Classes: weightshift / 3 axis / single seat / 2 seat.

Participating aircraft need to comply with the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) / FAI definition of a microlight:

"Microlight" is an aeroplane having no more than two seats, Vso not exceeding 35 knots (65 km/h)CAS, and a maximum take-off mass of no more than:

• 300 g for a landplane, single-seater; or
• 450 kg for a landplane, two-seater; or
• 330 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, single -seater; or
• 495 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, two-seater, provided that a microlight capable of operating as both a floatplane and a landplane falls below both MTOM limits, as appropriate.

Note: Foot-launched aircraft are excluded from this definition"

Competing classes (provisional)
 

• WL1 - Weightshift flown solo
• WL2 - Weightshift flown dual
• AL1 - Three Axis flown solo
• AL2 - Three Axis flown dual

If this is going to be a Internationally Sanctioned Event, the FAI’s definition of qualified "Ultralights", "Microlights" and "VLA’s" (very light aircraft), is going to have to be trashed out and accepted before serious planning can get under way. Has such a craft been defined yet with certainty?

What max empty weight, max all up weight and max fuel capacity are my first questions. Starting from there other solutions can be worked out.

Here are some of my personal specifications of what I would call a doable craft:

• In the engine department: RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY!
• Two seats ( one to carry the gear, spares or fuel)
• Steady min 60 kt TAS (mile a minute) at economy cruise power setting. Tails, you win heads you lose (the wind I mean). Expect a tail wind of 20+ kts in spring going east, at low level.
• Min no wind range of 350 nm (650 km) to dry tanks
• Wing loading to accommodate "continuous light to occasional moderate gusts"

What? Did you expect to fly only in the calm?

• Basic pressure instrumentation for VFR flight, one gyro instrument for emergency IF.
• Navigation gear: GPS, SATCOM phone. (Don’t forget the whiskey compass!)
• Communication gear: two VHF radio coms min. Forget about requiring HF.
• Lots of spare batteries: sponsors to provide free supply!
• Transponder if it can be accommodated in the craft.
• ELB and survival gear for all types of terrain.

Weight, Weight, Weight, what shall we do to meet those pesky requirements.

November 1, 2001 Captain Sivaraman (see country contacts)