The Return of the Zigolo MG12: A Proven Ultralight Aircraft

Aviad
13 nov 2025
4 Min. de lectura

Actualizado: 10 dic 2025

The Zigolo MG12 has been built, flown, and refined over more than a decade. It stands out as one of the few ultralights that proves a simple truth: a lightweight aircraft can be understandable, repairable, and enjoyable, even for first-time builders.

During the necessary pause to complete the development of the TrueLite, we observed something significant: many owners continued to evolve their Zigolos. Some modified them, others improved them, while a few sold theirs, bought another, or adapted their designs. The Zigolo never stopped evolving; it has its own natural space and continues to inspire builders worldwide.

Its structure remains unchanged: the MG12 is still the MG12. We haven't redesigned it because it works. What has changed is how we offer it: clearer, simpler, and more sustainable for those who wish to start their aviation journey.

We have exported over 56 Zigolos, and there would have been many more if we hadn't voluntarily paused production to focus our resources on the TrueLite. However, the demand never ceased. The project remained alive, just on hold.

Now, in 2025, the Zigolo MG12 returns. Not as a new aircraft, but as the same tested machine, now easier to buy, build, maintain, and customize.

Why the MG12 is Making a Comeback

The market needs honest entry-level ultralights that:

Truly meet their declared specifications.
Fit within their legal categories.
Fly safely, even with low power.

Additionally, they should be:

Accessible.
Easy to build.
Educational in the building process.
Supported with available (or manufacturable) spare parts.
Proven in flight behavior.
Customizable with technical support.

The Zigolo offers all this. That’s why it’s back.

Two Complementary Paths Within Aviad

TrueLite – The Complete Ultralight, Defined in Every Detail

The TrueLite is a small, complete aircraft with metal flaps and an aluminum structure. It boasts impeccable handling and stall speeds as low as those of the Zigolo, but with significantly better cruise performance.

The engine reflects current evolution: while the Zigolo used paramotor-style solutions, the TrueLite employs more robust engines designed for longevity. It folds in seconds and can be transported in just two minutes. It ships worldwide in five cardboard boxes, each under two meters.

This aircraft is perfect for schools, clubs, and pilots seeking a sleek, professional, and reliable ultralight with modular and interchangeable components, all while saving hangar space.

Zigolo MG12 – The Accessible Ultralight You Can Truly Make Your Own

The relaunch is based on three key elements:

Official MG12 Manuals – Structure, flight manual, 3D views, necessary tools, material lists, methods, and community support.
Essential Structural Kit – Critical parts that are difficult to fabricate at home (brakes, wheels, tubes, spars, fasteners).
Official Technical Support – Now integrated: functional modifications are allowed; unsafe modifications are not.

You can start from any phase, source some parts locally, or build step by step with complete guidance. The Zigolo remains the Zigolo. But the path to building it is now much clearer.

The Second-Hand Market: A Value That Holds Steady

In recent years, we've noticed a clear trend: used Zigolos never stay on the market for long. Whenever one appears, it sells quickly, often at surprisingly stable prices.

This demonstrates two things:

The project maintains its long-term value.
Buyers of used Zigolos continue to seek technical references and reliable support.

Many owners who sold their Zigolo received our assistance for repairs, evaluations, or understanding their aircraft. Few chose not to do so, but it’s always advisable. That’s why the new MG12 model includes manuals, plans, and assistance that are also extremely useful for those purchasing a pre-built aircraft.

A second-hand buyer can:

Verify the conformity of parts.
Check the structural condition.
Purchase missing or damaged parts, or produce them with our guidance if they’re out of stock.
Upgrade the aircraft following clear criteria.

The second-hand market is not a competitor; it’s a natural entry point that strengthens the entire Zigolo ecosystem.

A Proven Machine That Opens New Possibilities

Over 50 Zigolo MG12s have been built worldwide, generating blogs, photos, solutions, and real-world experience. Now, this knowledge is integrated into the official project.

The Zigolo does not change its identity; it simply becomes easier to start and easier to continue.

Start Your MG12 Project

We are updating the entire web ecosystem to facilitate access to information. In the meantime:

Zigolo enquiry form

TrueLite enquiry form

Phone support: Spain / Italy / English.

We are also updating the content of the current pages. We will send the new material via email soon. In the meantime, we continue working in the workshop. If you are interested in our products, let us know. We are preparing deliveries for spring, and a busy winter of production awaits us.

📑 Zigolo MG12 / TrueLite Online Magazine

Plane & Pilot Magazine
Pilot Magazine (UK)
Kitplanes Magazine (US)
Fliegermagazin (Germany)
Flyer Magazine (UK)

https://flyer.co.uk/first-uk-zigolo-takes-flight/

TrueLite

Plane & Pilot Magazine

In 2017, the University of Wisconsin–Madison built a Zigolo MG12 ultralight for atmospheric research. Led by Professor Grant Petty, the aircraft carried sensors to measure wind, temperature, pressure, humidity, and water fluxes in the boundary layer. Flying between 150 and 1,500 feet with up to four hours of endurance, it provided low-cost data not obtainable from satellites or large aircraft. Plans included converting the engine to electric to avoid exhaust interference. The Zigolo also supported NASA’s PREFIRE mission by flying winter transects over frozen lakes, supplying calibration data to predict Arctic snow and ice melt. This project demonstrated the Zigolo’s value beyond recreation, serving as a tool for advanced climate science.