FK14 Polaris

The B&F FK14 Polaris is a fast composite low-wing aircraft and ranks among the most powerful ultralights on the German market. Developed in the late 1990s by Peter Funk as a sporty complement to the docile FK9, the Polaris made its first flight in 1999. It is produced at the company headquarters in Speyer and has established itself as the preferred ultralight for demanding pilots.

The Polaris features CFRP/GFRP composite construction, combining low weight with high strength. It comes standard with the Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) or the fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS; the Rotax 916 iS with 160 hp has recently become available as an option. Cruise speed ranges from an impressive 225 to 250 km/h, with a VNE of 270 km/h. With standard 100-liter wing tanks and an optional expansion to 130 liters, the Polaris achieves ranges exceeding 1,000 km. A special variant is the Le Mans with an open roadster cockpit – a unique convertible experience in the ultralight class.

On the used market, FK14 Polaris aircraft trade between EUR 45,000 and EUR 105,000 depending on year and equipment. Older FK14 A models start from around EUR 45,000, while improved B2 versions with Rotax 912 iS typically range from EUR 70,000 to EUR 105,000.

The FK14 Polaris's strengths include high cruise speed at low fuel consumption, long range, a spacious cockpit with excellent panoramic visibility thanks to the large bubble canopy, and light, responsive controls. Weaknesses include somewhat unsettled slow-flight characteristics at provoked stalls, known weak points in brakes and nosewheel steering on older versions, and greater susceptibility of the composite airframe to hangar rash. The B2 version has addressed many of these early issues.

The FK14 Polaris is the right aircraft for experienced ultralight pilots who value speed and range and regularly fly longer cross-country routes. Those looking to step up from the FK9 or seeking a sporty composite counterpart to the Breezer's metal construction will find the Polaris a compelling touring low-wing.