Microlight aircraft display

Press, 11 March 1983, Page 24

Microlight aircraft display

Microlight aircraft are a sophisticated design of powered aerodynamics. Although the appearance is reminiscent of the early flying machines, with a large wingspan and rudder pedals, their capabilities are far more advanced. The Scout 11 microlight, which is being demonstrated at the Cheviot Show tomorrow, cruises at 75 kilometres an hour and has a maximum speed of 105 km an hour. The large wingspan (8.8

metres) allows slow take-off and landing speeds. Mr Mervyn Thompson, the agent for the Scout microlight in Canterbury, Westland and Nelson, has been flying light aeroplanes and gliders for the last 20 years and has clocked-up 1200 hours flying experience. He says that microlight flying is becoming an increasingly popular sport, with more than 200 registered pilots in New Zealand. Microlights have a conven-

tional aircraft layout with the control stick between the knees and rudder pedals at the feet. The 244 cc engine is out in front and the craft has sprung pneumatic landing gear. Transportation is no problem because the airframe is alloy and the wing and tailplane are fully demountable. Mr Thompson says- the plane can be rigged for flight in 12 minutes. Because there is no radio on board, microlights are

restricted to flying at 914 metres and are no* allowed to be flown within Bkm of an airport. Good weather is essential and Mr Thompson says that flying is out of the question if winds are stronger than 19km. The Scout kits are manufactured in Australia and assembled in Christchurch and cost $5385. Mr Thompson also makes accessories such as a heavy-duty undercarriage, instrument panel and long range fuel tank.