We’re barely two weeks away from the season-launching Sebring LSA Expo. As 2007 ends and companies prepare for 2008, new models will be on display at Sebring and upgraded versions will further entice consumers. Among the latter are two refreshed models from Texas-based IndUS Aviation. *** Marketing man Scott Severen sent a long list of alterations made to the all-metal Thorpedo LP120 and LP85. They incorporate IndUS-completed aerodynamic refinements (new engine cowl, wing tips, and gear leg fairing) plus canopy styling and wear improvements, new boarding steps, new lowered seats for taller occupants, electrical system upgrades plus several interior or ergonomic refinements. Other updates focus on comfort and safety. It shows IndUS has been listening to customers and acting on that knowledge. *** Severen says IndUS will be at Sebring with no less than 8 aircraft. And bringing this fleet allows IndUS to make an unusual offer: Upon completion of signed purchase order and a $5,000 deposit, the aircraft of customer’s selection at the show will be flown free of charge to the customer’s home airfield by one of Severen’s sales team.
Archives for December 2007
Christmas Gift: SeaMax Amphibian Is SLSA #63
The “night before Christmas” was special as we logged what may be the final approval of 2007. Carlos Bessa of SeaMax USA called to say his efforts over the year paid off with a fresh airworthiness certificate. How’s that for a Christmas gift!? SeaMax completes a trio of flying boat LSA. *** The first amphibian certified was the CZAW Mermaid in February 2006. Second was the Colyaer Freedom on January 2007. SeaMax makes three but could be the first to log customer sales. My previous SPLOG on SeaMax was followed with several more hours logged on this beautiful amphibian. She’s a light weight high performer that takes some familiarization but is deluxe in many ways and has achieved notable market success with 33 SeaMax aircraft delivered in 2007 and 72 presently flying worldwide. Carlos reports 12 will be delivered to the USA in 2008, so interested pilots ought to pony up a deposit soon.
LAMA & Sponsors Plan Big Gathering at Sebring 2008
Here comes Sebring 2008, Expo #4. Come see new airplanes — Flight Design’s CTLS, a composite Part 103 entry from Interplane, a new Tecnam model, plus other first appearances. Sebring is also business-to-business, for example, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association holding both a board of directors meeting and their annual member meeting. This year, LAMA’s gathering will be the largest ever. More than 300 people have RSVP’d to a generous offer from Sandia Aerospace who will provide a pig roast dinner after a short State-of-LSA presentation by LAMA president Tom Gunnarson and yours truly. EAA‘s Ron Wagner will give fresh information about LSA at AirVenture 2008. *** Located in the high desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sandia Aerospace was founded in 1997 by a group of professionals to provide high quality avionics products to the aviation market.
More Details Emerge on Cessna’s China Plan
Details continue to emerge regarding Cessna’s plan to have the Skycatcher built in China. After fabrication, assembly, and flight test north of Beijing, Skycatchers will be partly disassembled and packed in containers for ocean shipment to the USA. Cessna CEO Jack Pelton indicated that at least three of Cessna’s authorized service centers, including one in Wichita, will reassemble their LSA in the U.S. for delivery to retail customers through Cessna dealers. *** In addition to reducing Skycatcher production costs, Pelton was reported saying the Chinese agreement is advantageous for Cessna because, “we didn’t want to lose focus” on the more profitable business jet market segment while ramping up the infrastructure necessary to build the LSA. *** Shenyang Aircraft will start work on tooling for the Skycatcher in 2008 and could start initial manufacturing operations late next year or early in 2009. Pelton believes Shenyang will have 400-500 employees working on Skycatcher when it reaches full production, forecast at 700 Skycatchers per year.
Last Look Before Year End; CubCrafters Rising
With one month to go before we evaluate all of 2007, here’s an early picture. In eleven months, industry added 499 fixed wing airplanes plus a healthy fleet of trikes and powered parachutes. I expect SLSA registrations to reach 544 airplanes for the year, nearly a doubling of the 565 we had last January after sales were tallied since beginning in April 2005. In its first 20 months, industry registered 29 airplanes a month on average. In 2007, that number will rise past 45 a month (up 56%). The entire airframe producer community should generate almost $60 million in sales. *** The top three remain unchanged as CTSW, SportStar, and Legend Cub held their lead even while 17 new models entered the marketplace. One of the most notable rising stars of 2007 has been CubCrafters. The Sport Cub maker started well down the January chart with only 15 registered airplanes.
Third Generation CT; Flight Design Announces LS
Flight Design leads the LSA flock maintaining a market share of more than 20% since the start of SLSA certifications almost three years ago. Their first American export was CT2K, fine tuned in 2006 for U.S. pilots as the CTSW. Now sport pilots around the world can welcome the CTLS, the third generation of this successful design. *** Longer and sleeker, LS was lengthened 14 inches and has a list of new features. Although you can add a few options (leather seats and autopilot, for example) the base model has everything a Sport Pilot could want including Garmin radio, transponder, and GPS with XM, dual Dynon glass displays, and BRS parachute…all standard. *** The company says every mold on the all-carbon fiber aircraft was changed. You can see this in its larger cabin with aft windows, the wingtip treatment, and in a more “adult” look to the design.
Fast As a South African Cheetah, The Kit
We have many great airplanes among the 62 models in the SLSA fleet. But the price tag for some of these beauties could motivate you to consider a kit. Why not? Homebuilts and Ultralights proved many folks could manage the build effort. Organizations like EAA are ready to help. *** With all that in mind, Midwest Sport Aviation would like you to consider the Cheetah XLS they import from Rainbow Aircraft in South Africa. The fixed wing aircraft shares traits with the Ikarus C-42, for example, both use sewn Dacron coverings. Cheetah also resembles the French SkyRanger which remains available in the USA. Like SkyRanger, Cheetah is a fast-build kit. *** Trike expert Mike Blyth formed Rainbow Aircraft in 1995 with his Ukrainian partner, Vladimir Chechin. Blyth sold his interest a couple years ago. Cheetah first flew in September 2001; today Rainbow turns out six aircraft a month.
NH:Coming Attractions
Development continues on two new website products from ByDanJohnson.com: PlaneFinder and PlanesIllustrated. But coming even earlier will be the FIRM List ByDanJohnson.
FI.R.M. List
The FIRM List ByDanJohnson will be a free listing of all locations where you can obtain flight instruction in a Light-Sport Aircraft (FI), or where qualified pilots can rent an LSA (R), or where you can get maintenance for your Light-Sport Aircraft (M). Stay tuned…
Plane Finder…Help for Buyers
Work is ongoing to ensure that PlaneFinder provides the detailed and accurate information members expect. The anticipated release date of PlaneFinder is difficult to predict due to the challenges of getting this application right. When it is ready, we’ll notify visitors on the home page. Meanwhile you can read the articles leading to the PlaneFinder Web application (PlaneFinder menu bar item under the PlaneFinder tab).
PlaneFinder allows users to answer a series of questions geared toward matching you with the right plane.
NH:What’s New
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In 2009, ByDanJohnson.com added three new features — PlaneFinder 2.0…LSA Videos…and LSA Market Info.
PlaneFinder 2.0 is our automated, interactive system that asks your preference to 24 very simple (this-or-that type) categories, for example, “High wing or low wing?” As you answer, the Matching SLSA list will swiftly narrow your search to those with your preferred qualities. It’s a fast, fun, helpful feature and you will find nothing else like it on the Internet.
Lockwood to Help Educate A&Ps on Rotax Powerplants
A&P acceptance (or lack thereof) is a leading reason for Cessna’s decision to use the Continental O-200D in Skycatcher. Surveys through their Cessna Pilot Centers showed that a majority of FAA-licensed mechanics preferred an engine they already know. Most lack knowledge of the Rotax 9-series that powers the majority of the LSA fleet. And when an expert knows little about a new product, human nature compels him to resist. *** Trying to educate A&Ps on the best-selling LSA engine is one task of Rotax service center operator, Phil Lockwood. This winter, he’ll be giving hourlong presentations for A&Ps (and owners), trying to encourage to A&Ps to take a pair of two-day courses to bring them up to speed with the Austrian engines. *** Of 62 presently approved SLSA models, only 8 (13%) use another engine (Continental or Jabiru). Starting in 1973 with the ultralight market, Rotax has produced more than 125,000 aircraft engines.