For the first time, commercial tandem pilots were closely involved in the development process of a BIBETA design. Together with several professional pilots from companies operating in the Interlaken tandem Mecca we defined the best individual takeoff, in-flight handling and landing qualities of current tandems as our benchmark criteria. During a long test programme BIBETA 6 prototypes were tried out in everyday use by our extended development team, and the intricate feedback obtained reworked into the design until each desired criterion had been not only achieved, but exceeded. At the end the professionals had only one question: when can we get one?

The BIBETA 6 is a completely new design and now comes in two sizes, 38 and 41. Line sorting is a breeze. Give the three-liner risers a shake and the lines separate; sorting is quickly done. The canopy rises evenly without overshooting, and passenger and pilot are soon airborne. In flight the BIBETA 6 responds directly and precisely to the smallest brake input. Comfortable brake loading and perfect flare behaviour complete the satisfying experience. Reinforced sliced diagonals, crossing rods in the leading edge, broad-gauge lines and strengthened support points give this working tandem a specially long life. But despite the strong design the wing packs up small and weighs a sensationally low 6.95 kg for the 41.

The BIBETA 6 mostly has uncovered Magix Pro Aramid lines by Edelrid, the German high quality maker. New technology and complex finishing processes give this High-End product 20 % more strength, 17 % better kink and bending resistance as well as longer life – compared to equivalent covered lines. The Aramid lines are extremely stable in length and easy to sort by their colour coding. Their outstanding resistance to water and dust means that they do not need special handling. Detailed information about the lines can be found on this website or in the Line Guide.

TRIMMER