hi David,
Its Andrew Ford CFI from Camden.
Read with interest your post re the Facet Opel.
Our club arranged for the press to be present after it landed at the Oaks Airfield.
It was a good landing but because of the weight considerations the under carrage was minimal, causing the wheels to come off when it gently touched down, however it slid on its under belly for 3/4 of the grass strip and all ended well.
The female journalist was rather disappointing being interested in the wheels coming off the Opel than the setting of a new Altitude record.
The Opel stayed at the Airfield for a couple of days before it was picked up by Scott who continued to fly it.
Yes it was sad when the wings folded during an extreme maneuver and unfortunately Scott did not survive the accident.
But a tribute to a young man who followed his dream and dared to push the boundaries of ultralight flight.
Wish you all the best
Andris Ford.

On Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 9:45:13 AM UTC+3, David O wrote:
"Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired" wrote:

What is the altitude record for an ultralight?

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired

In 1989, Eric Scott Winton flew his Facet Opal (an ultralight as
defined by Australian regs) to an altitude of 9,189 m (approx 30,150
ft) over Tyagarah Aerodrome, NSW Australia. The powerplant was a 40
hp Rotax 447.

Unfortunately, Mr. Winton later died when the wing of his Facet Opal
folded (allegedly while buzzing his grandmother's house).

It should be noted that Australian regulations allow more weight for
ultralight aircraft than USA regulations.

Mr. Winton's record is recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale under two classes,

1) Class C (Airplanes) Sub-class C-1a/0 (Landplanes: take off weight
less than 300 kg) Group 1 : piston engine

2) Class R (Microlights) Sub-class RAL1 (Microlights : Movable
Aerodynamic Control / Landplane / Flown with one person)

Here is a picture of Mr. Winton's Facet Opal

http://airplanezone.com/NewsgroupPix/Facet_Opal.php

Here is a link to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale website

http://www.fai.org


David O