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. Award Winner? This unusual arrangement was prepared for EAA’s tough judges. However it fared in that evaluation, this clearly wins an award in my mind for being highly original, unique, super affordable, and OK… it is rather delightfully weird, not that that I see anything wrong with that. 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!
From First-World Airshow to Emerging (Aviation) Market Fly-In… the Future?
Huge crowds at AirVenture 2018 watch and photograph airshow performers. Many other terrific photos by EAA staff can be found here.
Half A World Away, Aviation Is Getting Started
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 is now history. You will be reading and seeing lots more about the big summer celebration of flight — it appeared very strong to most observers — and you will see lots more from OSH ’18 here and on Videoman Dave’s popular YouTube channel. As most readers know, Oshkosh is a massive event, by many measures the largest gathering of true aviation believers in the known universe. However, being big isn’t everything. Indeed, some recreational flying enthusiasts will soon begin a trek to Mt. Vernon Illinois for the Midwest LSA Expo, a far smaller event that has proven adept at linking willing buyers with ready sellers. (It’s also our very best event to capture Video Pilot Reports, so watch for news about that in about a month.) Half A World Away, Aviation Is Getting Started Let me tell you about a specific brand fly-in, for the CTLS produced in China.
Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA); Personalize Your Aircraft
Aerotrek on Clamar composite floats attracted lots of looks at the company's display on the main entrance road of AirVenture Oshkosh.
Aerotrek on Clamar Floats
"I do not sell Aerotrek 220s or 240s on floats," said Rob Rollison of Aerotrek when interviewed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. He refers to the taildragger or tricycle gear versions of the design.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. Once certificated and in his possession the owner can change to ELSA status allowing him or her to do almost anything …change avionics or even swap engines.
Kolb Firefly Ultralight Aircraft on Puddle Jumper Floats: Close to Perfection
Kolb Aircraft Firefly on Floats
In the nearby images you see a customer's Kolb Aircraft Firefly on Puddle Jumper floats. It could cost as little as $25,000 on straight or non-ampibious floats. Land and water options plus added equipment will increase that number but compared to any new seaplane anywhere, Firefly on floats represents a spectacular bargain. For a well performing fixed wing with a wonderful brand name, FireFly on Puddle Jumper floats makes a great choice. (Add too many options and not only your price goes up but your aircraft may no longer fit in Part 1o3, should the freedom of FAA's simplest regulation be important to you.)With the 50 horsepower Hirth F-23, FireFly on floats should be a highly energetic performer.
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.
Magnus Aircraft Fusion 212 Logs Special Light-Sport Aircraft Number 146
Specifications for Magnus Fusion 21
- Gross Weight — 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms)
- Fuel Capacity — 23.7 gallons (90 liters)
- Cockpit Width — 46 inches (1.17 meters)
- Cruise Speed — 116 knots
- Never Exceed Speed — 151 knots
- Stall Speed (no flaps) — 48 knots
- Stall Speed (best flaps) — 45 knots
- Takeoff Distance — 400 feet (120 meters)
- Landing Distance — 500-600 feet (150-200 meters)
- Range — 500-600 miles (800-1,000 kilometers)
All specifications provided by Magnus Aircraft
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 SLSA List at number 146. Magnus hails from Hungary, home to more aircraft manufacturers than you may be aware, including such as ApolloFox fixed wing and Apollo weight shift trikes. American representation for Magnus Aircraft USA is handled by Snyder and Magnus president Istvan Foldesi. We recorded a video interview with both men at AirVenture 2018. Both live in the USA while the company CEO Laszlo Boros runs the Hungary operation in a new manufacturing plant near Pecs-Pogany Airport. Snyder and Foldesi exhibited their brightly painted low wing that uses mostly carbon fiber construction and a dual taper wing.
Hawk (Part 103) Ultralights Making a New Comeback; Interest Appears Strong
Hawk Single and Ultra
At AirVenture 2018 I met and interviewed Bob Santom and his son, LB. Another son is also involved making the enterprise a family affair. Preparing for our video recording, I learned about their plans.CGS Hawk is one of our most storied brands of ultralight and light aircraft. Built in one and two seat varieties in several variations for 35 years, more than 2,000 are flying. Hawk has proven a significant contributor to the light aircraft fleet. Lots of owners I’ve spoken to simply love their Hawk. After many years of production by the company named after its founder Chuck Slusarczyk — the “C” in CGS — the well known brand is now on its third …and fourth, owners. It’s all good, though. Let me explain. Current brand owner is Terry Short (article). He will remain key to the manufacture of these aircraft but in fall 2017, he struck an agreement with a new group. Hawk Single and Ultra At AirVenture 2018 I met and interviewed Bob Santom and his son, LB. Another son is also involved making the enterprise a family affair.
Cruising EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 Hours Before the Big Airshow Begins
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.
TQ is New to You — AirVenture Oshkosh Debut of German Radio Supplier
Respected Com Radios and Transponder
This article has been updated… Technology company TQ Group established a reputation for high quality engineering and precision products. The German enterprise will debut two of their general aviation products for the AirVenture attendees at the end of July 2018. One is an ADS-B transponder in the final stages of certification and the other is a VHF Transceiver that boasts a strong following in Europe. You may already know the name Dittel. Walter Dittel has been a respected manufacturer of small, high quality, low current drain aviation radios and accessories. With the acquisition of leading European avionics manufacturer Dittel in 2016 TQ was able to expand its core capabilities and expertise, while substantially enhancing its R&D resources. Through its business unit TQ-Aviation, the company has been serving the aviation sector for more than 15 years, delivering advanced electronic products to well-known aircraft manufacturers and airlines. TQ-Group now employs nearly 1,600 employees at 14 locations throughout Germany, Switzerland, China and the United States.
Infotech Meets (Part 103) Ultralight Aircraft. Big Deal! Or, So What?
Opener's BlackFly
Opener issued several news releases on July 12th, evidently aimed at mainstream news who seized on the unorthodox vehicle. The company, now quartered in Silicon Valley, claims "1,400+ flights and 12,000+ miles flown" over nine years of stealthy development; most of these were remotely piloted. Manned flight is very recent.Over BlackFly's long development period the craft has changed (older at left).
- Software flight-envelope protection
- Automatic Return-to-Home button (localized training feature)
- Soft-landing assist (making BlackFly approachable to non-pilots)
- Comprehensive training (required for purchase)
- Geofence-capable (ostensibly preventing entry to certain airspace)
- Super Charging capable (less than 30 minutes)
- Low noise signature
- Ballistic parachute option available
- Manufactured in the USA
* Kitty Hawk's Flyer has been significantly upgraded since our earlier report. Besides a more accommodating cockpit, the new versions boasts ten props/rotors ("lift fans" Kitty Hawk calls them), making it a "decacopter." BlackFly is an octocopter.
Are Multicopters 'Inevitable' in Aviation?
"I've noticed in my career that things go from impossible to inevitable in a very short period of time," Eustace said.Another view of Kitty Hawk's refreshed Flyer.
This article again delves into the changing face of aviation and in this case within the Part 103 Ultralight Vehicle sector. Infotech in Part 103 ultralight vehicles means far more than GPS or even synthetic vision digital screens (imagine an iPad mated to a Levil box … remarkable stuff and for very little money). However, digital avionics are not the point of this story. In the last few days, a formerly Canadian company, Opener, announced their new eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing), the second developer I know of to adopt Part 103’s simplicity and freedom. Like Kitty Hawk’s Flyer*, the rather unusually-named BlackFly also calls itself an “ultralight,” more precisely meaning an ultralight vehicle that can operate under Part 103. What you might like about this, compared to more than a dozen “air taxi” designs, is that BlackFly appears aimed at recreational flyers (as does Flyer).
Light-Sport Aircraft Seaplane Drama; One Up, One Down, Both Continuing
The Good
"It is with great pleasure we can report that Equator Aircraft Norway achieved first fully balanced flight with the P2 Xcursion prototype aircraft over the newly painted runway 22 at Eggemoen Technology Park in Norway," reported the company. Here's our earlier report on this fascinating project.Test pilot Eskil Amdal at Equator's "minimalistic controls." On the left is the test battery pack temporarily filling the passenger seat.
The Bad
From a Finland online report, "A small company billed as Finland’s only plane maker saw a one-million-euro prototype of its amphibious plane go up in flames Tuesday morning after a training flight ended in a crash. Here is our last report on Atol's move to production.The Not-So Ugly
In the fascinating LSA seaplane sector-within-a-sector, we find both good news and bad news today, though the latter can be overcome. That’s the shortest possible story. More detail follows. The Good “It is with great pleasure we can report that Equator Aircraft Norway achieved first fully balanced flight with the P2 Xcursion prototype aircraft over the newly painted runway 22 at Eggemoen Technology Park in Norway,” reported the company. Here’s our earlier report on this fascinating project. 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.
Pipistrel Update — 900 Virus, “House Organ,” and Oshkosh Splash
Pipistrel is One of the Leaders
"Serial Number 900 leaves the factory headed for Australia," glowed Michael Coates, the longtime distributor for Pipistrel aircraft in Australia and the United States. "It’s hard to believe that the time passes so quickly and here we are shipping number 900 from the Sinus/Virus family to a very excited customer in Australia."Pipistrel from India to Oshkosh
"We achieved another significant success," added company spokesperson Taja Boscarol. "A Pipistrel Sinus 912 aircraft was certified in India as the first aircraft in the LSA class, ever," she added.- Alpha Electro
- Taurus Electro along with the Pipistrel Solar Trailer
- Taurus 503
- Virus SW
- Sinus MAX
- X-Alpha Virtual Reality Simulator, and…
- several trailers to show how you can hanger your aircraft at home
In the world of Light-Sport Aircraft, we have more than 90 manufacturers and 145 Special LSA (see our whole list) accepted* by FAA. This huge diversity of design has given recreational pilots around the world a large number of ready-to-fly aircraft choices beyond anything we have seen in aviation since the beginning. However, the old 80/20 rule still applies where (approximately) 80% of the aircraft sold are built by 20% of the manufacturers. It is a credit to this 14-year-old industry that even the smaller companies can remain viable enterprises. Very few of the 90+ manufacturers have left the business. However, most of the airplanes are made by a few top producers, which you can see in our market share charts. Pipistrel is One of the Leaders “Serial Number 900 leaves the factory headed for Australia,” glowed Michael Coates, the longtime distributor for Pipistrel aircraft in Australia and the United States.
Zlin’s Shock Goes “Ultra” — Further Expanding Appeal of Bush Aircraft Configuration
Making Shock "Ultra"
First, here's what remains: “double slotted” flaps (70% bigger than earlier Savage Cub models), the custom-made micro vortex generators installed inside the flap vane, larger ailerons (40% bigger than older models). These features were part of the reason for "dramatically increase the efficiency of the wing at very low speed."Specifications
- Gross Weight — 1.320 pounds (600 kilograms)
- Minimum Empty Weight — 649 pounds (295 kilograms)
-
- with optional light weight equipment
- Useful Load — 671 pounds (305 kilograms)
- Standard Fuel Capacity — 18 gallons (68 liters)
- Payload at Full Fuel — 563 pounds (256 kilograms)
- Wingspan — 29.5 feet (900 centimeters)
- Wing Area — 164 square feet (15.2 square meters)
- Length — 22.4 feet (684 centimeters)
- Height (on 20-inch Alaskan tires) — 7.4 feet (225 centimeters)
- Cabin Width — 27.1 inches (69 centimeters)
- Maximum Cruise Speed — 112 mph / 97 knots
- Cruise at 75% Power — 87 mph / 76 knots
- Range — 323 nautical miles
- Maximum Climb Rate — 1,000 fpm (2 meters/second)
- Minimum Flight Speed — 21 mph / 18 knots
- Minimum Takeoff Ground Roll at Gross Weight — 160 feet (50 meters)
- Minimum Landing Ground Roll at Gross Weight — 105 feet (33 meters)
After Aero 2016, we enthusiastically reported on the Zlin Shock Outback (as it is known to Americans; Shock Cub to other countries). You could fairly call it Europe’s answer to Just Aircraft’s jaw-dropping SuperSTOL, the amazing performer that captures nearly everyone’s attention from its introduction until today. Both designs go far beyond the best-selling Special LSA in the country: CubCrafters’ CarbonCub.With the original Shock Outback’s awesomely powerful Continental Titan X-340 producing 180 horsepower, pilots had a shock-and-awe response to the short takeoff roll and homesick-angel climb performance. The aircraft truly inspired many.How could Zlin go one better on this fascinating design? In a word: lighter.Admittedly, Shock Outback, sold in America by SportairUSA — with the big engine and all the other (sometimes optional) fixings such as their slatted wing, long-stroke landing gear, giant Alaskan tires — is an aircraft about as large as it could be and still fit in the LSA category.
Get Your Walter Mitty On — SW51 Coming At You Soon!
Lufthansa Airlines Captain Thomas Kreimeierof performed the first test flight in September 2014.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Wingspan — 25 feet, 11 inches (7.9 meters)
- Length — 23 feet, 4 inches (6.88 meters)
- Height — 5 feet, 6 inches (1.97 meters)
- Wing area — 118 square feet (11 square meters)
- Maximum takeoff weight (LSA) — 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight (EAB) — 2,646 pounds (1,200 kilograms)
- Empty weight (LSA) — 750 pounds (340 kilograms)
- Empty weight (EAB) — 889 pounds (400 kilograms)
- Standard Engine (LSA) — Rotax 912iS Sport (100 horsepower)
- Optional Engine (LSA) — Rotax 915iS (141 horsepower, max)
- Powerplant choices (EAB) — see video or downloadable brochure
- Never exceed speed — 216 knots
- Maximum load factor — +6/-4 g
- Carbon reinforced composite structure with carbon pushrod linkage
- Windshield frame as rollover bar for improved occupant protection
- Aramid cockpit lining for occupant protection
- Electrically retractable landing gear (fixed gear configuration for U.S. SLSA)
- Sliding and swiveling canopy
- Hydraulic disk toe brakes front and rear with parking lock
- Leather finish to both with five-point harness
- Manually adjustable rudder pedals
- Electric trim all axis
- Fuel capacity — 2 x 13.2 U.S. gallon (50 liter) wing tanks
- Electrically Retractable Landing Gear
- Baggage compartments:
- Front (before windshield) 33 pounds (15 kilogram) with external baggage door
- Rear (behind cockpit) 33 pounds (15 kilogram)
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 more detail as to its construction. Now welcome ScaleWings Aircraft. 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.
Something Completey Different …Perhaps Super Helpful to Pilots: Just 3 Words
What 3 Words
From the developers of this new geolocation system, “what3words is a really simple way to talk about location. We have divided the world into a grid of 3 meter by 3 meter squares and assigned each one a unique 3 word address. It means anyone can accurately find any location and share it more quickly, easily, and with less ambiguity than any other system."At the Rotax event for journalists allowing reporters like me to fly their new 915 engine (more about that and a 915 review here), I met Guy Leitch, publisher of SA (South Africa) Flyer aviation magazine. Guy told me of something I’d never heard of but which I see as very useful to pilots (and virtually anyone, to be sure). It involves a mere three words. Three words …and 57 trillion squares on a grid. That’s trillion with a T. I am writing about locating a place on the planet, anywhere on the planet. Why is this useful? Don’t we already have GPS coordinates — latitude and longitude — to cover this need? It’s a valid question but entering a string of numbers can be challenging and we have three methods of doing so. Although we rely on this for navigation, the fact is a single digit error in entering those lat/long numbers could mean an error of many miles.
Stunning Upgrade to 1990s-Era Aircraft; FX1 Is a Carbon Beauty
FX1 at Aero Friedrichshafen 2018
I had some correspondence with Alfredo but we had not met until this year's Aero show in the south of Germany. Since I worked closely with my associate, Videoman Dave — whose YouTube video channel 40,000 of you obviously enjoy — we captured a video interview with the design. See that below.When in USA and How Much?
While our video (below) is already up around 15,000 views in just five days after it was posted, I've also heard plenty of chatter on social media about FX1. Although lots of pilots love the look, several have said, "Well, it'll never be available here" (I don't know why they think that) or "I never see the price."Weight & Dimensions
- Seating: 2
- Cabin width: 49 inches (1.26 meters)
- Wingspan: 27 feet 7 inches (8.454 meters)
- Chord: 4 feet 5 inches (1,345 meters)
- Wing area: 122.7 square feet (11.4 square meters)
- Wing loading: 10.75 pounds per square foot (56 kilograms per square meter)
- Empty weight: 728 pounds (330 kilograms)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms)
- Useful load: 592 pounds (270 kilograms)
- Payload (at full fuel): 406 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 30.9 gallons (117 liters)
- Baggage Allowance: 77 pounds (35 kilograms)
- Powerplant: Rotax ULS producing 100 horsepower (74 kilowatt)
- Propeller: E-prop 3-blade, 67 inch diameter (170 centimeters)
Performance
- Max. continuous speed (VH): 136 mph/ 120 knots (220 kilometers per hour)
- Cruise speed (75% power): 124 mph / 108 knots (200 kilometers per hour)
- Stall speed (VS0), flaps down: 40 mph / 35 knots (65 kilometers per hour)
- Never exceed speed: 150 mph / 130 knots (240 kilometers per hour)
- Range (with reserve): 559 statute miles (900 kilometers)
- Endurance (with reserve): @ cruise: 5.5 hours
- Glide ratio: 11:1
- Best glide: 80 mph / 70 knots (130 kilometers per hour)
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 read this article for more details of the history of this handsome aircraft along with many points of interest about it and some in-flight video. An earlier article provides more background from American John Hunter, a longtime light aircraft enthusiast and expert who assisted Alfredo as he completed the design. FX1 at Aero Friedrichshafen 2018 I had some correspondence with Alfredo but we had not met until this year’s Aero show in the south of Germany.
High-Five and Thanks to Sonex Founder, John Monnett — What’s Next?
A Half Century of Achievement
John Monnett flies the very first Sonex.
John poses with the jet-powered variant of his versatile line, this one cleverly named SubSonex.
Own or Thinking Sonex?
What does this leadership change mean for owners of Sonex Aircraft (more than 500 are flying) or those building kits or pilots considering building one of the company's kits?(Take a video tour with General Manager, Mark Schaible.)
After decades of innovation and leadership, Sonex offers a family of affordable aircraft and engines.
Sonex active all over light aircraft space
A leader in the experimental kit aircraft industry Sonex Aircraft provides a series of sport aircraft along with the AeroConversions line of engine products. Aircraft presently offered include Sonex, Waiex, and Onex sport planes, the Xenos sport motorglider, and the SubSonex Personal Jet. "All offer wonderful performance in an easy-to-build, easy-to-fly kit package that can be purchased and completed with full technical support at an unrivaled price," boasts Sonex. For both airframes and engines, Sonex "continues to invest heavily in developing new products. Our team is committed to providing simple, elegant and low-cost solutions for sport flying." Their marketing line: "Best Performance Per Dollar." Complete airframe kits start at less than $24,000. Those interested in learning more about John can read his biography, John Monnett: from Sonerai to Sonex, written by Sonex builder Jim Cunningham and available for purchase from Sonex.Early in June, John Monnett spoke about stepping down from Sonex Aircraft, the kit manufacturer he founded and has lead for decades. The company clarified, “After almost 50 years of involvement in the kit aircraft industry John has announced his retirement.” A Half Century of Achievement John’s roots in experimental aircraft date to 1968 when he was a young school teacher. After building a highly-modified Midget Mustang he was introduced to another Oshkosh legend, Steve Wittman (after whom the city airport is named). The two pioneers enjoyed a long friendship, which resulted in the development of Sonerai I, a Formula Vee racer that was John’s first design. Sonerai launched John into business. A half century later, he has many designs to his credit including several iterations of the Sonerai design, the Monerai sailplane, Moni motorglider, the world-record-holding Monex racer and a complete line of Sonex Aircraft models. Recognizing his work, John was inducted into the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame and is a two-time winner of the Dr.
Tecnam the Magnificent — from Light-Sport Aircraft to Well Beyond
Tecnam's sleek LSA called P2008.
Tallying Tecnam's Success
Tecnam can claim more than 6,500 aircraft flying worldwide. The majority of this fleet are European-style ultralights and Light-Sport Aircraft. Of this large number of aircraft flying the P92 model counts for close to half the total. While the company has branched out to larger aircraft and specialty aircraft, they continue to develop and build aircraft that recreational pilots enjoy.Tecnam's P92 is the company's most produced aircraft with more than 2,500 flying. photo by Patrick Holland-Moritz
Hybrid Tecnam with Rotax and Siemens
Tecnam is a big buyer of Rotax engines as well as Lycomings but they are exploring hybrid electric propulsion as well and they are doing so in collaboration with some leading brands in the game.R&D Teams from Tecnam, Rotax, and Siemens gather in Capua, Italy.
In mid-May 2018, Tecnam announced a program the name of which only an engineer could love: H3PS (an acronym for “High Power High Scalability Aircraft Hybrid Powertrain”). The kick-off meeting took place in Capua (Italy), at Tecnam headquarters because the airframe maker is coordinating the project.
R&D departments from Tecnam, Rotax, and Siemens are joining their experience to present an alternative propulsion system that they say "will dramatically reduce environmental impact of today’s General Aviation four seat aircraft."Dual Approvals Down Under
Tecnam announced recently that the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand validated Tecnam’s four seat P2010 based on the company’s EASA type certificate using the 215 horsepower version of the Lycoming IO-390 engine.Tecnam's certified four seat GA entry called P2010 or P Twenty Ten.
Picture Platform
Tecnam also recently announced EASA and FAA certification approval for the Leica CityMapper installation on the P2006T SMP.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 “Tecnam” — will celebrate its 70th birthday. Born in 1948, the company has changed names but the Pascale brothers kicked off their flying enterprise with the original Astore in 1948. If you are a Tecnam fan, you probably recognize Astore as one of their newest LSA models. Here’s our video with Tecnam boss Paolo Pascale celebrating what was then their 65th birthday, which they honored by releasing their most luxurious LSA so far …naming it after the brothers’ first airplane. Paolo is the current director of Tecnam but he follows in the shoes of one of the founding brothers, “Uncle Luigi” (Professor Luigi “Gino” Pascale).
Does It Work to Combine Sleek and Speedy with Tundra Tires? Yes… Beautifully!
Big Beautiful Bristell in the Bush
Bristell in all models features a handsome interior that is one of the widest among LSA. The model boasts a 50-inch (128 cm) wide cabin that should accommodate even large occupants without pressing them up against their cockpit companion.Bristell Never Slows Down
BRM celebrated reaching 300 aircraft barely a year ago, and Milan said they are already at serial number 365 by mid-April 2018. This company is obviously doing very well and their continued inventiveness paired with good looks and high quality is clearly drawing new customers at a steady pace.BRM Aero boss and chief design, Milan Bristela, has convincingly proven his visionary credentials. Here’s an article about his company expansion over the last few years. BRM has several models of their Bristell Light-Sport Aircraft. Most models are tricycle gear as that is how most pilot are trained these days. However, for those who love “standard” gear, that is, taildraggers, BRM Aero offers a choice that remains as sleek and beautiful as all their models. The Taildragger option — or TDO, as BRM Aero named it — was introduced in 2013 and a year or so later it made its way to the USA thanks to the involvement of then-new distributor, Bristell Aircraft USA. While tricycle gear models still outsell TDO, it addresses a sweet spot for many pilots. Milan has also built a retractable version (of the tricycle gear model) for those flying in countries where such configurations are permitted and where higher allowed speeds make adding the complexity and cost of retractable gear worthwhile.
Shhhhhh… Could a Whisper Be In Your Future? Are You Sure About That?
Imagine this…
What if you had guests over for the holiday and one arrives in the bright blue machine pictured nearby. Would you go look at it? More importantly, what if the owner said, "Let's go for a short flight; you can see your home and neighborhood from above and it will only take a few minutes." Indeed, what if he threw you the keys and said, "You can go by yourself if you like." "But I don't know how to fly a helicopter," you plead, knowing the machine in your driveway is not a helicopter.Dare to Whisper?
A French company called Electric Aircraft Concept is developing Whisper, an 8-motor, 8-rotor, 2-seater. I examined and sat in the electric rotorcraft displayed at Aero Friedrichshafen 2018. Not autonomous, this one is clearly made to be flown, as you might correctly infer from its joystick.Ready "Soon?"
Others are skeptical over positive development in battery technology. Does an alternative exist?Future of Flight?
UPDATE (5/28/18): Since this article was published, we’ve added our video interview from Aero 2018. For your holiday reading about flying machines, I want to veer off into the weeds for one article. Don’t worry; lots more conventional reporting will follow. After the Uber Elevate conference, mainstream media was all over eVTOLs like bees on flowers in spring. Breathless stories abound regarding how we will soon all take autonomously-flown taxis around our big cities, saving time and restoring the planet’s environmental health. Yeah, maybe… we’ll see about all that. Imagine this… What if you had guests over for the holiday and one arrives in the bright blue machine pictured nearby. Would you go look at it? More importantly, what if the owner said, “Let’s go for a short flight; you can see your home and neighborhood from above and it will only take a few minutes.” Indeed, what if he threw you the keys and said, “You can go by yourself if you like.” “But I don’t know how to fly a helicopter,” you plead, knowing the machine in your driveway is not a helicopter.
Spaceship or Ultralight Aircraft? Brian Austein’s Amazingly Affordable Project
The updated Lightning Bug shown at Sun 'n Fun 2018.
For comparison, here is the dual-award-winning Lightning Bug as seen at Sun 'n Fun 2017.
Can You Help a Fellow Ultralighter?
I regret this story now takes a vicious turn. In the video below you can see Brian and I talking about more super-affordable projects he has in mind. Given both Woodpecker and Lightning Bug, I can barely imagine where this man might go. But…For the second year in a row, I was blown away with Lightning Bug. It changed enough that I tagged it Lightning Bug 2 even if designer/developer Brian Austein did not call it that. Let me make a key point: Lightning Bug was a $3,000 aircraft project, with the cost split between two engines — model radio control aircraft engines, by the way! — and $1,000 more for the airframe. The rest was Brian’s talent and drive to design and build the ultralight. So, let’s recap. If you had Brian’s abilities, you could have an airplane for three grand. If you don’t find that amazing in a time of $150,000 (up to $350,000!) Light-Sport Aircraft, I don’t know what impresses you. The unique airplane certainly impressed often hard-to-convince judges who gave it not one but two awards in 2017: Grand Champion and Best Innovation. Lightning Bug was partly an experiment to prove, as Brian said, that “I could build a [man-carrying] airplane that could fly with RC model airplane engines.” Models have gotten ever larger, converging with Lightning Bug that weighs a mere 140 pounds (no, that’s not a typo).
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