28 May 2015
Factory-built ready-to-fly EuroFOX microlights will soon be available to buy in the UK. The UK distributor, EuroFOX Aviation, is seeking CAA type approval for the fixed-wing Rotax-powered microlight, already on sale as a kit aircraft.
EuroFOX aviation will produce the aircraft in its new purpose-built facility at an airfield in Kent. This facility will also offer spares, repairs, servicing, permits with check and test flights. The factory-built specification will see the EuroFOX as a 472kg aircraft, complete with a ballistic parachute and the proven Rotax 912 series engines.
EuroFOX’s Roger Cornwell said, “We have considered this move for a couple of years. Demand from the microlight community has shown that a ready-to-fly aircraft is by far the most sought after customer choice. Therefore, reacting to demand from both individual customers and training establishments, we have decided the addition of a RTF aircraft in the EuroFOX fleet is a natural progression for the UK market.
“The number of microlight aircraft designs available as a ready-to-fly aircraft in the UK is fairly limited, and dominated by just a couple of types, so we look forward to offering a greater choice to customers.”
EuroFOX Aviation is confident CAA approval will be gained by 2016. The company’s existing BMAA/CAA BCAR Section S approval will require little or no modification to gain full type approval. Furthermore a recent meeting held at CAA headquarters at Gatwick confirmed that the CAA promise of a ”lighter touch with a pragmatic approach” should help the process flow rapidly.
The EuroFOX microlight will continue to be available as a kit in 450kg and 472kg format under the BMAA, as well as the 560kg ‘Light Sport Aircraft’ kit under the LAA.
EuroFox aircraft are manufactured by Slovakian company Aeropro. General manager Peter Toncek said, “We are fully supportive of EuroFOX Aviation’s progression to a factory-built aircraft. The microlight and LSA aircraft have been available as ready-to-fly factory aircraft in Europe and the rest of the world from Aeropro since 1990. It is only in the UK where a factory-built microlight has not been available.”
