“Salt Prebrief go!” I’m a little slow locating the transceiver and pressing the flip-flop button, and after a brief fumble to change channels hear the fragment “…alt two, one−check in!” I should’ve called “Two’s up” without Al having to ask and he sounds mildly irritated−but then he often does with me. “Salt One, Salt Two” I reply quickly. Deepak nods approvingly “you are very professional” he observes. I grimace ruefully and concentrate on Salt One…
Probably the best bit about being Pilot’s Flight Test Editor is the sheer variety of aircraft that I get to fly, and on a lovely June day last year I got to test two quite different and equally delightful aeroplanes from the same manufacturer. Now, I say different but must allow that when parked next to each other at Saltby airfield in Leicestershire the two aircraft did look remarkably similar, which is perhaps not unexpected as they are both products of the Pipistrel factory in Ajdovscina, Slovenia. Yet upon looking closer, there were several subtle but significant differences. The Dutch registered one had drooped wingtips and a different propeller, the spats seemed bigger and the tail bumper larger. Intrigued, I asked FlyAbout Aviation’s main man Deepak Mahajan, who explained that although they may look alike they’re far from the same, as the G-registered one, the Alpha is a microlight approved for the British market and built to BCAR-S (aka British Civil Airworthiness Requirements, the ‘section S’ bit denoting Small light aeroplanes) while the Dutch-registered Virus SW is based on EASA CS-LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) construction standards.
Denne historien er fra Spring 2020-utgaven av Pilot.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Spring 2020-utgaven av Pilot.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Electric aviation company Ampaire flew its second technology demonstrator on 10 September. The aircraft is a refined version of its Cessna 337 ‘Electric EEL’ hybrid-electric power conversion.
Rare Rearwin
Made in tiny numbers by Piper and Aeronca standards, the beautifully-engineered Rearwin Skyranger proves to be a delight waiting to be discovered
Dr Hill's new helicopter
You’ve seen pictures of concept helicopters before, and most of them never rose from the paper… but this one has a better chance than most of flying in the real world. It’s the Hill HX50, and the designer describes it as a ‘disruptive’ entry into the small helicopter market, offering a step-change for the better in safety, performance, comfort and elegance.
Make mine a turbine!
To say aviation and turbines is a happy marriage is true−albeit mainly in the airline, business aircraft and helicopter world. Light aviation, especially the ultralight segment, remains essentially a turbine free field−apart from noble exceptions, in the form of single-engine jets and ‘experimentals’.
Industry experts say...
Representatives from a selection of Approved Training Organisations look forward to the future of Commercial Air Travel and prospects for professional pilots after the pandemic
Flight training
News from the clubs, schools & ATOs
First airline job
... won and lost after just eighteen months in the right-hand seat. Reflections on the rewards of the hardest work in a lifetime
Safety Matters
Safety Matters and Safety Briefs are based on the AAIB Bulletin and UK Airprox Board reports, with additional material from the US National Transportation Safety Board.
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Donegal in Ireland has been named as the ‘world’s most beautiful airport 2020’ – for the third successive year – in a major vote by more than six thousand ‘flying fans’. The award is given as part of the annual Scenic Airports poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.
Come to Sweden!
A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country