I allso own a Europa XS Monowheel but with the Rotax 914UL engine. I'm using Unleaded 95 Octane automotive fuel and it works well. But you have to be shure the hoses can witstand ethanol because they blend more and more of that in the fuel. But it is wery economical to fly. Mine is about 5 US gallons with 130 kts speed.
It really makes me a proud owner of a Europa Monowheel ;)
I remember learning the first time about Europa in an aviation documentary "Plane Crazy" in the UK in late 90's, I instantly fell in love with this elegant & sleek looking monowheel design :)
Why can't they make it a production model and build a bunch of them ready to be bought and flown? I want one but hate to spend many years building it. I rather pay highly skilled people to build it for me-at their profit.
@KATAERO . You can. It's built in the USA and called the Liberty XL2. Much of the design excellence of the Europa XS has been included, but the differences are that it has a fixed tricycle undercarriage and the engine is American. Handling qualities are still beautifully harmonious, while as in the Europa the pitch trimmer is very sensitive compared with most other light airplanes.
@knablim, what sets Europa apart, besides, roomy side-by-side cockpit, advanced airfoil,is its retractable monowheel & outriggers. I fly glider, which has the same kind of wheel. Having 3 wheel dangling in the air must hurt the cruise speed quite a bit, don't you think? Do you know why they can't incorporate the retract onto the Liberty XL2? Did the Liberty have metal, instead of a composit wings, didn't it? Why....???
@KATAERO you're correct on all your points. The Liberty XL2 externally looks very similar, but was designed with very different fuselage construction for ease of production line assembly and no provision for any kind of gear retraction. I'm reliably informed by one Europa trike owner who converted his monowheel and fitted his own design of wheel spats that only a couple of knots airspeed is lost but the aircraft got 35 lbs heavier. Metal construction can be as light and less risk from lightning
He said it runs on auto gas, does this include fuel with ethenol? I have heard it eats up fuel systems in aircraft...
dpunusaf 6 months ago
I allso own a Europa XS Monowheel but with the Rotax 914UL engine. I'm using Unleaded 95 Octane automotive fuel and it works well. But you have to be shure the hoses can witstand ethanol because they blend more and more of that in the fuel. But it is wery economical to fly. Mine is about 5 US gallons with 130 kts speed.
oesped 1 month ago
That's a great video, Kim. I wouldn't mind having one of those.
/Patrik
StanPerki 9 months ago
I remember that trip to Oshkosh in 111eu with my Uncle. I love that airplane, such a joy to fly. Thank you for all the trips Kim.
a520384 10 months ago
Wonderful video review of Europa Monowheel...
It really makes me a proud owner of a Europa Monowheel ;)
I remember learning the first time about Europa in an aviation documentary "Plane Crazy" in the UK in late 90's, I instantly fell in love with this elegant & sleek looking monowheel design :)
2gjm8 1 year ago
Reaaaaaly good review video. Thank you.
oseano10 1 year ago
I love that aircraft
veegale 1 year ago
Why can't they make it a production model and build a bunch of them ready to be bought and flown? I want one but hate to spend many years building it. I rather pay highly skilled people to build it for me-at their profit.
What's a fanstastic design!
KATAERO 1 year ago
@KATAERO . You can. It's built in the USA and called the Liberty XL2. Much of the design excellence of the Europa XS has been included, but the differences are that it has a fixed tricycle undercarriage and the engine is American. Handling qualities are still beautifully harmonious, while as in the Europa the pitch trimmer is very sensitive compared with most other light airplanes.
knablim 1 year ago
@knablim, what sets Europa apart, besides, roomy side-by-side cockpit, advanced airfoil,is its retractable monowheel & outriggers. I fly glider, which has the same kind of wheel. Having 3 wheel dangling in the air must hurt the cruise speed quite a bit, don't you think? Do you know why they can't incorporate the retract onto the Liberty XL2? Did the Liberty have metal, instead of a composit wings, didn't it? Why....???
KATAERO 1 year ago
@KATAERO you're correct on all your points. The Liberty XL2 externally looks very similar, but was designed with very different fuselage construction for ease of production line assembly and no provision for any kind of gear retraction. I'm reliably informed by one Europa trike owner who converted his monowheel and fitted his own design of wheel spats that only a couple of knots airspeed is lost but the aircraft got 35 lbs heavier. Metal construction can be as light and less risk from lightning
knablim 1 year ago
That is some crazy flex on the wings.
ferociousfrankie 1 year ago
wow... what a plane !
MetaView7 1 year ago