Flying's A Breeze (R)...
Pilot|April 2017

In a sleek, economical microlight that performs more like a thoroughbred certified aeroplane.

Dave Unwin
Flying's A Breeze (R)...

“Hear you’ve been flying a microlight”, the club bore guffawed. “Can’t say the idea of flying a hang-glider powered by a lawnmower engine has ever appealed, m’self!” I didn’t say anything, just showed him a photo of the sleek, flame-red speedster on my iPhone. “That’s not a microlight,” he exclaimed. “Oh yes it is,” I retorted (in full panto mode), “and it takes off quicker, climbs better, cruises faster and goes further on cheaper fuel than that clunky old banger that costs you £120 an hour to rent! Oh, and it handles better too!” In fact, I could readily understand his confusion: modern microlights have been closing the gap with ‘traditional’ GA types such as Cessnas and Pipers, and this one is definitely a proper aeroplane.

The Breezer has been around for a while−the prototype made its maiden flight in 1999 and it entered production two years later. However, when fitted with a Rotax 912 (clearly the preferred engine), it was always going to struggle to be a viable microlight in the UK, which at the time had a weight limit of 450kg. So an empty weight of, say 265kg would mean that, with your Editor and me aboard, there would only be about five kilograms left for fuel, which is just enough to get you into trouble but not to get you out! Conversely, in the USA it was marketed in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category− which allows a maximum all-up weight of 1,320lb (599kg)−and sold well.

Denne historien er fra April 2017-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.

Denne historien er fra April 2017-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.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA PILOTSe alt
Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Pilot

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Rare Rearwin
Pilot

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

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Dr Hill's new helicopter
Pilot

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Make mine a turbine!
Pilot

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’.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Industry experts say...
Pilot

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

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2020
Flight training
Pilot

Flight training

News from the clubs, schools & ATOs

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
First airline job
Pilot

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

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Safety Matters
Pilot

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.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Pilot

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.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2020
Come to Sweden!
Pilot

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

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2020