Zenair vs Xair microlight flying comparison
One week after flying in x-air (detailed experience account here), I tried another sortie in a different plane and operator- Zenair
from Agni aviation, in the same Jakkur airfield). Compared to Xair, Zenair felt
more practical and real aircraft. It is bigger, more powerful and gets you a
better flying experience.
Xair
|
Zenair
| |
Looks
|
Looks ultra-light and small, more like a college
student’s project
|
Looks like a proper aircraft from all
angles
|
Engine
|
582 cc, 65hp roof mounted and open
Bombardier
|
Twice powerful engine, housed in the
nose
|
Seating
|
2
|
2
|
Instruments
|
Looks better
|
Looks basic
|
Flying experience
|
Much better-responds swifter and easier to control.
Instructor gave better controls and I had a more enriching flying
experience.
Takes off and lands much faster
|
Fine. Pilot did most of the work, I did some basic
maneuvering.
|
Duration of the flight
|
15 mins (from engine start to shut down, 10 mins in
air)
|
30 mins (from engine start to shut down, 20 mins in
air)
|
Cost
|
Rs 4000 for 15 mins (Rs 267 per
min)
|
Rs 5000 for 30 mins (Rs 167 per
min)
|
Good for
|
Better flying experience, quick take offs and
landing
|
Longer flight/jolly ride, if you want to enjoy the
scenery and not much of flying on your own
|
Cost of aircraft
|
23 lakhs+
|
55 lakhs+
|
Operator
|
Bangalore Aerosports
|
Agni Aviation
|
Other comments
|
Made of steel rods and fibre/cloths
largely
|
Made of metal, , slightly bigger
cabin
|
Comparing Zenair vs Xair microlight flying
Images: Cockpit
Above: Zenair's cockpit
Above: Bigger and more aircraft like Zenair
Below: Cheaper and lighter Xair microlight
Engine
All your FAQs related to microlight flying has been clarified here
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