NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2025
But behind the adventure and exoticism of such a career, a more personal quest emerged: to buy his own plane… a plane that would really suit him.
In 2000, back in Europe, Ron discovered gliding, then microlight flying. He bought a Comco C-42, which gave him many wonderful years, but his professional piloting standards soon got the better of him. He then set out to find a faster, more responsive aircraft that was also affordable and easy to maintain. In 2011, he heard about MCRs, particularly the Sportster, whose reputation was growing in the aviation community. He travelled to Dijon-Darois, but the experience was not a positive one. Some time later, in Pontarlier, a meeting with Éric Fumey changed everything…
At that time, the man who would become CEO of SE Aviation Aircraft had just finished building an MCR Sportster with Sébastien Maginot. Ron was struck by the quality of the aircraft, the meticulous attention to detail, and the passion evident in Éric’s explanations. Convinced, he decided to buy the aircraft, registered as F-PFIM, and brought it back to Germany. A new chapter in his life as a pilot had just begun…
Ron loves his MCR Sportster more than anything. Powered by a Rotax 912ULS, it now has just over 500 hours of flight time. The avionics are designed to be practical, simple and efficient: Dynon FlightDEK-180, Garmin 496 GPS, Garmin 328 transponder, TRIG 96 radio. No parachute, no autopilot: Ron likes simplicity and pure flying, which never leaves room for boredom.
Beyond its equipment, it is its personality that makes this machine unique. A former German Air Force officer, Ron participated in several NATO exercises, the famous ‘NATO Tiger Meets’, where aircraft are painted with spectacular tiger-themed designs. Inspired by these memories, he decided to name his MCR ‘Heide Tigers’, a nod to the Lüneburg Heath where he lives, and to adorn it with a tiger paint job.
On the fin, a tiger head logo bears the inscription ‘Hard to be humble’, borrowed from a Willie Nelson song and adopted by all the squadrons participating in the ‘Tiger Meets’. In addition, a large tiger footprint is painted under the fuselage and a stylised chequered flag completes the paintwork of this sleek and original MCR.
On a daily basis, this Sportster has become much more than just a simple means of transport for Ron. Based in northern Germany, the pilot uses it as much for travelling as for enjoying local flights. The North Sea islands are among his favourite destinations, and he also regularly crosses the border to visit his family in the Netherlands.
With Heide Tigers, whenever he gets the chance, the pilot likes to escape to nearby airfields or fly over the Harz Mountains. Yes, for Ron, his Sportster is synonymous with freedom, as it is just as suited to improvised getaways as it is to more challenging voyages…
Many of our customers love their MCRs deeply. Ron for his part has developed an almost intimate relationship with his, to the point where he loves flying to SE Aviation Aircraft, where his story began. Returning to Pontarlier, where Heide Tigers was born, is like retracing his history. Each flight to LFSP takes on the feel of a pilgrimage, an emotional return to his roots.
For us at SE Aviation Aircraft, seeing a customer express such passion for his aircraft is the greatest reward we could receive.
So, thank you Ron, and happy flying or rather… Good hunting!
When Ron speaks about his Sportster…
Heide Tigers is never boring! It’s an aircraft that demands attention but, in return, offers impressive speed, rare agility and exceptional visibility. Every flight is a unique experience, an invitation to stay in the sky. I have had the opportunity to fly many aircraft, but the Sportster stands out for its range, payload and flying pleasure. I am a very happy pilot with this aircraft, but also thanks to the team at SE Aviation Aircraft. Their service is excellent and their availability invaluable. It is this combination of an exceptional machine and an attentive aircraft manufacturer that makes all the difference.
WHAT IS NEW AT SE AVIATION AIRCRAFT?
The MCR-4S is now available with the ‘Glorieuse’!
Good news for our customers! The Glorieuse propeller from E-PROPS is now available for installation on MCR-4S powered by the Rotax 912 ULS engine. Designed and manufactured in France, this three-bladed model combines lightness, efficiency and robustness, offering optimised performance while reducing noise emissions.
his new option is part of our strategy to offer our pilots innovative and reliable solutions, in collaboration with the best specialists in the industry. With this new feature, SE Aviation Aircraft further enhances the versatility and excellence of the MCR range, for an even safer and more enjoyable flying experience.
Pick-Up Evolution No. 186 has taken off!
A new MCR Pick-Up Evolution has just been delivered! Equipped with a 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS and an E-PROPS Durandal propeller, it benefits from a powerful and fuel-efficient engine. In terms of safety and comfort, it is fitted with strobe lights, a GRS parachute, a latest-generation Garmin G3X display, a Garmin autopilot, and a Trig radio and transponder.
Based on the MCR-4S, of which it is the microlight version, the Pick-Up Evolution stands out thanks to its large luggage space, ideal for long-distance travel. With a MTOW of 600 kg, it can reach up to 130 kt cruising speed, carry up to 200 litres of fuel and offers an impressive range of 2,690 km. Designed to go further and further in complete freedom, the Pick-Up Evolution is the ideal travelling companion!
