallet!
By patowalker
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845102
russp wrote:
Lefty wrote:
Nb, please do tell me what microlight will do 150kts on a 100HP Rotax. ? I’m not sure it is possible.


I know a guy who is expecting to fly a Sting Stream as a microlight in the UK this year... VNE of 180 Knots and max cruise of 160 Knots... https://stingaircraft.co.uk/


Are there any indications the UK 600kg microlight category will include retractable gear aircraft?
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By bilko2
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1845105
The following with retractable gear have answered my enquiries saying that they will be available in UK "later this year"
http://www.flyrisen.com/indexEn.html
https://www.shark.aero/
https://www.blackwing.aero/

Several others have not answered but I expect they will say that they will also be available
Last edited by bilko2 on Fri May 07, 2021 10:37 am, edited 3 times in total.