| 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. |
Options include the 447 Rotax engine, brakes, extra fuel tank, ballistic
parachute, storage area, strobes, spinner instruments.
For more information contact -
Loehle Aircraft Corp.,
380 UF Shipmans Creek Road
Wartrace
TN 37183 -
931-857- 3419
Loehle Sport Parasol Air Camper
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 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 taildragger.
- 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.
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