Looking for AMS APIS MC insights

[Warwick Patterson]

Hi, 
I am hoping to pick the brains of any AMS APIS MC owners/pilots. We have an opportunity to buy one (2006 - pre-Pipistrel), but I want to see if there are any "gotchas" with this glider or the Rotax 447 engine before we go for it. 

Any insight on flying characteristics would be great too if you've flown one. Its got the Sinus wing which doesn't look like its super high performance in terms of speed or penetration, but for around here the light wing loading is probably not such a bad thing. 

Thanks!

Warwick

Vancouver Island Soaring Centre

[Deane Williams]

I owned mine for 11 years and really enjoyed it. Very easy to fly. Gives plenty of stall cues. The engine was very reliable and is still running fine. It only gets used about 10 minutes per flight.

Climbs out at 550 fpm. Like all motor gliders, vibration is the biggest problem. Inspect engine area often for signs of loose bolts, etc.

[Eric Greenwell]

" Like all motor gliders" - No, no, no! The Schleicher Wankel powered motorgliders have very little vibration, unlike the two-stroke powered motorgliders. They have essentially no vibration related problems, while for the two-stroke owners it's a constant concern. It is a substantial difference.

Of course, electric powered motorgliders are also very low vibration, and the new (first production engine flight in March 2026)Jonkers version of the Solo engine brings low vibration to the two-stroke glider world.

Eric