Shark Aero versus TL-Ultralight Stream
- Robert Hopkins
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
I am carefully considering which aircraft will best suit me and my experience as a new pilot. Currently, I am drawn to both models, as they are quite similar and each offers comparable advantages. It’s great to have such strong options to choose from!
AI is telling me that the TL-Ultralight Stream is an easier plane to fly than the Shark is so I need to keep this in mind. I really love the way the plane looks like in the picture below! Those are the exact colors that I want.
Shark Aero Models
Shark 600 (Base LSA Model)
Engine: Rotax 912ULS (100 HP), carburetor or fuel injection available
Empty Weight: Approx. 650-700 lbs (295-320 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 1,320 lbs (600 kg)
Dimensions: Wingspan 26 ft, Length 25 ft, Height ~6 ft 6 in
Speeds:
Max Cruise: Around 155-157 knots
VNE (Never Exceed): 180 knots
Stall Speed (Flaps Down): Approx. 35 knots
Range: Up to 1,350 nautical miles (optionally configured with larger tanks)
Rate of Climb: About 1,200 - 1,475 ft/min
Cockpit: Tandem seating with fighter-jet style canopy, HOTAS control setup
Avionics: Garmin G3X touch, optional Dynon SkyView
Landing Gear: Retractable (optionally fixed for ultralight classification)
Safety: Optional Stratos Magnum ballistic parachute system
Price: Approx. €280,000 ($300,000+ depending on options)
Shark Turbo 600 (Turbocharged Model)
Engine: Edge 914Ti Turbo (126 HP) - fuel injected, turbocharged Rotax 914 variant
Max Cruise Speed: Around 180-189 knots
Rate of Climb: Improved climb rate and better performance at higher altitudes
Fuel Efficiency: Turbocharged engine offers better power at altitude but slightly higher fuel burn
Other Specs: Same airframe and systems as base Shark 600
Price: Approx. €310,000 ($330,000+ depending on options and taxes)
Notable: Released since 2023 with Garmin avionics suite including G3X and G5
TLSport Stream Variants
Stream Base Model (Rotax 912ULS/iS)
Engine Options: Rotax 912ULS or 912iS (100 HP)
Empty Weight: 890 – 980 lbs (404-445 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 1,653 lbs (750 kg)
Dimensions: Wingspan 29.5 ft, Length 22.4 ft, Height 8.1 ft
Speeds:
Max Cruise: 135 - 150 knots TAS depending on engine and load
Stall Speed (Vso): 47 KCAS
Never Exceed Speed: 185 KIAS
Range: Approx. 1,350 miles
Rate of Climb: Around 1,800 ft/min
Cockpit: Tandem seating, side-stick control with full panoramic canopy
Avionics: Garmin G3X touch displays (10” front, 7” rear), Garmin GMC 507 autopilot
Flight Controls: Electric trim and flap controls, adjustable rudder pedals
Landing Gear: Retractable with hydraulic disc brakes
Safety: Standard Stratos Magnum ballistic parachute system
Price: Around $360,000 - $375,000+ depending on options
Stream Turbo Model (Rotax 916iS or Turbotech TP-R90)
Engine Options: Rotax 916iS Turbocharged (140 HP), or Turbotech TP-R90 Turboprop (140 HP)
Cruise Speed: 175 - 182 KTAS
Rate of Climb: 1,800 - 2,400 ft/min
Weight, Dimensions, Avionics, Safety: Same as other Stream models
Price: Higher end of the range, close to $400,000+ depending on specifications
Additional: Offers turbocharged or turboprop power for enhanced performance, climbs, and cruise speeds
Summary of Key Differences
