Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is the Tarragon aircraft?
The Tarragon is a two-seat aircraft built from carbon-fiber composite material — the same type of material used in high-performance race cars and modern airliners. The two seats sit one behind the other (called "tandem" seating), rather than side by side, which gives it the feel of a fighter-style trainer. It has a low wing and retractable landing gear (the wheels fold up into the aircraft in flight), which helps it fly faster and more efficiently than most aircraft in its class.
What engine does it use, and what fuel does it run on?
The Tarragon is powered by the Rotax 916 iS, a turbocharged engine producing up to 160 horsepower for takeoff and 137 horsepower for continuous cruise power. It's a "multi-fuel" engine, meaning it can run on ordinary automotive gasoline (91 octane or better, unleaded) as well as standard aviation fuel (100LL or the newer unleaded G100UL). That flexibility provides owners with lower-cost alternatives. Total fuel capacity is 42 gallons, with 41 gallons usable in flight.
Is a turbine version of the Tarragon coming?
How far and how long can it fly on a tank of fuel?
Flown at its most fuel-efficient cruise setting, the Tarragon has a maximum range of roughly 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,850 km) and can stay in the air for up to 10 hours at its best-endurance speed. Actual range and endurance in any given flight will vary with power setting, winds, and how much weight is on board.
How many people can it carry, and what's the payload?
The Tarragon seats a pilot up front and one passenger in the rear seat (maximum passenger weight 286 lbs). Maximum takeoff weight is 1,650 lbs, and the aircraft weighs about 969 lbs empty, leaving roughly 676 lbs of useful load to split between people, fuel, and baggage — plus a dedicated 44 lb baggage compartment.
Can the Tarragon fly at night or in instrument conditions?
Yes. Beyond standard daytime visual flying, the Tarragon is approved for night flying and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operation as long as it's equipped with IFR-approved navigation and communication equipment (all of which come standard with the base aircraft). There is no anti-ice or deicing equipment on the aircraft other than a heated pitot tube.
What safety features does the Tarragon have?
Every Tarragon comes standard with a whole-aircraft ballistic parachute system (sometimes called a BRS): if the pilot ever faces an unrecoverable emergency, pulling the handle fires a rocket that deploys a large parachute and lowers the entire airplane — not just the occupants — safely to the ground. The aircraft also carries an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter), which automatically signals search-and-rescue services if it detects a crash, and a hydraulically-actuated retractable landing gear with a backup system that lets the gear drop and lock under its own weight if the primary hydraulics ever fail.
Ownership & Support
What pilot certificate do I need to fly a Tarragon?
The certificate you'll need depends on your current qualifications and on current FAA Light-Sport Aircraft rules, which have recently changed. Rather than guess at your specific situation, we'd recommend talking to RRSA directly — we can walk you through what's required and connect you with flight training at one of our authorized training centers.
How much maintenance does the Tarragon aircraft require?
The Tarragon follows a clear, published maintenance schedule: an initial inspection at 25 flight hours, another at 50 hours, and then routine inspections every 100 flight hours or once a year — whichever comes first. RRSA's network of authorized service centers uses the manufacturer's official checklists to keep your logbook, and your aircraft, in good order.
Where can I see a Tarragon in person or schedule a demo flight?
Red River Sport Aircraft (RRSA) is the exclusive Tarragon dealer for the Western United States, based in New Braunfels, Texas. We're actively growing our network of authorized sales, service, and training centers across the West. Contact us to schedule a demo flight or find the location nearest you.
Where can I access authorized service for my Tarragon?
RRSA maintains a network of authorized service centers across the Western United States that follow manufacturer maintenance protocols and official inspection checklists.
How long between engine overhauls?
The Rotax 916 iS engine carries a manufacturer-rated TBO (Time Between Overhaul — the number of running hours before a major engine teardown and rebuild is required) of 2,000 hours. For a typical owner flying around 100 hours a year, that works out to roughly 20 years before a major overhaul is due.