"Topless" Trikes from GibboGear!

A unique player in the Trike market is GibboGear (Mark Gibson), who for many years has created a specialized niche by offering "topless" wings. In other words, wings that have no kingpost and wires to support the wing while on the ground or during negative loads. These wings are also known as "strutted" designs, because the two lower struts serve to carry both the load of the wing as well as to handle the positive and negative "G" forces while in the air.



GibboGear seems to be moving in the direction of many in the lower-price market, by specializing now on some new Part 103 legal machines and wings. This may be a good move for them as it would be otherwise hard to sell a lower priced SLSA or ELSA two-seater when one considers the high-cost of certification, and the individual ownership costs of obtaining a Sport Pilot certificate. It seems logical that many Ultralight Trike pilots may simply shift into one-place Part 103 legal machines and avoid Sport Pilot altogether.

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Mark is also marketing a slick line of LSA aircraft that also utilize the "topless" wing design, called the "Manta Ray". To be quite honest, I have to check with Abid Farooqui and Mark to understand whether there is any cross-marketing going on as these machines are incredibly similar to the Apollo line being sold by TampaBay Aerosport. More info on the Manta Ray HERE

Awesome Side By Side Two Seat Russian Trike - The Ultralight "Cruise"

I just stumbled upon an incredible "why didn't I think of that" Trike from Russia. It is side by side seating rather than Tandem, and is available in both 582 and 912 Rotax Models. I've sent an inquiry to the company owners to verify details, but they claim that they sell it in kit form and can ship around the world. No word as to whether the machine will be ELSA or SLSA legal. Check out the slick cockpit!


Some Details from their website:

Features

• side by side seating;
• luggage racks is located in nose part and under the seats;
• front wheel spring hanger and landing gear titanic springs guarantee mild motion of a trike and non aerodrome basing;
• hydraulic brakes;
• fiberglass — epoxy cowls;

The “Cruise” is ideally suited for the:

• pilot training;
• tourism, sightseeing and recreation flights;
• air photography;
• sport flights;

It also may be used for the:

• parachute jump;
• banner towing;

Website of the Day - Northwing Trikes!

Company owner, Kamron Blevins, has been a member of the Hang Gliding Manufacturer Assoc. and has certified many hang gliders. He brings this experience of flex wing design and flight testing to North Wing. Jose & Maria (sail makers for 18 years) and Cliff (airframe department for 4 years) bring their professional skills to North Wing as well. Angela brings her customer service expertise to the front line, most likely you will speak with her when you call.

These and our other qualified associates will bring their experience in customer service and manufacturing to build you one of the best microlight, trike wing or Hang Glider in the world. Check them out if you are looking for a quality American Made Trike or Hanglider.

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