Fixed wing or flex wing?

Microlights

Fixed wing or flex wing?

4thFrog 15/10/2008, 11:19 PM
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Hi,

I’m looking into starting micro lighting. I am on a very tight budget and was debating whether to go down the fixed wing or flex wing route. The fixed wings appeal to me much more, they are the sort of thing that I’ve always dreamed of flying, and they seem like they would be more rewarding to fly, but maybe I am missing something; are the flex wings more/less fun to fly?

I could have flex wing lessons at about £90 an hour (GT450) and fixed wing for £100 an hour (Ikarus C42) even on my budget the extra £10 and hour is not going to make much difference, especial if I have to buy protective clothing to fly a flexwing, but what sorts of cost could I be getting into after I’ve learnt? Thats my main concern. Everything I’ve read says that flexwings are the best budget option as they are cheaper and can be stored in a garage and taken to the airfield in a trailer but I don’t have a garage, or a car big enough to tow anything, and buying both plus trailer sound seriously expensive!

I think my best option is to own a share in a fixed wing, are there many shared fixed wings around? Could either type be hired or leased easily?

Thanks

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

Paramotorclub 24/10/2008, 8:53 PM
Why not take a look at a Paramotor ? the latest wings fly at 60kph and the entire set up will fit i your boot.

Just a thought.

SW :D

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

GorgeousDave 25/10/2008, 11:16 AM
I fancy a crack in a paramotor. I was talking to a few pilots who landed in a field at the back of my house about it last year and I think it is cheap and fun.

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

Paramotorclub 25/10/2008, 9:38 PM
Fun 110% Yes!

Just Awesome in fact!

Cheep..... maybe.. I suppose compared to 'real planes' lol they are at £7k for a top of the range Kit and training to fly at 60kph (2.5-3..3 hours depending on motor.)

Always happy to give people a freebie 'taster day' if you fancy.

30% of my paramotor studnets are currently people who own PPL and want to reduce the outgoing cashflow so LOADS of people to talk to.

SW :D
07983 428 453

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

4thFrog 26/10/2008, 9:49 PM
Hmmm.... How safe are those things? Honestly? : )
I've heard the parachute can colaspe on you. Also am not sure about my legs being the under carriage!

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

Paramotorclub 27/10/2008, 8:01 AM
Good question,

The answer is that in the 12 years that the sport has been around the UK has seen 2 deaths. I dont think that anyone would mind me saying that both were known for flying at the edge of the safety window, and one was combined with a failer of a modified part.

Although the wings can sometimes have small deflations, where a tip may roll in to a 30 / 40 % you will find that it has popped back out again before you even got a chance to see it. Its the same as any aviation, keep an eye on the weather, dont push it. And it is a VERY safe.

Also as an aside, most carry secondary reserves.

Ref: landing gear, Please do take a look at me landing my new wing on you tube to answer that one. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AuzyIeKlBgs you will notice that I have turned off the engine for a long glide down from cloud base.

Enjoy.

Re: Fixed wing or flex wing?

stu-york 03/10/2010, 4:40 PM
flexwing is the type im going to learn on as the cost of buying the aircraft is much chepper than the fixed wing.
you can get shares in an fixed wing but you may not get to fly it on the day you want it and you will have still have pay the hourly costs plus the mounthly costs when you can fly it.