NextGen Trial Flying Lesson

The Pipistrel Virus SW 121 has a Rotax 912 S3 engine, producing just 100 HP. But don’t let that fool you, because at just 2,000ft, it can produce 5,300rpm and cruise comfortably at a KTAS of 119kts, all the while operating at just 75% power. At this setting, you’ll be burning 18.4L/hr (4.86gal/hr) from the aircraft’s dual 50L tanks, which gives you an endurance of 5hr 26mins. If you reduce the setting to 65% and cruise at an altitude of 4,000ft instead. This stretches your endurance to 5hr and 53mins, and a cruise distance of 642NM! All the while the KTAS is only reduced by 3kts! (116kts) At full throttle, this speedy little aircraft is capable of climbing at 1050ft/min!

At a Max Takeoff Weight of 1323lbs (600kg), it has a design useful load of 505lb (229kg), and a maximum operating altitude of 18,000ft!!! Not only that, it is also rated for a maximum take-off altitude of 10,000ft!

Equipment

• 2x Air Data/Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS)
• AOA-measuring pitot tube
• Ballistic Parachute Rescue System (BPRS)
• Dual GPS
• Garmin G3X Avionics system (Dual display)
• Garmin GTX328ES transponder (Mode S)
• Garmin GTR225 Transceiver
• Garmin GMC305 (Autopilot)
• On board ELT
• Schempp-Hirth Style air brakes

With all the capabilities of this new aircraft, you should come in and give it a go! It would definitely be an enjoyable experience, whether you just want to see what it is like to fly, building hours, practicing your general handling, or just flying around for sight seeing. This is definitely one aircraft you don’t want to miss out flying!