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Each model has a little bit
different niche. If you want to stay truly legal as a
part 103 Ultralight, the
single seat long wing aircraft is the one for you.
It easily makes weight under 254 lbs even nicely equipped.
It is the same study construction as the other models.
The
Rotax 447 engine gives this plane plenty of power, as
well as being easy on fuel.
If you are a private pilot,
sport pilot, or Ultralight instructor, the
two seat long wing aircraft may be the best all around
airplane for you. It can be built quickly and light
weight with the Mylar wing sails, or with the more durable,
(but heavier) stits fabric. Built with close attention
to weight, it will come in around 300 lbs empty -- although
350 lbs or so is more common with a few options.
Built light, and with the
electric start option, and
streamline package, the long wing two-seater will soar!
That's right ... turn the engine off and ride the thermals
to the cloud base! If you lose altitude, just start
the engine and climb. The two seat long wing comes
standard with a Rotax 447 engine. That's right ...
it will fly two full grown adults on a 447 engine, and do it
nicely.
If you want more power for
short soft fields, or just for the fun of it, you can opt
for the
Rotax 503 engine (which is optional for this aircraft).
The two-seat long wing is Challenger's most
popular model.
 The
single seat clipped wing special is the hot rod of the
challenger fleet. If you don't need a second seat and
want to go fast, this is your airplane. This is a
great cross country airplane, with a high cruise speed and
high wing loading it handles rough air nicely. The
excellent aileron and rudder authority give this airplane
the ability to take off and land in a 30 mph cross wind!
With flaps and the rudder authority to slip really steep,
you can drop into very short strips, and the
Rotax 503 engine which comes standard will blast you
back out again!
If you want the hot rod
performance but need an extra seat, consider the
two seat clipped wing special. This is the
airplane that I personally own. It is a joy to fly!
It really performs. It will take off at full 900 lbs
gross on a 800' grass runway easily. That was all I
had, with corn on both ends, until this year. I did
extend it to 1000' so students have a little room to learn.
I choose the clipped wing mainly for the crisp snappy
aileron response and less buffeting in rough air. It
allows me to fly in weather that would be uncomfortable in a
long wing.
The clipped wing special
models cost a little more, but remember they come standard
with many
options such as doors, flaperons, and streamline
package, that you would pay extra for with the long wing
models. |
