Description:

Rollason Beta B2A – G-BADC

The Rollason Beta was born from a 1960s British light aircraft design competition sponsored by Rollason Aircraft & Engines and the Royal Aero Club, aiming to create an affordable single-seat sport aircraft for club and homebuilt flying. The winning design evolved into the Beta series, combining excellent handling, simplicity, and classic wooden construction. Only a small number were built, making surviving examples like G-BADC a rare and distinctive piece of British aviation history.

Constructed in 1980 by H. M. Mackenzie, this Rollason Beta B2A is a fine example of this rare British-built tailwheel aircraft. Designed for lightness, simplicity, and responsive handling, the Beta offers classic stick-and-rudder flying at its best.
The aircraft is a dream to fly, very agile and fast, yet with gentle handling. The pilot notes state that anyone proficient with aircraft types like the Jodel or other small tailwheel aircraft would be capable of flying it. Fitted with a lockable tailwheel, it is easy to keep straight on landing and takeoff. With easier handling than a Midget Mustang or Taylor Titch, the Rollason Beta climbs at 1800–2000 ft/min, cruises at between 140-160 MPH, with a VNE of 225 MPH.


Landing can be achieved using one of two methods: maintaining a nose-high attitude and reducing airspeed to around 75 MPH before slowing for touchdown, or employing the sideslip method during a long, wide banking turn. The stall is very gentle, and the aircraft does not tend to drop a wing; it just sinks.
Test flown by Dan Griffiths (LAA cheif test pilot)as part of his world record attempt to fly as many types as possible.Described as better that a RV3.
Starts easily by hand and can be started solo if the tail is tied down. A recent dynamic propeller balance was also undertaken.
Airframe:
Total time 753 hours. The aircraft is presented in tidy condition throughout, with a clean, uncluttered cockpit and excellent visibility under the clear canopy. You can see over the nose even when taxiing.

Lots of paperwork, complete history, including flight reports, articles, pilot notes, design notes and a full set of plans.


Total airframe time: 753 hours

Simple, uncluttered cockpit with ASI, VSI, Height Guage, Magnetic compass, G-Meter, RPM Guage, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, CHT, Turn Slip, Fuel sight tube, Trim, Carb heat, and Cabin air.

Rudder pedals are fitted with toe brakes.

Connections for portable radio.

Current pilot is 5’11 and 13 stone, and there is room to spare.

Engine:



The engine presents clean and tidy, with fresh paint on all items.
Rolls-Royce Continental O-200 (fitted at 744 airframe hours due to problems with the original engine)
Fully refreshed at 649 engine hours (April 2025) with new main bearings, big end bearings, seals, and piston rings.
All work is detailed in the LAA worksheets and signed off by the inspector, including all relevant LAA permissions and paperwork detailing the refreshing of the replacement engine.
10 hours since rebuild (total 659 hours since new)
Recent propeller dynamic balance, recorded in logbooks
Spin-off oil filter conversion.
Magnetos had a 500-hour check and a complete set of new leads.
A recent dynamic propeller balance was also undertaken.

Starts easily and can be started solo if the tail is tied down. It was fitted at some time in the past with a lightweight starter - one of these could be refitted, as there is a battery carrier and cut-off switch assembly included.

Performance (typical):
Cruise speed: 140 to 160, depending on RPM
Stall speed: ~Approx 55mph
Rate of climb: ~1800 ft/min + depending on conditiosns
Fuel burn: ~15–18 l/hr
Range: 40L tank - depending on fuel burn and throttle setting.
General:
Permit to Fly status: until 19-11-2025
Based: Sackville Farm, Nr Bedford
Always hangared and well-maintained.

No accident history

Summary:

A well-cared-for and recently refurbished example of this classic single-seat Rollason Beta. With its freshly rebuilt O-200 and low total time, G-BADC offers reliable performance, light and responsive handling, and a rare chance to own a genuine piece of British aviation heritage — ready to fly and enjoy.

Can be shipped overseas due to easy 1/2 hour wing removal, enabling it to fit on a trailer or in a container.


More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rollason_Beta

£17500

Price: £17500