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Chris Stow Review of the XT-912
when Introduced to the UK this Spring ‘04

From: Chris [mailto:smicrolite@yahoo.co.uk]

Sent: 05 May 2004 09:11

To: microlights@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [microlights] The Airborne XT.....My Views

 At Popham on Saturday, I was given the pleasure of having a flight in the new Airborne XT 912.  As an instructor, I decided to take the back seat and fly the aircraft as I would normally do.

 First impressions were: The engineering was remarkable, from the CNC milled lock-over catch assembly, to the Pod, (which I could stand on).  The wing I thought was incredible and clean looking, its battens were arranged in such a way so that you weren't poked in the eye whilst pre-flighting the aircraft, an innovative design was apparent in the tips of each wing with a over centre locking catch arrangement.

 The undercarriage, BIG, BIG tyres that absorbed the taxi down to the runway along with the dampened suspension, we felt like we were flying already.  Hand throttle and choke were reversed so that the throttle was on the right hand side.  The choke is in the place where the normal throttle position is...... could be a catch out!  There.

 Instrumentation was in the form of a SKYDAT, Similar to a FLYDAT but bigger and more informative.

 The flight was purposeful and informative, Tim Guest was 'my Student' if you will, and flying from the back was comfortable, I could see every instrument, the seat is wide, some 2-3'' wider than other types, the aircraft flew extremely well very, very positive in roll, roll rate from 30 degrees left to 30 degrees right seemed to be instant, without much pressure or effort.

I steeped banked her, I stalled her (very benign), I spiral dived her, (she increased in speed rapidly, 80 knots being marked as the V. n.e.), again the recovery from the spiral dive was effortless.  I side slipped her, and again the response was instant and effortless.

 With a M.A.U.W of 450 Kg, 76 liters fuel capacity, a wing you would die for, handling you could not measure, could this be the next training machine to jump into the fold?

 On the Sunday I decided that I wanted to have a flight from the front seat of the aircraft, this I duly did, I have flown a lot of types in my short career as an instructor, and quite a few as a front seat pilot.  From the front seat, the machine felt a part of me, I didn't know that anyone was sat behind me, the only way I knew, was because Rob, (the aussie), kept talking to me.

 Being in control, I felt at home instantly, the bar position is nice, seating very comfortable.  During my stint in the back seat the weather was reasonably calm, although the Viz was a bit iffy, on the Sunday the Viz was good but it was reasonably bumpy, and unstable, she rode this like I knew she would.

 After a series of steep turns, and the like I headed back for a landing at Popham, and started a descent, the wind was approximately 30-35 degrees off the runway, not strong but coming over all the tents marquees and trees, I was told to be careful, and said ok I will be, I wanted to see if the instant responses in the air applied near the ground.  They did and we touched down with ease, Back wheels first, like an XL, easily riding through the rotor's.

 At £26,500.00 it isn't the cheapest on the market, but I still say this, up until Popham weekend the Quik was the dearest weightshift on the market, and they are selling.

 Me, I'm having one, as soon as I know that they can be used as a training vehicle in the UK.  (This should be sometime in July 2004)

 I am saving already!!

 Regards,

 Chris Stow.

FOR SERIOUS RECREATION

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Last modified: 09/05/08