That's quite admirable for a fresh-out-of-the-gate design entering a marketplace with more than 140 Special Light-Sport Aircraft appearing on 
"Our team has been extremely busy since we've been back from Oshkosh," added Amy. "Traveling to the show in four of our Ranger R7s was an awesome experience and we had an easy arrival into Wittman Airport Saturday morning." Arriving two days before the show began proved wise when heavy arrival traffic delayed many inbound aircraft as the show was starting.
"We flew from Everett, Washington (KPAE) to [Wittman Field], stopping at several airports along the way," Amy continued. She said "the public release of our aircraft at Oshkosh had been in the plans for years. To have the chance to show off our airplanes was indescribable."
Now that the staff is back home, Amy finished, "We have our work cut out for us … [as we] continue building and delivering these amazing airplanes!"
Even more recently, another Vashon LSA was delivered. "We delivered our second Ranger to a local flight school right at our home airport at Paine Field," boasted Amy! 
UPDATE: Video on Ranger at bottom… Often at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh we see improved models among vast displays of showplanes. What we see less of are brand new offerings. Yet given the sheer number of aircraft, something brand new can surprise. You probably already know about Vashon Aircraft’s Ranger (we reported it here) but attendees saw it for the first time at the big summer airshow. We shot video with Vashon marketing maven Amy Bellesheim and owner John Torode at the event and you’ll learn more about Ranger from this duo when editing is completed. We recorded our usual large batch of fresh video; please be patient during the editing phase and check Ultralight News YouTube channel to see the latest. Great Showing and Show Amy reported, “We were overwhelmed with positive feedback” at Oshkosh. “We are up to 57 deposit holders,” she beamed.
For your enjoyment, here is arguably the most unique airplane I found on the grounds of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 …and with around 3,000 show planes, that is truly saying something.
This aircraft is made almost entirely of foam sheets that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe's. It uses two electric motors for thrust. The aircraft is a biplane taildragger. Batteries provide the fuel.
Plus, yes, it actually flies! Catch some of the action in two videos below.
What you are seeing in the nearby photos and videos below is Peter Sripol's man-carrying scratch-built aircraft project.
Peter is a longtime modeler and homebuilder with a popular YouTube channel that boasts more than 650,000 subscribers! He brought his foam homebuilt ultralight project to Oshkosh 2018 and we found it in the ultralight area, now rebadged as the "Fun Fly Zone."
EAA reported, "Peter’s first project was inspired by a visit to 
The fuel source is a series of nine batteries driving dual model-airplane engines. Peter built a first ultralight that EAA reported "was minimally planned, in contrast to [this] design, which [he] took time to design in CAD." The first video explains why the motors have the wood constructions holding them along with other design considerations. The second video, Peter's, shows some of the other building effort.
Think what you will of this project but I admire his skill, tenacity, originality, and his… well, "go for it" attitude.
We interviewed Peter at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. See that below but stay tuned for more…
https://youtu.be/55FOgq7rWDU
Next you can enjoy Peter's video about building the project. It's cleverly done just like his unique aircraft:
https://youtu.be/eNSN6qet1kE
Let me tell you about a specific brand fly-in, for the CTLS produced in China. While small compared to big American events, this was a healthy start. If aviation is to grow in Asia-Pacific, I think events like that hosted by manufacturer AeroJones are key. More of them is needed but here is a worthy start.
In May 2018, AeroJones Aviation hosted a first-time event at their training facility in the south of Taiwan, called Pingtong Saijiain Airport. AeroJones Aviation is the manufacturer of the sophisticated light aircraft called CTLS. The aircraft factory is located in Xiamen, China.
“As promised, 
Events like the one AeroJones hosted may be critically important to introduce literally billions of people in the Asian-Pacific region to the idea of flying for fun.
“We were pleased with this first event and the number of people who came to help launch this new idea,” observed Mr. Hsieh Chi-Tai, General Aviation Development Vice President for AeroJones. “Even CT owners that could not fly their aircraft to Pingtong still showed their enthusiasm of flying.” He believes this type of activity will grow as AeroJones Aviation is able to replicate their flight school and pilots club across China in the years ahead.
AeroJones acquired the rights to manufacture the German CTLS aircraft design. The company has since secured approval from the government to build and sell these LSA. China is predicted to become a major market for Light-Sport Aircraft.
In addition to China and Taiwan, AeroJones Aviation is able to ship fully manufactured CTLS aircraft to other Asia-Pacific countries including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
Many aviation experts believe China could see rapid growth for aircraft of this type given plans from the central government in China to build hundreds of new airports during the next few years. The Air Sports Federation of China is also planning hundreds of "flying camps" where citizens can learn more about and experience aviation. ASFC personnel attended Oshkosh 2018 and met with groups to learn more about how to pursue their plans.
The Xiamen, China base of AeroJones Aviation includes a manufacturing facility with full fabrication capability. More than 50 highly-trained workers build nearly every part of the airplane in Xiamen. As China may nurture entry level aviation, AeroJones appears destined to be apart of it.
You have more privileges than you may know with your Light-Sport Aircraft.
One of the more misunderstood aspects of FAA's sweeping 2004 Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft regulation is ELSA or Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft.
Some people call these "kit" LSA. While they can be sold that way, no percentage applies so a manufacturer could call an ELSA a kit by merely having the buyer apply a single decal.
To gain its Special Airworthiness certificate, an ELSA must first be a bolt-for-bolt copy of the manufacturer's Special or fully-built version of LSA. However, once certificated, the owner can begin to make changes on his or her own. They can also become qualified to do all manner of maintenance themselves, assuming they so desire. An Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (A&P) or Light-Sport Repairman – Mechanic (LSR-M) can also work on ELSA as they can SLSA.
"I deliver on wheels but for $300, an owner can add the float option, which provides mounting brackets attached to specially-reinforced fuselage points.”
Adding floats is then a matter of taking the newly certificated Aerotrek to a qualified installer who can work out the hardware and bracketry to mount straight (no wheels) or amphibious floats. Most sellers know of a few businesses who specialize in such work.
A proper installer does more than supply the hardware and perform the installation. They also do critical measurements and calculations to establish the correct angle of incidence. On floats you cannot rotate for takeoff as you do on a landplane so whomever does this install needs to evaluate each aircraft based on its weight and balance in order to assure the right mounting position.
This specialized skill is one obvious reason why Rollison does not sell on floats and why you must shift to ELSA status after taking delivery of your Aerotrek. To learn more about Aerotrek aircraft through many articles and videos, please 
Maybe you never flew a floatplane or seaplane (the latter implying a hull). If that's true you are missing one of the singular pleasures of flying. Landing on water is almost unreal. It seems unlikely but when you find yourself about to touchdown on a lake, you know you have arrived in a way few people in history have ever considered much less achieved.
Alas, the cost of having that dream become reality is substantial. A general aviation floatplane easily runs half a million dollars new, probably much more. Even used, a floatplane is a very costly purchase. Because of their scarcity, a seaplane (with a hull) will cost you even more. Even the most modestly-priced LSA on floats can be a rather expensive proposition.
Along comes Part 103 to save the day. While Light-Sport are affordable compared to, say, a new Cessna 172 on amphibious floats, nothing can compare with Part 103 ultralight vehicles on wheels or floats. In the genuinely affordable space your optimal choice is an ultralight.
You can own a Part 103 ultralight vehicle (not "aircraft") — on floats — for around $30,000. At the price of the average new car, this is a extraordinary value. Is it a fantasy I'm having? No! Here is some reality.
If you must have two seats, FireFly loses out, being designed expressly to be a single seater. Nonetheless, if budget is a primary driver for your airplane purchase, as it is for most people, the FireFly on floats looks to be a highly attractive option.
Kolb's Firefly (
A new-to-Americans Light-Sport Aircraft made its debut showing at AirVenture 2018. Here is the Magnus Aircraft Fusion 212.
It appears another SLSA snuck by my penetrating radar for such achievements. U.S. chief pilot Charlie Snyder told me that the first Fusion earned its Special Airworthinews certificate back in September 2017 thereby joining our 
Snyder and Foldesi exhibited their brightly painted low wing that uses mostly carbon fiber construction and a dual taper wing. Full dual controls are available at both seats. Toe brakes on each side guide a castoring nose wheel via differential braking. Rudder pedals are adjustable to accommodate pilot height differences. Leather upholstery is used throughout and cabin heat is provided.
Standard avionics equipment includes a single 10-inch 
“This low-wing monoplane [has a] symmetrical wing profile that provides it with superb aerobatic capabilities,” said Magnus Aircraft. However, the company advised, "While the aircraft has aerobatic capabilities … as a Normal Category SLSA aircraft, Fusion 212 is presently limited to a maximum of 60 degrees of bank and a maximum pitch up or down of 30 degrees when operating in the United States."
"Fusion 212 is available for special order with 3-5 months of manufacturing lead time. Snyder also said purchase is available from U.S. inventory. A base model Fusion is currently priced from $139,900. Magnus Aircraft, Inc., is licensed by the Hungary-based manufacturer to sell to the American market."
The Santoms will take over production and sales of the single place Hawk models including the Part 103 model and the Ultra, a somewhat beefier model that is built as an Experimental Amateur Built (EAB). My discussion with Bob and LB was encouraging. I was impressed to hear the enthusiasm from father and son for keeping this series of Hawks available.
This is great news for Hawk fans. The two place models Terry Short and son have been assembling look great and will continue. This includes the FAA-accepted LSA model powered by the Rotax 912. Terry is busy enough that the single place models were lower on his to-do list so in stepped the Santoms who will assure the single place models get extra attention.
"We're located on an airport community about 60 miles from Terry's Lake Wales Airport location," said Bob.
This will make it easy on both enterprises as the Santoms will lean on Terry's fabrication abilities as they use many parts that are interchangeable between the single and two-seat models of Hawk.
"We talked to many Hawk enthusiasts at recent shows and we were pleased to hear of genuine interest in the single place models," Bob added.
As you can see by the bare bones Hawk they exhibited, the new operation is just getting underway so a new website is not yet available but you can can 
On my first day on Wittman Field here in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, we took the privilege to drive around the grounds and capture video scenes as hundreds of exhibitors arrive and set up their displays.
Despite attending a great many over the years, these events have always amazed me and they still do. With less than a day remaining to set up, it appears a hopeless amount of work remains. Nonetheless, at show after show, by opening gate the place looks quite ready, the crowds flood in, and exhibitors smile as they show off their wares.
We will have lots more to report and will capture many videos for you, but here’s a little five-minute glimpse of what it looks like as the show unfolds before our eyes.
To those who have attended, the scenes may refresh memories. To those that have never been, here’s what you’re missing and why you might want to plan for this in the future.
https://youtu.be/ff28cPg9Qus
This article has been 
The KRT2 VHF transceiver has already been installed in over 10,000 aircraft across Europe. It features an integrated intercom, a dual watch mode (the pilot can monitor two frequencies at the same time) and it has 100 memory slots for preferred frequencies that tie in with airport identifiers. The radio can be updated with new software at any time. Like the transponder, the KRT2 features digital electronics which make it light, compact and reliable.
TQ will exhibit at 
Infotech in Part 103 ultralight vehicles means far more than GPS or even synthetic vision digital screens (imagine an iPad mated to a 
Developers probably use Part 103 because they can do what they want sooner, easier, and not require a pilot's license — or much FAA oversight. Conversely, any aircraft with two or more seats must use another FAR section inviting much more regulation.
"Infotech" is a catchall word suggesting computer technology or software or algorithms. It may be hard to explain precisely but it conveys an image of modern, fast, and cheap. Many fields are being altered by infotech. Why should aviation be any different?
In a CBS News article, Leng was reported saying, “When you press the thumb-stick to climb, you have absolute full control. When you stop in the middle of the air and go off the joystick, the aircraft freezes." These phrases are hardly the way a pilot would say it; perhaps he stated it this way because he was speaking to a non-pilot reporter.
Although BlackFly claims full amphibious capabilities, "It is primarily designed to easily operate from small grassy areas and travel distances of up to 25 miles at a speed of 62 mph." said Opener. It presently has a 25-minute flight endurance. See 
Tested by Eskil Amdal, Equator reportedly accelerated to 70 knots before leaving the ground and flying down the runway at 100 knots at nine meters (about 30 feet, at the edge of ground effect), before landing smoothly. Amdal reported stable flight with good controllability in all axes. Two more flights were performed the following day, further establishing confidence in the flying characteristics.
"The aircraft is a prototype developed by Equator with very limited means since 2010," explained the company. "It can operate from land or water, and with its small electric motor, low float wings and good aerodynamics, promises to rival land planes on performance."
"Equator's core goal to make flying more available to more people, by supplying, green, silent and practical aircraft to the market," added the company. Equator benefits from a very large space inside (nearby photo), and "a simple intuitive cockpit that makes it easy to learn to fly."
"Speaking at a press conference in Rovaniemi, Finland on Tuesday afternoon, Markku Koivurova, CEO 
The report continued, "Koivurova said that the accident would not pose a major setback for the small plane manufacturing firm,” while adding that the company will suffer additional loss by taking one customer plane out of the production queue for further testing.
The aircraft retails for 169,000 euros ($199,000 at today's exchange rate). Atol Avian currently has six planes in production. The amphibious side-by-side seating Atol 650 LSA is made out of wood composite with foldable wings. See 
In the world of Light-Sport Aircraft, we have more than 90 manufacturers and 145 Special LSA (
In Virus (yes, I've heard most the jokes about the name) Michael refers to the best seller of the comprehensive Pipistrel line. The reference here is to Virus SW. While the company has succeeded with a number of their other models, Virus SW — the shorter wing span and higher cruise speed variation — is the clear front runner among their production.
This particular airplane — nicknamed "Mahi" by its owners — is part of the WE! Expedition project, in which two female pilots, a mother and daughter, intend to fly around the world. Pipistrel will no doubt promote that voyage as they've done other global circumnavigation flights.
If you want to check out the Pipistrel line, you have a great chance coming soon.
"This year is going to be our biggest yet," boasted Coates, "with a strong emphasis on electric aircraft and virtual reality flight Training" He said his display will include the following:
"We will also have 10,000 copies of the new Pipistrel Magazine available for giveaway," said Coates. "This magazine features the full history of Pipistrel along with the different projects we have been involved with in the past 30 years." Such company magazines used to be called "house organs" and Pipistrel's features information about the whole aircraft line.
Pipistrel was established in 1987 as a small backyard workshop and registered as a company in 1989. It started as a producer of powered hang-gliders, but in the 30 years of operation it has grown into an influential, internationally renown company
* A very common mistake is to refer to FAA accepted SLSA as "certified." This is incorrect. SLSA that FAA has approved have demonstrated compliance to ASTM standards and have verified their quality processes and best practices to FAA examiner's satisfaction. They may have proven this via an official FAA audit but they are not "type certified." TC aircraft get "Standard" Airworthiness Certificates. SLSA get "Special" AW Certs. Other countries that use ASTM standards as a basis for approval sometimes add their own "certifications."
After Aero 2016, we enthusiastically 
Zlin principal and designer Pascale Russo (in video below), is another of the sleep-deprived creators of cool aircraft. He saw another unfilled niche, and since nature abhors a vacuum, Pascale got busy with a new model. Welcome to Ultra Shock, unveiled at this years wonderful 
Ultra Shock also retain its strength. "We loaded and drop tested [Ultra Shock] up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) from 120 centimeters (about 4 feet) above the ground without any damage." That may not sound like such a high drop height but I've seen test reports and can attest that is a very demanding test, especially at such weight. The design "virtually eliminates the touchdown rebound," Pascale said. "We proceeded from the original Savage Cub-S," Pascale continued, "reinforcing and refining the fuselage framework, increasing … the cockpit height, improving the accessibility, and generally improving ergonomics on board." In other words, he made sure larger pilots will fit well.
Despite Ultra Shock's lighter weight design, Zlin said the “engine bay can accommodate different engines from the standard 
He managed to reach a targeted and demonstrated minimum empty weight — an impressively slim 649 pounds — with a 100 horsepower Rotax 912 with radio and basic instrumentation and a weight savings program which introduced carbon fiber elements, light weight battery, and Oratex fabric covering (a weight-saving material with already colored cloth) in place of classic heat-shrink Dacron, among other choices.It appears he succeeded well. Ultra Shock is significantly lighter than most of the other Cub-clones, which should translate to great performance with the Rotax 912 and reduced overall expense. Zlin is targeting €95,000 (about $115,000) for a well-equipped Ultra Shock but for U.S. pricing and availability, please 
Many pilots who first set eyes on the SW51, a precisely faithful 70%-scale imitation of the famous North American Aviation P-51 Mustang managed to utter a single word: "WOW!"
Can you blame them? Look at this bird. The shape is classic and the detail is exquisite, finished down to the last rivet to mimic the famous World War II American fighter. Except, it's a kind of fake. I better explain.
We've seen this spectacular execution of Hans Schwöller before. It was then called FK51 and we reported it earlier in 
Thanks to his youthful associate, Christian von Kessel, SW51 has been refunded and reenfranchised, bringing it to reality. The earlier producer group stumbled and this amazing construction never reached market.
Can you handle a machine that looks this awesome? As you hear Hans and Christian state in the video, SW51 is easy to take off and land and docile in flight. Early test flight were done by a Lufthansa airline captain (image). In fact, other P-51 clones also boast relatively manageable flight qualities, unlike the North American original that demanded considerable training and good skills, according to those with experience in the powerful machine. (If you have extra time on your hands, you can 
For those ready for the hottest action, you can build the Experimental version and install a Chevy V-8 engine, but that's well beyond the scope of this website. If you're curious, though, ScaleWings says the airframe can take up to 600 horsepower.
The most distinctive quality of SW51 is its tight adherence to the original look, albeit it as a 70%-scale replica of the historic P-51 Mustang. The earlier report referenced above goes into more detail but I must repeat that although this looks remarkably like a riveted structure, it is not. SW51 is a carbon fiber execution of the original so true that a reported 100,000 rivets are molded into the finish. I saw people examining the example at Aero Friedrichshafen run their hand over the skin and they may still not have realized it was something of an illusion. Yes, it's that good!
SW 51 also bests the original with detachable outer wing sections that feature an autoconnect design; wing locking connects flaps, ailerons, pitot tube, electric and fuel lines. The developer reports the process takes one person a mere five minutes to complete.
If you want the LSA version, it will be supplied with a fixed gear configuration; the manufacturer understands what is needed for the U.S. market. For those that want the whole Walter Mitty effect with big engine and high speeds, 
Gulp! Can you afford this beauty? Budgets vary by person, but SW51 is roughly comparable to other higher-end Special LSA. In Europe, the assembled base price is about $182,900, though shipping to the U.S. and other countries will add expense. Yankees wanting the retractable version will indeed have to choose a kit, with the cost starting at around $140,000 for a quick-build version, however, this does not include the engine. A wide range is available if you kit build, up to a very powerful V8 engine. Given what you may be acquiring, those prices are reasonably affordable if you yearn for the full fighter jock sensation of flying your own 70%-scale P-51 Mustang lookalike.
Learn more on our video from 
At the Rotax event for journalists allowing reporters like me to fly their new 915 engine (more about that and a 
Imagine you are out flying your light aircraft over the countryside. Imagine you have strayed into unfamiliar territory with no recognizable references. Imagine you suffer an engine failure. This is unlikely with our modern great engines, but we all know it happens.
You use your training and experience to select a suitable clearing, and you do your best to put the airplane down without damage. Once accomplished you are someplace on the ground. How do you direct someone to assist you?
The service can be used with a free mobile app or an online map. The developers who created this said, “It can also be built into any other app, platform, or website, with just a few lines of code.”
Years ago, back in the late 1990s, I flew an aircraft called JetFox 97. It resembled the Flightstar of the day and both were modeled on talented European designer Hans Gygax's designs. Along came Light-Sport Aircraft in 2004; years passed with not much word about the increasingly aged JetFox 97.
It's back and looking handsome, cloaked in a carbon fiber fuselage. Since this is an Italian design, it has the beauty we often associate with products from that country. I am describing Alfredo Di Cesare's FX1.
You can 
While FX1 clearly follows the Jetfox 97 — its overall shape, planform, and layout are very similar — the new model is very different in some ways not obvious in the nearby photos.
To start, FX1 uses a chrome moly steel internal structure, with a beautifully-shaped carbon fiber exterior, and riveted aluminum wings and tail.
No doubt, Alfredo's latest is a dramatic update from the one of two decades back.
Today, as then, the main engine choice is the Rotax 912 ULS carbureted engine but InnovAviation will soon begin offering the Rotax 912iS Sport fuel injected version.
We've got the answers and more.
FX1 will make its first showing at 
Look for Deon, Alfredo, FX1, and L600 in the ultralight / light plane area of Oshkosh at the south end of the sprawling airshow grounds (you can take a free tram ride if the hike is too much for you).
Meanwhile, enjoy our video interview and look for Videoman Dave and I at Oshkosh (though we'll be a blur as we zoom back and forth making many more of the videos you love. Specifications are shown below the video.
The big Italian company that LSA enthusiasts know very well through models such as P92, Sierra, and P2008 has a large and growing presence in global aviation. Their developments are broad and delve into aviation segments large and small. They are also getting ready to celebrate a benchmark birthday.
This year Tecnam Costruzioni Aeronautiche — most pilots simply say “
The Leica CityMapper is specifically designed for 3D city modelling and urban mapping. It is the world’s first hybrid airborne sensor combining both oblique and nadir imaging as well as a LiDAR system.
Tecnam has a large staff to accomplish these diverse projects while building as many as four aircraft a week. Even with many employees, however, this is a impressive penetration of all aviation's nooks and crannies.
BRM Aero boss and chief design, Milan Bristela, has convincingly proven his visionary credentials. Here's 
All that space might be useful for another kind of enjoyment: bush flying, landing on river beds, camping …that sort of adventure.
For the new "bush" version of TDO, BRM again did a great job of finishing the interior, both in creature comforts (as seen in the nearby photo) or equipment.
To mount big Alaska tundra tires on their TDO, BRM teamed up with 
What's great about the Beringer/Alaska adaptation is that it follows Milan's mantra to keep as many new innovations as possible retrofittable to older models. That works here, too, but owners get a bonus.
Through the design of this Bush TDO model, Milan made sure a mechanically-savvy owner can switch back and forth. Use your fiberglass gear and wheel pants to go fast for travel but swap to bush mode when you want to fly for fun on the weekend, maybe at your cottage. Cool, huh? What wonderful versatility.
U.S. representation is very strong with 
"Oh, don't worry," your friend replies. "Just move the joystick as you'd expect. If anything goes wrong, just hit the big red button and it will safely return you to precisely where you took off."
"But what about the batteries …what I run low on juice?"
"Ah, don't sweat that either. The machine knows and it will land you safely before you run out of power."
Would you, the expert fixed wing pilot, take the offer? Would someone else who always wanted to fly, but who was put off by the challenges of learning to fly conventional aircraft, want to take the offer?
Safety, low noise, performance, ease of control, and maintenance cost reduction are the selling points of Whisper, company officials said. They plan to move towards manufacture and marketing by 2020, hoping to sell ten machines in 2020, twenty in 2021, and forty in 2022. Those targets sound refreshingly sane to me, as opposed to other builders boasting huge volumes just over the horizon.
Current flight time is up to thirty minutes, they said, but representatives — like pretty much everybody else in the electric airplane development game — expect battery life to be increased with future technology.
An emergency parachute is part of the concept, however, it will also be possible to land in the case of a single rotor failure. It's actually quite believable that with eight motors/rotors, the loss of one could be fairly easily remedied with the others. It's just software …although that unveils the vulnerability in the near-future forecasts by some media.
Yes, of course. I 
Whatever the eventual solution, it has become more and more clear to me that multiple-rotor aircraft — some with wings that pivot to transition from vertical liftoff to speedier in-flight cruising — remain clearly in the future of flight.
I admit I am slowly being swayed from my love of conventional winged aircraft that I know so well to something with spinney or flippy propulsion. Oh, I don't see anything to replace the efficiency of fixed wings, for example, in the case of a gliding/soaring aircraft (think: sailplane or hang glider) but for many kinds of powered aircraft …well, the times, they may be a-changing.
I'll try not to overdo this reporting and for the next decade or so, developments will keep octocopters and such in the aerial lab, so to say. Meanwhile, the great news is that we have an embarrassment of riches with many choices of ultralights, light kit aircraft, and Light-Sport Aircraft. I hope you can enjoy one on this holiday!
And now… here is our video interview:
https://youtu.be/5kpsjjlR35k