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Just a quick note about a solid Beginner wing that I tried
last month. Jaro Krupa brought a Pegas Aile 24 for demo at our local haunt and I
took it up for a few flights. There are sooo many choices of good wings
now that it's frequently hard to differentiate within a class,
especially after only a few flights or without gathering any empirical
data.
The Aile is a
good solid beginner model with free flight risers (no trimmers). For
motoring you would definitely want the optional trimmer-equipped motor
risers.
Handling (5): Handling was normal for a beginner wing, heavy
enough that new pilots won't easily get into trouble but light enough to
enjoy. It doesn't dive into a turn as much as some hotter beginner
models but more than the most benign models (such as the Prima and
Atlas).
Inflation (-): I probably did about 4 inflations in light wind—all
reverses. I would call it typical. Nothing untoward and very predictable.
Kiting (4): Kiting was standard for a high aspect ratio, high
performance, non-reflex wing. I did very little kiting with a harness
and nothing in high winds.
Efficiency (5): It seemed appropriate for a beginner wing,
probably in the middle of the pack. But, with no sink rate tests, I've
got nothing empirical.
Speed (-): I didn't take the GPS with me nor did I try the
speedbar which wasn't hooked up during my flights. There were no
trimmers on this stock model and I only flew briefly with another pilot
(on a Pluto) and it kept up fine.
 Certification & Safety (6):
This was certified EN B which means its intended as a beginner wing for
those willing to take on a bit more performance. Handling and inflation
would be appropriate for beginners. Most significantly the B rating,
Like the DHV's more familiar 1-2 rating, means that recovery from
various maladies should be reasonably rapid.
I didn't get to try it with speedbar or doing cloverleafs and so I
can't comment on how it will handle flying through its own wake while
fully accelerated.
As with almost all motor wings, they're not put through the full test
in fast trim so, buying it with motor risers (make sure to ask) and
using any other trim besides neutral takes it out of certification.
Construction: It seems well built with standard risers.
Warrantee: No information here.
Overall: It seems like a fine choice for a beginner wing. Be
careful and enjoy. |
