A Family's Journey Around Australia

The X-Air is a conventional three axis control aircraft which conforms to the category of

Microlight / Ultralight Aircraft. By definition, an Ultralight Aircraft is a fixed wing aircraft,

with a maximum all up weight not exceeding 490 Kg, and not designed to carry more than two people.

The advantage of the Ultralight category is that, as aircraft have to be built to lower weight limits, and as they are generally non-aerobatic and fly at lower speeds than conventional aircraft, the construction techniques used are simpler and less expensive than conventional aircraft, they are also cheaper in capital cost, as well as operational and maintenance costs.

Ultralight aircraft are a practical choice for individual owners who fly as a hobby, or perhaps farmers who will use their aircraft for checking on stock and water, as well as being used for basic training for new student pilots.

The latest model X-AIR has been developed over a number of years and in excess of 500

aircraft have been exported all over the world including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, India,

South Korea, Canada, USA, Portugal, Great Britain, and Australia.

AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION

The X-AIR has a conventional three-axis aircraft layout, two seater side-by-side, with high wing, and tractor configuration Engine in the front, it also has tricycle-landing gear. The cockpit can be semi-open, or fully enclosed, with the optional lexan doors offering cold weather protection and a panoramic view to pilot and passenger.

AIRCRAFT CONSTRUCTION

The X-AIR is constructed using a technique that has been refined over the past 12 years using aluminum alloy tubing covered with Dacron sailcloth. This technique has many advantages over other methods of construction, such as economy, lightweight, and easy replacement of components by the user itself, making maintenance and repairs cheap and simple. Moreover, the structure will deform under impact, absorbing energy, thus providing an excellent passive safety factor.

CONTROLS

The X-AIR features full dual controls; its behavior in flight is very similar to a conventional

light aircraft, such as a Cessna 150 for instance. This makes the X-AIR an excellent machine for basic flight training at minimal capital and running costs, which are very low when compared to a conventional light aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger have their own control stick which is located between the legs, each person has a throttle control and the pilot has toe operated brakes; aircraft used for training can also be fitted with an emergency brake operated by the instructor. The control inputs in the X-Air are firm and very positive, the aircraft will fly for extended period's hands off, and the aircraft is self-stabilizing in turbulence. The X-Air also has a solid wooden floor in the cockpit.

AIRCRAFT DIMENSIONS and WEIGHTS

Length 5.70m

Wing span 9.80m

Max height 2.55m

Wheel track 1.60m

Wheel base 1.45m

Empty weight 503 * 230kg

Empty weight 582 * 237kg

Empty weight 618 * 242kg

A fully optioned aircraft with instruments, radio, doors, fuel etc.. Weighs in at

X-Air 503 251kg

X-Air 582 270kg

X-Air 618 279 kg

GENERAL CONFIGURATION

Two seater, side-by-side

Conventional 3 axis controls; Ailerons, elevator and rudder

Full dual controls

Front mounted puller engine

High wing, good protection

Tricycle landing gear, with hydraulic suspension

Steerable nose wheel, linked to rudder pedals

Toe operated differential drumbrakes

Enclosed cockpit, lexan windscreen

Enclosed fuselage

Elevator trim

ROTAX ENGINES

The X-AIR is available with three engines from Rotax-Bombardier of Austria, the Australian produced Jabiru engine and the HKS from Japan. Rotax engines are the worldwide recognized standard for Ultralight aircraft, with the available options being the 52 HP "503" or the 65 HP "582" and the 75HP "618". The Rotax 503 is air-cooled, while the 582 & 618's are liquid cooled, all engines feature dual electronic ignition, electric start, reduction gear boxes to improve propeller efficiency and carbon fiber Brolga ground adjustable props. All the Rotax engines are two strokes designed to run on normal automotive fuel mixed with two-stroke oil similar to motorcycles. Hence there is no need to go in search of aviation fuel, which makes the X-AIR less dependent on airfields and aviation fuel supplies. The fuel tank capacity of just over 59 liters gives a comfortable endurance of at least 3 hours at normal cruise with a 1/2 hour reserve. The X-Air can also be fitted with the Australian made Jabiru four cylinder four stroke engine. The Jabiru engine produces 80 horsepower and consumes approximately 15 liters of fuel per hour, whilst the Jabiru is an expensive option it is still worthy of serious consideration. The HKS engine has been successfully fitted to several aircraft overseas, but to date we have none flying in Australia.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 503

52 HP purpose built aircraft engine Twin cylinder air-cooled two strokes Dual electronic

ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder Dual carburetors Forced air cooled with fan

assistance E type electric start gearbox Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 582

62 HP purpose built aircraft engine

Twin cylinder water-cooled two stroke

Dual electronic ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder

Dual carburetors

Liquid cooled

E type electric start gearbox

Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS ROTAX 618

75 HP purpose built aircraft engine

Twin cylinder water-cooled two stroke

Dual electronic ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder

Dual carburetors

Liquid cooled

Oil injection, standard

E type electric start gearbox

Three blade carbon fiber Brolga prop

PERFORMANCE

At close to sea level, under standard temperature and pressure conditions with the aircraft loaded 450kg all up weight, and with the Rotax 582 engine, aircraft fitted with doors, the X-Air performance figures are as follows.

Stall speed 25 knots

Max speed 80 knots

Cruise speed 65 knots

Economy cruise 55 knots

Rate of climb +1000 ft/min

Climb out speed 45 knots

Best glide ratio 7@40 knots

Rolling distance at take off

30 meters (582)

Distance to land 50 meters

Fuel consumption

15-17 l/h at 55 knots (582)

AIRCRAFT STRENGTH

Structurally the X-Air will endure stress up to 6 Gs positive and 3 Gs negative. This is far

beyond the limits, to which the aircraft will be exposed to, even in the most severe turbulent conditions. However, it is important to note that the X-Air is not designed to perform aerobatics. All components are protected from corrosion, by epoxy / polyurethane paints, or electrolytic processes to ensure a safe and long life of structural components even in coastal environments.

X-AIR ASSEMBLY

The X-Air is extremely easily to build; all that's needed are basic tools and an assembly area similar in size to a single car garage. The manuals supplied are in English and demonstrate the assembly procedure by the use of computer generated three-dimensional drawings, all that's needed is to start on page one and work your way through. Any questions can always be answered by telephone and we have assembly pictures on the web site for the most often asked questions. Should you feel assembly might be past your abilities we can offer "Commercial Assistance" in the assembly of your kit. Basically this means, an experienced X-Air assembler can offer assistance in the building of your aircraft, you have to be in attendance during the construction period and are in control of the assembly but we can assist and offer guidance during the project and test flying of your aircraft.

Special thanks to X air Australia for the bulk of the above information.

Larry Musarra, age 45, recently retired from the United States Coast Guard. He flew Sikorsky HH3F and HH60J rescue helicopters throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and the Great Lakes. During his career he has accumulated almost 5000 hours of flight time and had the opportunity to fly across the United States in a helicopter on 2 occasions. He has an Airline Transport Pilot rating in heavy helicopters and is a helicopter flight instructor. Larry is also instrument and commercial rated in single engine land aircraft and has a commercial glider rating. Larry is active in a variety of outdoor activities. He holds an advanced SCUBA divers certification, is an avid sea kayaker, enjoys backcountry skiing, and mountain climbing.

Lenne' Musarra, age 49, grew up in Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A. but has also lived in

California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Florida, New York City, Louisiana, Michigan and Alaska.

She spent 10 months living in Hyderabad, India in 1965 when her dad received a Fulbright

Fellowship. She and Larry have been looking forward to exploring and living in other

countries. Lenne' has recently been pursuing certification in early childhood education. She student taught in a kindergarten classroom in Juneau Alaska during the 1999-2000 school year. She also has been a creative movement teacher for young children for many years. With a master's degree in dance therapy, she has led movement groups for such diverse populations as the mentally ill, prison inmates, seniors and the handicapped. Lenne's hobbies include writing, dancing, knitting, organic gardening, hiking, music, and alternatives in education and the healing arts.

Aren Musarra is 16 and is ecstatic about the trip. In preparation, he has completed Aviation Ground School, taken a photography class, and gotten his Advanced SCUBA diving certificate. In attempts to keep up with his father, he enjoys kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and presumably flying. He also wrote and designed this web page. During the trip, Aren will be missing half of his junior year in high school and intends to correspond with his classes over the internet. He is also seriously considering going to college in Australia.

Sungie Musarra, age 12, is a seventh grader at Dzantik' I Heeni Middle School. He plays the

Baritone in his school band and he lives for sports & friends. He's into basketball, baseball,

volleyball, tennis, running, wrestling, skiing and playing soccer. He enjoys socializing with

friends; like talking on the phone, chatting on the Internet, and going to movies, the mall, and to friends houses.

Tim Musarra is 9 years old and attends third grade at Gastineau Elementary. He enjoys

kayaking, skating, bike riding, and sledding. He also likes building things and working on

science projects. He's looking forward to seeing koala bears, crocodiles, and kangaroos.