GA Singles: the State of Play
Alpha Aircraft
Formerly known as the Robin R2120 and R2160, Alpha Aircraft is still alive and living in Hamilton, NZ. The Alphas are low-wing, bubble-canopy two-seaters that have found some favour as aerobatic mounts. The baby of the fleet is the 120T, which is powered by an economical 118-hp O-230 engine, giving the aircraft a cruise of 100 KTAS and a range of 490 nm. The larger 160-hp aircraft comes in two varieties, the 160A and 160AI; the difference being a choice between a carburetor or injected fuel system. All are traditional aluminium aircraft with electric flaps, tricycle undercart and steerable nosewheels.
American Champion
Two of general aviation’s classic taildraggers, the Bellanca Citabria and Decathlon, are being kept alive at American Champion Aircraft. Along with the back-country Scout, American Champion offers a good selection to satisfy the most diehard of tail-wheel pilots. The Citabria itself has four different options with engines ranging from 118 hp to 180 hp, combined with a selection of prop sizes, which give the aircraft different MTOW and performance figures. Lovers of the perennial aerobatic favourite, the Decathlon, will find two to choose from: the 180-hp Super Decathlon and the beefed-up 210-hp Xtreme Decathlon, both of which are fitted with inverted oil and fuel systems and composite, aerobatic constant-speed props. Bush pilots will find a friend in the two varieties of Scout that American Champion markets. The standard Scout is fitted with a 180-hp O-360 and the top-of-the-range Denali version comes with an IO-390 that puts out 210 hp. Both have constant speed props and large wheels for coping with off-airport operations in rough terrain.
www.americanchampionaircraft.com
Aquila 211/212
Out of Germany comes the Aquila series of two-seat trainers. Of composite construction, the 211/212 boast Rotax engines and Garmin glass in reliable trainers that are attractive propositions for flying academies. The 211 is fitted
