NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024

14 October 2024

Our Customers, their aircraft…
The aerobatic-certified MCR

Jean-Grégoire Estanove is one of our customers. This pilot, based at the Villefranche-Tarare airfield (LFHV), passed his private pilot’s license in 2003 and now has a total of 925 flying hours, including over 400 on MCRs. He has flown DR-400s and Rallyes, regularly flies a friend’s PA-28 (retractable gear and variable pitch propeller) and, at the “Aeroclub du Beaujolais”, has just started learning ultralight and taildraggers.
Passionate about aviation, Jean-Grégoire soon wanted to buy his own aircraft, in order to feel freer to travel with his family, or simply to fly without notice, especially when the sun is setting or rising. Indeed, while the aeroclub offers a fine structure with instructors, facilities, excellent advice and, above all, real friendship, being a plane owner allows you to switch to a different world. So, in 2013, Jean-Grégoire decided to set out in search of a fast and economical second-hand two-seater. A quest that would last… two years.

In 2015, an airfield mechanic, Dominique Bessenay, told him he should look into the MCR Sportster. The latter knew the aircraft well, since he had built one some time before. Jean-Grégoire agreed to try out the machine, and after a phone call to SE Aviation Aircraft, Éric Fumey flew an MCR to LFHV, but not just any MCR, and not exactly a Sportster…
Designed on the basis of the Sportster and manufactured in 2009, it’s a unique aircraft: the MiCRovolt, the only MCR certified for aerobatics. After a test flight, Jean-Grégoire was won over by the little machine. A mechanical check-up and a few days later, the papers are signed and he becomes the owner..

Speaking of the MiCRovolt, the kit was produced at the request of a Belgian pilot who felt that the Sportster’s dynamic nature would make it a good aerobatic aircraft. Featuring an elevator stiffened by guy wires, doubled carbon wing spars and a reinforced fuselage, the airframe is far more robust than that of the Sportster. Since engines are particularly hard-working in aerobatics, a cowling with new air intakes has been specially designed for the MiCRovolt.

Still on the subject of the engine, a second radiator has been added to the 100hp Rotax 912 ULS, which has been adapted to a 914 UL chassis, more solid to withstand the load factors. It drives a variable-pitch two-blade. Finally, 5-point belts and an accelerometer have been added to the cockpit. With these modifications, the aircraft has been certified by the DGAC (French aviation authority) in aerobatic categories A1 and A2, with limits set at +7/-3.5 G solo and +6/-3 G twin. In short, plenty of “fun” to be had in the skies!

Acrobatics & travelling

In terms of avionics, the MiCRovolt is well equipped. Dynon D180, 2-axis autopilot, TRIG 91 dual-tuned radio, Funke TRT800 transponder, AvMap V GPS and a spare Dynon D3 Pocket Panel in the right seat (and for the passenger). What’s more, it has a tablet holder on which to place an iPad for use with a navigation app + VAC maps.
On the safety front, in addition to the airframe parachute, the owner has had our new flap control system installed, and when he travels or flies over the sea, he always carries a portable ELT beacon and an Icom portable VHF in case of emergency. Since safety is Jean-Grégoire’s top priority, he is investigating the possibility of installing an anti-collision system linked to his tablet.

If the MiCRovolt is great for aerobatics, with its 4-hour range it’s also an excellent travel plane. In fact, its pilot often heads for the Atlantic coast, the Alps or the Mediterranean coast. According to Jean-Grégoire, the 5-point harness is also a comfort when traveling, especially when flying through turbulent air. “It prevents me from banging my head against the canopy,” he explains. “You’re at one with the machine. You feel it better.

MiCRovolt Evolution, now available at SE Aviation Aircraft!

You will find the MiCRovolt Evolution datasheet on our website. In the meantime, we wish Jean-Grégoire Estanove many happy flights.

When Jean-Grégoire talks about the MiCRovolt…

It’s a dynamic, sporty and fuel-efficient little machine. It’s not a beginner’s plane, but it’s not tricky as long as you respect its speeds. It’s fun and playful, yet well-suited to travel. Safety is very important to me, and I really appreciate the safety retrofits that SE Aviation Aircraft has made, especially to the flaps. also appreciate the availability of Éric Fumey and his teams, who are always there to answer my questions. When you own an aircraft, it’s important to have support.

WHAT IS NEW AT SE AVIATION AIRCRAFT?

Oleopneumatic tricycle landing gear on an MCR M Evolution

We recently had the pleasure of delivering an MCR M Evolution to one of our Pontarlier-based customers. Registered F-POYA and powered by a 100hp Rotax 912ULS which drives a three-bladed MT Propeller, this aircraft has the particularity of being equipped with an oleopneumatic tricycle landing gear… and a beautiful paint scheme!

Red and blue stripes on the fuselage trace elegant curves from the cowling to the tail fin, further accentuating its aerodynamic shape. A fine aesthetic choice by its pilot, to whom we wish many fine flights and much pleasure at the controls of his aircraft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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