The Tapanee Pegazair‑100 is a Canadian two‑seat, high‑wing aircraft of the ultralight and light‑sport categories, designed and manufactured by Tapanee Aviation Inc. of Quebec. Developed in the mid‑1990s, the Pegazair‑100 was marketed for recreational flying, flight training, and light bush operations, particularly in remote regions of Canada where short take‑off and landing (STOL) capability is advantageous.
Design and development
The Pegazair‑100 features a strut‑braced high wing with a rectangular planform and flaps to enhance low‑speed handling. The fuselage is of mixed construction, employing aluminum tube framing with fabric covering in the early prototypes and later employing composite skin panels for improved durability and weight reduction. The aircraft employs a pusher configuration, with the engine mounted behind the cabin and driving a two‑bladed propeller. Fixed landing gear is offered in both tail‑wheel (conventional) and tricycle arrangements, allowing operators to select a configuration that best suits the intended operating environment.
Powerplant
Manufacturer literature indicates that the Pegazair‑100 was supplied with a Rotax 912 series four‑stroke engine, typically the 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL, though earlier prototypes were equipped with the two‑stroke Rotax 582 (64 hp). The choice of powerplant provided a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and the ability to operate from short, unprepared airstrips.
Operational characteristics
The aircraft’s design emphasizes short‑field performance, with a reported take‑off distance of less than 250 ft (76 m) and a landing roll of comparable length when equipped with appropriate high‑lift devices. The side‑by‑side cockpit affords excellent visibility, an important feature for bush flying and aerial observation.
Certification and usage
The Pegazair‑100 was certified under Canada’s Advanced Ultra‑Light (AUL) and later Light‑Sport Aircraft (LSA) categories, permitting operation by sport pilots and allowing the aircraft to be registered for private use without the full certification requirements applicable to certified type‑certified aircraft. The model saw limited production, with several dozen examples sold primarily within Canada and a few exported to the United States and other countries with compatible regulatory frameworks.
Variants
A later development, the Tapanee Pegazair‑200, incorporated structural refinements, increased payload capacity, and optional floats for water operations. The Pegazair‑100 remained in production concurrently with the newer model, serving customers who preferred the original configuration and performance envelope.
Legacy
Although production ceased in the early 2000s, the Tapanee Pegazair‑100 remains in use among private owners and flight schools that value its simplicity, STOL capability, and low operating costs. The aircraft is occasionally featured in airshows and remains a reference point in discussions of Canadian-designed ultralight aircraft from the late 20th century.