I have flown an MTO Sport and a Cavalon but like Chris, I settled for a Calidus as I want to fly enclosed (don't need gloves) and I prefer the tandem layout as I fly alone. The Calidus is a great aircraft (better than I am pilot) and just easily does what I want it to do. It is fun to fly and I'm finding it a good platform for aerial photography and the view is spectacular. Disadvantages: it can be heavy to manoeuvre out of a hangar especially with a full fuel load and a not quite level apron. The original hot-air cockpit heater is ineffective but a hot water upgrade is available.
At the moment I do not fly anything I did teach myself in 1976 to fly a Campbell cricket had the most amazing fun for 6 weeks and sold it before I killed myself I do have ppla and in the near future I will be flying an RAF 2000 that I am rebuilding I will be posting pictures as I get near to my completion of my project
John Cropper
Having flown the MTO Sport, M16, Cavalon, M24, and the Calidus I’ve settled on the Calidus as suiting me best. 99% of my flying is on my own, so the central flying position makes sense. The view isn’t as good as the MTO Sport but it’s pretty close to it. I prefer being enclosed as you can comfortably read a map, have a drink, and fly without a helmet and bulky flying suit. However, the downsides are that the rear seat can be uncomfortable for the passenger, and the canopy does not a have safety release (I don’t know anyone who’s managed to get out unaided after a roll-over). The lack of safety release is my biggest concern. Things to watch for are: The nose comes up pretty quick on take-off - be ready to catch this! Cracks in the welds on the brackets at the bottom of the mast / top of cockpit, but this may be an earlier model issue. I know the cracks have affected at least a couple of the fleet in the UK.
I have flown an MTO Sport and a Cavalon but like Chris, I settled for a Calidus as I want to fly enclosed (don't need gloves) and I prefer the tandem layout as I fly alone. The Calidus is a great aircraft (better than I am pilot) and just easily does what I want it to do. It is fun to fly and I'm finding it a good platform for aerial photography and the view is spectacular. Disadvantages: it can be heavy to manoeuvre out of a hangar especially with a full fuel load and a not quite level apron. The original hot-air cockpit heater is ineffective but a hot water upgrade is available.
At the moment I do not fly anything I did teach myself in 1976 to fly a Campbell cricket had the most amazing fun for 6 weeks and sold it before I killed myself I do have ppla and in the near future I will be flying an RAF 2000 that I am rebuilding I will be posting pictures as I get near to my completion of my project John Cropper
Thanks Chris, I am sure this will be very helpful and get the ball rolling
Having flown the MTO Sport, M16, Cavalon, M24, and the Calidus I’ve settled on the Calidus as suiting me best. 99% of my flying is on my own, so the central flying position makes sense. The view isn’t as good as the MTO Sport but it’s pretty close to it. I prefer being enclosed as you can comfortably read a map, have a drink, and fly without a helmet and bulky flying suit. However, the downsides are that the rear seat can be uncomfortable for the passenger, and the canopy does not a have safety release (I don’t know anyone who’s managed to get out unaided after a roll-over). The lack of safety release is my biggest concern. Things to watch for are: The nose comes up pretty quick on take-off - be ready to catch this! Cracks in the welds on the brackets at the bottom of the mast / top of cockpit, but this may be an earlier model issue. I know the cracks have affected at least a couple of the fleet in the UK.