posted 01-14- 08:57 PM               

Oh, and what makes this one SOOOOO cool is the retractable floats! I am going to get one of these, it's only a matter of time.

posted 01-14- 09:21 PM               

You are correct if you are using a chute, but if you go with a delta that is not true. In fact, not many things are more dangerous than a powered hang glider. But the powered chutes are better for the reasons you mentioned.

But people do get into trouble, especially with power lines and trees. A powered chute does not "fly" - it sort of floats where you point it, kinda

It is the ultimate James Bond thing, fer sure

I really like the fixed wing Ultralights- they have a great glide ratio so engine failure is not so dramatic as in a hang-glider type of craft. Also you can turn the engine off and thermal the sucker- nice and quiet like! You can get it amphibious so you can land on water or land. They take off and land in very small spaces.

Not all airports are ultralight friendly though. But a back yard will do

People love ultralight aircraft flight because of the wind on the face and the ability to fly just over the tree tops. However it is the later that usually catches up to them. Many people hit power lines or unexpected bridges, etc. If you learn the area first it is a big help. I am looking forward to many flights at low altitude - and flights through puffy clouds. Flying rivers is fun if you know the hazards first.

I guess it all depends on how much of a dare devil you are. Some people consider any flight a risky venture. Ultralights are almost as safe as light aircraft - but powered chutes and powered hang gliders are more dangerous - from what I have read. I get the Ultralight magazine- it is OK, it does seem to have more on powered chuts/hnag gliders than on fixed wing though... but good stuff either way.

Also Ultralights need careful (but inexpensive) upkeep. Buying an old one is a bit risky- I will get a new one and do the final construction myself. You want to be careful about structural failure- it happens often to those who are not very maticulous about upkeep.

Another quesiton is 2 stroke or 4 stroke eninge? 2-stroke have a much better power to weight ration, but are much louder and less reliable. 4-stroke engines sound more quiet and tend not to quit like the 2-strokes. Also a 2-stroke uses a smaller prop, less drag when soaring

It seems most people go for the 2-stroke, they figure that the safety issue is made up for becuase the 2-strokes can climb out so much better- power = life from what I have read. 2-stoke is cheaper to buy, install, and maintain as well.

You can take lessons in a comprable 2-seat as well- so you are used to your aircraft.

What I really want is a Stemme motor glider! Side by side seating in a leather trimmed cockpit - and a wonderful looking soaring machine! You need no one to run your wing thanks to your folding landing gear. Also you have a turbo prop so you can fly out of high alt fields. Once the prop folds into the nose you have a contest level glide ability.

But the coolest thing, you can sore at like 150+ knts with negative flaps! THe Stemme has much less drag than a normal aircrft - so you can go faster, further, longer - really good gas economy! You can not fit much in the way of lugage in though. But it is one of the safest aircraft in the world - amazing glide with a power option

And all for $120,000 (150l with turbo and leather) new! Six month wait period though...

posted 01-14- 10:06 PM               

You mentioned flying through puffy clouds. BE CAREFUL! Any cloud can have turbulence in it and most do, even the pretty white puffy ones. They could shread your ultralight quickly. But it sounds fun, what you want. Go for it!

Wow, $120,000, that's a house I'm looking at spending $15,000-25,000 for mine. I only wish it could seat 4 though since we're about to have another kid. But at least for now I can do short hops with my son, land, and then take my wife up.

posted 01-18- 11:34 PM               

Once I have one I'll get some pictures for you all. Don't know exactly when this will happen but it will happen. I want one bad.

posted 01-19- 10:13 AM            

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posted 01-19- 02:37 PM               

Now I just have to fine the perfect place to fly it. Being slow may be somewhat of a drawback, but the safety of it is so good that it makes up for it to me. But honestly, I just like being UP. In fact when I was growing up, one of our homes had a large flagpole in front of the house. I use to climb up that thing to the top and hold on for as long as I could stand it just for the view! So being at whatever altitude I choose, moving forward, and being in control of a machine that I can easily fly by myself is very exciting, but really it's the view I'm mostly after. Being up high does wonders for me.

posted 01-22- 04:03 PM               

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Snickers
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