Mac Hoban Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 G'day fellow aviators, I've just arrived in southern Qld and I'll be driving south to Tassy over the next twelve days hoping to see ultralight aircraft and learn more about them, maybe buy one. Suggestions welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueadventures Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 G'day fellow aviators, I've just arrived in southern Qld and I'll be driving south to Tassy over the next twelve days hoping to see ultralight aircraft and learn more about them, maybe buy one. Suggestions welcome! XAirs are good and similar some what. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 XAirs are good and similar some what. Cheers There is a Thruster for sale at Lethbridge Vic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Hoban Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 X-Air is tricycle undercarriage too which pleases me. I'll put Lethbridge on my itinerary, any more info like a contact number or ad reference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted October 10, 2017 Share Posted October 10, 2017 X-Air is tricycle undercarriage too which pleases me.I'll put Lethbridge on my itinerary, any more info like a contact number or ad reference? Here's the ad Aviation Classifieds Paul has owned it for a number of years and flies it regularly throughout the year. In my opinion, they are are easy to fly so don't be put off by the tailwheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
facthunter Posted October 10, 2017 Share Posted October 10, 2017 They are all getting on a bit. If you are going for something like that try a Drifter. There's SB that has a 582 usually and the WB does not need quite as much power, so sometimes has a smaller motor. The 582 is the only Rotax 2Stroke still made and serviced (parts) by Rotax. I think they are easier to fly than the Thruster and have a terrific view from the cockpit. Check the fabric on all of these as it deteriorates in the sun. Nev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty_d Posted October 10, 2017 Share Posted October 10, 2017 G'day fellow aviators, I've just arrived in southern Qld and I'll be driving south to Tassy over the next twelve days hoping to see ultralight aircraft and learn more about them, maybe buy one. Suggestions welcome! G'day Mac, my suggestion is that you concentrate in QLD for possible purchases... they're a bit thin on the ground here in Tassie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted October 10, 2017 Share Posted October 10, 2017 They are all getting on a bit. If you are going for something like that try a Drifter. There's SB that has a 582 usually and the WB does not need quite as much power, so sometimes has a smaller motor. The 582 is the only Rotax 2Stroke still made and serviced (parts) by Rotax. I think they are easier to fly than the Thruster and have a terrific view from the cockpit. Check the fabric on all of these as it deteriorates in the sun. Nev I've flown both - they are both relatively easy to fly - Drifter has a better view but in a Thruster you are next to your PAX - great for QLD - they are both tailwheel but in my opinion tame. Fabric can be tested with a Bettsometer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wideblueyonder Posted October 10, 2017 Share Posted October 10, 2017 G'day fellow aviators, I've just arrived in southern Qld and I'll be driving south to Tassy over the next twelve days hoping to see ultralight aircraft and learn more about them, maybe buy one. Suggestions welcome! Hi Mac, Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of recreational aviation! Some important things to consider when deciding what to buy: - Be led by advise, practicality and function, rather than what looks cute. - Consider as a very high priority an enclosed airplane over an open design when planning on flying in Tasmania. Our best flying is during the colder months and having to dress like an Eskimo and still freezing is not fun. ( even harder now as we are no longer 'spring chickens') - Nev is spot on. Fabric can be tested very easily and regardless of condition, usually makes for a more affordable 'first' aeroplane. - As I mentioned in a pm (personal message) there is a very nice low hour Thruster for sale in Tas. As it is already 'over the pond' it's asking price is even more attractive as it won't have to be flown/ trailered home (trailer, fuel, time, Spirit of Tasmania costs, booking availability this time of year etc. - So if you buy a single place aeroplane, you will have your investment sitting in a hangar somewhere while you pay dual training rates to learn to fly someone-else's aeroplane. I am more than happy to take you through the course of training for your pilots certificate in my Jabiru, but you will still need to fly a further minimum amount of time for any endorsements you will need such as Tailwheel, twostroke etc. - Finding somewhere to park and fly your plane near where you live in southern Tas is going to take some effort. There are folding wing designs that you can trailer and keep at home. I owned a Gazelle and kept it in a fully enclosed trailer. Best ever. - It is most unlikely you will ever intentionaly land on a sealed runway here in Tas. Your choice of aeroplane should reflect that. What is more important than speed, transponders and artificial horizons, is the ability to safely operate from paddocks. So, bigger wheels, effective brakes, softer suspension, propeller clearance, slower touch-down speed is very high on the desirable list. - If you buy a two seater (and there are lots for sale), you can't learn to fly in it unless it is 25 or 24 registered (factory built). You can learn to fly in a 19 registered 2 seat plane, but only if you built it. You can do your cross-country training in a 19 registered plane, as the flying is not for a certificate, but for an endorsment. - Get at least enough flying training under your belt to be at the stage where you can takeoff and land unassisted. This will give you a very good idea of what kind of flying you wish to persue. After a life-time of romancing of flying and aviation in general, you may have formed a mental vision of a flying style that may not be reflected in reality. - Talk to the schools who have been around for a while. They probably earnt their living in the early days from flying Thrusters and Drifters. (Fabric, twostroke, factory built= affordable.) and will be able to give you first hand experience regarding costs, maintenance etc. Good luck, hope this helps WBY 7 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Hoban Posted October 14, 2017 Author Share Posted October 14, 2017 Thank you everyone for your comments. It's been a great help and I've learned heaps from following up your suggestions. I've seen one aircraft in particular I'd dearly love to grab but I'm going to get home and ruminate before I act. One thing I've been struck by is that used ultralights are a buyer's market and you gotta be sure. Once you buy one it could take months or years to sell if it's not what you really wanted. And if it's hangered that could cost you more than the plane is worth! Damn. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hargraves Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 G,day Mac and wecome to the clan, their is some excellent advice and tips that have already been forwarded to you via this forum for my two cents worth I would suggest you take your time with your aircraft type decision and in particular do not overlook the factory produced Quicksilver GT500. I did my training in a cub. And brought a 500 as my first aircraft, I then went on and brought a storch muster and I am still behind it capabilities. I sold my 500 to clear my rented hanger for the storch and have regretted doing so ever since, so much so that I have brought another one. The thing is I love flying the storch but the reason we fly is for the pure enjoyment of it, we,re not rpt taxies, and for real flying fun the 500 ticks all the boxes. Its also fully cnc machined and fully supported and still in production, so have a fly in one at least befor you decide is my suggestion sir. Cheers Mick 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Baron Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 There is a Thruster T300 for sale in Leeton nsw, very good condition registered for $6,000 . 0408612621 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDQDI Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 Its also fully cnc machined and fully supported and still in production, so have a fly in one at least befor you decide is my suggestion sir. Cheers Mick My internet is dead slow here today Mick so I can't find out for sure but I remember the quicksilver factory shutting up shop a year or two ago, what I can't remember is if anyone took on the job of building them again? Are they still being produced by a new mob? I did like the look of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly_tornado Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 Air-tech bought Quicksilver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hargraves Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 Yes their still building and I have had parts supplied since the ownership change as well, another point to them is their parts manual supplied with the aircraft it,s very comprehensive with exploded views of all assemblies and numbered hardware. Many manufacturers would do well to follow them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shafs64 Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 there is some X airs on ebay going cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigL Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Hi Mac I have a T500 for sale in Southern Queensland. I have PMed more details to you - see your messages/conversations (envelope sign in upper left). cheers Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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