Aircraft overview

The ELA Aviacion ELA 07 is a Spanish two-seat autogyro from ELA Aviación, developed in the early 2000s as a light sport and recreational gyroplane. It is a tandem, open-cockpit aircraft with an unpowered main rotor in flight and a pusher propeller for forward thrust. The type matters in the used market because it represents the classic ELA layout: simple structure, good visibility, short field capability and comparatively low operating cost when compared with conventional light aircraft.

Performance & specifications

Typical ELA Aviacion ELA 07 examples use Rotax four-cylinder engines, most commonly the Rotax 912 ULS rated at 100 hp, with some aircraft equipped with the turbocharged Rotax 914 rated at 115 hp. Published figures vary by equipment, national certification basis and maximum takeoff weight, but buyers generally see cruise speeds around 70 to 85 knots. Range is commonly quoted in the region of 200 nautical miles, depending on fuel installation and power setting. Service ceiling is typically around 10,000 feet. Useful load is sensitive to engine choice, avionics, fuel capacity and local weight category, so the individual aircraft weight and balance report is more useful than a brochure figure.

Cabin & avionics

The ELA Aviacion ELA 07 seats two in tandem, with the pilot normally in the rear seat and the passenger or student in front, depending on configuration and local rules. The cockpit is open or semi-open, with small windscreens and excellent outward visibility. Avionics are usually simple rather than integrated. Typical installations include analog flight instruments, rotor rpm indication, engine monitoring, airband radio, transponder and a portable or panel-mounted GPS. Some later or upgraded aircraft may have compact EFIS displays, but Garmin Perspective or G1000 suites are not typical for this class of gyroplane.

Buying & value

On the used market, the ELA Aviacion ELA 07 is usually positioned as an affordable recreational autogyro rather than a cross-country touring aircraft. Buyers should inspect rotor blades, hub bar, mast, control linkages, pre-rotator system, propeller, engine mounts and landing gear carefully. Engine logbooks, service bulletins, calendar life items and evidence of proper Rotax maintenance are central to value. Common points of comparison include 912 versus 914 power, radio and transponder fit, training use history, trailerability and any updates associated with later ELA 07 related variants such as the ELA 07S. Confirm the exact designation, registration category and permitted operating weight before comparing prices.