Platzer Kiebitz Biplane.

Neil Furniss · Post by **Neil Furniss** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:54 am

I saw some piccies of the above named aircraft (a famous search engine with oogles of pictures will do the trick!) and wondered if anyone has any info on it.
It's a nice looking machine, looks to be home/kit built, and has classic lines. Any info, chaps & chappesses?
Is it by any chance known, or better still, approved by the LAA?

gasax · Post by **gasax** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:55 pm

No of course it is not approved. I had a good look around a couple at the Diest fly-in. Simple looking construction, both of those had Nissan Micra turbocharged engines, using a belt reduction. They flew pretty well although obviously not fast. I would think the obvious cleared UK equivalent would be the Sherwood Ranger or Murphy Renegade.

Up close some of the details look a little clumsy, but that has been done to simplify construction. Notionally I think they are microlights 'sur le continent' so the usual issues about them being too heavy for Section S may apply.

Neil Furniss · Post by **Neil Furniss** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:56 pm

O.K., thanks for the info. Just my opinion, of course, but it looks more like a vintage aeroplane than the Ranger.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:21 pm

The Kiebitz has been around for a while and there are a fair number flying. If it weighs in at 270kg with a UL260i then getting it into UK Section S, weightwise at least, should be achievable, 269kg being the max empty weight here. The Nissan would probably be too heavy, but there are examples flying with VWs, and a 4 cylinder Jabiru or 582 two stroke would reduce weight further.
Plans are on the expensive side - off the top of my head around 400 euros I believe - but the aircaft has a definite vintage charm. Gaining UK approval will take time and effort, and the Sherwood is already approved and has additional benefits as Paul describes. The Ranger can also be built from plans and difficult to make parts purchased from Paul. Depends on individual taste and commitment which way you decide to go.

Neil Furniss · Post by **Neil Furniss** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:31 pm

Paul,
I did not mean to cause umbrage, or cast aspersions on the Sherwood. Of course it speaks for itself, and is known to be a fine aircraft.
As I said in my second post, "just my opinion", or, what catches my eye.