40 years of FFPLUM: Humbert, from the Moto du Ciel to the TETRAS

In 1980, at the dawn of microlighting, Jacques Humbert designed and developed what was then an odd machine: the Moto du Ciel.

It was the 1^st microlight to be fitted with a reliable 4-stroke engine (VW-based). Given the enthusiasm this microlight generated, and after 4 years of intensive flying, he founded Humbert Aviation in 1984. The quality of its products, his professionalism, his rigorous management and his customer service allowed the company to grow and prosper despite the “turbulence” that has stirred the passionate world of ultralight aviation since the 80s.

A Moto du Ciel in front of the Humbert warehouse

In 1989, the “bubble” MDC was created, coinciding with the arrival of the first Rotax 912 engines. In 1989/90, a prototype with a 80% composite fuselage was built. The project went no further, as fashion moved towards aeroplane-look microlights of traditional construction.

The “bubble” Moto du Ciel in flight

The Tetras, the company’s flagship machine

The 1^st Tetras: in 1991, Jacques HUMBERT designed and built his first ultralight aeroplane, the TETRAS; from the very first flights, its excellent flying qualities were noted, and it went on sale during 93 after a serious programme of trials and tests.

In 1999, the TETRAS was successfully tested for military needs by the C.E.V. (the Istres flight test centre). Following these tests, the company was selected and, for more than 20 years now, it has remained a preferred supplier to the air forces of several African countries.

Arrival of the Tétras in Cameroon

Humbert Aviation today

Humbert Aviation is still based today at Ramonchamp in the Vosges, with its manufacturing site and its private strip for flight tests.

The TETRAS is a highly refined machine and is offered in 5 variants: B – CS – CSL – CSR – CTS to meet customers’ differing needs.

• The “B” version is offered as the entry-level model. Thanks to its low-speed flying qualities, it is particularly suited to flight schools and club use.
• The “CS” version is used in clubs, and in the mountains on skis.

The TETRAS CS on skis

• The “CSL” version of the TETRAS is a variant of the “CS” version, with a faired undercarriage made of profiled flexible blades. The glide ratio rises from 11 to 16, which means better overall performance and substantial fuel savings. It is therefore particularly well suited to touring.
• The “CSR” version of the TETRAS is a variant of the “CSL” version, mainly used for glider towing.
• The “CTS” version, with a tricycle undercarriage, is a variant of the “CS” version, developed to satisfy customers who do not favour the so-called conventional undercarriage.

Since Humbert Aviation was founded, around 550 machines have been produced, Moto Du Ciel and TETRAS combined. It provides a high-quality after-sales service for all these aircraft. Humbert Aviation has also been a partner of the Microlight Tour for several years. Other TETRAS specialisations are being studied to cover market needs.

A TETRAS at the Microlight Tour 2019