If you want to speak to Europa builders/flyers, go to the Europa forum
Amazing forum… Shame I missed a great Europa for sale in Feb… I will have to keep a close eye on this 
Get some taildragger landings on a hard runway before you commit to a mpno
I have some Grob 109 time, it was years ago but at least I know that I can fly a tail dragger – I got on well with that. Luckily my club has a PA18 somewhere in the back of the hanger. So I could get checked out on that. Then at least I could bring my taildragger currency back up to date. I would of course also grab an LAA coaching course.
Before travelling to look at one, find out the empty weight on the certificate, and the actual c of g.
I took your advice, and one that I am potentially looking at is 825lbs Empty, 1370 Max AUW. IT looks like it will take 2 full adults with 50 litres of fuel. The empty CoG is 59.70 inches, but I haven’t yet found a good reference. I am sure I will find something soon though.
to explain – “classic” is the original Europa design.
XS is a newer model with multiple improvements. Most important is the difference in wing construction. Classic wing took a lot of effort to build.
Is there any differences in the maintenance? I guess not really, once the wings are assembled there would be very little reason to take them apart, I assume.
I’ve considered buying a Europa monowheel. The cockpit view compared to the Jodel DR1050 was the only negative.
Before travelling to look at one, find out the empty weight on the certificate, and the actual c of g.
Some builders made them far too heavy.
Some are OK for empty weight, but the c of g is too far aft.
Get some taildragger landings on a hard runway before you commit to a mpno – but you’re thinking of a tricycle convention anyway.
PS. The mono seems to have a good rough field reputation. The 80hp one is recommended for short fields.
Jon,
to explain – “classic” is the original Europa design.
XS is a newer model with multiple improvements. Most important is the difference in wing construction. Classic wing took a lot of effort to build. XS wing is more factory pre-built, taking less work to finish at home and giving less space for homebuilding mistakes.
The larger wing you mentioned is the Motorglider wing. Europa offers wings with 6m wider span that allows to turn off the engine and just glide.
I have some 50 hours by now in Europa XS Mono with Rotax 914, and am really excited. Real airplane with ultralight running cost. Flies beautifully and fast.
The monowheel needs some attention during takeoff and landing, but at the same time allows for really rough strips. And if you take taildragger training prior to Europa, you will manage the monowheel just fine.
there is no difference in terms of performance between a classic and an XS.
Interesting… I thought there would be. If I have done my homework right I thought the XS had a larger wing. So basically as long as it is an XS monowheel or a Classic monowheel with the tailwheel mod then I should be good to go.
The 3 Europa based in Belgium (including the chap that Jan was talking about) will fly from EBLE on Sun morning (destination unknown at this time). Feel free to send me a PM if you want to fly in.
Ah pants… the bloody sister in law popped a baby the other day so the boss says we must go and visit this weekend. I want to see a Europa!
Jon, there is no difference in terms of performance between a classic and an XS. What is driving performance (or lower consumption) in an Europa is the cleanliness of the plane, the engine and the propellor.
Go for a Rotax 912ULS (100hp) or 914UL (115hp turbo) and a constant speed woodcomp or airmaster propellor. Never go for a Jabiru or another engine. Anyway, in Europe, Rotax is the leader! Mine is a monowheel with a 914 and an airmaster. 120knots IAS at about 20l/hour is normal cruise. If I want to go faster, 140knots IAS at 25l/hour is also an option.
If you want to speak to Europa builders/flyers, go to the Europa forum
You can also get plenty of information from the Europa club website
The 3 Europa based in Belgium (including the chap that Jan was talking about) will fly from EBLE on Sun morning (destination unknown at this time). Feel free to send me a PM if you want to fly in.
@alioth is it a classic or xs?
I have a friend with a trigear Europa, unfortunately the aircraft is now in the USA but while it was here I got to fly it a few times. He had the turbocharged Rotax 914 in it. The climb angle was astonishing (2 up, we would go up at about 1800 ft/min at 60kt – it was like a glider winch launch). At economy cruise (about 120kt or so) the fuel burn was surprisingly low. Flew very nicely, too.
Having always flown things with lumbering direct drive engines, it took a bit of getting used to the sound of the Rotax engine turning at something like 5400 rpm in the cruise!
The monowheel Europa is a good efficient aircraft, but the accident statistics show that it needs good technique on take-off and landing.
I have seen that. It looks to me to me to be the only downside. I have been in contact with Europa about the conversion kit to tri-gear. It’s actually a reasonable price, so an option to change away from monowheel is realistic. The reviews of the tri-gear are very good. I can only find one for sale at the moment.
There was one advertised in this month’s LAA magazine as I recall. If you’re interested I can try and dig out the contact details.
Yes, please. Couldn’t hurt. I am not 100% sure the Europa is the one yet. As I have never seen one in person. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but I can always call and be open and honest with my position.
Unless, of course, you mean a Wassmer Europa,
I have a very short history with that type… no way… I almost bought a share in one but after three failed flights due to mechanical issues, I bought a share in something else…
There was one advertised in this month’s LAA magazine as I recall. If you’re interested I can try and dig out the contact details.
