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 (
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.
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
For the moment, Brian is not designing. He's fighting for his very survival. …literally!
I am about to do something I never do on this website — for many reasons — but which I find worthy in this case. Let me have Brian's good buddy Jon Bailey tell you himself.
"I am a very close friend of Brian Austein. I am writing you to inform you that the day after Sun 'n Fun 2018 (on Monday April 16), Brian was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. It has moved into his brain. Brian is a fighter and he is fighting a tough battle right now. He is currently in Atlanta under evaluation for a second opinion. I will take him to another doctor on Tuesday (May 22nd) for his opinion.
"Please keep Brian and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
"Dan, I know that you are well connected in the ultralight world and I know that a lot of ultralight people are amazed at what Brian has done. Can you share the attached Go Fund Me link? We set it up as a great way to give back and help out a man that has given so much to all of us."
Absolutely, Jon, I will put out the request and I have already contributed myself. Here's the 
From the beginning, Swan was planned with an enclosed cockpit so the pilot could be comfortable in low temperatures without needing a bulky flight suit. A cockpit heating system can be added as an option. Two ventilation systems are provided; one to prevent the windscreen fogging during taxi and another to supply fresh air. Alternatively, when the weather is hot, "the door can be simply removed," said Radu.
Dogs in the Cockpit? A few years ago, various stories began to pop in mainstream media discussing the car industry's newest focus …no, not only on how many cup holders they could install in your new ride — but instead on accommodations for pets, mainly dogs.
Why?
Easy. Some high percentage of all auto trips include bringing the family pet along for the ride. Design to that and you sell more cars.
Does this apply to airplanes?
Think what you will of this, it's a fact of modern life in America. Surveys reveal that 44% of American household have a dog, some 78 million critters. More than half of all dog-owning households take their pets when they travel by car. That's a big market. Cars that can readily allow the family pup to come along — preferably not riding in the driver's lap with its nose out the window — will find many interested buyers.
Should airplanes be different?
Dogs do love to go for a ride. Our last pooch dug it so much she wouldn't leave the car even after we got home. She'd stay inside until you took her out.
So when Scott Severen, now the man behind Jabiru aircraft sales, gave reporters at Sun 'n Fun 2018 a thumb drive with a bunch of photos of dogs inside, I sensed a fun story.
His J-230D LSA sport plane can easily handle the spouse and the family pooch.
No wonder really, as Jabiru sells this same airframe as a four seat kit in Australia, hence a cavernous aft cabin. Three doors is an added bonus.
Jabiru's big third door aft of the pilot's door makes an easy task to load your luggage unlike most low wing airplanes where it can often be challenging. Inside the J-230D you can put several bags of golf clubs or a large amount of luggage or a folding bicycle or two …or a few less bags and the family dog. Even larger dogs won't be cramped.
I used to try this in a Cessna 150/150 (it had a 150-horse Lycoming up front). Our dog at the time weighed more than 100 pounds. Flying with two people and the dog meant a reduced fuel load but for short trips it was fine. Once inside, Sunny had plenty of room in the 150's ample baggage area, but getting the big guy in that space was a challenge.
In flight I used the baggage tie downs and a special dog harness to be sure he didn't get tossed around should we encounter turbulence. The harness also prevented him from distracting or interfering with the pilot. He didn't seem to mind; a few minutes into the flight, he would lay down and sleep.
Jabiru J-230D is way better, easier on you, the dog, and the airplane than my venerable Cessna 150.
I can think of quite a few other reasons you might want to have a closer look at 
Joe knows his light seaplanes. He’s built at least one Searey and he used to fly it daily from Spruce Creek to a lake in Tavares, Florida where Progressive Aerodyne manufactures Searey. For a couple years, Joe was CEO of the operation making him highly aware of this niche of airplanes.
Searey — The most established of the collection is this veteran design from 
AirCam — The lone floatplane of the group is also the only twin engine of the group yet this larger-than-life airplane still qualifies as a light aircraft, easily so. Given its modest weight, the presence of two Rotax 9-series engines on this kit makes it a formidable performer but one that can use that capability at slow speeds, making the airplane an absolute delight for the kind of low-elevation flying that many others aircraft should not attempt. Around 200 are flying. Kit builder 
Aero Adventure — The Aventura model, seen here in its new S-17 configuration, dates back as far as the Searay but because of ownership changes the design also evolved uniquely. Originally known as the Buccaneer, it became of the Aventura when Carlos Pereyra added his exceptional fiberglass skills to the hull. Current owner, Alex Rolinski, has taken the design into the CAD age and beefed up its performance. The S-17 model boasts a 117-horsepower AeroMomentum Suzuki-based engine and attractive options; the package has been attracting strong interest for 
Super Petrel — One of the most unique entries is the bi-wing Super Petrel LS from 
Icon A5 — Thanks to sophisticated, California-style marketing, 