The Skyranger reminds me of a good, old-fashioned Land Rover Defender. It’s a simple, rugged design that excels at what it’s here to do. Whatever frills it may lack, it makes up for with versatility, and ease and joy of operation. 

I have always wanted to fly around the world, but the shear cost involved always led me to believe it would remain nothing more than my loftiest pipe dream. It wasn’t until I discovered the world of microlights like the Skyranger that I realised that General Aviation had a more reasonably priced side.

When it comes to cost, I really don’t think you can beat the Skyranger in terms of value for money – particularly if you build it yourself. Thanks to the Rotax engine, the fuel consumption is a fraction of what you’d burn in a Cessna – and it’s not like you’d be travelling all that much faster in a 172. Which means you can still actually afford to fly it after you’ve bought it. It also means it’s cheap to maintain, service and fix.

Of course, you can’t quite compare it to something with slightly longer legs. It’s never going to compete with a Cirrus. But for many people who simply want to enjoy GA at the weekend or on their days off, you don’t need an SR22. Compare the Skyranger stats on our build page with those of a 172 of PA28, and there’s really not much in it. Factor in the cost, and it’s hard not to overlook any major difference you are able to find!

When I first started to consider whether or not it was possible to take a Skyranger around the world, my first concern centred around the extra fuel I would need – and the Skyranger did not let me down. The flexibility it offers in terms of additional fuel storage, as well as the robust structural design which will allow for the extra mass, mean it should be able to handle the adventure just as confidently as any other light aircraft. If not more so. And for perhaps a tenth of the cost.

As a kit-build, the Nynja also offers its owner the ability to customise their aircraft a little. Extensive experience flying Pipers and Cessnas (now funding my physiotherapist’s early retirement) allows me say with confidence that they are not the most ergonomic aircraft in the world – and my wonderful wife says I’m not allowed to spend £300k on that Cirrus. With its curved two-piece windows, the Skyranger boasts oodles of elbow room (feels like more than you get in a 172!), and the reclined seats provide a sporty yet comfortable position. In terms of avionics – as a kit-build – you can not only tailor the installed equipment entirely to your own spec and budget, but also ensure that everything is where you want it to be. For me and my trip, this is something I’m very much looking forward to – and you’ll be able to read more about my aircraft’s interior and avionics setup in an article I’ll be finishing and posting soon.

So. Seriously. What’s not to love?