Q: How is the Virus 912 different from the Virus SW 80?
Virus 912 has a higher aspect-ratio wings, is lighter in construction and meets even the strictest requirements for empty weight! Thanks to the larger wing, this aircraft performs better at high altitudes (FL 130 and above) and offers superior performance over the SW models when it comes to gliding. Ridge soaring and thermalling is very much possible with the Virus 912.
Q: How much difference is there in the speed envelope between the Virus 912 and Virus SW 80/100?
Slow flying performance and behaviour are the same. The Virus 912 fully conforms with European microlight rules (65 km/h dirty stall) and LSA rules for stall performance (below 45 KCAS in clean configuration). In cruise speed, Virus 912 is typically at 225 km/h (122 kts) while the Virus SW 80 at 246 km/h for the same engine setting of 75%. Virus SW 100 is unconparable due to the larger engine.
Q: What is the width of the cabin?
110 cm / 43.3 inch
Q: What are the ultimate load factors and the design weight for the Virus SW?
The operational envelope is rated at +4 G, -2 G at 550 kg, which is the design load of the aeroplane. This means that the structure must withstand at least as safety factor of 1.875 more at 550 kgs. This calculates to at least +7.5 G and – 3.75 G at 550 kg! Considering the legal limitation of 472.5 kg the safety factory then become much much larger than what is the industry standard… With Pipistrel, safety is never compromised!
Q: What is the weight / fuel consumption penalty for the nose wheel version?
The nose wheel version presents an addition of 8.8 kg (16 lbs) in empty weight and increases the fuel flow by 1.5 lph (0.4 gph) at cruise speed.
Q: Is there a parking brake?
The parking brake is available as an option together with Beringer high performance tyres and wheel brakes.
Q: What is the typical baggage allowance?
Baggage space is the solid luggage compartment behind the seats, which is easily accesible. Baggage allowance varies upon the level of equipment, etc. and can be calculated for each individual aircraft using the formulas in Flight manual and Maintenence manual, Section Weight and Balance.
However, typical values for the Virus 912 are 28 kgs (62 lbs) for aircraft without the rescue system and 14 kgs (30 lbs) when the rescue system is installed on board.
Q: Is there a side luggage-access door?
The Side luggage access door is available as an option and provides easy and direct access to the solid luggage container from the outside. It features a lock so all your items inside will be safe. For much larger objects, the access to the luggage compartment is through the cabin – the seats fold in seconds and this provides a large opening and additional access to the luggage compartment.
Q: Can you fly without the door for aerial photography?
Yes. You can remove one door completely, whereas the other door must be in place, closed and locked. With this configuration there are no extra airspeed restrictions, however the maximum recommended airspeed is 230 km/h (125 kts). Removing the door is a simple and quick procedure and only requires two safety pins to be removed.
Q: What is the time needed to dismount the wings?
The wings are easily assembled and dismounted, shoud this be required. All control connections are self-fitting, so one must only connect the fuel lines with the provided click-on connectors and the system resembles the assembly system of modern gliders. All together it never takes more than 15 minutes, with experience even 5 minutes will be enough!
Q: Can I do aerobatics, spins in the Virus 912?
The design basis of the Virus 912 follow the strictest EASA CS-22, CS-VLA and LTF-UL (sections) certification standards, as well as their FAA FAR counterparts. Virus 912 is a high-performance airplane and not suitable for aerobatics, despite the +4 G, -2 G allowable loads. Pipistrel cannot prevent people doing aerobatic maneuvers in the SW, but we do not approve it – the reason is in aerodynamics. The Virus 912 has so little drag that it picks up speed MUCH quicker than other aircraft. This can be dangerous in aerobatic maneuvers (also spins, which are completely recoverable) and an average pilot can very quickly overstress the airframe because of airspeed. The aircraft can reach 270 km/h (145 kts) in a dive in a matter of seconds!
Q: What paint is used on the exterior?
The paint used is a special acrylic based pigment, which is applied already during the molding process. Pipistrel aeroplanes are not after-painted like most other aeroplanes – instead, paint is applied onto/into the structure while moding. This makes the paint much more durable and resistant to UV light and environmental contaminants. Recommendations for care and cleaning of the aircraft can be found in the Flight manual and Maintenence manual, section Handling and Maintenence, chapter Keeping your aircraft in perfect shape.
Q: Is the leather upholstery offered as optional equipment true leather? What colours are available?
Yes, we use 100% genuine NAPA leather with Bovine texture in choice of colors which are published on our website (see Gallery). The customer can choose the color of the seats and surrounding upholstery (side carpets, firewall, instrument panel pockets etc) separately. Up to two different colors per aircraf can be selected, for example: Red seats with Vanilla interior:
(click on the thumbnail to see a larger image). 
