n° 2 - November 2004

Welcome

Welcome to the second issue of our occasional newsletter – we’re aiming to keep you up to date, not only with SilverWing products but also with the whole world of Sport/Recreational aircraft. Suggestions for inclusion and/or improvement are welcome. There’s plenty more information on the SilverWing website. Have a look at www.silverwing.com.au

SportStar crosses the ‘big paddock’!

Between 24 October and 10 November 2004, the Australian demonstrator SportStar flew the round trip Gold Coast-Perth-Adelaide-Gold Coast. Total engine time, including demonstrations was 54 hours 35 minutes. Total fuel consumption averaged almost exactly 16 litres per hour at an everage speed (including taxiing, take-offs, climb, cruise, descent etc) of 90.5 knots.

For solo pilot Peter Harlow, a director of SilverWing Aviation, this was a major ‘first’ in terms of distance and time flown – it is also the furthest distance flown in a single journey by a SportStar/EuroStar. Without a backup crew, most of the flight was ‘IFR’ – I Follow Roads – the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor is even marked out with emergency landing strips. Outbound overnight stops were at Bourke, Ceduna and Caiguna, with comfort/re-fuelling stops planned for every 2-3 hours. For speed, the worst leg was Ceduna to Nullarbor, with headwinds reducing ground speed to less than 60 knots. Best leg was Kalgoorlie to Caiguna on the way back at a ground speed of 122 knots!

The SportStar is an all-metal 2-seat recreational aircraft made in a JAR 21 licensed aircraft factory in the Czech Republic alongside its GA certified sibling, the Harmony. Comments from pilots who flew the SportStar include: ‘Fantastic view out – like riding on a magic carpet’, ‘Amazing cabin space – particularly under the canopy’, ‘Superb build quality’ and ‘Incredible short-field performance’.

All portStars come with a 2-year/ 200-hour airframe warranty. All rivets are mastic-filled and all riveted joints are bonded/glued. The whole airframe is corrosion proofed. All of which ensure that your investment will look and feel as good in 10 years as it does the day you take delivery.

Floating SportStar

The SportStar has been certified with floats in Canada – watch this space if you’re a water-wings.

Glider towing

Glider towing using recreational/ ultralight aircraft has been growing in popularity in Europe – primarily because of the much lower running costs in comparison with more traditional glider tugs. The Eurostar (the European 480kgs MTOW version of the SportStar) has been used for glider towing in Germany for some time. Results have been excellent – climb rate with the 700kgs Duo Discus is around 600fpm at 65kts.

SilverWing website

Our website has recently been redesigned, to make it more ‘visually consistent’ and ‘easier to navigate’ (the website company’s words). Tell us what you think!

www.silverwing.com.au

EuroStar available

The SportStar’s (slightly) smaller sibling, the EuroStar is now available in Australia as either a factoryfinished aircraft or in 2 kit versions – ‘basic’ and ‘quick-build’, both of which qualify as 51% kits.
Prices are being confirmed at the present time but will probably range from around $55,000 for the basic kit (including engine) to around $100,000 for a fly-away version with a Rotax 912ULS (100hp). Prices include GST and shipping.
Widely praised by independent flight journalists, the EuroStar outsells every other ultralight in the UK. Over 350 EuroStars have been sold around the world. They are popular as trainers in continental Europe. The kit version was voted ‘Aircraft of the Year, 2003’ by readers of the UK monthly magazine ‘Flying’.
Call SilverWing Aviation if you’re interested - +61 (0) 7 5597 0391

Need a new prop?

KievProp 3- and 5-blade ground adjustable composite props are designed for geared engines. The curved scimitar shape with bonded metal leading edges gives more bite and less noise. Join the rapidly growing band of pilots who have discovered the joy of flying behind (or in front of) a KievProp. Prices from $1,495 including GST.
Contact SilverWing at +61 (0) 7 5597 0391 for more information.

ACI Stallwarners

The ACI Stall warner is an awardwinning accessory that can (and should) be fitted to virtually any Recreational or Light Sport Aircraft – all certified GA planes have to be fitted with a stall warner.
The system consists of a wingmounted vane, which senses the movement of air over the leading edge and sounds a warning as the air begins to breakaway from the airfoil as the stall approaches.
However excellent your flying training (and your subsequent flying habits) there may come a time when distraction takes your attention away from your airspeed – worst of all, just as you are turning final – and the ‘beep’ of that stallwarner may just save your life!
More than 500 of ACI Stallwarner units have been sold worldwide – more than 40 in Australia. At $399 including GST and shipping, it’s a small price to pay for additional security in your flying.