| With the Rotax 503 the Hornet will get off the ground with two on board in about 400 feet climb rate will come in between 300 and 400 feet per minute. The Rotax 582 will cut the take off distance down to 250 feet and increase the climb rate to 700 feet per minute. With the electronic flaps extended and brakes the Hornet can get down on the ground and turned around in about 250 feet. The original brakes system operated off the stick, as you pulled back it activated the brakes. Newer models also offer a more conventional lever action braking system. The pneumatic suspension system is a first for the industry and works extremely well. Cruise comes in at around 75 mph, using about 3.5 gallons of fuel per hour this gives about two hours of safe flying with the standard 10 gallon fuel tank. The optional fuel tank which increases the fuel capacity to 18 gallons will double to your flight time. The Hornet is steered via the rudder pedals which are connected to the front wheel, allowing the plane to turn around in an area about it own length. The unique air bag suspension system which is found on all three wheels can really take a lot of abuse. My engine of choice would be the Rotax 912 series of engines. This little bird is built like a 1 ton truck, and so weighs in a quite a bit heavier than it's other aircraft of this style. Powering it with a Rotax 503 is little putting a V6 engine in that one ton truck. My second choice would be the Rotax 582. But with the difference in fuel consumption, rebuilds etc. on the 582 vs the 912 series over a period of 500 hours you would have more than paid the price of a 912. For more information contact: Higher Class Aviation
2471 Monecito Rd.
Ramona CA. 92065
760-789-8607 | 
