Americans know Zigolo thanks to U.S. importer, Chip Erwin. He brought the genuine Part 103 ultralight to the USA but also to other countries where he found customers. Those who know Chip are aware he has many international connections.
Beside importing aircraft to the USA and helping customers build them, Chip experimented with electric propulsion for Zigolo.
In short, he did a lot for Italian producer Aviad but Chip is now focused on his Merlin PSA and Merlin Lite plus his Hybird V-Twin, 60 horsepower, four stroke engine. You’ll be hearing more about that as Sun ‘n Fun 2022 approaches.
Welcome to Zigolo Mg21
Check out earlier articles on Zigolo — here’s a full pilot report — but know this: While Mg21 shares the name Zigolo, nearly everything about the new model from Aviad developer Francesco Di Martino is different. I recently exchanged email with Francesco regarding his listing in our new Part 103 List; Mg21 is the newest entry.
Zigolo Mg21 starts out with multiple versions, mainly differences in wings and wing controls.
Since beginning in 2007, Francesco has delivered more than 50 aircraft to 16 countries and the new model looks to be a solid upgrade from the Mg12.
Aviad’s three variations address different national regulations. The short-wing version is currently being tested. That will work in Europe, but will be too fast in some countries, such as the USA. A longer wing version will follow — and may be appreciated by those searching for a modestly-priced motorglider. Finally, a longer-wing version with flaps is planned for the American market to fit properly in Part 103. All versions have a single wing strut and will lose much of the wire bracing that helped keep Mg12 so very light.
Mg21’s central structure is a lower box beam running from an aerodynamically-shaped nose containing a digital instrument panel to a tubular empennage boom. In the center of the structure, two rectangular box-section beams support a fixed center wing section and the engine.
As nearby images show, this new Mg21 model has wings that can be folded “by one person in less than two minutes,” according to a report in VFR Magazine. Folded wings allow transport on a trailer and storage in a car garage. A “bicycle trolley” supports the load with the wings folded during transport.
“During wing folding you don’t need to remove the propeller and the ailerons remain connected. The process is very fast, width is less than car, and you can carry Mg21 on a trailer that meets street rules,” reported Francesco.
Flying Mg21
Mg21 will be powered by the popular Polini Thor with a 130-centimeter (51-inch) propeller, but Aviad will also offer the more powerful Vittorazi Cosmos 300. Both are known in U.S., but the Polini has a broader following.
Flight testing is ongoing but stall speeds are estimated at 63 kilometers per hour or 34 knots for the short wing, 60 km/h (32 knots) for the long wing, and 52 km/h (28 knots) for the long wing with flap. Francesco will need to slow it another 4 knots to meet FAA’s AC-103-7.
Fast cruising is between 110 and 120 kilometers per hour (60-65 knots) — depending on the engine and propeller. Mg21’s cruise speed should meet FAA’s required 55 knot maximum (63 mph or NN kilometers per hour) when fitted with the flap-equipped longer wing option.
Zigolo Mg21 lifts its tail after 65 feet of acceleration and rolls into the air in 300 feet. Climb is an impressive 900 feet per minute, he reported, “at my weight of 100 kilograms (220 pounds).”
Francesco said, “In a few months, test flights will be completed and we assume that the first kits may be available in the middle of 2022,” He added, “I will start this year (2022) with 10 aircraft, and I want be ready next year (2023) with a Part 103 model. I’m making tests with different wings to have best performance that can meet rules in different countries.
America in 2023
Once Francesco can find a U.S. distributor, he said, “I believe next year I can start sales in USA. The Part 103 segment requires flaps. I need to reduce stall speed a little bit.” However, he notes, “The wings are designed to have flaps and a longer span. Torsion and bend moments were tested for the different versions. While the fuselage is the same [on all versions], the horizontal tail is also made to have two different sizes.”
“For the USA market, I’m sure we can have a 55 knot cruise speed with climb at 800-900 feet per minute plus the easy-fold system (nearby photo), and a competitive price for an advanced [quick-build-type] kit. Due to very small pack size, we can use air shipment. I’m working with DHL to have worldwide fast shipment without the expensive container charges. I worked very hard to keep all measures inside the maximum permitted by DHL” Given numerous reports of container shipment costs rising by double, triple, or even more, air shipment might ironically turn out to be cheaper for such a cleverly-packaged product.
Francesco added, “I prefer Mg21 as a taildragger, but I’m studying a tricycle-gear version.”
“All production will be managed internally from my workshop,” observed Francesco. “We can fabricate all components.”
“Accessories, engine, and instruments are included in the kit but will be shipped separately,” said Francesco. “A customer will receive the airframe kit with all necessary to start the work, and a second shipment will bring the accessories.
A Guesstimate about Cost… I asked Francesco for an estimate of pricing, even though it is early. He replied, “I’m still working on this, but estimate about €18,000 (just over $20,000 at today’s exchange rate) for an advanced kit with engine.” Shipping and other expenses will add to that yet Mg21 should remain an affordable purchase.
To address other customers, Francesco added, “I also plan a basic kit for a distributor that wants to preassemble it in USA for his customer.” This is permitted if the aircraft qualifies for Part 103. Beside that plan, he will “give the option of a ready-to-fly Mg21 shipped in a box with all components.” In this challenging environment of shipping he is investigating cost for sea shipment of a completed aircraft. “For an engine using dual ignition and with a simple instrument package, I believe the price will stay under €20,000 ($22,278 at today’s exchange rate) for a factory-built Mg21,” Francesco confirmed.
Please keep in mind these prices are subject to change given supply problems affecting all industries. “In any case, I will state an offering price for each batch of airplanes because the prices change on all materials,” said Francesco. A first batch of 10 kits will be offered at close to the prices mentioned above but contact Aviad for future prices.
While flight testing of Mg21 proceeds, keep up with Aviad and Francesco on their Facebook page.
The Zigolo looks like exactly what I want to buy, build and fly. I’m a paraplegic so the low seat height is perfect, making it easy for me to transfer to the pilot’s seat. I’d have to add straps on the foot rests and fabricate hand controls for the rudder, but I have an entire machine shop at my disposal so that should be easy. Years ago I built most of a Kolb Firestar, back before LSA and it was going to be a little heavy for part 103, but at the time a lot of the aircraft had gone that way. Unfortunately I discovered after building most of it that it was extremely hard for me to get into, and now at 61 I don’t want to repeat that mistake, though I did have fun building the airplane.
When and where can I get one or see one? Will the Zigolo have a presence at Sun N Fun this year or next?
You should contact the US representative, AeroMarine-LSA.
Would you be interested in a distributor / builder in Portland, Oregon USA.
As the importer is based in Florida, they may be interested in someone in your area. Contact Aeromarine-LSA.
110 and 120 kilometers per hour (60-65 knots)
–> 59 knots ~ 65 knots
55 knot maximum (63 mph or NN kilometers per hour
–> 63mph = 101Km/h
Zigolo that started as a slow easy flying glider whose plan was released free by her creator, Mike Sandlin.
http://m-sandlin.info/goat/goat.htm
http://m-sandlin.info/Motorgoats/Motorgoats.html
[This comment was edited for clarity.]
Hi, I’m Francesco Di Martino, designer of Zigolo! (https://fb.watch/bO_sVSDocR/)
Zigolo Mg12 of course started from the fantastic Goat created by Mike Sandlin. In Italy we made a lot of advertising for the Goat project. I tried to make something easier for all, and this was the starting point …to use a commercial powered paraglider engine for an ultralight, [using developments that] started many years before I was born.
I talked to Sandlin before creating Zigolo Mg12 and while I respected a lot his design, I modified it specifically for motorized and wheeled flight [to make it] easy for customers [to alter Goat] from a glider to a motorized ultralight in an easy commercial kit!
Now in the evolution, from Goat to Zigolo Mg21, [the new] Zigolo is [flying]
now, after many years of Mg12 and feedback. I wanted to build something different with the same style.
Thanks for support.
[The article on Zigolo Mg 21 was one of the most read in the last year. —DJ]
Will there be an electric powerplant option?
Senhores,
Solicito informações sobre o kits Zigolo Ultralight for 2022;to Mg21.Zigolo Mg21 qual o valor de importação para Brazil.
Agradeço
Jose Silva
[Computer translation]:
Gentlemen,
I request information about the Zigolo Ultralight kits for 2022; to Mg21. What is the imported cost for Brazil?
Thanks
—– REPLY —–
Please use the many links in the article to contact Aviad, manufacturer of the Zigolo series.
[Resposta traduzida por computador]:
Jose:
Use os vários links do artigo para entrar em contato com a Aviad, fabricante da série Zigolo.
What is the final cost ready to fly?
The article addressed cost so you should read it, but I believe the number you’re looking for would be somewhere around $25,000 in the USA, with a good possibility of higher cost due to container shipment increases.
Looks like a copy of the Kolb flyer.
[This comment was edited for clarity.]
I’m designer Francesco Di Martino!
In this [Zigolo Mg21] model I made everything from zero to flight, number two prototype, [but] you say [this is a] copy [of Michael Sandlin’s Goat]?
The problem is that the two designs are completely different, in structure, speed, surface profile, and folding method! If you mean that I made copy of aircraft only because is a three-axis design, [that would apply to] probably all designers.
kolb is great aircraft. I love it but this is another design. You will say if is nice or not!
I’ve become interested in Ultralights again. . . I started with these in . . . well, a long time ago when swing seat UL’s first became popular. Then progress thru the many advancements, finally getting my private ticket flying GA, currently Light Sport. I had the most “FUN” flying ultralights over the countryside. There is simply nothing else like it. It is beginning to look like Ultralights are “Back to the Future” . . . . There is a very good chance I’ll be in these fun flying machines soon. Now to pick one.
Do you know what material is used to cover the wings etc. on the MG21?
Ed
Your enthusiasm shows, and you are joining many other people that have returned to appreciate ultralight vehicles.
I do not know the brand of material used to cover the wings.
Super cool. Love it. Dealers in U.S.?
Since Chip Erwin moved on to other things, I don’t believe Aviad has U.S. representation. Maybe you?
Ya know it’s cute, but stand it next to Erwin’s latest creation (Merlin lite) and it looks almost model like.
Maybe Mr. Erwin’s new hybrid twin can be outfitted. Price is a factor, and it does get us in the air. It looks great for that open air, seat of the pants feeling of a gyro, but with a gliding wing. Gotta love it.
Will
I believe the Hybird twin would be too much power for this aircraft, and would weigh too much.
OMG…$20+K for an ultralight? How times have changed.
Definitely not an “ultracheap.”
An $8,000 Quicksilver MX in 1984 converts to 2022 dollars at $21,647. So the price seems pretty spot on to me.
I think you are off by about a decade. In 1979 my Lazair kit cost me $2,500 (USD) and a Pterodactyl Fledgling sold for $3,000. By 1983 the price range for most UL kits was still under $4,000.
https://bydanjohnson.com/ultralight-april-2020-eighth-in-the-vintage-series-quicksilver-mx/
https://www.motherearthnews.com/sustainable-living/green-transportation/cross-country-flying-microlight-aircraft-zmaz79ndzraw/