STOP PRESS


December 2006

We are delighted to announce to all our customers, old and new, that Thruster Air Services' business is being sold to Thruster Aircraft LLP, partners: Stephen Turley and Gerald Cooper. The sale ends recent uncertainty and ensures production and support for Thrusters well into the future. Production has already commenced and new orders are now being taken.

The sale will allow Gordon Pill to take partial retirement, though for the immediate future contacts remain the same, with production and support at the existing base at Ginge in Oxfordshire, whilst sales enquiries can be made to sales@thruster.co.uk

Stephen and Gerald are partners in the ownership and operation of Wickenby Airfield, a historic wartime base in North Lincolnshire, to where production will move once CAA approval for the new faculties has been completed.

The new owners are excited to be involved in production and support of the Thruster. It is a delightful owner-operated aircraft, the most popular training Microlight in the UK (nearly 1/3 of all schools using Thruster). 'The Thruster has an exceptional safety and serviceability record, and is well known for its low operating costs and overall ease of operation: qualities right at the heart of Microlight flying'

Stephen Turley is a farmer in the Wickenby area and has flown for many years, and uses his Thruster Sprint to travel to Wickenby. As a Licensed Engineer, PFA Inspector and Commercial Pilot, Gerald Cooper has aviation very much in his blood. He runs a well established aircraft operating and maintenance business at Wickenby. He is also one of the UK's top aerobatic pilots, and highly respected as an International competitor.

For more information please contact Gordon Pill on 01235 833305, Stephen Turley on 01673 862756 or Corinne Dennis on 01757 289800.

This page is intended to showcase any news of interest to Thruster aircraft or their owners. It will include any service bulletings and technical updates, as well as details of improvements or modifications to the product range.

We also hope to feature pictures and stories from Thruster owners - please send any details to news@thruster.co.uk

Thruster Aircraft LLP

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Jabiru Power

The Jabiru powered T600N with the fully enclosed fuselage (Sprint) has become thruster's biggest seller, with over 20 aircraft produced in the last year. The secret to its success has been the improved performance (VNE 102 Kts and stall speed below 35 Kts), fuel economy and longer servicing intervals, which has made the Sprint a very popular choice for flying schools as a basic training aircraft. The Jabiru engine is very smooth and quiet, which allows it to operate in noise-sensitive areas.

The Sprint is also now available in 582 flavour, with a Rotax 582 engine and 'E' type gearbox, offering a high-performance two stroke alternative. (See here for specifications).

Sprint Pictures (NEW PIX ADDED 01/08/03)Click on the thumbnail to enlarge
Sprint in the snow
Jabiru powered T600 Sprint
T600 Sprint in red
Thruster T600 Sprint in flight
Engine installation
T600N 582 Sprint
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450 Kg is here at last
The following information comes from Max Bishop, Secretary General of the FAI:

The European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) have just published Amendment 1/99/1 to JAR-1, the definitions document. This makes official the JAA definition of a microlight, which is now, to all intents and purposes, the same as the FAI definition (but does not include foot-launched PPGs). The precise text is:

"Microlight" is an aeroplane having no more than two seats, Vso not exceeding 35 knots (65 km/h)CAS, and a maximum take-off mass of no more than:

  • 300 g for a landplane, single-seater; or
  • 450 kg for a landplane, two-seater; or
  • 330 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, single -seater; or
  • 495 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, two-seater, provided that a microlight capable of operating as both a floatplane and a landplane falls below both MTOM limits, as appropriate.
Note: Foot-launched aircraft are excluded from this definition."
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Thruster Outside Covers

Are now being supplied by Volair Aviation for Wings, Tail and Engine. A full set costs £399 plus P&P. They are available in various colours. Individual items can be purchased separately. Volair also have 500x5 4-ply tyres and tyres.

You can call Volair on 01635 299440
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Float Flying - The Dream Becomes a Reality

Test flying of the new T600F Floatplane has been a great success, and trials are currently underway with a Jabiru engine. It is hoped that the CAA are going to follow the JAA ruling and allow microlight floatplanes a MTOW of 495Kg provided the original aircraft was under 450Kg. This will allow the fitting of amphibious gear, making the T600F a true amphibian. Testing continues - watch this space for more details. See the floats page for pictures.

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Thruster Gallery Click on the thumbnail to enlarge
IN FLIGHT AND ON THE GROUND
T600 Sprint in flight
Winter flyng magic
Sunset flight
Hello!
Winter takeoff
In the country
Cross Country
Cruising in company
DETAILS
New T600 Sprint dash
New fuselage enclosure
Alloy fuel tank
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