Flying Sigma

FLYING THE SOLARIS SIGMA 230 AIRCRAFT

Upon returning to the landing pattern, flaps were lowered at 105 knots. Setting the flaps to 15 degrees reduced the speed to 100 knots with minimal trim change required, showing there is actually little need for the electric trim. When the throttle is completely closed, a beeping horn will sound to warn if the landing gear has not been extended. The pilot can turn off the horn when the aircraft is clean, but it cannot be cancelled once laps have been lowered. The aircraft responds predictably well when flying a couple of knots above stall speed in a “clean” configuration. When approaching a stall there was a slight buffet at 63 knots, followed by a red warning light. At 61 knots there was a high pitched, continuous stall warning horn, before the actual stall occurred at 59 knots. The pitch down came with a very slight and easily corrected right wing drop. Total recovery occurred with only 150 feet loss in altitude. If the pilot should pull too hard or too quickly on the stick, the horn will again sound, warning of a secondary stall.

The airframe is designed to 9 G’s, well above the normal category limits of +3.8 and -1.52, for which it is currently certified. This sturdy airplane obviously has the potential to be used in a military training environment, where the convenient gull-wing doors could be equipped with quick-release mechanisms. This “Sports Car of the Sky” has much the feel of a fighter plane and the “Walter Mitty’s” of the world will no doubt enjoy the authoritative feel of the entire Sigma line of aircraft from Solaris.

As one descends for landing, the electro-hydraulic landing gear extension takes approximately eight seconds (Vie is 140 knots). The landing gear can be extended almost instantly with the emergency spring-assisted gravity system. Being able to lower the gear at 140 knots IAS, allows the pilot to have a virtual speed brake to assist in rapid descents from altitude without a drastic reduction in power. This characteristic of the Sigma aircraft is an asset when making a rapid descent without “shock cooling” the engine.

A good speed in the pattern is 90 knots, with 20 inches of manifold pressure and 2,000 RPM (20/20). Reducing manifold pressure to 15 inches at 75 knots on the base leg gives a shallow final approach descent at 500 fpm. This aero-dynamically clean, aircraft handles very easily, with excellent visibility for both right and left-hand patterns, thanks to its low glare shield and sloped cowling. The landing attitude is comfortable and touch down is secure, due to the wide stance of the main gear. The trailing link main gear nicely absorbs the shock of any runway irregularities; and with the stick held back the airplane decelerates rapidly. Upon taxiing off the runway the flaps are retracted and the gull-wing doors may be cracked to provide ventilation.

The complimentary line-up of Solaris Aviation’s Sigma models: 230, 250 and 310 provide a wide range of options for pilots seeking the most modern composite aircraft in this class. In all of these models the ergonomically designed flight control system and state of the art flight information systems, along with the plush interior, make this “Sports Car of the Sky” a pilot’s dream come true.

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