Daher-SOCATA
Rallye family
The Rallye family, introduced by the French manufacturer Daher‑SOCATA in the early 1970s, quickly became a hallmark of light‑sport aviation. Originating from the earlier Morane‑Simonet designs, the first model, the Rallye G, flew in 1973 and was certified two years later. Its development was driven by a desire for an aircraft that combined rugged reliability with economical operation, making it suitable for both training schools and private owners in diverse environments.
Key features include a distinctive high‑crotchet wing equipped with leading‑edge slats and large, long‑span ailerons, which grant exceptional low‑speed handling and short‑take‑off capability. The aircraft’s fixed, spatted landing gear and robust steel‑tube fuselage contribute to durability on unprepared fields. Powered by modestly sized Lycoming or Continental engines ranging from 115 to 180 hp, the Rallye family offers comfortable seating for three to four occupants, generous baggage capacity, and a roomy cockpit optimized for visibility.
Its significance lies in popularizing affordable, versatile aviation across Europe and beyond. The Rallye’s reputation for forgiving flight characteristics and low operating costs helped expand pilot training programs and fostered a generation of recreational flyers, cementing its legacy as a dependable workhorse in general aviation history.
Key features include a distinctive high‑crotchet wing equipped with leading‑edge slats and large, long‑span ailerons, which grant exceptional low‑speed handling and short‑take‑off capability. The aircraft’s fixed, spatted landing gear and robust steel‑tube fuselage contribute to durability on unprepared fields. Powered by modestly sized Lycoming or Continental engines ranging from 115 to 180 hp, the Rallye family offers comfortable seating for three to four occupants, generous baggage capacity, and a roomy cockpit optimized for visibility.
Its significance lies in popularizing affordable, versatile aviation across Europe and beyond. The Rallye’s reputation for forgiving flight characteristics and low operating costs helped expand pilot training programs and fostered a generation of recreational flyers, cementing its legacy as a dependable workhorse in general aviation history.
