That’s how he started looking for a more powerful and economical machine. At Vendée Air Park, he met several MCR owners, including two of the very first people to have built an MCR Sportster. Intrigued, he read a report describing a trip across Spain in an MCR, praising its performance. Then he learned that an airline pilot had flown around the world in a Sportster equipped with a 200-litre fuel tank. It was a revelation! He decided that he, too, had to have one.

One MCR… Two MCRs

The story doesn’t end there. In 2019, Gilbert fell in love with a four-seater MCR-4S Evolution, which was almost new, with only 250 hours of flight time. Powered by a 115 hp Rotax 914UL engine and registered F-PMTA, the aircraft is equipped with a ballistic parachute, a Dynon 180, a Mode S transponder and, for safety, Gilbert uses the Safesky app on his smartphone.

The original MT-Propeller two-blade variable pitch propeller will eventually be replaced by a Glorious E-PROPS three-blade propeller. With more than 550 hours on the clock, this all-white MCR-4S is awaiting its future paint job: Gilbert is still undecided about the design, but promises that it will reflect his attachment to the aircraft, with at least a blue, white and red flag to highlight the machine’s French character.

But why would you own two MCRs? According to Gilbert, the answer is obvious: because each one has its own purpose! The Sportster is ideal for local flights and short voyages. Easy, safe and economical, it has become his ‘everyday aircraft’: ‘I take it out of my garage like a motorbike’  he says with a smile. As for the MCR-4S, it is designed for trips with friends or family to the Île d’Yeu, the Île d’Oléron, or for longer journeys. Fast, comfortable and fuel-efficient, it opens up the skies to Gilbert and his three passengers. He had once considered selling his MCR Sportster, but could never bring himself to do so: ‘I’ll never sell it. When I can no longer pilot it, it will end up in my living room’  he concludes with a laugh.

Gilbert has hundreds of memorable experiences with his two aircraft. Like that memorable flight aboard the Sportster in 2006, with two other crews, to Malaga. The return trip, carried out in perfect conditions, was splendid: a 4½-hour flight over Spain, consuming less than 80 litres of fuel.

Or even that flight with his MCR-4S to Mende, in Lozère, landing on the legendary airfield featured in the 1966 movie “La Grande Vadrouille” (“Don’t Look Now… We’re Being Shot At!”). Up there, in somewhat turbulent mountain air, Gilbert knew he could have complete confidence in his aircraft’s performance…

At SE Aviation Aircraft, seeing an experienced and passionate pilot like Gilbert Simioni living his passion to the fullest with two of our aircraft is a source of immense pride. His stories, enthusiasm and loyalty perfectly illustrate what we want to offer all our customers: freedom, reliability and the pleasure of flying. May your two sky companions continue to take you to new horizons for a long time to come, Gilbert. Have a good flight!

When Gilbert speaks about his MCRs…

I have never been disappointed: no bad surprises, no major defects. Today, my MCR-4S flies twice as much as my Sportster, and the operating costs remain the same: just under €80.00 per hour (insurance, fuel, maintenance). What’s more, being able to use mogas is a real convenience on a daily basis.

Another major advantage of being an MCR pilot is SE Aviation Aircraft. They are very responsive: I always receive my parts within two working days. Lydie is a pleasant contact person and always available, as is Éric Fumey. And that’s priceless! Aviation is a small world. Having a manufacturer like SE Aviation Aircraft is rare! I will remain loyal to them and, as I’ve already said, I will never sell my two aircraft.