Flex Wing Vs. Fixed Wing Ultralight Airplanes
More than a century ago, even before the Wright Brothers made their first flight, tens of other engineers tried to make a powered and controlled airplane. Many of their aircraft have been weird, funny or just so extraordinary that could never fly even in theory. Others have been similar to the Wrights' Flyer, with fixed wings. Once the "Flyer 1" made the successful start in the aviation, everyone else followed the concept. Until then, millions of fixed wing aircraft have been produced in the world.
With the raise of the ultralight aviation people discovered that the fixed wings bring some weight and cost-related issues and started looking for alternatives. The flex wing aircraft easy won the linkig of many engineers and pilots. Why?...
--- Flex Wing Aircraft Advantages ---
- They need less space. The flex wing aircraft usually have "delta bars" which are shorter than the wings of the fixed wing airplanes.
- Their wings can be taken off. Usually the delta bar can be taken off easier than the wings of an ordinary aircraft. With few manipulations they can be stored in a car garage
- They are light. The flex wing airplanes are usually categorized as ultralight trikes or microlights - it's pretty self explanatory why.
- They are cheaper. A flex wing can cost 1/2 of the price of a similar class fixed wing aircraft. That's a huge advantage.
- Easier to take off and land. Because of their shorter delta bars and lighter construction the flex wings can start flying from an automobile trace and land almost everywhere.
- Simpler to fly. The ultralight trikes usually have simpler control system and don't require high pilot skills.
But still you see many more fixed wing aircraft around, don't you? It's not only because of the habit. They have their own very strong advantages:
--- Fixed Wing Aircraft Advantages ---
- They are faster. The flex wing aircraft are not so aerodynamic, therefore they can't compete with the fixed wings on speed.
- They are safer. In general the fixed wing airplanes are considered safer than the trikes. They are also less piable to the wind.
- Isolated from the atmosphere. Most fixed wing aircraft have cabins. You can fly even if it is cold or rains. In the trike you are exhibited to the atmosphere and can catch the cold if nothing more.
- It's a real airplane. Let's face it, you can't look serious in an ultralight trike. The airplanes have fixed wings, and everything else is just a microlight toy. (Does that sound like a serious argument? ;)
Both of these categories ultralight airplanes have also their disadvantages. You need to consider them too when buying an aircraft.
--- Flex Wing Aircraft Disadvantages ---
- Riskier. Because there is less regulation for them, the risk to buy unsafe one is higher.
- Lighter. This is an advantage but also could be a problem. A lighter aircraft is more piable to the strong wind.
- You may need special clothes and equipment. Flying in the open air can require warmer clothes and glasses. Not that this is so bad, is it?
--- Fixed Wing Aircraft Disadvantages ---
- Expensive. This was said above. Even the simplest fixed wing aircraft costs more than an ultralight trike.
- Need hangar. You just can't place it in your garage, unless it is very large. You'll have to pay for hangaring.
- Need a runaway. The fixed wings are just too wide to fit on the road. They need a runaway and this means airport fees.
- Harder to fly. Most fixed wing aircraft have a lot of control that you need to watch. In most cases pilot license is required.
As you see both of the main categories ultralight aircraft have their positives and negatives. They are serving different purposes and never will one replace the another. There is no better or worse type, there is just one that suits better to you.
Showing posts with label Ultralight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ultralight. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Buying an Ultralight Aircraft - Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid
Buying an Ultralight Aircraft - Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid
Who doesn't want to fly right? With all the advantages, looking for an ultralight aircraft for sale may be a great experience or a terrible one depending on how you approach it. Knowing what you're getting into ahead of time can, at a minimum, save you some hassle, and in the long run save you time money, heartache (and possibly bodily injury).
So what is it about ultralights that seems so appealing. One of the more attractive things about them has to do with their almost non-existent barrier to entry. For instance, training can be completed in a couple of days, and in actuality, you don't need a license to fly them at all. It's not as easy as jumping in the seat and starting the engine; You should still take some lessons. Another plus is that with many of them, you can fold them up and put them in the back of your SUV, or truck, and take them anywhere. Finally, there are lots of enthusiasts to help you get the hang of reassembling and flying your ultralight.
So what exactly IS an ultralight aircraft? Ultralights are not allowed to carry more than one person or five gallons of gas. The maximum weight for the ultralight is 254 pounds. Ultralights are not allowed to go faster than 55 knots. It has a top stall speed of 24 knots. You have to fly during daylight hours and you can only fly over uninhabited areas. Finally, you have a few styles of ultralights to choose from, including weight-shift control trikes, powered parachutes, and powered paragliding.
A few things to look for when buying:
-It must only have one seat.
-Castle nuts and pins should be used to prevent vibration wear.
-Make sure the rudder and pedal mechanism is well-built and the aircraft is rust-free.
-There shouldn't be any loose parts of cables near the propeller.
-The aircraft ought to be able to fly straight without your help. It should be able to fly straight without constant pressure on the ailerons.
-How strong is the ultralight? How has it held up under the wear and tear of constant landing.
-Has it had any repair work, and what kind of regular maintenance will you need to do? Did the aircraft ever have something other than a perfect landing?
-Make sure the ultralight has no structural problems like frame cracks or dents.
-Try to inspect the craft in person. Pay special attention to the ailerons: Pay particular attention to the design of the ailerons, it should be simple to prevent any problems.
Who doesn't want to fly right? With all the advantages, looking for an ultralight aircraft for sale may be a great experience or a terrible one depending on how you approach it. Knowing what you're getting into ahead of time can, at a minimum, save you some hassle, and in the long run save you time money, heartache (and possibly bodily injury).
So what is it about ultralights that seems so appealing. One of the more attractive things about them has to do with their almost non-existent barrier to entry. For instance, training can be completed in a couple of days, and in actuality, you don't need a license to fly them at all. It's not as easy as jumping in the seat and starting the engine; You should still take some lessons. Another plus is that with many of them, you can fold them up and put them in the back of your SUV, or truck, and take them anywhere. Finally, there are lots of enthusiasts to help you get the hang of reassembling and flying your ultralight.
So what exactly IS an ultralight aircraft? Ultralights are not allowed to carry more than one person or five gallons of gas. The maximum weight for the ultralight is 254 pounds. Ultralights are not allowed to go faster than 55 knots. It has a top stall speed of 24 knots. You have to fly during daylight hours and you can only fly over uninhabited areas. Finally, you have a few styles of ultralights to choose from, including weight-shift control trikes, powered parachutes, and powered paragliding.
A few things to look for when buying:
-It must only have one seat.
-Castle nuts and pins should be used to prevent vibration wear.
-Make sure the rudder and pedal mechanism is well-built and the aircraft is rust-free.
-There shouldn't be any loose parts of cables near the propeller.
-The aircraft ought to be able to fly straight without your help. It should be able to fly straight without constant pressure on the ailerons.
-How strong is the ultralight? How has it held up under the wear and tear of constant landing.
-Has it had any repair work, and what kind of regular maintenance will you need to do? Did the aircraft ever have something other than a perfect landing?
-Make sure the ultralight has no structural problems like frame cracks or dents.
-Try to inspect the craft in person. Pay special attention to the ailerons: Pay particular attention to the design of the ailerons, it should be simple to prevent any problems.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Ultralight Aircraft: The Cost of Ownership
Ultralight Aircraft: The Cost of Ownership
Ultralight/microlight aircraft provide the light sport aircraft enthusiast with an opportunity to afford to fly. The purpose of this article to help newcomers to the sport size up the costs.
Instruction
If you are interested in flying an ultralight/microlight aircraft, the first thing you will need to do is to find a certified instructor in your area. If you can't find one in your area, you might consider locating one out of state, and make a trip to the area for an express-style instruction - 20 hours in 5 days.
Formal flight training in a two-place aircraft can cost about $3,000. Instruction will include ground school and in-flight training. Much the instruction given in ground school includes information about weather, navigation, engines, safety, and regulations which you can certainly acquire by picking up a book on ultralight aviation. If you are only interested in flying a one-place ultralight/microlight aircraft you won't need a license in the United States. Your instructor will guide you during your 20 hours of instruction, send you off on your solo flight and then give you an unofficial oky-doky. From there you're on your own. If you are interested in taking things further, you can obtain a sports pilot license.
Ultralight/Microlight Cost of Operation
Flying an ultralight/microlight aircraft is quite inexpensive. Though engines are built differently, the average engine burns only 2 to 3 gallons per hour. Aircraft fuel is a bit more expensive than gasoline for your car, but it won't set you back too much.
Routine maintenance of an ultralight aircraft is also quite reasonable. You will need to change the oil in the engine, replace the filter, etc. everything you do for your car. The biggest single expense that ultralight aircraft owners may encounter is the cost of replacing the fabric coverings on the wings. Direct sunlight can destroy this cover in less than 2 years if left in direct sunlight. If you are able to find hanger space for your aircraft you will greatly delay the need for replacing this covering.
The largest single expense, cost of the aircraft aside, is the monthly hanger cost. If you are fortunate to have space around your house to store your ultralight aircraft, you will save big. Fees will vary depending on where you live. In some areas you may be fortunate to spend as little as $20 per month in hanger fees. If you live is Southern California, you may find yourself spending up to $300 a month, and consider yourself fortunate to have a hanger at all.
Ultralight/microlight aircraft provide the light sport aircraft enthusiast with an opportunity to afford to fly. The purpose of this article to help newcomers to the sport size up the costs.
Instruction
If you are interested in flying an ultralight/microlight aircraft, the first thing you will need to do is to find a certified instructor in your area. If you can't find one in your area, you might consider locating one out of state, and make a trip to the area for an express-style instruction - 20 hours in 5 days.
Formal flight training in a two-place aircraft can cost about $3,000. Instruction will include ground school and in-flight training. Much the instruction given in ground school includes information about weather, navigation, engines, safety, and regulations which you can certainly acquire by picking up a book on ultralight aviation. If you are only interested in flying a one-place ultralight/microlight aircraft you won't need a license in the United States. Your instructor will guide you during your 20 hours of instruction, send you off on your solo flight and then give you an unofficial oky-doky. From there you're on your own. If you are interested in taking things further, you can obtain a sports pilot license.
Ultralight/Microlight Cost of Operation
Flying an ultralight/microlight aircraft is quite inexpensive. Though engines are built differently, the average engine burns only 2 to 3 gallons per hour. Aircraft fuel is a bit more expensive than gasoline for your car, but it won't set you back too much.
Routine maintenance of an ultralight aircraft is also quite reasonable. You will need to change the oil in the engine, replace the filter, etc. everything you do for your car. The biggest single expense that ultralight aircraft owners may encounter is the cost of replacing the fabric coverings on the wings. Direct sunlight can destroy this cover in less than 2 years if left in direct sunlight. If you are able to find hanger space for your aircraft you will greatly delay the need for replacing this covering.
The largest single expense, cost of the aircraft aside, is the monthly hanger cost. If you are fortunate to have space around your house to store your ultralight aircraft, you will save big. Fees will vary depending on where you live. In some areas you may be fortunate to spend as little as $20 per month in hanger fees. If you live is Southern California, you may find yourself spending up to $300 a month, and consider yourself fortunate to have a hanger at all.
Monday, March 12, 2012
An Overview of the Homebuilt Ultralight Aircraft
An Overview of the Homebuilt Ultralight Aircraft
Homebuilt ultralight aircraft are small lightweight planes that will typically hold only one seat. These planes are used mainly for recreation and fly at fairly low speeds. Interestingly enough, this type of plane started out as the hang glider which continually became more and more intricate. In the United States these planes are registered as vehicles so you do not even need a pilot's license in order to fly one. If you are interested in the hobby of amateur built airplanes then you could find no better place to start. The following will provide you with some essential information you should know if you plan on taking on this hobby.
The United States has a different definition of homebuilt ultralight aircraft from Europe and many other countries, and therefore a different regulation code. In the U.S. definition these craft will possess the following attributes:
o Has just a single seat
o Is used only for sports and recreation
o Doesn't have an airworthiness certificate
o Will weight no more than 155 pounds, unless it has an engine
If it does have an engine, it has another set of regulations:
o Must weigh less than 254 pounds, empty with flotation devices
o Will have a fuel capacity of no more than 5 gallons
o The speed limit will be 55 knots (63 miles per hour)
o Power off stall speed of 24 knots (28 miles per hour)
One of the best things about homebuilt ultralight aircraft is they do not have to meet airworthiness certification requirements or earn these certificates. In order to fly these craft, you do not have to prove any experience or knowledge, and you do not have to be any specific age either. Furthermore, you do not have to register these craft nor must they carry with them any registration markings. Even though training is not necessary by law, it is highly advised that you do undergo professional training for your own safety.
However, even though the rules and regulations regarding certifying your homebuilt ultralight aircraft are lenient, when it comes to the operation there are certain things that you should know about. For one thing, they can only be flown during daylight. There are certain exceptions to this rule though; for example, they may be flown during Twilight if it has been fitted with an anti-collision light. They must also never be flown over a congested city, town, or open air assembly. If your plane has 2 seats instead of one, you can be allowed extra weight.
Homebuilt ultralight aircraft are small lightweight planes that will typically hold only one seat. These planes are used mainly for recreation and fly at fairly low speeds. Interestingly enough, this type of plane started out as the hang glider which continually became more and more intricate. In the United States these planes are registered as vehicles so you do not even need a pilot's license in order to fly one. If you are interested in the hobby of amateur built airplanes then you could find no better place to start. The following will provide you with some essential information you should know if you plan on taking on this hobby.
The United States has a different definition of homebuilt ultralight aircraft from Europe and many other countries, and therefore a different regulation code. In the U.S. definition these craft will possess the following attributes:
o Has just a single seat
o Is used only for sports and recreation
o Doesn't have an airworthiness certificate
o Will weight no more than 155 pounds, unless it has an engine
If it does have an engine, it has another set of regulations:
o Must weigh less than 254 pounds, empty with flotation devices
o Will have a fuel capacity of no more than 5 gallons
o The speed limit will be 55 knots (63 miles per hour)
o Power off stall speed of 24 knots (28 miles per hour)
One of the best things about homebuilt ultralight aircraft is they do not have to meet airworthiness certification requirements or earn these certificates. In order to fly these craft, you do not have to prove any experience or knowledge, and you do not have to be any specific age either. Furthermore, you do not have to register these craft nor must they carry with them any registration markings. Even though training is not necessary by law, it is highly advised that you do undergo professional training for your own safety.
However, even though the rules and regulations regarding certifying your homebuilt ultralight aircraft are lenient, when it comes to the operation there are certain things that you should know about. For one thing, they can only be flown during daylight. There are certain exceptions to this rule though; for example, they may be flown during Twilight if it has been fitted with an anti-collision light. They must also never be flown over a congested city, town, or open air assembly. If your plane has 2 seats instead of one, you can be allowed extra weight.
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