Microlighters

I had a very pleasant surprise on Tuesday.

Went to see Mr Braam Hechter of Microflight and he treated me to a short demo in the Xenon Gyro.

The weather as perfect as can be so I cannot comment on any turbulence, wind etc.

Let me state that I was never asked to write this "review"

Braam was PIC and the takeoff was smooth and without any hickup. Was a bit concerned watching the airspeed, as I am used to rotate at 60 MPH, this one closer to 100, only to realise that airspeed is in km/h. (My fault).

The controls are a lot more responsive compared to my M22, but not to the extend that it feels unconfortable. You will get use to this very easy.

I was pleasantly surprised. Landing was soft as any decent Gyro would be able to do with a competent pilot in command.

What did I like:

It is quite;

You don't need seven jackets;

Intercom works fine (out of the wind and engine noise);

Side by side is nice, you can have eye contact with your flying buddy;

The view is amazingly un-obstructed (it is a closed cockpit so there are obstructions but not irritating at all).

What did I not like:

To be quite honest, not a lot;

The "motorbike-of-the-air" idea as in the Magni and other gYro's are not present. This feels more like a helicopter or normal plane.

Summary:

There is surely a market for this type of plane. I know a couple of guys who said they are not keen on the idea of being so cold anymore. This would appeal to them. If you like open cockpit, don't watse your time.

Would I buy one: Tempting.

Some links for more info.

http://www.microflightaviation.co.za/ai ... xenon.html

http://www.xenongyroplanes.com/

Thanks again Braam

Can you confirm price. Last time I asked it was huge in comparison to others IIRC..

Looks awesome...

Too rich for my blood, but IMHO the best looking Gyro around...

Xenon 912S 47,000 Euros or only $ 63,450 US Dollars *

Xenon 914 55,300 Euros or only $ 74,650 US Dollars *

Xenon 912 RST 55,300 Euros or only $ 74,650 US Dollars *

RAF 2000 GTX SE FI = $35 500-00 full house

Glad you enjoyed the flip, I must agree Enclosed gyros's are the best.

Fly save

Saraf

I would love to go for a flip in the Xenon looks like a great gyro to me.

Gee Saraf you are a pro at hijacking someone's thread hey.

BTW George I will get you some pricing this weekend.

My oppolgies if any one took this as a hijack!

The xenon is a very nice gyro. I saw it at the AGM and it looked very nice.

Just can not understand why all the other gyros are so Expensive.

FLy save

Saraf
(EBEN Jnr)

Thanks for the feedback on your flight in the Xenon, Condor. We have worked with the factory for a year since the arrival of the first two Xenons in South Africa to ensure that we put a gyro which is suitable for our conditions on the market, hence a fairly low profile until now.

There are currently two more machines on order which should arrive in SA by the end of September.

The current price for a fully assembled Xenon RT (ie Rotax Turbo 914) is 61 000 euro.

For more information and to book a demo flight, please contact Braam Hechter on (084) 6977703 or visit xenongyro.co.za.

Hi Wakeshift

How many of the 2 Xenons have been in accidents?

I seem to recall 2 Xenon accidents on this forum , this means that you had a 100 % accident rate !!!

Hi t-bird

Non of the Xenon's were involved in an accident. Let me explain what happend:

The Xenon has two integrated fuel tanks. One of these tanks were leaking/seaping fuel into the composite structure of the of the body as it was not sealed properly. This resulted in the weakening of the material which in turn led to the attachment point of the one side of the undercarriage breaking.

We have been working very close with Raphael and the factory to resolve problems such as these. You will notice if you visit the Xenon website that the tanks have since been changed in order to prevent this from happening again. They are now completely removeable.

Safe flying

Now this is funny

“Hi Guys , the Xenon was involved in an incident in October at RhinoPark -
no one was injured - the Xenon has been dismanteled to check for structural damage and will be flying soon again - this incident was reported and the cause seems to be severe downdraft .
Leprachaun”

From accidents and incidents

Rather come clean on the accidents.

Jus, you okes are quick to trash and hijack at any oppertunity.

Why not reserve judgment until thoroughly tested and rather raise the profile of all gyros by displaying and flipping at Fly-ins?

I hav'nt seen any comments trashing different brands of trikes here which outnumber the gyros 100 to 1.

Hear Hear Delta VV.

Let me start by saying that I am a confirmed Gyronaut regardless of make or seating arrangement.

The Xenon looks like a great Gyro, Congratulations Braam!

I am pleased its not just me that has noticed how negative people can be about the different types of Gyro's. If another ill-informed ignoramus tyre-kicker comes up to me and says, "nice gyro the sycamore, pity its so heavy" I am going to take him for a flip (as I usually do to show him 800ft p/m climb rate, 2 up, with full tanks ) and throw him out from 2000ft agl. (what weight? lol)

Fact: The old Sycamores had a composite 28ft rotor and weighed X. All new Sycamores come with either a 30ft or 33ft extruded aluminium rotor that obviously generates a lot more lift. (do the math) The composite cockpit is also substantially lighter than the old ones. As the informed will know, lift over weight (gravity) is what gets you airborne. Therefore the question should be, how much lift does the Sycamore generate in relation to its weight. My answer is to load the individual up and show him. Have yet to hear anyone claim the Sycamore is too heavy after a flip!

I know the different manufacturers of Gyro's have a habit of trashing the opposition but in so doing they are doing nothing more than trashing their own reputation and showing their ignorance and damaging the sport of Gyro flying.

Lets rather support each other and spread the sheer pleasure of Gyro flying regardless of type!

Hi Delta VV

I did not “thrash the Xenon” I have asked a question? The accidents are in the accident report section, go and have a look. Wakeshift comment “Non of the Xenon's were involved in an accident” is not true.

I am non thrashing the sport and I am not a supplier, I fly for fun.

More damage is done to the sport by accidents that are swept under the carpet.