A unique looking machine, the Streak Shadow design hails from England. This gives another unique quality among ultralights available in the USA: it comes with British CAA approval. Their Section S procedure is most demanding and the Streak owns a certificate.
Heavily part-sourced in this country by U.S. distributor, Laron Aviation Technologies, it becomes almost Made In America. With its high tail boom, twin rudders, and composite cockpit, no one mistakes a Streak Shadow at an airshow.
Flying in a certified aircraft, I felt more comfortable pushing the envelope. I almost never check for Vne; I’m no test pilot. I didn’t go to the listed 140 mph (!), but found this to be the fastest ultralight I’ve flown. Less rigorous flying showed speeds approaching 90 mph.
At whatever speed, the handling was very good as was ground handling. Equally easy was entry to the forward seat where you find yourself luxuriously surrounded by a nicely-finished composite structure.
Visibility from the front is nothing short of stunning; you sit in front of the wing’s leading edge. It handles as well on the ground as it does in the air.
The Streak Shadow sells for a bit more than $15,000 but it comes very well equipped at that price. Standard features include the 582 engine, a 3-blade prop, a whole panel full of instruments, brakes, electric trim, and flaps.
Full Review in Dec. ’92 UF!
When should you do a refurbish on the motor and airframe (in hours please)? Thank you.
Ronald: It is impossible to answer these questions without more information. I don’t know any life limit on the Streak Shadow airframe but I doubt it needs more than routine maintenance (assuming no mishaps have occurred). Unfortunately, as you surely know, the manufacturer is long out of the business. The engine is likely a Rotax and you can contact any U.S. service center, for example, Lockwood Repair, to get advice on how to check it.
Hi Dan,
I tried reaching out to you a few weeks ago when I started researching the purchase of my first ultralight. At that time I asked if a Mitchell wing would be a good first plane. You never got back to me.
I appreciate the time and effort you have put into your interviews. It is too bad I met with no response to my inquiry. I wish you the best, but I don’t think I will be subscribing to your “YouTube” channel.
Thanks for all you’ve done.
Sincerely,
Tom Emery
Hi Thomas:
I regret not getting back to you, but with all the many ways we have to communicate, I don’t recall ever seeing your request.
However, the answer is that, no, a Mitchell Wing would not be the place to start with your first ultralight. You didn’t say if you are a new pilot but even if you are, a Mitchell Wing has some different flying characteristics as you might expect from a flying wing design.
I regret my failure to respond quickly will cause you to not subscribe, but you certainly have that choice. Thanks for your kind words anyway and good luck with your future flying plans.