Pioneer 330 Acro

The Pioneer 330 Acro is Alpi Aviation's aerobatic interpretation of the Pioneer 300. It looks much like the touring version but differs mainly through a structure strengthened compared with the P300. Two sales sources agree on usable load factors of +6 g to −3 g (at 525 kg) with ultimate loads of +9 g to −4.5 g. No confirmation by an authority or a type certificate exists – load factors and aerobatic release follow solely from the individual aircraft's flight manual.

Power comes from the 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS or, according to the dealer, the fuel-injected 912 iS; an inverted flight system is offered only in combination with the 912 iS. Added to that are an in-flight adjustable two-blade constant-speed propeller, electrically actuated retractable gear and gas-strut landing gear suspension. The dealer lists aerobatic instrumentation with G-meter, turn indicator and vario as well as a smoke system among the options; what is actually installed appears only in the individual aircraft's equipment list. On German ultralights, incidentally, a rescue system is not an option but a prerequisite for the higher takeoff weight. Takeoff weights are quoted from 525 to 600 kg – without a German type certificate fixing them.

In the air the 330 Acro combines aerobatic manoeuvring with genuine touring ability. The German distributor (pioneer-aircraft.de) quotes 230 km/h cruise at 75 %, 260 km/h maximum level speed, about 14 l/h fuel burn, roughly 900 km range from two wing tanks (the dealer and the data sheet of the 300 airframe state 2 × 40 l, the German distributor 2 × 42 l), a 12:1 glide ratio and 226 litres of baggage volume. A binding VNE cannot be documented because no German type certificate exists for the 330 series – it must be taken from the individual aircraft's flight manual. Sales figures also quote a roll rate of 90 degrees per second, climb of 1,200 ft/min at 525 kg and 1,000 ft/min at 600 kg, and a stall speed of 75 km/h.

Strengths are exactly that dual role – one ultralight for both figures and cross-country – plus the high roll rate, the constant-speed propeller and comparatively good range for an aerobatic type. The weaknesses deserve equal attention: no German type certificate for the Pioneer 330 Acro could be found at either the DAeC ultralight office or the DULV, and data sheets 66187, 66235 and 61187.1 do not list the 330 series. No empty weight is published in any reliable source, nor are takeoff and landing distances. Buyers must verify certification status, aerobatic release and weighing report on paper – and expect higher structural and engine wear in aerobatic use.

The 330 Acro suits experienced pilots with an aerobatic rating who want a single aircraft for figure training and touring. For pure travelling the Pioneer 300 Griffon is the more logical choice, and beginners are better served by the Pioneer 200. The price statistics on this page are generated live from the active offers.