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Hurray!
That's all we can say about the price tag attached to Loehle's
high-wing, strut-braced Parasol. What is the price? (We knew you
were gonna ask!) An amazingly low $3250! No, that doesn't include
engine, but still...
A taildragger, the uncomplicated single-place ultralight may be
bargain-priced, but it sure delivers in terms of performance and
handling. The Loehle Parasol's design is based upon the concept of
placing the pilot directly under the center of lift on the wing; the
result is no change in CG, regardless of pilot weight. One need only
balance the weight of the back half of the airplane against the
weight of the front—i.e., the powerplant—to get her off the
ground.
In addition to the bargain-basement price, other advantages to
the Sport Parasol
| Empty Weight: |
300 lbs. |
| Gross Weight: |
600 lbs. |
| Wing Span: |
25.6 ft. |
| Wing Area: |
114 sq. ft. |
| Engine: |
503 Rotax |
| Cruise Speed: |
60 m.p.h. |
| Stall Speed: |
30 m.p.h. |
| VNE: |
85 m.p.h. |
| Construction: |
Wood |
| Building time: |
350 Hrs. |
include respectable STOL capabilities (takeoff
100'; landing 150'), adjustable rudder pedals, and (again we go back
to economics!) 2- to 3-gph fuel consumption.
Hit the power and (with a Rotax 447), you're in for some fun.
Powerplant options range from 28 to 50 hp, by the way. There is plenty
of rudder to counter torque and the Parasol hits the skies
with a vengeance at over 1000 fpm and 45 mph. In my experience, the
run-up to 1000' went quickly where the Parasol revealed a
well-behaved stall at 30 mph. The stall was announced by plenty of
aerodynamic warning and a mild break that offered no drop-off to
either side without first receiving a shot of rudder. Full power,
the 447-powered parasol got going at 75 mph, tops, but cruised quite
nicely at 60 mph and only 5000 rpm.
Heading in, I kept 50 mph on the downwind and worked my way down
to 40 mph over the fence, where the Parasol floated nicely to the
threshold and responded to a bit of slip as though I had thrown an
anchor over the side—this thing slips really well. In both two-
and three-point attitudes, the Parasol offered excellent ground
tracking and a few one-wheel touchdowns in the calm air showed there
was plenty of aileron to counter future crosswinds. Landings
terminated in well under 500' which, after a little practice, could
be cut down if needed. Nice.
Loehle Sport Parasol Air Camper
ZOOM REPORT: All in all, the extremely affordable Loehle
Parasol (a scrounger could build one for as little as $4000) is a
big hit at the Zoom Family Ranch. I expected a very pleasant flyer
with adequate power and handling. Instead, I found it pleasant to
fly while still possessing a spirit as playful as some birds with
more rowdy reps. Funny thing, though, I'd have absolutely no problem
letting loose any recently soloed taildragger pilot in this thing...
no dirty tricks, no bad habits.
USA Aircraft Ratings: Loehle Sport Parasol Air Camper
- Design/Engineering: B.
- Ground Handling: B. A pretty mellow tail dragger.
- Flight Characteristics: B+. Surprisingly aggressive little
airplane.
- Company Profile: B+.
- Kit/Plans: B.
- Bang for the Buck: A. It doesn't get much cheaper than this.
- Risk Factor: 4.
- Final Grade: B+. Highly Recommended.
The above courtesy of http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm |
