It is the best feeling you get when your home built aircraft takes off for the first time.. My father built a few Ultralights and Gyro-copters when i was younger.. He was so thrilled when he came back and landed.. If he was still alive today. I am sure i would have my own Aircraft by now.. But cancer took his life at a young age of 53.. I was only 20.. :(
Something especially fascinating about that hull design is that at least five new home-built seaplane designs have flown off the drawing boards, and they all use a big step in the hull, like the seaplanes in the 1930s, while that report from Langley languished in engineering libraries. Martin used a simplified version in their last twin seaplanes, and Goodyear, of all companies, made one in aluminum which slowly corrodes away in a hangar at Oshkosh, forgotten. It will not "porpoise" & crash.
That's interesting about the differences in subsequent generations of builders. One wonders whether it's cultural or what. My plan is a planing-tail seaplane hull devised by the Langley Aero labs way back in '49, but still the most advanced seaplane hull. Noel Becar worked on such a design back inthe '60s, where I learned about it, but he worked too much on other builders' projects to finish it. I hope my luck is better. With no step, it has much less drag, but the chine must be sharp to work.
@JVLigon Actually there is quite a lot of glue. Most of the wing structure is glued together using an epoxy glue. The rib are wooden and the spars are aluminium tubes and these are glued together. The lift strut brackets are glued and riveted and the trim longerons on the fuselage are glued in place.
@JVLigon Nice aeroplane but a bit up league from the Escapade Microlight. Zenair seem to specialise in aluminium construction for their microlight as well. I was looking at Zenair's web site and they are fitting Jab 3300 engines. That should give an exciting ride.
Thanks for posting this video. I've been in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assn, in the U.S.A.) for many years, hoping to finish something I've started. Check out a fly-in where homebuilt aircraft can be found, and chat with the owners, who are often the builders. Ask them whatever you wonder about, and let them enhance your enthusiasm for going ahead and realizing your dream.
@Ashitaka255 The biggest problem with London is Gatwick and Heathrow take up all the air space forcing private airfields further out. Having said that there are plenty of sites within about half to three quarters of an hour out. Most training centres sell a share in an aeroplane so you don't have to own one outright to fly. It is not all that cheap unfortunately and you would expect to pay out about 5/6K before you had a license, then it depends on what you fly and how often you fly after that.
@winterka100 There is a version with a balistic chute available. It is aimed at the German market where it is compulsory on a Microlight and with a concesion from the BMAA for weight could be a possibility in the UK some time in the future. Up to now the UL motor is looking very good and is more powerful and cheaper than the Rotax. Having said that I have never had my Rotax miss a beat even when it knew it was over water.
@sheddiestarr I take it you mean how long does it take to stow the wings when fitted to the aircraft. The wing fold takes about two minutes. The turtle deck has to be removed, then I fit a storage cover where the turtle deck was, the wings are held in the flight position by two pins, one each wing, and then the wings fold back and are secured with a couple of struts. No controls are disconnected Tied down and folded on a trailer to be airbourne in less than ten minutes is possible.
Thanks for the comments.It's true what you say ,in the uk a build like yours would be very expensive and on top of all the RED TAPE to actually fly it .I have no doubts i could build one ,the problem as I've said is the finances aero. engines don't come cheap as you know even a small motor like yours .But Hay! good luck and i hope you will post the maiden flight .I would like to see it fly.
As a model builder for many years I always told the large model brigade that they could go up a little bit more in size and do away with the radio control by getting into the plane themselves and that is what I did with my Escapade. Even the colour scheme, Terry says, looks like a model aeroplane.
The build process is not all that difficult, a bit time consuming but that can be the point sometimes. I think I was lucky to do this when I did as if you live in the UK the pound and inflation have combined to make this a much more expensive activity. The firewall forward kit for the Escapade has doubled in price since I made Charlie.
@19thSFGA Trouble is you have to come down as well and they wait for you there. It also helps with insurance claims if you have insurance, they tend to tell you to go forth and multiply if you don't have a license. Incidentally I have only been over 10,000ft once most of the time about 2 or 3K is enough
Hey Michael I was wondering if you could give me some tips I want to try and build one for the first time I am 17 an am a 2 yr state certified welder and am pretty good with metal and wood just let me know thanks!
O! I forgot to tell you .I am a model builder and have just finish a new livery on my T189 which is a high winger and looks like a pup .wing span 60+ and is powered by a ic .67 glo engine.All is controlled by rc.
@1234LMAO12345 The engine is an option, that is there are different engines you can fit. Mine is a Rotax 912 some are Jabaru 2200 and a few are now UL260 engines. There is a firewall forward kit available for any of these I think. The kit can be bought in parts, eg wings, fuselage, engine. The kit does not include paint or panel fit as these are to your design. realityaircraft is where they come from and their website has all the details
That is a beautiful thing and a sight to behold. My dream is to get a pilots license but money is tight. Then too get a kit like that. For now I’m thinking of a Gyrocopter (cheaper) but still fly and have fun.
@kdc43 I took a year but at the start all components were coming from the States, they are now all UK sourced (apart from engine maybe) I reckon I could build one in three months now but I don't work. Rob Hughes kept a log of his build and there was between 500 and 600 hours work in his build. Most take between one and two years but it depends how much time you put into it and how much you play on the way.
The first group of Escapade builders used to chat on a yahoo site regularly and this was very encouraging but later builders seem to be more introverted, even less excited about their airplane build, maybe they are searching all the old posts for answers to their questions who knows. Even seven years on I still take every opportunity I get to chat to the suppliers and give them feedback on how the Escapade is fairing. What is your project?
Escapade is rock steady in roll normally but in thermal conditions the undercamberred wing section reacts quite quickly to lobsided thermals. The first flight shown is the maiden flight so the test pilot may have been feeling out the response or it may have been lumpy on the runway
@gcdev The question always asked when talking about a new engine is: "Is it as good as a Rotax?" There have been plenty who have tried and failed,I wouldn't have a Jabaru if it was for free.I've read too many incident reports with Jabarus splitting barrels, breaking head bolts, crankshafts and valves. Give me a Rotax any day!
How you get our license depends on where you live. UK you can check the BMAA web site for details of microlight licenses. The aeroplane kit is sold by Reality Aircraft who are based at Old Sarum airfield in Wilshire. Just Google reality aircraft and or Escapade aircraft. There is a yahoo group for Escapades as well
The Escapade design is owned by Reality Aircraft at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire UK. You can contact them if you google Reality Aircraft and or Escapade. I don't believe there are drawings available to build from scratch. The aeroplane is available as a kit at which stage all the welding is done.
I take it you mean how long does it take to stow the wings when fitted to the aircraft. The wing fold takes about two minutes. The turtle deck has to be removed, then I fit a storage cover where the turtle deck was, the wings are held in the flight position by two pins, one each wing, and then the wings fold back and are secured with a couple of struts. No controls are disconnected Tied down and folded on a trailer to be airbourne in less than ten minutes is possible.
@WPBMike MIne cost about £26,000 and there are lots of regs to fly it. Pilots license...Annual permit....Radio License....Aviation Law....etc The BMAA web site will fill you in on all the requirements
@gcdev Do you have any advice for a Londoner like me? It takes at least an hour to get to some sort of countryside, I can't build or maintain a plane since I'm in London. Is there any way for me to get into microlight flying cheaply?
@1984gmc33 The kit is available from Reality Aircraft at Old Sarum airfield Terry is the guy to talk to. Just tell him Mike and Charlie DEV sent you. Google reality Aircraft
@onebigkahuna69 Thanks for the comment. The audio is not that exciting on a microlight as it is on a jet fighter I am afraid. Microlights have to pass a test to get a noise certificate but some of the tracks on my postings must have some sound on. Try first flights.
@DOSBatchFiles Unfortunately you do need a license to fly an ultralight. The details can be found on the BMAA web site. An Ultralight license is only slightly easier to get than a full GA PPL.There are several exams to pass and flying instruction both duel and solo then a general flying test. I reckon mine cost me about £5K and took a year. The plane took another year to build and cost me about £26K
@onebigkahuna69 Thanks for the comment. The audio is not that exciting on a microlight as it is on a jet fighter I am afraid. Microlights have to pass a test to get a noise certificate but some of the tracks on my postings must have some sound on.
The build sequences were all of G CDEV my own Escapade but the second half of the clip shows two other Escapades, also home built. The final credits give further details.
TLAC, Little Snoring Airfield, Little Snoring, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0JL. Tel: 01328 878809 Email: sales@g-tlac.com Website: www.g-tlac.com Note that earlier kits were supplied by Reality Aircraft of Salisbury.
Dear ENTREVISTAVIP, I don't have any plans to send to you, but plans for this plane in this video are available from the designer, from what information I see on the site. Perhaps googling "Escapade" would be the fastest way to find the Internet address for the plan providers. Good luck.
with just a few shapes to the cow and underbelly this plane could be made gorgeous,I'm sure it's owner loves it, but still it looks so 40's, still this seems to be a tried and tested design and thats what its all about
The frame is welded aircraft quality steel. It is very special material and extremely strong.. Construction and any repairs are carried out to a specification labelled AC13. It is now getting on for three years since I sold my Escapade and stopped flying, but it was a very special part of my life.
Sorry Nidal but as far as I know there are no drawings available. Another reply here gives the current agent. As far as I know the Escapade 2 became the Scout under the new distributor.
ok it depends on your plane and where u fly it. you can build your own design and say its not a plane to avoid the paperwork and in a class g airspace you dont have to have any clearence
@1470cool With spelling like that you may have trouble with the pilots exams so you would have to fly it illiegaly (sic) PS I always give thanks for the spell checker but there isn't one on here.
It is the best feeling you get when your home built aircraft takes off for the first time.. My father built a few Ultralights and Gyro-copters when i was younger.. He was so thrilled when he came back and landed.. If he was still alive today. I am sure i would have my own Aircraft by now.. But cancer took his life at a young age of 53.. I was only 20.. :(
Something especially fascinating about that hull design is that at least five new home-built seaplane designs have flown off the drawing boards, and they all use a big step in the hull, like the seaplanes in the 1930s, while that report from Langley languished in engineering libraries. Martin used a simplified version in their last twin seaplanes, and Goodyear, of all companies, made one in aluminum which slowly corrodes away in a hangar at Oshkosh, forgotten. It will not "porpoise" & crash.
That's interesting about the differences in subsequent generations of builders. One wonders whether it's cultural or what. My plan is a planing-tail seaplane hull devised by the Langley Aero labs way back in '49, but still the most advanced seaplane hull. Noel Becar worked on such a design back inthe '60s, where I learned about it, but he worked too much on other builders' projects to finish it. I hope my luck is better. With no step, it has much less drag, but the chine must be sharp to work.
I always admire peaple who can build and fly and of course the finances to do it .It's a pipe dream for me but maybe some day?
@JVLigon Actually there is quite a lot of glue. Most of the wing structure is glued together using an epoxy glue. The rib are wooden and the spars are aluminium tubes and these are glued together. The lift strut brackets are glued and riveted and the trim longerons on the fuselage are glued in place.
@JVLigon Nice aeroplane but a bit up league from the Escapade Microlight. Zenair seem to specialise in aluminium construction for their microlight as well. I was looking at Zenair's web site and they are fitting Jab 3300 engines. That should give an exciting ride.
Thanks for posting this video. I've been in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assn, in the U.S.A.) for many years, hoping to finish something I've started. Check out a fly-in where homebuilt aircraft can be found, and chat with the owners, who are often the builders. Ask them whatever you wonder about, and let them enhance your enthusiasm for going ahead and realizing your dream.
@Ashitaka255 The biggest problem with London is Gatwick and Heathrow take up all the air space forcing private airfields further out. Having said that there are plenty of sites within about half to three quarters of an hour out. Most training centres sell a share in an aeroplane so you don't have to own one outright to fly. It is not all that cheap unfortunately and you would expect to pay out about 5/6K before you had a license, then it depends on what you fly and how often you fly after that.
Nice looking little plane!!
@winterka100 There is a version with a balistic chute available. It is aimed at the German market where it is compulsory on a Microlight and with a concesion from the BMAA for weight could be a possibility in the UK some time in the future. Up to now the UL motor is looking very good and is more powerful and cheaper than the Rotax. Having said that I have never had my Rotax miss a beat even when it knew it was over water.
Sounds interesting..Something special about seaplanes. Good luck with the project
@sheddiestarr I take it you mean how long does it take to stow the wings when fitted to the aircraft. The wing fold takes about two minutes. The turtle deck has to be removed, then I fit a storage cover where the turtle deck was, the wings are held in the flight position by two pins, one each wing, and then the wings fold back and are secured with a couple of struts. No controls are disconnected
Tied down and folded on a trailer to be airbourne in less than ten minutes is possible.
Thanks for the comments.It's true what you say ,in the uk a build like yours would be very expensive and on top of all the RED TAPE to actually fly it .I have no doubts i could build one ,the problem as I've said is the finances aero. engines don't come cheap as you know even a small motor like yours .But Hay! good luck and i hope you will post the maiden flight .I would like to see it fly.
As a model builder for many years I always told the large model brigade that they could go up a little bit more in size and do away with the radio control by getting into the plane themselves and that is what I did with my Escapade. Even the colour scheme, Terry says, looks like a model aeroplane.
The build process is not all that difficult, a bit time consuming but that can be the point sometimes. I think I was lucky to do this when I did as if you live in the UK the pound and inflation have combined to make this a much more expensive activity. The firewall forward kit for the Escapade has doubled in price since I made Charlie.
@19thSFGA Trouble is you have to come down as well and they wait for you there. It also helps with insurance claims if you have insurance, they tend to tell you to go forth and multiply if you don't have a license. Incidentally I have only been over 10,000ft once most of the time about 2 or 3K is enough
Hey Michael I was wondering if you could give me some tips I want to try and build one for the first time I am 17 an am a 2 yr state certified welder and am pretty good with metal and wood just let me know thanks!
O! I forgot to tell you .I am a model builder and have just finish a new livery on my T189 which is a high winger and looks like a pup .wing span 60+ and is powered by a ic .67 glo engine.All is controlled by rc.
@1234LMAO12345 The engine is an option, that is there are different engines you can fit. Mine is a Rotax 912 some are Jabaru 2200 and a few are now UL260 engines. There is a firewall forward kit available for any of these I think. The kit can be bought in parts, eg wings, fuselage, engine. The kit does not include paint or panel fit as these are to your design. realityaircraft is where they come from and their website has all the details
That is a beautiful thing and a sight to behold. My dream is to get a pilots license but money is tight. Then too get a kit like that. For now I’m thinking of a Gyrocopter (cheaper) but still fly and have fun.
@kdc43 I took a year but at the start all components were coming from the States, they are now all UK sourced (apart from engine maybe) I reckon I could build one in three months now but I don't work. Rob Hughes kept a log of his build and there was between 500 and 600 hours work in his build. Most take between one and two years but it depends how much time you put into it and how much you play on the way.
The first group of Escapade builders used to chat on a yahoo site regularly and this was very encouraging but later builders seem to be more introverted, even less excited about their airplane build, maybe they are searching all the old posts for answers to their questions who knows. Even seven years on I still take every opportunity I get to chat to the suppliers and give them feedback on how the Escapade is fairing.
What is your project?
Escapade is rock steady in roll normally but in thermal conditions the undercamberred wing section reacts quite quickly to lobsided thermals. The first flight shown is the maiden flight so the test pilot may have been feeling out the response or it may have been lumpy on the runway
@gcdev The question always asked when talking about a new engine is: "Is it as good as a Rotax?" There have been plenty who have tried and failed,I wouldn't have a Jabaru if it was for free.I've read too many incident reports with Jabarus splitting barrels, breaking head bolts, crankshafts and valves. Give me a Rotax any day!
How you get our license depends on where you live. UK you can check the BMAA web site for details of microlight licenses. The aeroplane kit is sold by Reality Aircraft who are based at Old Sarum airfield in Wilshire. Just Google reality aircraft and or Escapade aircraft. There is a yahoo group for Escapades as well
Nice..i wish we could of had audio of the plane.
The Escapade design is owned by Reality Aircraft at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire UK. You can contact them if you google Reality Aircraft and or Escapade. I don't believe there are drawings available to build from scratch. The aeroplane is available as a kit at which stage all the welding is done.
I take it you mean how long does it take to stow the wings when fitted to the aircraft. The wing fold takes about two minutes. The turtle deck has to be removed, then I fit a storage cover where the turtle deck was, the wings are held in the flight position by two pins, one each wing, and then the wings fold back and are secured with a couple of struts. No controls are disconnected
Tied down and folded on a trailer to be airbourne in less than ten minutes is possible.
@WPBMike MIne cost about £26,000 and there are lots of regs to fly it. Pilots license...Annual permit....Radio License....Aviation Law....etc The BMAA web site will fill you in on all the requirements
@gcdev Do you have any advice for a Londoner like me? It takes at least an hour to get to some sort of countryside, I can't build or maintain a plane since I'm in London.
Is there any way for me to get into microlight flying cheaply?
@1984gmc33 The kit is available from Reality Aircraft at Old Sarum airfield Terry is the guy to talk to. Just tell him Mike and Charlie DEV sent you. Google reality Aircraft
great job 5*. i saw the plane change colors 3 times. did you paint it 3 different times or was that that three different planes?
@gcdev well on the one i built which was the stol ch750 it was all rivets
@onebigkahuna69 Thanks for the comment. The audio is not that exciting on a microlight as it is on a jet fighter I am afraid. Microlights have to pass a test to get a noise certificate but some of the tracks on my postings must have some sound on. Try first flights.
How long to build these planes from a kit?
@DOSBatchFiles Unfortunately you do need a license to fly an ultralight. The details can be found on the BMAA web site. An Ultralight license is only slightly easier to get than a full GA PPL.There are several exams to pass and flying instruction both duel and solo then a general flying test. I reckon mine cost me about £5K and took a year. The plane took another year to build and cost me about £26K
@onebigkahuna69 Thanks for the comment. The audio is not that exciting on a microlight as it is on a jet fighter I am afraid. Microlights have to pass a test to get a noise certificate but some of the tracks on my postings must have some sound on.
Hi how does the ecapade fly
@ValleHermoso20 you really think they use glue on these? no they use screws, and bolts
The build sequences were all of G CDEV my own Escapade but the second half of the clip shows two other Escapades, also home built. The final credits give further details.
She flies well congratulations.
TLAC, Little Snoring Airfield, Little Snoring, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0JL.
Tel: 01328 878809
Email: sales@g-tlac.com
Website: www.g-tlac.com
Note that earlier kits were supplied by Reality Aircraft of Salisbury.
Dear ENTREVISTAVIP, I don't have any plans to send to you, but plans for this plane in this video are available from the designer, from what information I see on the site. Perhaps googling "Escapade" would be the fastest way to find the Internet address for the plan providers. Good luck.
Is it possible to get the drawing...??
OH yea, never forget the first flight. The 150 jumped off the runway.
with just a few shapes to the cow and underbelly this plane could be made gorgeous,I'm sure it's owner loves it, but still it looks so 40's, still this seems to be a tried and tested design and thats what its all about
Do airframe made of iron or aluminum
The frame is welded aircraft quality steel. It is very special material and extremely strong.. Construction and any repairs are carried out to a specification labelled AC13. It is now getting on for three years since I sold my Escapade and stopped flying, but it was a very special part of my life.
I would be building from scratch
Hi
Please can send to me the drawing of your plane
Sorry Nidal but as far as I know there are no drawings available. Another reply here gives the current agent. As far as I know the Escapade 2 became the Scout under the new distributor.
Did you start building yet?
ok it depends on your plane and where u fly it. you can build your own design and say its not a plane to avoid the paperwork and in a class g airspace you dont have to have any clearence
@19thSFGA Incidentally let me know where you fly and I will stay clear LOL
Rotax is the best choice. Jabaru would be O.K. if they came with a ballistic 'chute.
@1470cool With spelling like that you may have trouble with the pilots exams so you would have to fly it illiegaly (sic)
PS I always give thanks for the spell checker but there isn't one on here.
Be like "Orville & Wilbur Wright" they had neither.........we need more Tom Sawyers in this red taped up world!
@JVLigon i know..
@gcdev just fly it illiegaly
its from ikea
Mate, you haven't that on your own!
This is kit assembly not building. build it from scratch, no kits.
Up In the Air... Oopss Forgot to Glue it!!!!
Sorry no I don't think there are any drawings available. They are built from kits
@19thSFGA telling us about owning a large cattle operation and flying without a license I think it is your ego that is on display here buddy.
كل زق
yeah Im 17 too and my brother is 22 and we really want to build one and we have no idea how