More than a century ago, even before the Wright Brothers made their first flight, tens of other engineers tried to make a powered and controlled airplane. Many of their aircrafts have been weird, funny or just so extraordinary that could never fly even in theory. Others have been similar to the Wrights' Flyer, with fixed wings. Once the "Flyer 1" made the successful start in the aviation, everyone else followed the concept. Until then, millions of fixed wing aircraft have been produced in the world.
With the raise of the ultralight aviation people discovered that the fixed wings bring some weight and cost-related issues and started looking for alternatives. The flex wing aircraft easy won the linkig of many engineers and pilots. Why?...
Flex Wing Aircraft Advantages
- They need less space.
The flex wing aircrafts usually have "delta bars" which are shorter than the wings of the fixed wing airplanes.
- Their wings can be taken off.
Usually the delta bar can be taken off easier than the wings of an ordinary aircraft. With few manipulations they can be stored in a car garage
- They are light.
The flex wing airplanes are usually categorized as ultralight trikes or microlights - it's pretty self explanatory why.
- They are cheaper.
A flex wing can cost 1/2 of the price of a similar class fixed wing aircraft. That's a huge advantage.
- Easier to take off and land.
Because of their shorter delta bars and lighter construction the flex wings can start flying from an automobile trace and land almost everywhere.
- Simpler to fly.
The ultralight trikes usually have simpler control system and don't require high pilot skills.
But still you see many more fixed wing aircrafts around, don't you? It's not only because of the habit. They have their own very strong advantages:
Fixed Wing Aircraft Advantages
- They are faster.
The flex wing aircrafts are not so aerodynamic, therefore they can't compete with the fixed wings on speed.
- They are safer.
In general the fixed wing airplanes are considered safer than the trikes. They are also less piable to the wind.
- Isolated from the atmosphere.
Most fixed wing aircrafts have cabins. You can fly even if it is cold or rains. In the trike you are exhibited to the atmosphere and can catch the cold if nothing more.
- It's a real airplane.
Let's face it, you can't look serious in an ultralight trike. The airplanes have fixed wings, and everything else is just a microlight toy. (Does that sound like a serious argument? ;)Both of these categories ultralight airplanes have also their disadvantages. You need to consider them too when buying an aircraft.
Flex Wing Aircraft Disadvantages
- Riskier.
Because there is less regulation for them, the risk to buy unsafe one is higher.
- Lighter.
This is an advantage but also could be a problem. A lighter aircraft is more piable to the strong wind.
- You may need special clothes and equipment.
Flying in the open air can require warmer clothes and glasses. Not that this is so bad, is it?
Fixed Wing Aircraft Disadvantages
- Expensive.
This was said above. Even the simplest fixed wing aircraft costs more than an ultralight trike.
- Need hangar.
You just can't place it in your garage, unless it is very large. You'll have to pay for hangaring.
- Need a runaway.
The fixed wings are just too wide to fit on the road. They need a runaway and this means airport fees.
- Harder to fly.
Most fixed wing aircrafts have a lot of control that you need to watch. In most cases pilot license is required. As you see both of the main categories ultralight aircrafts have their positives and negatives. They are serving different purposes and never will one replace the another. There is no better or worse type, there is just one that suits better to you.
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