The G1 AVIATION G-1 Gélinotte is a modern French ultralight landplane specifically engineered for short take-off and landing (STOL) operations. Developed for use in European bush flying, the aircraft is designed to operate from short, unprepared strips and rough terrain. It is produced by G1 Aviation at their facilities in Tallard, located in the French Alps, with final assembly taking place at Gap–Tallard in the Hautes-Alpes region of France.
Technically, the G-1 Gélinotte is a high-wing, three-axis control microlight featuring a fixed tricycle landing gear configuration. The aircraft is available to customers in two formats: as a fully factory-built aircraft or as an 80% assembled kit intended for amateur completion. A defining characteristic of the G1 program is its modular airframe, which allows the aircraft to be adapted for several specialized civil roles. These include configurations for agricultural spraying, amphibious operations using floats, aerial photography and observation, and use as a tow-plane for banners or gliders.
Power is provided by a single piston engine from the Rotax 912 series, manufactured by BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG. Depending on the specific configuration, the aircraft utilizes either the Rotax 912UL, producing 60 kW (80 hp), or the more powerful Rotax 912ULS, which delivers 75 kW (101 hp). These four-cylinder, four-stroke engines are both air- and liquid-cooled. The aircraft's performance is characterized by a stall speed of 50 km/h (27 kn) and a maximum speed of 200 km/h (110 kn), with a cruise speed of 182 km/h (98 kn). It possesses a rate of climb of 5 m/s and a maximum range of 480 nautical miles.
Physical specifications include a wingspan of 9.9 meters, a length of 6.7 meters, and a height of 2.3 meters. The wing area is 14.27 square meters, resulting in a wing loading of 33.11 kg/m². The aircraft has an empty weight of 274 kg and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 472.5 kg to 500 kg, with a fuel capacity of 76 litres. It accommodates a crew of one pilot and one passenger in a side-by-side seating arrangement.
While exact production totals for the Gélinotte variant are not documented, G1 Aviation reports that more than 200 aircraft from the G1 family are currently flying worldwide. The aircraft has been seen at the Paris–Le Bourget airshow in June 2007 and June 2009, confirming its active production during the mid-2000s. G1 Aviation remains in business today, continuing to offer the G1 as an active ultralight program.