Overview of Groundbreaking Light Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aerospace

Overview of Groundbreaking Light Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aerospace

With popular models of aircraft to their credit like the Grob G 103 Twin Astir sailplane and Grob G109B motor glider, Grob Aerospace is a popular German-based aircraft manufacturer with nearly four decades of aviation experience.

Grob doesn't turn out luxury private jets or huge jumbo liners like other companies, but they have been ahead of the game for a while. They first started using the strong and lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer way back in the 1970s, when other companies were still using inferior materials that added weight, drag and price to their aircraft.

The Grob line started back in 1926, when Ernst Grob first started producing internal combustion engines and other parts for the automobile industry. Ernst's son, Dr. Burkhart Grob, wanted to follow in his father's footsteps in terms of manufacturing. However, the world was going in a new direction. Air travel was becoming popular and the rush was on to personalize it.

Burkhart founded Grob Aerospace in 1971 and started to become involved in various forms of motorized gliders. Schempp-Hirth contracted Grob to build the Standard Cirrus, and with Burkhart's expertise as a glider pilot, the company successfully completed the construction and delivery of over 200 gliders from 1971 to 1975.

To that date, Grob had constructed inexpensive gliders for the competitive market. In 1974, they decided that it was far more lucrative to go with building for the club market. Their first big project in this new market was the successful G-102 Astir, soon followed by the G-103 two-seater. By 1978, Grob again wanted to expand its horizons.

In 1981, the first ever all-composite motor glider was certified, the G-109. They continued to produce similar models of aircraft in the years to come, including the G-115 in 1987 and even more risqué high-altitude models like the G-520, which established and broke multiple world records for its class.

By the 1990s, Grob Aerospace had a working formula and a large market to compete in. However, in 1996, Grob decided to get away from the glider world altogether. The company was attempting to set its sights solely on powered aircraft models. These would be more costly to build, but they would also bring in more money.

The design and testing phase for their powered line took nearly a decade. In 2005, the first flight of the Grob G-180 SPn took off, but before it could really be picked up as an effective aircraft, the second prototype crashed in Germany in 2006, killing the plane's pilot.

After the crash, it was increasingly difficult to find investors to back Grob in their production of light-jet aircraft. The company filed for insolvency in 2008, releasing most of its employees and failing to finish the Learjet 85 model they had been contracted to build.

H3 Aerospace purchased Grob Aerospace in 2009 and renamed the company Grob Aircraft. They hit the ground running and their small aircraft production immediately picked back up.

Ultra Light and Micro Light Aircraft - Helicopters

Ultra Light and Micro Light Aircraft - Helicopters

Helicopters in the ultra light or micro light aircraft class are very seldom seen compared to all other models.  

Factories in the United Kingdom and United States manufacture kits that can be bought and assembled at home. Some of them also have affiliate factories in other parts of the world for supply, after sales service or financial reasons.  

The instability of helicopters makes them extremely difficult to fly. The training program for a helicopter is much more intense than for a winged aircraft. Some instructors prefer a student to qualify as a winged plane pilot before enrolling as a helicopter pilot student.  

There are many rules and regulations that go with the assembly of the kit as well. Some technical inspections at certain stages during assembly and after completion have to be conducted. Without such technically qualified persons in ones area to do the inspections the helicopter can possibly never be completed and tested, training to fly it is the next step. With the sparse distribution of helicopter expertise, chances are that, in a fairly remote location, a pilot with the proper instruction rating for the newly built helicopter may be very hard to find or not at all.  

With all the hardships overcome, surely the proud owner of an ultra light helicopter will have many hours of great entertainment flying his new aircraft, being able to land almost anywhere and not being dependent on aerodromes.  

The obvious disadvantages that go with ultra light helicopter ownership are the technical complexities, training requirements as well as the considerable higher cost related to the combination of all factors.  

The personal abilities of the owner / pilot will also be of prime importance in the success and safety in the operations with his aircraft.

Aerotrek: One of the Best Light Sport Aircraft Around

Aerotrek: One of the Best Light Sport Aircraft Around

First-time aircraft fliers might be surprised when they find out that there are several types of light sport aircraft available. The Aerotrek, for instance is a good example of a light sport aircraft. It is a aircraft that is listed under the Federal Aviation Administration's existing certified models.

The Aerotrek has two specific types, which is a tricycle gear known as the Aerotrek A240, and the previously known Eurofox tail dragger Aerotrek A220. While the other models of light sport aircraft are admirably more advantageous than most airplane types, the Aerotrek has several advantages that make them a favorable choice for neophyte fliers.

One major advantage is this aircraft's folding wings, which is fit for those who took sport pilot training. Storage for an aircraft can take a lot of space, but what if there was a type of plane that can be stored neatly in a smaller space than what is necessarily required? This is what the Aerotrek tries to solve, with its easy-to-fold wings. This space-saving factor even allows the owner to transport this aircraft, which is a feature that is unique only to Aerotrek.

The Aerotrek also has high wings, which allows for easy entry. Aerotrek wings are also made of aluminum with composite edges, wingtips, and flaperons. Repair time and inspection is minimized with the wings because there are no complicated components hidden inside.

Another advantage of the sport pilot aircraft Aerotrek is that one can get them at a very affordable price. These aircraft are usually less than $70,000, and that already has accompanying insurance.

Aerotrek planes used in private pilot instruction also have a great and roomy cockpit that allows for good visibility, easy entry, and plush seats to make your trip a lot better and comfortable. Aerotrek also has a cock-pit controlled oil cooler flap, which will allow you to keep operating the engine smoothly even at colder temperatures.

With an Aerotrek, you can also experience easy take-offs and landings, thanks to the wide landing device that keeps take-offs, taxiing, and landing for Aerotreks. The strength and durability of Aerotrek planes have been tried, tested, and found to be completely of good quality. This is because the aircraft has a chrome-steel fuselage, and uses a durable U.S. aircraft fabric for easy repair.

For those who want to enjoy the light sport aircraft in other ways, such as admiring the view, the Aerotrek can fly even with the doors opened during flights, as long as you are flying at low airspeeds. With the doors off, you can easily take photos of the good view or enjoy fresh air as you cruise on the air.