Dragonfly Direct - Air Creation

Air Creation delta flexwing microlights are certificated to several International NAA Design Standards. The certification compliance of microlights is an expensive procedure which confirms the structural, aerodynamic and operational integrity of the aircraft components to a recognised design standard.

The Air Creation ~ philosophy of reliability, safety and simplicity is supported by the credentials of manufacturing - in excess of five thousand aircraft and developing more than thirty nine different models, since 1982 ~ and Model/Type Design Certification Compliance to all the major demanding certification microlight Design Standards - across the globe. The Direction Generale de'lAviation Civile (DGAC) issue the Fiche d'Indentification i.a.w. certificate upon approval of individual ULM aircraft under Law 16 - 1998, France. The DGAC and German - Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband e. V. (DULV) are International Aviation Administration organisations under the NAA and recognise Air Creation as a primary manufacturer of flexwing microlight aircraft.

What is Certification...??
Basically, certification is the determination of the design safety of an aircraft and the production quality control of individual aircraft. There are many different structural, operational and load testing procedures conducted on individual components of an aircraft, to substantiate the absolute safety characteristics and parameters of the individual aircraft designs to a recognised Design Standard.

Safety.... is never expensive... try paying for an accident..!!
Certification compliance is a complex task... many pilots may not appreciate the commitment of a manufacturer to achieve certification for their products. Certain flexwing microlights we can fly today are very safe and have proven structural and aerodynamic integrity that provide you with - absolute in-flight safety.

A major concern for all flexwing pilots is the pitch stability of the wing... a delta flexwing has no tail and requires positive pitch stability to prevent tumbling (end over end flipping moment in the vertical axis)... especially in extreme violent turbulence... or mid air collision ~ which maybe encountered during any flight.

The Air Creation wings have German DULV Pitch Test Certificates to confirm the stability of the wing in the pitching axis. If you have ever flown a pitch unstable flexwing...you will find the flight controls become unpredictable, you have loss of control pressures and you are unable to accurately maintain your flight path... very dangerous..and absolutely unacceptable..!!

The German DULV Pitch Test Vehicle - is designed with a mast head where the wing is attached, and the test rig has hydraulic rams to alter the wing angle of attack during the test procedure. The vehicle is driven at nominated speeds on a large runway with testing officers recording the test wings pitch characteristics, lift co-efficients and other data, on high technology video computer recording equipment.

The Test Wing is driven forward (at angles of attack outside the normal flight envelope) which tests the pitch stability characteristics in the positive attitude.. and also in a backward motion on the vehicle... testing the reflex bridle / twist systems for failure or compliance. Once you have witnessed flexwing pitch testing - you will never fly a flexwing not tested to the German DULV Pitch Test Requirements or any approved method of pitch test.

Since about 1990 - in Australia and around the globe.. it has been a requirement of hang glider manufacturers to have their production gliders - Pitch Test Certificated to either the German or American Standards...!
So how do you know if your flexwing microlight wing is really pitch stable in turbulence...???

The tricycle undercarriage has a numerous amount of certification testing procedures; from engine deceleration - forward / sidewards, occupant seating strength, fuel tank loading and many other structural limit and maximum design tests. Stability on the ground and resistance to roll over accidents is ensured with Air Creation aircraft, with low centre of gravity, wide wheel track and a positive steering geometry. Safety in the event of a hard landing is ensured with deep travel energy absorbing suspension and landing gear. The structure of the trikes have design characteristics with high property yields to absorb energy with progressive 'crumple zone' failure, offering the best protection to the occupants.

The German Design Standard requires for four point occupant harness, which provides exceptional safety with retractable comfort in freedom of movement for both pilot and passenger. The main pylon and front support have internal cables. The wing/trike connection is fitted with a safety strap which has a secondary function looping around the cross bar restraint cable. These methods of backup safety maintain the aircraft's primary structural components in the unlikely event of mid air collision or loss of control scenarios in extreme flight conditions.

Certification is expensive.... Justify + Quantify + Verify = the real integrity of an aircraft....!!
All Air Creation flexwing microlights are subject to an extended flight test program beyond the Australian and UK Section S airworthiness approval, including extreme high speed down wing (@ MTOW) landings, deliberate hard 'crash landings' under emergency parachute, and extreme altitude (13,000 ft AMSL) regular snow operations (30 knot downwind - downhill) take offs.

Certification of sport aircraft - is basically... a formal acceptance method or practice, attesting the design complies with a recognised standard for flight safety.... different design standards require different testing procedures.. Air Creation flexwing microlights have major certification in five countries and compliance acceptance in over forty countries worldwide... the toughest flexwing microlight Design Standards require aerodynamic pitch testing... Why risk your Safety - Flying anything less.!

Airworthiness is the most important aspect to keeping microlights safe and is a direct link to the continual support guarantees supplied by the manufacturer and/or the importer of microlight aircraft - and the owner - YOU..!

The issue of Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives or similar documents that address matters of concern for any serious in-service problems or accidents in world fleet are to be immediately reported. A Quality Control System of Procedures is usually established by the manufacture in the country of origin, and the system is established to maintain the safe integrity of all aircraft manufactured.

Air Creation in Australia is able to offer you detailed and comprehensive continuing airworthiness support with a unique quality control system of procedures that records traceable components and associated methods of quality control.

The General Importer - Chris Brandon has developed a unique quality control system for importing Air Creation flexwing microlights. With previous experience as Managing Director / Chief Inspector (CASA appointed) for AirBorne Windsports in the certification and manufacturing approval of the Edge machine, Chris has attained further knowledge and experience in Europe.

Quality Control is an integral component to maintaining the traceability of certain aspects to flexwing aircraft airworthiness management. Practical methods of quality control are initiated at the importing/arrival stage of each aircraft and record particular serial numbers of traceable components. Upon completion of assembly and appropriate quality control documents, the aircraft is cleared for registration approval with a Certificate of Conformity issued and forwarded to the RA-Aus.

Once registered, the aircraft is cleared for initial flight tests and weight & balance report. This paperwork is held on file with the RA-Aus and at the Air Creation in Australia - Technical Station to maintain the airworthiness history of individual models imported to Australia.

The airworthiness of flexwing microlights is an on-going process that has developed into a very accountable system of aircraft reliability. All major manufacturers and importers - will or should have a method of quality control for the microlight aircraft they supply to the general public.

So... check and ask to see the system of quality control your supplier has in place to maintain the airworthiness of their products, prior to handing over your hard earned cash - for your dream machine.!

"QUALITY" ~ never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

Make your Acquaintance..with Preventative Maintenance..! Flexwing microlights all need some TLC... and as a pilot you must be aware of what the aircraft requires to remain airworthy and in a safe condition.

Periodic maintenance for the undercarriage, engine and the wing is mandatory in accordance to the manufacturer's requirements. You should maintain an aircraft log that records both periodic maintenance and defect reports.

The aircraft must have a Maintenance Release which will identify certain areas of maintenance that must be conducted, either by time in service (engine hours), due date (3 months, etc.) or even number of landings.

Never fly an aircraft without supporting documentation of the aircraft's operational history..!
"How do you know the machine is safe to fly, if you are unable to make an informed decision..?"
Have you ever thought of checking your wings 'real condition' to be safe in the air..?? When did you have your wing airframe / sail overhauled...?? What condition is your sail fabric...UV damage, stitching strength, keel pocket attachment..?? When did you last replace all your airframe structure or undercarriage suspension bolts/nuts..?

In the next few months we will expand our website to include a wide variety of information on flexwing microlight maintenance to assist you in understanding - the importance of preventative & scheduled maintenance.

Tanarg Disc Brakes	Clipper 582 Engine
Tanarg Engine Mounting	GTE Trek 582 Graphic

All current Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives are available here for you to download.

At time of website launch there are no Service Bulletins issued for Air Creation aircraft operating in Australia or the world fleet.

For all engine related airworthiness information (Rotax & HKS) please go to our Links and you will be connected to the site your select.

HKS 700E - Service Bulletin

Air Creation in Australia ~ News - will aim to provide you with past and present achievements by Air Creation pilots and the many global competitions won in these superb flexwing aircraft. The International recognition and achievements of Air Creation microlight pilots is a story of remarkable flying journeys, in amazing places and usually.. an extreme adventure.!

Air Creation have won more World Championship Microlight Competitions than any other manufacturer on the planet... Fly Air Creation..!!

John Dickenson the inventor of the kite wing flies with Chris Brandon in the 912 Tanarg iXESS at Bond Springs - Northern Territory. 8th June 2008. This flight is fourteen years after we flew together in Newcastle - a truly remarkable man and friend. A gentleman who has my deepest respect and honour for his direct contribution to design of the delta kite - giving us all the ability to fly with the angels.

John Dickenson and Chris Brandon share knowledge with their interests in aircraft documentation and quality control procedures for safe aviation. Chris authorises the aircraft maintenance release and journey log for their flight from Bond Springs Airfield.

John Dickenson and Chris Brandon flying off into the awesome Centralian Outback under cloudy skies and golden rays of sunshine...! We credit John with bringing some relief rain during his visit... There had been no rain in Alice for many, many months! Our flight was truly magic...wish you were here???

Taste the Freedom... This is what you missed.... our 912 Tanarg cockpit view of how John & Chris enjoyed the morning of 8th June 2008 in Outback Australia...!

WORLD CHAMPION 2005 ~ Rob Grimwood - Pilot and Chris Saycel - Co-pilot win the 2005 Microlight Championships flying the superior Air Creation ~ Tanarg 912 - iXess. Congratulations.

2004 ~ Omar Contreras as pilot command.. aviates more than 21,000 klms around South America in the reliable Air Creation ~ CLIPPER 912- XP17.