 |
Designed and built in England by Flylight Airsports and available in Australia from Adelaide Airsports, the Dragonfly is a fantastic little microlight offering simple, fun flying that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With the latest breed of microlights becoming faster, heavier and far more sophisticated, we have, to a large degree, left our humble roots behind. Sure it is great to load up a friend, some camping gear and head off at great speed to destinations far and wide. Here at Adelaide Airsports we do a lot of that style of flying; I enjoy and highly recommend it and would encourage pilots to join some of our adventures around the country. The Dragonfly however offers something a little different.
The Dragonfly is a return to an earlier era of our sport yet it manages to embody all the latest high-tech design features from the hang gliding and microlight industry. The prime objective is simplicity, efficiency and fun as opposed to horse power and speed. The trike breaks down quickly, without tools, to easily stow in the back of an average family car. The wing is light and once packed can easily be carried on car roof racks. It is quick, easy and portable.
There are currently several options available in regards to wings, engines, undercarriage and fairings. I favor the Discus 15T wing with the fully faired base, Bailey engine and the retractable undercarriage. This combination is quiet, smooth and economical thanks to the small single cylinder Bailey 4-stroke engine (2 liters per hour). After take-off the rear wheels can be retracted into the fairings to aid in drag reduction. The Dragonfly is a great little microlight to fly and although no speed demon it still manages to cruise at a respectable 70 kph. More than enough for local flying and yet still fast enough for a reasonably long cross-country flight. What makes it really unique though is its soaring ability. With wheels tucked in and engine off the Dragonfly manages an impressive 200 foot per minute sink rate and a 12:1 glide. So for the hang glider pilots amongst us a real opportunity for soaring flight with the independence of not having to sit on the hill and wait or get a team together for the tow paddock. Self launch, shut it down and soar, if the lift dies off, push the starter button, power up and head for home.
The Flylight Dragonfly is a simple, yet efficient single seat microlight come powered hang glider that offers affordable flying in a portable package for those pilots that just want to have FUN! Personally I love flying the Dragonfly, on the "Grin Factor" scale it rates as high as anything I’ve flown. If you wish to learn more about the Dragonfly, feel free to contact me.
See the picture gallery for more images of the Dragonfly. Small Brochure: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
|
