| Is Flying in India safe? |
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Flying in general
is a much safer mode of transportation than driving or other
means, although formal studies are not conducted in countries
where mass transportation exists as it does in Europe or Asia.
In the USA, since there are no significant other means of
mass ground transportation, comparisons between driving and
flying show that flying is far safer than driving. Within
the realm of flying, flying commercial airlines is safer than
private flying, though the margin is slim. |
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India, flying would be extremely safe compared to driving
(or bus travel) across similar distances due to the poor roadways
and traffic conditions. Flying may or may not be safer than
rail journey (not studied), but it is certainty more convenient.
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| Unfortunately, accidents
occur in all means of transportation. However, while driving,
we are at the mercy of all those who share the road with us;
while flying, we are in control of our own destiny- pilots
take extra pride in assuring their safety and safety of their
passengers by taking the necessary flight training and recurrent
checks of flight proficiency. |
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| What will this airplane cost? Who will
train me to fly it? |
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We have not established the
final price for this aircraft as of this time, but we are
targeting a price in the range of Rs. 40 to 45 lakhs for a
completely instrumented and warranted brand-new airplane.
We are contemplating including the price of flight training
for PPL (Private Pilot License) for one person in the price
of the aircraft. |
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| What will it cost to fly? Are there any
landing fees? |
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The airplane uses the Continental
0-200 engine (same as used in many Cessna airplanes) that
uses about 5.5 to 6.0 gallons an hour (approximately 20 to
25 liters per hour) of Aviation grade gasoline that costs
approximately Rs. 30 per liter. It flies at about 120 miles
per hour (approximately 190 kmph) Thus, a trip of 500 kilometers
would cost approximately 1600 to 1800 rupees (depending on
actual speeds and winds, etc) for two people traveling.
Landing fees would probably range from Rs. 100 to 200 depending
on the size of the airport and the weight of the aircraft.
We are seeking relief for light aircraft from the government |
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| What are some important numbers about the
airplane, such as its weight, measurements, etc.? |
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- The airplane weighs 750 pounds (<350 kg)
empty and 1250 pounds (<575 kg) fully loaded.
- Its wingspan is 25 feet (approx. 8 meters)
is 6 feet tall (2m).
- It can take off in approximately 300 to 400
feet (100 meters to 125 meters).
- It can land in approximately the same distance.
- It can be flown with the canopy open for
an open-air experience.
- It has extremely strong landing gear (oleo-strut,
meaning combination of oil and air shock structure) allowing
for use of unimproved landing sites.
- It will be equipped with necessary instruments
for basic VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying as well as
for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) and a GPS (Global Positioning
Satellite) receiver.
- Its wings can be removed for packing/shipping
in approximately four to six hours, same amount of time
for reassembly. With its low empty weight, it can even
be shipped by air cargo if needed
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| Where are you planning to export the airplane? |
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- The United Kingdom has an avid flying club
of Thorp aircraft, and its members are extremely interested
in acquiring more aircraft.
- Germany and other European countries as well
as Australia are interested in acquiring these aircraft
since they have familiarity with this type.
- The USA has a newly created "sport plane"
category that allows pilots to build and fly their own
planes-Thorp will be made available to them for this market
as well.
|
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| When will the airplane be available? What
about the four-seater? |
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| The two seater model will be our first priority
and we are hoping to roll out the first aircraft sometime in
mid August (targeting August 15th). |
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| The four seater is in Contract process now, and
should be available in 8 to 10 months time, but this is speculative
at this time. |
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| What will the planes cost to buy? Are there
any other schemes to buying? |
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- The two seater is scheduled to be sold for
approximately 40 to 45 lakhs, and the four seater for
approximately 80 lakhs.
- We are working on facilitating ownership
of these aircraft through partnerships or shared ownership
agreements, however, at this time, due to government regulations;
such schemes may not be available until we are well into
production and sales of numerous aircraft.
- A flight club program is being constructed
to allow membership and flight benefits across multiple
airports in the country to promote general aviation in
India, and economical access to personal flying.
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