Rollason Aircraft & Engines Ltd Turbulent

Single Piston

The Rollason Turbulent is a single-seat ultralight homebuilt aircraft originally designed by Frenchman Roger Druine in the 1950s and later manufactured under license by Rollason Aircraft & Engines in the United Kingdom. With a maximum takeoff weight of just 730 pounds and powered by modest engines in the 35-50 horsepower range—often Volkswagen conversions or Continental A65s—the Turbulent represents the minimalist end of recreational aviation. Its wooden construction, fabric covering, and open-cockpit or minimal-canopy configuration made it an affordable entry point for post-war amateur builders seeking the pure joy of flight without the complexity or expense of certified aircraft. The type became popular in the UK homebuilt community during the 1960s and 1970s, with Rollason producing kits and plans that allowed enthusiasts to construct their own examples in garages and workshops across the country. Despite its modest performance envelope—cruising around 80-90 knots with a never-exceed speed of 140 knots—the Turbulent offered genuine stick-and-rudder flying at a time when certified aircraft were becoming increasingly expensive. Its low stall speed of approximately 35 knots in landing configuration made it forgiving for grass-strip operations, though crosswind handling demanded respect given the light wing loading and minimal inertia. Today the type is a rare sight, with only a handful remaining airworthy as cherished examples of the golden age of homebuilt aviation. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, covering routes.