There is a lot of excitement about the Cessna & Piper light sport aircraft hitting the markets. At the same time Pipistrel have won the European Business award as the most innovative company in the European Union out of more than 15,000 companies.
UPDATE February 2011 – Piper and the Czech manufacturer of the Sportcruiser have severed links, so there is no longer a Piper light sport aircraft.
None the less the performance and gliding characteristics are intersting.
It is perhaps timely then, to compare two of the Pipistrel aircraft with the new Cessna Skycatcher and the Sportcruiser (was Piper) light sport aircraft.
|
Item |
Pipistrel Sinus |
Sportcruiser |
Cessna Skycatcher |
Pipistrel Virus SW Short Wing |
|
Wingspan |
15 M |
8.8 M |
9.14 M |
10.5 M |
|
Engine |
Rotax 912 80 h.p. |
Rotax 912 100 hp |
Continental 0200 100 h.p. |
Rotax 912 100 hp |
|
Fuel consumption @ cruise |
10 liters per hour |
16 liters per hour |
18 liters per hour |
16 liter per hour |
|
Range |
800 nm |
600 nm |
400 nm |
650 nm |
|
Useful load |
275 kg |
272 kg |
222 kg |
275 Kg |
|
Ballistic chute |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
|
Cruise |
108 knots |
115 knots |
112 knots |
146 knots |
|
Rate of climb |
1200 f.p.m |
1200 f.p.m |
900 f.p.m. |
1, 680 f.p.m |
|
Take off roll |
80 -120 meters |
80 -120 meters |
120 meters |
95 meters |
|
Seats |
2 side by side |
2 side by side |
2 side by side |
2 side by side |
|
Glide ratio |
30:1 – really does glide |
16:1 |
10:1 |
17:1 |
|
Propellor |
Variable and feathering |
Fixed pitch |
Fixed pitch |
Variable pitch |
|
Cost Euros |
€70,000 |
|
|
€77,000 |
|
Cost USD$ |
|
$120,000 |
$111,000 |
|
|
Cost NZ$ X rates @ 15 August 2010 |
$128,000 * indicative only |
$160,000* indicative only |
$150,000* |
$140,000* indicative only |
* New Zealand dollar prices, shipping & GST may apply, level of equipment may vary
The two Pipistrel aircraft cost no more ( maybe even less) and yet:
- The Sinus is the most versatile, as a very economical cross country cruiser at more than 40 mpg, a training aircraft, & a glider
- The Virus SW has much higher performance than the Cessna & Piper - a little “rocket ship”
- Pipistrel are world leaders in innovation
- Pipistrel build quality is exceptionally high
- Both use the legendary Rotax engines
- The airframes are very simple, and maintenance is minimal
For Pipistrel New Zealand contact Alan Clarke on 021 400 120
Alan is based in Kerikeri and has a Sinus demonstrator aircraft
Flights are available almost anytime
