OK, so it’s a variation of hot air balloon with steering capability. It isn’t a LSA. But, given my fascination with airships, I see Dan Nachbar’s and Mike Kuehlmuss’ Skyacht effort as a neat project. *** Named after the aviation pioneer, Alberto (Santos-Dumont) is not a pure hot air balloon as it uses aluminum tubes and a tension line to add rigidity. Twin burners create hot air as the lifting medium. Presently a gas engine drives and maneuvers Alberto, but a quieter electric motor is planned. Alberto first flew in October 2006 and has logged more than 10 hours. It can be folded something like an umbrella so the 102-foot long, 70-foot wide envelope plus its gondola fit in a 24-foot car trailer. Cost: somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000 which is tons less than the cheapest helium blimp at about $2 million. *** I thought this a light hearted topic with which to end 2006.
Archives for December 2006
“SLSA Coming February 2006” — AirBorne 912 XT
In mid-May 2005 SPLOG announced the weight-shift aircraft ASTM standards were done. Indeed, they were, but implementation was stopped with a lengthy appeal. After a 40-page defense, the appeal was subsequently overturned and the specification was again put up for vote. This time it passed, and trikes finally have a standard. AirBorne’s XT series trikes are already certified to government standards in Australia so the down-under company should qualify for SLSA with relative ease. After the new standard was confirmed, Eastern U.S. AirBorne rep’ Terri Sipantzi of Precision Windsports reported, “AirBorne is now taking orders on SLSA XT-912s for delivery in February.” He encourages potential customers to lock in 2005 prices with an order and deposit placed now. The race begins to see which trike will be first with an SLSA certificate.
Newest SLSA (#18) is Italy’s Sky Arrow
The count of Special Light Sport Aircraft rose another notch, to 18 certified models, with the addition on November 4th of the Italian Sky Arrow design built by Iniziative Industriali Italiane, or simply 3I. Hansen Air Group boss, Jon Hansen — well known for his promotion of the also-Italian Tecnam aircraft — reported the news while displaying the Tecnam Bravo at the AOPA Expo, which concluded today. (The big organization’s annual convention featured 15 Light Sport Aircraft in a special area arranged through LAMA.) Sky Arrow has previously achieved a tougher certification, that of FAA’s Part 23, so the SLSA achievement may be taken in stride by those who know the design. More surprising is that the Hansen Air Group, with representation on east and west coast, has now brought four aircraft into the SLSA fold…more than any other importer or U.S. manufacturer. Jon indicated that his company would put additional focus on the Sky Arrow due to its excellent value.
AirBorne Joins the SLSA Weight-Shift Ranks
On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday March 17th, 2006, the AirBorne XT912 became the second brand of trike ever to join a very exclusive club. East Coast dealer, Terri Sipantzi, reported, “We gave birth to AirBorne’s first SLSA last night at 10:30 p.m., PST. An AirBorne XT912 registered as N-912PW was issued its Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate by Brian Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation.” The down-under brand has worked hard to establish an American following and they have for years met a demanding Australian certification standard, so no one is surprised that they were able to show compliance with the ASTM rules. You can read my flight review of the AirBorne XT912 in EAA’s Sport Pilot magazine for February 2006. We’ll be posting the article here (some 90 days after first publication). Congratulations to AirBorne and their U.S. team in becoming the 30th SLSA to meet FAA-approved standards.
AirBorne Wins the Tour de France…Again
Lance Armstrong helped Americans become familiar with the major French bicycle race by winning seven times. Now a Frenchman is making a name for Australian trike maker AirBorne among French pilots. AirBorne’s French distributor won the Microlight Tour de France for the second year running aboard his Airborne XT-912 mated to the Streak 3 wing. Serge and Genevieve Bouchet operate Veliplane ULM Paris, one of the largest microlight schools in France doing both weight shift and three axis training. The Tour de France routes pilots around the country as they navigate and race against each other. *** Airborne won French approval for their entire trike line and two years ago Airborne achieved a milestone earning British CAA acceptance for the XT-912. “So far, we are the only import trike manufacturer allowed to sell ready-to-fly aircraft into the UK market,” said the Australian builder. AirBorne XT 912 has also won SLSA airworthiness in the USA as number 30 on our SLSA List.
LSA Mall On Again for AirVenture Oshkosh 2007
For the past two years at their big airshow, EAA has provided an exceptional space to LSA manufacturers and importers. The LSA Mall — right next to show-central AeroShell Square — has attracted thousands of pilots and others interested in looking at all Light-Sport Aircraft in one location. Though the space EAA has offered for the LSA Mall is in great demand, they are using it to help showcase LSA for an unprecedented third year in a row! I took a call this morning from EAA President Tom Poberezny to confirm plans he and I discussed at AOPA’s November Expo in Palm Springs. EAA has hired show experts and engineers to assist them in planning changes for their huge event. Management will present ideas to their board in May and will formally announce a site plan at AirVenture 2007. Implementation for significant changes will start immediately after the show ends, Tom added.
Clicking Down to a Deadline for Ultralight Pilots
So, you’re an ultralight pilot with many hours flying one of the great light airplanes that enjoyed the limelight long before Light-Sport Aircraft. Then FAA goes and creates a new class of pilot. Now, despite your pilot credential from USUA, ASC, or EAA, you have to go get a new one. Earning it involves a written test plus a flight check with oral exam…all of which you’ve already taken. “What sense does that make,” you ask? Point taken, but that flight has left the ground. You have to do it and you ought to do it soon. Why? Because if you act before January 31, 2007, you can at least get credit for all that time you’ve logged. What’s worse than having to pay to take tests for stuff you already know? How about having to go fly with an instructor to acquire the 20 hours it takes to qualify for a Sport Pilot certificate?
Sebring Expo #3 to Feature 100+ LSA
You might think hurricanes in the first two years would dampen the spirit of the Sebring LSA Expo, but fortunately organizers have proven up to the task of building a new aviation event. Sebring overcame its weather challenges to become a significant show next occurring January 11-14, 2007. The U.S Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida is the country’s largest concentrated gathering of Light-Sport Aircraft. More than 100 aircraft are expected. Up 20% over last year, the exhibitor list is a who’s who of LSA manufacturers, importers, and suppliers. EAA hosts the forums which help explain the new rule. Company representatives make presentations. Media support is provided by Tampa Tribune and Channel 8 TV. “We don’t have jet powered trucks, but if you want to learn more about LSA, the exciting new segment of fun flying, or to get a demonstration ride, Sebring is the place to come,” said Sebring Expo boss, Bob Wood.
Sport Pilot Tour Flying High at Concluding Stop
EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour ran its last presently scheduled event at Brown Field in San Diego, California on a beautiful December 9th. Based on registrations and vendor conversations, I estimate more than 700 interested people came out to see eighteen Light-Sport Aircraft models. Both numbers represent a zenith for the series that has gone coast to coast and back producing 13 events during 2005 and 2006. Literally thousands of pilots and newcomers were exposed to Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft through EAA’s popular tour. *** Brown Field distinguished itself in several ways: It was within a mile of the Mexican border. We shared the field with not one but two blimp operations. And, EAA Chapter 14 had the most intriguing facilities we’ve visited. Yet all participating EAA Chapters deserve another thanks for supplying facilities to host the tour plus volunteer labor without which these events could not have been done.
Sport Pilot Tour Revs High at Historic Flabob
A fleet of shiny Special Light-Sport Aircraft assembled at historic Flabob Airport despite persistent high winds in the southwest. Under an usually clear blue sky, a record 17 models gathered at the vintage airport in Riverside, California. EAA promotional efforts attracted about 600 LSA-oriented attendees. Hosted by EAA Chapter 1 in their excellent facility provided through generosity of Poly Fiber developer Ray Stitts, a steady audience of 200 filled seats throughout the day to have their Sport Pilot questions answered by EAA expert Ron Wagner. One of the newest certified SLSA, the Luscombe Silveraire, is built at Flabob. Owner John Dearden showed me many dozens of pallets holding tooling dies once used to mass manufacture as many as 29 Luscombe aircraft per day! In the vast basin of LA cites, Flabob is an aviation oasis saved from home developers by the Tom Wathen Foundation which operates an aviation high school on airport grounds.