Aeriane X-Air

Single Piston

The Aeriane X-Air is a Belgian-designed ultralight aircraft that epitomizes the European microlight movement of the 1990s and 2000s. Built by Aeriane of Temploux, Belgium, the X-Air entered production in the mid-1990s as an affordable, simple two-seat trainer and recreational aircraft optimized for the sub-450 kg European ultralight category. Its high-wing configuration, tricycle landing gear, and open or enclosed cockpit variants made it accessible to sport pilots across Europe seeking an economical entry into powered flight. The X-Air is powered by a single Rotax two-stroke engine (typically the 503 or 582 model producing 50-65 hp), giving it a cruise speed around 60 knots and a range of approximately 250 nautical miles. Its stall speed of 28 knots with flaps and maximum level speed near 87 knots place it firmly in the slow-flight category, where gentle handling and short-field performance matter more than speed. The type remains popular on the European ultralight register, particularly in France and the UK, where it serves as a cost-effective platform for local flying and flight training under microlight rules. SkyMeter has tracked 5 flights across 2 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.