How many MPG are you getting at 70 mph (GPS)

[racprops]

I did not know this:

"One note: That's 18.7 Imperial gallons, or 22.5 US gallons. To get 1,000-mile range out of the XJ, you would need to get just under 45 MPG (US)."

Still that is good for a full sized car.

[MN Driver]

As a comparison to cars - I was cruising about 33mpg at 126mph in a Pipistrel Alpha including fuel used taking takeoff, warmup, taxi, pattern, and landing. Unsure of the 70mph miles per gallon because I was paying by the hour for time the engine is running(hour meter connected to the oil pressure switch), so you fly as fast as you can and this particular plane isn't equipped with a gallons per hour fuel flow indication, I had to check fill up to fill up.

[hayden55]

Nice! That's actually really good from what my severe beginner airplane brain tells me. I've been looking at kitfox and far 103 aircraft and I guess the poor aerodynamics gives them horrible mpg.

[MetroMPG]

That settles it... I'm getting a plane!

[Bicycle Bob]

It is years since I've followed homebuilt aircraft, but I think some guys were getting over 100 MPG at over 100 MPH. The small-bore racers are a good place to start looking. A super-economy ultralight would still be speed-limited, but far less hassle. You might also want to look at powered sailplanes, and ride the thermals and ridge winds for free.
For real economy on long flights, you climb to the thin air using turbocharging and go fast.
One caveat: Only 30% of homebuilt aircraft are flown. 10% by the first builder, 10% by the 2nd, and 10% by the third. They are a lot of work, and you need confidence in the craftsmanship. However, you can choose your favourite material to work in from a broad selection and come out at a competitive weight.

[MetroMPG]

I actually watched a sailplane soaring recently and was interested enough to look up pricing for an introductory flight. Pulse and glide, baby!! (Didn't go.)

[hayden55]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

It is years since I've followed homebuilt aircraft, but I think some guys were getting over 100 MPG at over 100 MPH. The small-bore racers are a good place to start looking. A super-economy ultralight would still be speed-limited, but far less hassle. You might also want to look at powered sailplanes, and ride the thermals and ridge winds for free.
For real economy on long flights, you climb to the thin air using turbocharging and go fast.
One caveat: Only 30% of homebuilt aircraft are flown. 10% by the first builder, 10% by the 2nd, and 10% by the third. They are a lot of work, and you need confidence in the craftsmanship. However, you can choose your favourite material to work in from a broad selection and come out at a competitive weight.

Some of those high aero experimental planes are f'n sweet! But the cost of entry and work hours being in the 1000s are a no from me. I see why people don't finish.
The bush planes and the aerolite 103 looked fun. Basically the Jeeps of the sky. Cheap entry, bad aero, pretty slow, bad mpg, but affordable fun.
Paramotoring also looks fun. My best friend and his dad own a couple twin engines and make a lot of money of flying, rentals, instruction, and maintenance. I've been talking to them about building something next year. Gotta make it make sense though. I'm really interested in trying to make money on it on the side. Which you really cannot do with any self-built stuff for the most part. lol