How about this? Among the loudest “buzz” at Aero Friedrichshafen 2022 was the introduction of turbine engines on Light-Sport Aircraft. At least three well-known LSA producers are experimenting with turbines. OK, I know turbines are not allowed on present-day LSA. Could that be changing as Mosaic slowly works its way through the FAA? We won’t know until FAA releases their NPRM at this year’s Oshkosh (I predict). However, some language provided by the agency to guide ASTM standards writers has suggested that the ban on turbines might not last. A irony to this possibility is that turbines were the specific reason why electric wasn’t permitted. Uh… what?! Yep, in the effort to prevent turbines, FAA rule writers specified reciprocating engines only. That kept out turbines, alright, but it also scratched electric propulsion. Back in the early 2000s, government authorities weren’t pushing electric vehicles so rule writers didn’t feel the political pressure they do now.
NEWS Update — Started at Sun ‘n Fun… Preparing for AirVenture Oshkosh 2022
COMMON QUESTION — Frequently, pilots at Sun 'n Fun asked for a Mosaic update. As the agency is head-down working on the final touches to the draft, not much has changed. This article with video gives my latest view (from fall 2021).
DRONE SWARM — Are they self-replicating? Nope, but lots and lots of drones were being prepared for the Sun 'n Fun airshow. This is merely a portion of the fleet that put on a programmed demonstration.
New Aeroprakt Importer
For several years Dennis Long has been the American face of Aeroprakt. He took over the importing and has enjoyed quite a good run. According to a quick search on Tableau Public — our source for all light aircraft N-number registrations — Aeroprakt has around 70 aircraft flying in the USA. Dennis Long sold most of them.WELL PRICED — Aeroprakt models are popular because of their well-evolved design but also their modest expense (compared to some LSA).
Evektor Goes Mainstream
Evektor is back with great news for students looking for a place to get Sport Pilot (and further) training in Light-Sport Aircraft.COMPANY COLORS — An Evektor Harmony seen at Sun 'n Fun wears the Jet Access company colors.
Pipistrel Generates Million$
Whatever the actual number and whatever the contract terms state, one thing seems sure. Pipistrel found Ivo Boscarol will have no trouble paying his bills. Heck, it appears he could afford his own biz jet.ROLLING IN DOUGH — Pipistrel owner, Ivo Boscarol, sold out to Textron in a highly lucrative deal.
Quicksilver's Four-Stroker
This article from Day 1 of Sun 'n Fun revealed a new four-stroke engine resulting from a fascinating collaboration of two light aircraft companies — although a pairing I would not have predicted. Learn more about the engine from the earlier article.Quicksilver revs up quietly with four stroke power (article) in a collaboration with Blackhawk Paramotor.
TL Sport Aircraft's Fleet
In a previous article, I wrote about the TL Sport Aircraft Stream aircraft. I'll follow up with a report on the Sirius LSA, too, but these aircraft have fresh representation and new relationships.EXPANDING LINE — TL Sport Aircraft now imports and represents four models: Sting, Sirius, Stream, Sparker.
Vashon Ranger's Secret
Finally, I'm going to tease you without telling you anything. I have been sworn to secrecy but Vashon, builder of the increasingly popular Ranger LSA is projecting a major new announcement by AirVenture.WHAT'S NEXT? — To learn Vashon's big secret, either come to AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 or check back here as I report the news.
My moment of truth is fast approaching. Will I succeed or fail to predict the future? I have been repeating my forecast that FAA will announce a draft of their newest regulation, called an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) at EAA’s big summer celebration of flight. I’m not betting the farm, though. I think it’s a fairly safe prediction. To win an increase in their budget a few years back, FAA agreed to complete a new regulation by December 31, 2023. That new reg is widely known as Mosaic; its full name is Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. Because FAA has said the agency needs 16 months to read every comment and adjust the final regulation language accordingly, seeing the future is simple math. Go back in time 16 months from the end-of-year deadline in 2023 and you end up at… yep! — AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. We will see if they meet their goal.
Flying the TL Sport Aircraft Stream — Tandem Speedster: Solid and Predictable
Immersive Tandem
My demo pilot, TL Sport Aircraft boss Trey Murdaugh offered the front seat but I requested the aft seat so I could better observe his actions; it also helped record video. However, the aft seat offers full controls to allow an instructor to take over as needed. This is a retractable aircraft and a gear switch is available at both seats. The same for flaps and, of course, the prop and throttle controls.Stalls and Landings
You will probably not be surprised to learn that Stream has speedy ways. Using a 100-horsepower carbureted Rotax 912 ULS, Stream can easily generate speeds above 140 knots TAS. At higher altitudes it can achieve some pretty impressive true airspeeds as you might expect from an aircraft that has both retractable gear and in-flight adjustable prop.Handling and Taxiing
After the stall regimen, I did my common Dutch roll coordination exercise. This showed that Stream is an airplane in which you lead with the rudder. On European designs this is common; we see it on many sailplanes that are rudder-dominated partly due to their very wide wingspans. After observing the control effects, it became pretty straightforward to do 30°-to-30° wing reversals while maintaining a straight longitudinal line (the goal of a properly done Dutch roll). I often rely on this coordination exercise to show me the basics of how an airplane flies.TL Ultralight Stream TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS all data supplied by the manufacturer or importer
- Length — 22.25 feetm
- Height — 8.15 feet
- Wingspan — 29.5 feet
- Wing area — 107.2 square feet
- Cabin width — 22.6 inches
- Never exceed speed — 180 knots
- Minimum speed — 35 knots
- Climb rate (at gross weight) — 1,170 feet per minute
- Empty weight (may vary depending on optional equipment) — 655 pounds
- Maximum take-off weight — 1,320 pounds
- Useful Load — 665 pounds
- Payload (with full fuel; before baggage) — 521 pounds
- Minimum crew weight — 132 pounds
- Maximum crew weight — 397 pounds
- Maximum luggage weight — 33 pounds
- Fuel consumption (at 75% maximum continuous power) — 4.3 gallons per hour
- Fuel tank capacity — 23.8 gallons (39 gallons with auxiliary tanks)
- Flying range — 870 statute miles
After Sun ‘n Fun 2022 ended, as pilots were flying home to bases across the USA, a couple aircraft stopped nearby at the DeLand Airport. As this is only a 25-minute drive from my office, I grabbed the chance to fly both the TL Sport Aircraft Stream and their high wing Sirius. I captured video from multiple cameras for each aircraft; watch for our video pilot report soon. While the video is in editing, I will give a short review of the Stream. This was a new experience for me. As flown, TL’s Stream is in Experimental-Exhibition category. That will suffice for a few examples, but the future involving Mosaic may be inviting for Stream, so the model could get a leg up on some competitors by establishing a U.S. presence before Mosaic becomes the governing regulation. Immersive Tandem My demo pilot, TL Sport Aircraft boss Trey Murdaugh offered the front seat but I requested the aft seat so I could better observe his actions; it also helped record video.
Three More Is a Wrap: ICP Savannah, Super Petrel 400, Supercharged Jabiru
Saturday was busy at the LSA Mall hosted by LAMA and the DeLand Sport Aviation Community. Overall, crowds packed the Sun 'n Fun grounds.
Savannah by ICP
What is it about orange? Several people told Savannah rep' Walter della Nebia that it attracted them. I felt similarly. I can't explain it but the show airplane certainly looked great and drew plenty of visitors.Savannah painted a bright orange with gray accents turned out to be a crowd pleaser, attracting plenty of eyeballs including mine.
Scoda Petrel 400 Series
Scoda Aeronautica's Super Petrel LS has been in the U.S. market for several years and has achieved a solid measure of success. I stopped by their space at Sun 'n Fun 2022 to see what they meant by "400 Series" on the hull of this flying boat.Scoda's Super Petrel LS has seen hundreds of very small improvements. One you can see in a completed aircraft is a new main gear shock absorber (arrow).
Supercharged Jabiru
No question that pilots are eternally intrigued by more powerful engines. From the early days of ultralight and then Light-Sport Aircraft, engine power output seems only to go in one direction.Steve Henry's high-revving Yamaha-powered Just Highlander wowed crowds during the STOL competitions held at the end of most days in Paradise City. Number '44' has a highly modified airframe plus the 300-horsepower engine.
Marc Holcomb's Jabiru 3300-powered Lightning has been modified with a supercharger. A video will go into many of the details.
As Sun ‘n Fun 2022 comes to a close, so does my daily reporting. This happens through long days and short nights. My sleep schedule can soon get back to normal. In an article already underway, I will make some forecasts for what we’ll see at AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 based on what was displayed at Sun ‘n Fun 2022. Watch for that in a couple days after I catch my breath. Meanwhile I’m expecting to go fly in the TL Sport Aircraft high wing TL-3000 Sirius and perhaps their retractable tandem Stream. I’m also scheduled to go fly the BOT SC07 Super Cruiser. I hope to have reports on these later in April. Meanwhile, here’s a final daily report from Sun ‘n Fun 2022… Savannah by ICP What is it about orange? Several people told Savannah rep’ Walter della Nebia that it attracted them. I felt similarly. I can’t explain it but the show airplane certainly looked great and drew plenty of visitors.
Producers of P-51 Mustang Replicas Collaborate; Refined Hiperlight; New Gyroplane
Mustang Collaboration
Refined Hiperlight Biplane (Special LSA-to-be)
When I interviewed Ron Jones of Thunderbird Aviation in Michigan at AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, he grabbed my attention when he reported that he believes he can sell a complete SLSA version of SNS-9 Hiperlight using the Jabiru 2200, 81 horsepower engine for $65,000.Hummingbird H2 Gyroplane, All-Terrain Gyro?
Talking to representatives of gyroplane companies at Sun 'n Fun confirmed that the gyro market that had slumped a bit over the last couple years has now steadied and is recovering. The sector has had to cope with being the only LSA that manufacturers cannot deliver ready-to-fly. This will get fixed in Mosaic LAMA is sure, but a requirement to build from a kit has certainly restricted sales. Now things are improving so a new entry might be expected. Making its U.S. debut at Sun 'n Fun 2022, welcome Hummingbird H2.* In case you're wondering what happened to my Sun 'n Fun Day 3 report… in a word: rain. A heavy downpour starting at noon and continuing into the afternoon scuttled my plans to shoot additional photos. Never fear, though, the Day 3 report will still come out, but as a summary article at the end of Sun 'n Fun. Look for some mighty interesting news discovered at Sun 'n Fun 2022.
I have been working in this industry since, well… before it was an industry, so a long time. In all that time I have continually been impressed with the willingness of businesses that are clearly competitors to join together in ways that promote the entire light aircraft sector. From the Sport Pilot Tour of the early 2000s to the LSA Mall of the 2020s, gathering industry together to better present the entire segment has worked amazingly well and I commend those many companies that participated enthusiastically. Daily reporting from the season-launching Sun ‘n Fun 2022 continues… * Mustang Collaboration One such example is a fascinating collaboration, in this case between two companies each producing a substantially authentic scale model replica of the famous World War II fighter. One has a market established over several years. The other has a spectacular new entry. How can you imagine the story ends?
After-Airshow Lightplane STOL Competitions — Monster STOL Is Built to Win
Designing for STOL
By now, many readers may know the name Steve Henry, who has wowed crowds with his 300 horsepower Yamaha conversion engine on his highly modified Just Highlander. All these aircraft take off in surprisingly short spaces (50 feet is possible) but Steve's purpose-built aircraft fairly leaps off the ground. It almost looks unreal.The twin shocks not only have 18 inches of travel but are connected to the airframe via Heim joints to assure flexibility when the forward struts pivot.
Come to Paradise!
If you are at Sun 'n Fun, make your way to Paradise City and the LSA Mall each evening. You can enjoy very close up and exciting flying as pilots like Jan Eggenfellner and Steve Henry compete. For those that cannot attend, I saw lots of potential YouTube videos being recorded. Stay tuned! News from Sun 'n Fun 2022 continues…This huge 96-inch prop was custom made for Jan Eggenfellner by Duc Props.
At Sun ‘n Fun, as with AirVenture Oshkosh, recent years have created a new attraction using the Lightplane airstrip at both the nation’s two largest airshows. STOL — Short Takeoff and Landing — competitions have become a huge crowd draw. On pleasant evenings, crowds can be five deep all along the runway fence. STOL comps provide exciting close-up action. At few other airports can you observe so closely, literally 100 feet away from runway centerline. After the main afternoon airshow aerobatic acts conclude, you can do one of two things. You can go to the car park and wait in long lines to get out of the lot or you can make your way to the Ultralight Area / Lightplane Area / or Paradise City and catch the evening STOL comps. When they’re done competing, the car parks are moving better and you’ll waste less time sitting in line. STOL comps were planned every evening of Sun ‘n Fun but 20 mile per hour winds blowing 90° cross to the runway over a nearby line of tress was a bit much for many competitors.
Do You Love Ultralights but Prefer a Four Stroke Engine? Find It at Sun ‘n Fun!
Introducing Aero 1000 A Fascinating "Collaboration"
You could hardly miss Air-Tech Inc's airplane with its day glow orange and lime green coloration. The airplane was so bright I completely missed the engine until I returned for more… as promised in yesterday's preview article.Aero 1000 SPECIFICATIONS information supplied by Air-Tech Inc.
- Displacement — 250 cubic centimeters (cc)
- Power Output — 39 horsepower
- Fuel Delivery — Electronic fuel injection
- Carburetor Adjustment — Electronic compensation
- Reduction Drive — Belt drive with clutch
- Cooling — Liquid
- Efficiency — 1.2 gallons per hour at economy cruise
A year ago at Sun ‘n Fun 2021, I reported on a Rotax 503 replacement built in Russia. This information was warmly received at the time because the 503 powerplant was much beloved by ultralight enthusiasts. Little did we know last year that Putin would invade Ukraine and plunge both countries into disarray. The RMZ 500 engine seemed to promise a return to the popular engine. It will surely be months if not years before we see more of them. Despite the former popularity of the Rotax 503 fifteen years ago, one of the most common questions asked of Part 103 producers today is, “Can you provide a four-stroke engine?” It’s not an easy order to fill; two-strokes are potent sources of power at minimal weight, what’s called power-to-weight ratio. Any four-stroke engine is hard pressed to match the power-to-weight ratio of the best two-stroke engines. At Sun ‘n Fun 2022, Gene “Bever” Borne and son Ken of Air-Tech Inc.
PREVIEW: Sun ‘n Fun 2022 — What I’m Checking Out at the Season-Opening Airshow
Bat Hawk
Airdrome Replica
Pipistrel of Slovenia
ScaleBirds P-36
Texas Colt
TL Sport
Sling
BOT
Quicksilver
LSA Mall and DeLand's Sport Aviation Community
When Sun ‘n Fun 2022 starts, a signal can be heard ’round the world. The message? It’s time for a new season of recreational flying. After we got the LSA Mall set up to receive a flock of airplanes, I was able to get around the sprawling Sun ‘n Fun campus to see what else I planned to cover as the show begins. It starts Tuesday the 5th and runs through Sunday the 10th. I hope you can make it but if not, I’ll be reporting on the aircraft that I think may interest you. One extra treat — for me and for you: my YouTube partner, Videoman Dave has been able to escape Canada and turned up at Sun ‘n Fun. We’ll return to our usual drill of roving around doing video interviews. I’m happy as Dave is highly knowledgeable about the same kind of aircraft I report and we’ve learned to work well together, making somewhere approaching 1,000 videos.
Vickers Wave First Flight Accomplished Successfully
Satisfying Success!
"It was an incredibly emotional moment for the entire Vickers Aircraft team, a moment more than 11 years in the making," said Paul after the first flight was concluded. "December 10, 2012, was when I made the decision and began designing the concept, and began turning a dream into reality by spending money. At this point talk became action."First Flight Notes
"Wave performed as expected," Paul reported. "The first flight was limited to 85 knots, and we will be further stretching her legs in the coming weeks as we approach our 120-knot cruise speed."What Makes Wave Different?
Wave Design Distinctions (partial list)
- Wave has a landing gear system (named Cross-Over™, patents pending) that is a fixed gear arrangement for both land and water operations. This landing gear system will eliminate accidents when landing on land with gear up, and landing on water with gear down.
- Wave’s egress doors offer increased occupant safety in the event of the aircraft coming to rest inverted (on land or water).
- Light Sport Aircraft are not allowed to use adjustable propellers so to give the pilot more control of the aircraft on the water, around marinas, and other watercraft, Wave has an electric bow thruster.
- Wave has incorporated an airframe emergency parachute as standard equipment.
- Wave has incorporated an angle of attack (AoA) system to enhance stall awareness.
- Wave has incorporated inflatable airbag restraints.
Long in development to incorporate a raft of distinctive ideas, Vickers Wave took its first flight last month, mere weeks before the launch of Sun ‘n Fun 2022, which kicks off a new flying season. Lead by company namesake, Paul Vickers, Wave has been a work in process for eleven years. All along Paul has been saying he would get it right on the first flight and it looks like he succeeded. He also said that the methods he followed to get this far would speed production significantly. He means that when this airplane would take its first flight, it would not be some cobbled-together, proof-of-concept aircraft. The Wave that just flew should also go very directly into production without the need for another long round of engineering. Look at the images and the video. This looks like a factory production model, not a crude prototype still rough around the edges.
Savage Norden from Zlin is the Newest Special LSA in the U.S. Fleet (#157)
Norden is "Best Yet"
“Norden is a high performing, aluminum-wing airplane with electrically controlled leading-edge slats, designed and thoroughly tested for short-field and off-runway capabilities,” Bill Canino said. “It also exhibits good speed and stable cruise characteristics which are unusual in aircraft of this design." While production spools up on the new model, SportairUSA has reserved a limited number of production slots, with delivery scheduled for this year (2022).
Bill worked with FAA representatives to gain acceptance during the fall and winter of 2021-22. “We appreciate the attention to safety that the FAA brings to this process,” said Canino, whose company, SportairUSA, has been a pioneer in the field of Light-Sport Aircraft, serving the experimental and recreational aviation community since 1990.
The newly accepted Savage Norden is already finding willing buyers looking for economy and exceptional performance. SportairUSA has presold seven aircraft and reserved six additional production slots for 2022. More than 50 have been sold worldwide. This early success follows several other models under the Savage brand, for example, Shock Ultra, iCub, and Bobber.
More About Savage Norden
Savage Norden is manufactured in the Czech Republic by Zlin Aviation s.r.o. A highly refined design, Norden is based on the company’s extensive experience designing and building similar aircraft. Earlier versions of Savage aircraft which have been certificated and sold in this country as SLSAs include the Savage Classic, Cruiser, iCub, Nomad, Bobber, Shock, and Shock Ultra (see links above to articles on these aircraft).
"The design of Norden incorporates classic short takeoff and landing (STOL) elements together with innovative concepts tested and proved in previous Zlin products," said Bill. "Pilot feedback, from the Alaskan bush to the deserts of South Africa, played an important role in Zlin’s evolution as a designer and manufacturer of STOL aircraft."
The American version of the Savage Norden is comprehensively equipped with avionics, operational functions and other features that are offered only as options in other locations around the world, believes Bill. SportairUSA’s goal is to provide an aircraft tailored to meet the expectations of a demanding marketplace.
According to Zlin’s founder, Pasquale Russo, “The design target was to offer to the market a new version of our plane with improved STOL performance and with these main characteristics: full metal wing, electrically-operated retractable slats, double slotted flaps, extended range, optimized cruise and low-speed flight characteristics, a wide flight envelope and low pilot workload.” (See extensive feature list below.)
Key features of the Savage Norden:
- Standard Rotax 915iS, turbocharged and intercooled, 141 horsepower engine
- Complete instrumentation including Garmin GPS with ADS-B in, EMS, transponder, VHF radio
- New all aluminum wing design optimized for speed in cruise configuration
- Pushrod double slotted aluminum fowler flaps to 60+ degrees
- Aluminum, electric, retractable leading-edge slats add lift to balance the flaps for extreme low-speed control
- Flattened landing flare lets you see the entire landing site
- All aluminum wing with advanced airfoil, load tested to over 4,000 pounds
- Push rods and ball bearings for the aluminum frise ailerons mean light control pressures
- Basic empty weight less than 900 pounds
- Fuel tank designed for distance travel; 36 gallons useable
- Dual low fuel warning systems
- Large cargo area with optional carbon fiber and external aft access door
- Extended seating space & improved flight controls for comfort and command
- Forward-mounted heavy gear system for hard braking
- Float attachments included in the airframe
- Available Acme Aero Pro shock absorber systems
- Available dual caliper wheels and braking
- Available Airframes Alaska T3 or Acme Aero Stinger tailwheel suspensions
- Available extended aft storage for travel sleeping area
- Available all aluminum, amphibious 1500 Z~Floats for water operation
Welcome to the newest Special Light-Sport Aircraft in the fleet: Savage Norden. The first example is in the United States and headed to its new owner. Norden is #157 on our SLSA List. “It is the best of the several models of LSA that Zlin has ever made,” SportairUSA boss, Bill Canino said of Norden. He proudly announced that Norden received its FAA certificate of airworthiness as a Special LSA. SportairUSA is the distributor and service center for Savage and other sport aircraft in the USA. Because the first customer’s Norden was used to gain FAA acceptance as a Special LSA (that included logging 20 hours), the owner is understandably anxious to receive his new bird so SportairUSA will not be attending Sun ‘n Fun with the model. The first public viewing will be this summer at AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. U.S. Norden #1 will be flown in May to its new home in McCarthy, Alaska, at the foot of the Wrangell Mountains Norden is “Best Yet” About two years ago, Zlin first announced Norden, then with the 100 horsepower 912iS.
Evektor is the LSA More Flight Schools Use — Now Jet Access Joins the Fleet
Evektor Is #1… Forever
You may not have heard quite as much from Evektor over the last couple years. That's because they've been head-down puzzling over America's legal system, a challenge for many foreign producers. Based in a different country, some manufacturers feel insulated from lawsuits but given America is by far the world's largest aviation market, well… it's wise to think differently.Big New Order Logged
Recently, Evektor in the USA booked an order for a dozen new Evektor Harmony LSA with the potential for as many as 100 more. Such numbers in Light-Sport aviation are more than attention-getting. This is a big order. Good for Evektor but good for all in the LSA community. Stronger manufacturers means better service and more innovation for all customers.About Evektor Harmony
"Evektor currently has delivered 1,400 LSA worldwide," Steve noted, adding that "half of them are in flight schools or aero clubs." The balance are owned by individuals, he said.Did you read “Jet Access” and think this article was not for you? I get that but please read further. Jet Access is not about airlines or military. It isn’t even about jet engines or biz jets. It is about flight school operations and which aircraft the operators find optimal. Spoiler Alert: Light-Sport Aircraft win. Here’s the question of the hour: “Why are leading flight schools world wide choosing Evektor LSA to replace their aging legacy fleet of flight training aircraft?” The question is posed by Evektor’s U.S. Director of Fleet Sales, Steve Trerotola. Answers follow… Evektor Is #1… Forever You may not have heard quite as much from Evektor over the last couple years. That’s because they’ve been head-down puzzling over America’s legal system, a challenge for many foreign producers. Based in a different country, some manufacturers feel insulated from lawsuits but given America is by far the world’s largest aviation market, well… it’s wise to think differently.
Return to Ultralight Glory — A One-of-a-Kind CGS Hawk Receives a Special Honor
Foot-Launched Aviation
Before Part 103 came out, FAA initially said such "powered hang gliders" — as people, especially FAA, regarded them then — had to be foot launched. Pilots were not supposed to roll off on wheels. The very earliest of such aircraft didn't even have wheels. Think of John Moody and his foot-launched 10-horsepower Easy Riser. This beloved pioneer of ultralight flying still demonstrates that method at airshows and it's a crowd pleaser.Hawk #1 (not pictured) broke the rules requiring foot launch before Part 103 was announced. As you can see, the pilot cannot put feet on the ground to satisfy the earlier temporary rule.
CGS Hawk, the Original
Work is progressing to restore Hawk Prototype #1. Hawk Single & Ultra owner Bob Santom wrote, "Our renovation of Hawk #1 will not be complete for the Sun 'n Fun 2022 show, but it should be 100% by Oshkosh." Woo, hoo! EAA is working on plans to make a celebration of Part 103's 40th anniversary and Hawk #1 showing at the big summer show will be highly appropriate.Before restoration on Hawk #1 — see the restore work in process at Sun 'n Fun 2022 and the fully revived example at Oshkosh.
Come See #1 for Yourself
While the restoration is not yet complete, bringing Hawk #1 to Sun 'n Fun this April is fitting as this is the 40th anniversary of when she won best new aircraft design in 1982. Bob credits progress on the Hawk #1 restoration project to "a lot of help from the Hawk Faithful."LB Santom smiles in the foreground while shooting a selfie as he and his father, Bob, strip paint off the 40-year-old prototype of Hawk #1.
A cockpit view of the single seat (but not Part 103) Hawk Ultra that also shows the simple construction of this successful design.
Years after the original came to market, CGS created a folding wing option for the Hawk series.
Gotta Have Two Seats? — Pilots seeking a two-seat Hawk should note that those models are available brand new but from a different business. Bob Santom and his son LB only do the single-place models under the name Hawk Single & Ultra — while CGS Aviation builds all the two-place models including the Special LSA version. Both are active businesses.
I can remember firsthand when one of aviation’s true characters — Chuck Slusaczyk, of Chuck’s Glider Supplies or CGS — brought his first Hawk to Sun ‘n Fun. As this article illustrates, that was 40 years ago! Yes, fellow fun flyers, 2022 is the year aviation celebrates the 40th anniversary of Part 103 and the emergence of the “ultralight vehicle.” One of the ground-breaking designs that year (1982) was the CGS Hawk. When Chuck introduced this flying machine, he broke some of the rules and went on to sell more than 2,500 of the popular series. What rules did he break? Foot-Launched Aviation Before Part 103 came out, FAA initially said such “powered hang gliders” — as people, especially FAA, regarded them then — had to be foot launched. Pilots were not supposed to roll off on wheels. The very earliest of such aircraft didn’t even have wheels. Think of John Moody and his foot-launched 10-horsepower Easy Riser.
Flying Tecnam’s P2008 Turbo — Is a Used LSA Right for You?
World-Leading Tecnam
After 18 years of Light-Sport Aircraft, Tecnam brand can claim to be the largest aircraft producer in this sector. The Italian company has gone beyond LSA with a four seat, Part 23-certified aircraft (P2010) and an 11-seat commuter aircraft (P2012) yet the LSA sector remains vital to their enterprise. Numerically, they've sold many more of these than the higher end models.P2008 Description
P2008 is a conventional configuration, strut-braced high-wing design originally prepared for the American market. Learn more in the video below but Tecnam's P2008 differs from earlier models following their acquisition of a composite specialty company. Not long after, the Italian manufacturer mated a carbon fiber fuselage and tailplane to wings and control surfaces made of aluminum. P2008 is #106 on our SLSA List.Tecnam Aircraft P2008 (non-turbo) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS all data supplied by the manufacturer
- Length — 22.87 feet (6,97 m)
- Height — 8.76 feet (2,67 m)
- Wingspan — 29.5 feet (9 m)
- Maximum Take Off Weight — 1,320 pounds (600 kg)
- Empty Weight, standard configuration — 827 pounds (375 kg)
- Useful Load — 496 pounds (225 kg)
- Baggage Capacity — 44 pounds (20 kg)
- Fuel Capacity — 32 U.S. gallons (123 lt)
- Max Cruise Speed — 128 knots (237 km/h)
- Stall Speed (flaps down, power off) — 39 knots 72 km/h
- Takeoff Roll — 600 feet (183 m)
- Landing Roll — 568 feet (173 m)
- Rate of Climb — 800 feet per minute (4,06 m/sec)
- Range — 514 nautical miles (952 km)
- Engine Manufacturer — Rotax 912ULS
- Engine Power — 100 horsepower
- Propeller — 2-blade fixed pitch
- Fuel Consumption — 4.5 gallons per hour (17 lt/h)
- Fuel Type — Mogas and Avgas
Pilot, builder, owner Roger Jennings is singular in an uncommon way. He has built and loves to fly a Zenith CH-650 but he recently bought a used Tecnam P2008. You could say he goes both ways. Most of us, including your author, tend to fly only fully-built aircraft while another group of equal size enjoys the building process — or at least this is a more affordable path to airplane ownership. Roger truly enjoys his ‘650 on which he mounted a potent 130-horsepower Viking Aircraft Engines powerplant. “It climbs 2,000 feet per minute!” What red-blooded pilot can’t love that? The ‘650 is a low wing, however, and while Roger still loves it, his wife preferred a high wing. They’re easier to enter and offer some shade in Florida’s warm, sunny climate. World-Leading Tecnam After 18 years of Light-Sport Aircraft, Tecnam brand can claim to be the largest aircraft producer in this sector.
Single-Seat Surge Continues: Air Command’s New One-Place Gyroplane
Coming: Air Command's New Single Seat Gyroplane
If you've been around Light-Sport Aircraft aviation for a while, you already know the Air Command brand. Some with long memories may recall problems. Before the more recent wave of interest in gyroplanes, Air Command was a significant player. Sales were good but accidents happened. After founder Dennis Fetters sold the company, a successive owner tackled the issues.An original Air Command gyroplane; the design first flew in 1984.
A rendering of the new model to fly in spring of 2022.
I am longtime enthusiast of single place aircraft. Clearly, I am not alone. In fact, the number of pilots showing an interest in single-place aircraft has been growing fast according to several ways of estimating such interest. When you fly solo you can operate your flying machine the way you want — well… within the laws of physics and the laws of FAA (or whatever national CAA you must obey). What you don’t need to do is worry about a passenger. Single place aircraft are commonly much more affordable. Despite following single place aircraft closely, even I have been astounded at steadily increasing interest in single place aircraft over the last few years. Although significantly out of sight of many aviators, single place aviation has been growing faster than you imagine. Some pilots actually think Part 103 “died” a couple decades back. I don’t know how it feels to be that wrong, but they are.
What Do Russia and China Have to Do with Light-Sport Aircraft? Plenty!
Icon Will Continue Production
Recreational airplanes at the Icon Aircraft manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico. • photo by Alejandro Cegarra / Bloomberg News
Icon Aircraft’s manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico, last year. • Photo by Alejandro Cegarra / Bloomber NEWSimage used in Wall Street Journal article
Icon Aircraft co-founder Kirk Hawkins at the company’s offices in Los Angeles in 2013. Photo from Wall Street Journal • By Ann Johansson/Corbis/Getty Images
Flight Design and its Ukraine Factory
I hardly need to say more than Flight Design does its primary fabrication in a town called Kherson in the south of Ukraine. Until very recently, you may not of been able to find that on a map, but recent events have changed perspectives significantly. It's also changed how business is done for Flight Design.Visitors at Aero Freidrichshafen 2019 check out the new F2 at Flight Design's display.
Flight Design USA's Tom Peghiny appearing on AOPA TV.
Aeroprakt Also Affected
AOPA also contacted Dennis Long, importer for the well-selling A22 and A32 LSA made in Kyiv, Ukraine that is presently under attack.Two wildly divergent events occurred in the last few days. They are completely unrelated yet they show the global interplay in modern light aviation. One story involves relative newcomer Icon Aircraft and their A5 LSA seaplane. The other revolves around the producer of the most successful LSA in America, Flight Design. Both airplane producer stories made it into mainstream media. If we go way back in time, to 2003, that is, before Light-Sport Aircraft, we saw a world where Americans flew kit-built airplanes while European pilots were flying what they called ultralights or microlights. Of course, this is an oversimplification but we had no idea the two methods of production would converge as they have in the last two decades. Using widely-accepted consensus standards, Light-Sport Aircraft can operate in multiple countries — thanks to the useful work of many volunteers that assembled and maintain ASTM standards embraced by FAA and other CAAs all over the planet.
Affordable Motorgliders? Yes, a Whole Family of Them You Can Build
A steady stream of readers ask about motorgliders. This is one of recreational aviation's most interesting aircraft types. Motorgliders can soar reasonably well for those interested in working thermals or ridge lift to ascend without motor noise.
Trouble Is… Motorgliders Are Expensive …Or, Are They?
Fully manufactured LSA motorgliders may get you airborne quickly whereas you need to build your Piuma, but the factory-built version will cost substantially more. I've written about Pipistrel's Sinus, Ekolot's Elf, Distar's SunDancer, the Phoenix Air motorglider, and even the kit-built Sonex Motorglider, among several others (even more here). Most of these will cost multiples of the cost of a Piuma homebuilt motorglider.Piuma designs have a significant history, yet Tiziano saw value in upgrading his plans and info package. "Given growing interest in minimal ultralights,” Tiziano reported, “in 2021, the drawings of the Original Piuma, the Construction Manual, and also the Project Book were improved with new photos, all now available also in English language." Based on my scouring every page of his website, I can attest his command of English is excellent. When you examine Piuma's website, you will even find English measurements, unusual for a European developer.
Touring Piuma Motorglider
Perhaps a majority of pilots interested in motorgliders will rarely fly them as soaring machines. With long, slender wings, gliders and motorgliders have an elegant, graceful look and are efficient aircraft with low fuel usage per mile flown.Constructing Piuma
Tiziano sells neither completed motorgliders nor kits. These are "scratch-built" aircraft, meaning that builders have to acquire all the materials and follow drawings to build any of the Piuma models.How This Gets Interesting After Mosaic Is Released
- Wing span — 38.4 feet(34.1 feet)
- Total wing area — 125 square feet (99 square feet)
- Aspect ratio — 11.2:1
- Dihedral — 3°
- Total tailplane area — 17.2 square feet
- Length overall — 19.4 feet
- Height — 4.6 feet
- Empty weight — 320 pounds
- Max take-off weight — 518 pounds (550 pounds)
- Useful load — 198 pounds
- Max wing loading — 4.14 pounds per square foot
- Recommended load factors — +3.4 / –1.2
- Ultimate load factors — +6.8 / 2.5
- Max level speed — 51 knots (81 knots)
- Normal cruising speed — 43 to 48 knots (73 knots)
- Stalling speed — 26 knots (34 knots)
- Never exceed speed — 65 knots
- Best glide ratio with power off — 17:1
- Take-off — 330 feet
- Landing — 330 feet
- Max climb rate at sea level — 390 feet per minute (1,000 fpm)
- Min sink rate (at 31 knots) — 200 feet per minute (235 fpm)
- Engine — 25 horsepower (40 horsepower; Rotax 447)
To help you find lots more information and details plus more photos for each model click or tap any of the several links below. (Note: English is used and is very good.) * European use of "ultralight" does not mean FAR Part 103 parameters. While light, these are not Part 103 ultralight vehicles.
This March 2, 2022 update provides photos of designer / builder Tiziano Danieli's own project. Here's a few words from him about it. "I personally am still flying with my Original Piuma and I am completing the construction of the Almerico (images below), which I modified into a single-seater for personal use." "The construction plans of the Piuma Almerico single-seater that I used for my personal use are not yet completed [but] I intend to make them available to the builders, together with hundreds of photos of the details under construction, in the coming months."
Article Update — Photos of the designer’s own project… see at bottom. —DJ 3/2/22 A steady stream of readers ask about motorgliders. This is one of recreational aviation’s most interesting aircraft types. Motorgliders can soar reasonably well for those interested in working thermals or ridge lift to ascend without motor noise. Many others might never shut down the engine and soar but are intrigued with efficient cross country flying. In a motorglider, a pilot can be more confident as the aircraft can glide far further than other types, providing a broader safety margin. From a one-man operation comes the Italian Piuma Project. Designer and builder Tiziano Danieli describes his creations as “a friendly family of ultralight* motor gliders.” Trouble Is… Motorgliders Are Expensive …Or, Are They? Fully manufactured LSA motorgliders may get you airborne quickly whereas you need to build your Piuma, but the factory-built version will cost substantially more.
Aviad’s Reimagined Zigolo Ultralight for 2022; Welcome to Mg21
Welcome to Zigolo Mg21
Check out earlier articles on Zigolo — here's a full pilot report — but know this: While Mg21 shares the name Zigolo, nearly everything about the new model from Aviad developer Francesco Di Martino is different. I recently exchanged email with Francesco regarding his listing in our new Part 103 List; Mg21 is the newest entry.Flying Mg21
Mg21 will be powered by the popular Polini Thor with a 130-centimeter (51-inch) propeller, but Aviad will also offer the more powerful Vittorazi Cosmos 300. Both are known in U.S., but the Polini has a broader following.America in 2023
Once Francesco can find a U.S. distributor, he said, "I believe next year I can start sales in USA. The Part 103 segment requires flaps. I need to reduce stall speed a little bit." However, he notes, "The wings are designed to have flaps and a longer span. Torsion and bend moments were tested for the different versions. While the fuselage is the same [on all versions], the horizontal tail is also made to have two different sizes."Americans know Zigolo thanks to U.S. importer, Chip Erwin. He brought the genuine Part 103 ultralight to the USA but also to other countries where he found customers. Those who know Chip are aware he has many international connections. Beside importing aircraft to the USA and helping customers build them, Chip experimented with electric propulsion for Zigolo. In short, he did a lot for Italian producer Aviad but Chip is now focused on his Merlin PSA and Merlin Lite plus his Hybird V-Twin, 60 horsepower, four stroke engine. You’ll be hearing more about that as Sun ‘n Fun 2022 approaches. Welcome to Zigolo Mg21 Check out earlier articles on Zigolo — here’s a full pilot report — but know this: While Mg21 shares the name Zigolo, nearly everything about the new model from Aviad developer Francesco Di Martino is different.
LSA-Sized eVTOL Takes a Different (Ducted) Approach — Reasonably Priced?
Can Doroni Do It?
However, a two-seater, ducted-fan, LSA-like aircraft with a 500 pound payload for $135-150,000 could actually be something some readers might consider. So, here's a brief update on Doroni.Doroni Details
FutureFlight.aero reported, "Doroni H1 is an electrically-powered. two-seat eVTOL vehicle with four ducted fans fitted in a main wing and canard, and a pair of small pusherprops at the rear of the fuselage.” Each ducted fan location houses two electric motors spinning counter-rotating props. H1's main application is personal transportation, but the company also sees a potential for future light freight deliveries.The aircraft boasts a 500-pound capacity (what I'd call "payload") and may be flown by an onboard pilot or remotely controlled. The company offers payload and passenger options:
- Pilot and passenger
- Pilot and 200-pounds of cargo
- Up to 500 pounds of cargo with pilotless delivery
Ducted Fan Configuration
By reducing propeller blade tip losses, a ducted fan can be more efficient in producing thrust than a non-ducted propeller of similar diameter, that is, while producing a similar amount of thrust, a ducted fan can use a much smaller diameter than a free propeller, allowing for more compact equipment. Given their enclosure, they can also be safer than a free-spinning prop.The original Doroni (notice their logo) was very simple but used the ducted fan technology.
That's It for Now
I'm done writing about multicopters for now though I may cover more as interesting designs emerge. Many proponents and industry observers predict huge revenues for such aircraft. Perhaps, but as the old saying goes, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." We will see which of these exotic designs succeed in the marketplace. The future is devilishly hard to predict. Remember Atari, Compac, Radio Shack, Commodore? These were all big brands in the early days of personal computers a few decades back. None exist today.I promise I will not keep reporting futuristic eVTOLS or multicopters. However, since the Jetson One article went over better than expected and since I’ve focused mainly on Part 103-sized multicopters, how about one that is LSA-sized? I still would not follow one multicopter article with another except for developer Doron Merdinger, saying this, “Suggested [selling price is] $135,000 to $150,000.” That got my attention. From what I’ve seen so far, any eVTOL larger/heavier than a Part 103 entry is way, way more expensive. Beyond that come air taxies… 4-6-8 seater urban air transport aircraft. Those I will never report as they are commercial by design and cost far beyond any Sport Pilot’s budget. In addition, it could be years before they actually enter the market. Can Doroni Do It? However, a two-seater, ducted-fan, LSA-like aircraft with a 500 pound payload for $135-150,000 could actually be something some readers might consider.
Are We Current Sport Pilots and Our Aircraft an Endangered Species?
No, Not Air Taxis… Recreational Multicopters
Look, this article is not about air taxis or so-called UAM vehicles (Urban Air Mobility, according to some who enjoy making up new names for these multi-motored flying contraptions). Uber Air may be coming but I'll bet it is years in the future because of new regulations that will be demanded by the political class and concern from the big-city general public about weird aerial machines buzzing overhead.What is Jetson One?
Developers Peter Ternstrom and Tomasz Patan tower over their small vehicle, which can be folded to take up very little space.
Jetson One TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Jetson empty weight — 190 pounds (86 kilograms)
- Maximum pilot weight — 210 pounds (95 kilograms)
- Dimensions — 8 feet long x 5 feet wide x 3 feet 4 inches tall (2,480 mm x 1,500 mm x 1,030 mm)
- Width when folded — 3 feet (900 milimeters)
- Flight duration — 20 minutes
- Top level flight speed, software limited — 55 knots / 63 miles per hour (102 kilometers per hour)
- Service Ceiling — above 1,500 feet AGL
- Flight controls — 3-axis joystick / throttle lever
- Battery type — high discharge Lithium-Ion
- Charging time — 1 hour on 220 volts / 2 hours on 110 volts
- Max total power output — 118 horsepower (88 kilowatts)
- Chassis type — all-aluminium space airframe
- Motor type — high power output electric brushless outrunner
By my study and reports from several other organizations, the world has somewhere north of 1,000,000 pilots. That estimate includes all airline, military, GA, and recreational pilots even including hang glider and paraglider pilots and sky divers. One million, more or less. Now, as anyone who has not been vacationing on Mars the last couple months probably knows, another new multicopter is captivating YouTube gazers. Dubbed Jetson One after the famous TV cartoon from decades past, this small vehicle is certainly intriguing… even if you are one of many current-day pilots who dismiss these aircraft. The video below has been viewed more than 14 million times in three months! Not only haven’t we seen the last of this, more likely this is just the beginning. No, Not Air Taxis… Recreational Multicopters Look, this article is not about air taxis or so-called UAM vehicles (Urban Air Mobility, according to some who enjoy making up new names for these multi-motored flying contraptions).
Bat Hawk: Well-Established South African Aircraft Lands in America
LSA with a Purpose
"Like a bat outta…" in this case, South Africa not that hotter place. Kidding aside, Bat Hawk is positioning itself as a very capable workhorse. Their website shows a great many activities for which this aircraft is being used, perhaps most notably, as a workhorse for rhino anti-poaching actions.What is Bat Hawk?
As the South African describe it, "Bat Hawk is a high-wing monoplane with crew of two seated side by side in an under-slung tubular framed structure surrounded by a glass fiber composite fairing." Occupants are protected from the elements by "a very large wrap-around windshield."Bat Hawk SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications provided by the factory
- Overall length — nose to rudder trailing edge 18.2 feet (5.5 meters)
- Length — propeller to rudder 17.0 feet (5.3 meters)
- Wingspan — 31.2 feet (9.50 meters)
- Height — 10.5 feet (3.20 meters)
- Undercarriage wheel track — 5.4 feet (1.7 meters)
- Main wheel size — 8 x 6 inches
- Nose wheel size — 4 x 4 inches
- Powerplant — Rotax 912 100 horsepower 4-cylinder, 4-stroke
- Maximum weight all-up weight (gross weight) — 1,204 pounds (540 kilograms)
- Typical empty weight with standard equipment — 573 pounds (260 kilograms)
- Maximum fuel — 20.5 gallons / 123 pounds (56 kilograms)
- Minimum solo crew weight — 163 pounds (74 kilograms)
- Payload with full fuel — 508 pounds (231 kilograms)
- Cruise speed — 77 knots
- Stall speed — 36 knots
- Vne — 92 knots
- Take-off run — 100-165 feet (30-50 meters)
- Landing roll — 165-200 feet (50-60 meters
It’s always exciting to welcome a new entry into recreational aviation. Two Bat Hawks are presently inside the USA and will be debuted at Sun ‘n Fun 2022. Bat Hawk is a well-established, conventional microlight-style light aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 that helps it provide “sensational” performance. “We now have two planes in the country,” said importer and representative Gary Saitowitz, “and we just received our FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate at the end of 2021.” At this time, Bat Hawk is not a Special LSA. As they get started with the new-to-Americans model, both are registered Experimental Exhibition. After Bathawk Aircraft USA can gauge market interest, they may pursue another level of FAA approval. LSA with a Purpose “Like a bat outta…” in this case, South Africa not that hotter place. Kidding aside, Bat Hawk is positioning itself as a very capable workhorse. Their website shows a great many activities for which this aircraft is being used, perhaps most notably, as a workhorse for rhino anti-poaching actions.
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