Friedrichshafen, a new look at general aviation

All 630 exhibitors at the Friedrichshafen airshow in Germany have set up stall at Europe’s biggest general aviation dedicated show.

Gliders, helicopters, microlights, autogyros, single or twin-engined ‘planes, and small business jets ; all of them eagerly awaited by the expected 30,000 visitors from 15^th to 18^th April; and two-thirds of them, being highly knowledgeable private pilots, have lots to choose from.

This year, some might also be tempted by the latest up-market, carbon composite construction, twin-engined DA62 from the Austrian manufacturer, Diamond Aircraft. Thanks to its almost 3-metre (10 feet) long cabin, and a bench seating arrangement in the rear, the DA62 can accommodate up to seven passengers. First deliveries are expected by the end of the year. Price: around a million euros - excluding tax.

If you prefer, just to try your hand first, and at a tenth the price of the DA62, there is also the ‘‘WattsUp’’, from Slovenian manufacturer Pipistrel. Designed and developed in partnership with Siemens, as a training aircraft, this battery powered, electric two-seater has an autonomy of 1½ hours, and is expected to be marketed this year.

Finally, the Swiss manufacturer SEA (Swiss Excellence Airplanes) lifted the veil on the ‘‘Risen’’. This two-seater microlight can reach 350 km/h (220 mph) and has an operating range of 1,500 kilometres (950 miles). With its leather interior, carbon-fibre structure, and latest avionics, the Risen is looking to play in the big league. Having hardly just been presented to the public, the aircraft is already on sale - that's Swiss watchmaking precision for you - asking price: 200,000 euros.