Here at the Sun ‘n Fun 2017 airshow LAMA’s LSA Mall is full and strong with 13 aircraft gathered from some of the leading brands. This exhibit was paired with the first-ever “Engines of Light Aircraft” display inside a large LAMA “Show Center” tent. On the first days of the Lakeland show, people appeared to be receiving the idea warmly. One brand, Tecnam of Italy, showed its strength in the light aircraft community with three aircraft represented, two from First Landings at Apopka Airport in Florida and one from Lockwood Aircraft. The former are used in an active Sport Pilot school and the latter is a great example of the durability of Light-Sport Aircraft. The example from Lockwood has 4,500 hours on it and looks brand new. Beside Tecnam, aircraft included Zlin’s Shock, BRM Aero’s Bristell, Progressive Aerodyne’s Searey, AeroJones’ CTLS, Pipistrel’s Virus SW, Aerotrek’s A-240, TL Ultralight’s Sting, Lockwood’s AirCam, and a Rans S-7 powered by Viking Engines.
The big show at Lakeland, Florida is open and happening. Today (Tuesday April 4th) is opening day; the event runs through Sunday, April 9th. Along with Videoman Dave, we've already starting making the rounds and we've found plenty to see.
As you see in the photos, 
Among them, Revolt has giant tundra tires not often seen on trikes. Paired with that long shock absorber legs worthy of a SuperSTOL or Outback Shock. Like their lower priced single seater, Rev, Revolt does away with the forward strut, sometimes called a compression strut, which leaves both occupants but particularly the front occupant or solo pilot with an enormous unobstructed view.
Revolt used power from the Rotax 912, which combined with an 18.7 gallon fuel tank, will provide a long range or at least plenty of local flying without refueling. The example showed at Sun 'n Fun had a 6-blade e-prop and ballistic parachute. The latter are optional extras by lead designer Larry Mednick (photo) explained that not many options were anticipated for the new model. It is aggressively priced — specifically to address those who found Revo a tad pricey — at $39,990 with the 
How is it that Rotax so dominates the supply of engines to light aircraft? Many reasons might be cited but one is the superlative training they offer. For 2017, the company is going even further, now offering essential training opportunities to the legions who attend airshows in both the USA and Europe.
"It cannot be done," is the quick dismissal from many in aviation, referring to instrument flying in a LSA. In 2017, I venture to say everyone in aviation (worldwide) knows about Light-Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot certificate, but a superficial knowledge can be a bad thing. The details unveil more.
So, as some say, it cannot be done, right? Wrong.
At 
We lost one of the good ones recently. You may not have met or even know this man, but you certainly know — and may absolutely love — the airplanes he created.
We are fast approaching an important time of year... only this year I am a bit conflicted. The good news is 
I'm irked I cannot attend Aero this year for another reason: it is the 25th anniversary event. Organizer and Aero project leader, Roland Bosch, said, "The entire spectrum of modern ultralights, gliders, and [larger] aircraft, as well as business jets, will be exhibited at the show." I enjoy his leading emphasis on the light side, where Aero truly got its start a quarter century ago. Roland also noted the e-flight air show taking place one day before the opening of the anniversary Aero. "We want to give you exciting insights into the world of flight and offer you the opportunity to talk with experts."
Once upon a time, the producer of a yellow LSA taildragger installed the industry's most powerful engine resulting in a performance leader. This gambit succeeded handily and the builder enjoyed several strong years of sales. Others looked upon this success and saw that it was good.
Into the cauldron of development activity stepped Zlin and their Shock model. This Czech-based company is no newcomer. You already know their Savage models, reported here frequently as the former iCub and later the Outback and Nomad plus the one-of-a-kind Bobber.
Looking deeper into the details, the Shock options include what SportairUSA calls the "hyper-STOL" wing profile boasting short takeoff and faster rate of climb. This incorporates slatted wings that move according to airflows without pilot involvement combined with two-element Fowler flaps and strategically placed vortex generators in numerous locations to optimize low-speed control.
Alright, you might accept Outback Shock as a engineering marvel with all the right attributes to qualify as a "hyper"STOL but what does all this do for you?
Two forms of flying are racing at us at increasing speed. This is both scary and promising at once. What can we expect? My crystal ball is no better than yours, but let me tell you what I can imagine may be headed our way.
Sure, we also like to fly cross country... or fly from off water... or perform aerobatics... or master soaring flight... take a friend or the family on an aerial excursion... travel regionally. Might some of these activities be done another way, specifically, could a drone do the job? You might not think so but please keep reading.
Imagine it is 2021. You go out in your back yard, or go to a park, or any number of places. You prepare your drone for launch, snap in your smartphone, put on your VR goggles, pick up the controller and go flying. Once you get this method down, you might replicate a real sightseeing flight to a significant degree.
To the futuristic superdrone scenario, factor in recent news about the Dubai Transportation authority allegedly approving operations within a year (!!) for a fleet of eHang autonomously flown air taxis. Does this sound far-fetched and unlikely? Yep, it does to me, too. However, many believe it is only a matter of time before such services might be available. We may know in a year.
At Sebring 2017, another long-awaited aircraft emerged... or re-emerged. After wandering for a few years since original Hawk developer Chuck Slusarczyk retired and sold his company, the once-popular design has a new home in central Florida.
I've written about this before (
Indeed, Terry beamed when he told me that he'd already sold six aircraft (recently; not all at the show), most of them the two-seat variety as shown in the nearby photos plus one Part 103 ultralight.
Because original designer Chuck Slusarczyk won FAA acceptance for an ASTM-compliant model, Terry can supply a fully built Special Light-Sport Aircraft version and at Sebring 2017 he told me that he fully intends to do so. Because any new manufacturer, even of an existing brand, can be required to go through an FAA audit, a SLSA Hawk may not be an immediate development. (The agency can also elect to review documents and not do an on-site inspection, at their discretion. For a slower speed, lighter weight aircraft with many hundreds flying, FAA may choose not to make a manufacturing site visit.)
Amid the displays at Sebring's 13th annual Expo, many attendees took a look at this new model and came away with a smile. Several times as I passed Terry's display at Sebring, people seemed to be examining his handsome entry with interest.
New Hawk proprietor Terry acquired the venerable Hawk line from previous owner Danny Dezauche who bought the company from Chuck. Danny kept the brand alive but did not progress too far with it.
All told, CGS Hawks number close to 2,000 units flying. Many owners to whom I've spoke truly love this simple but well-flying aircraft.
CGS originally stood for Chuck's Glider Supplies. Chuck was an early leader in hang gliding and made thousands of them. As "motorized" hang gliders arrived on the scene back in the late '70s and early '80s, Chuck made the jump. In fact, he formerly sold "power packs" to others who wanted to power their hang gliders.
One thing lead to another and Chuck developed his company into a airplane manufacturer, leaving behind his youthful days as a hang glider pilot and entrepreneur.
After decades of operation, Chuck sold his company to enjoy a well-deserved retirement and Alabama businessman Danny Dezauche kept it going for a few years.
A year ago, in January 2016, Dezauche sold CGS Hawk to Terry Short based in Lake Wales, Florida. After retiring from the Polk County School Board, Terry and his son Chris will operate the enterprise in central Florida. They will support the many hundreds of Hawks still flying with parts and services in addition to build several of the models including the Special LSA Model called Hawk II, a tandem two seater.
Catch Terry and the Hawk at 
Are Light-Sport Aircraft too expensive? With yellow taildraggers from some companies exceeding $200,000, it certainly sounds so. Gorgeous and modern carbon fiber LSA run $125,000 to $180,000. So, yeah, if your budget is leaner or if you merely want to keep the price tag down for a recreational aircraft, it's tougher than imagined before the SP/LSA regulation was announced in 2004.
At the 2016 edition of the 
News from 
While Elf is capable of speeds close to 80 mph, the factory lists cruise at 71.5 mph (62 knots) which is not much above the Part 103 speed limit of 63 mph — or, per regulation, 55 knots. The Polish producer intended Elf to fit in Europe's fairly new 120 kg class (120 kilograms is 264 pounds, not much above Part 103's 254 pounds, though trimming weight when an aircraft is already this light could prove challenging). Because the Elf at Sebring had a parachute system it could weigh 278 pounds but the speed problem remains.
As Ekolot has already achieved SLSA approval for their two seat Topaz, they should be experienced in proving compliance. Once Elf has earned a Special Airworthiness certificate, the aircraft can use its full speed potential and could add pounds while easily staying inside LSA parameters.
Controlling Elf is common with center-mounted joystick and dual rudder pedals. The nose wheel is steerable and features a hydraulic brake. Dual main gear use composite suspension; the gear width is rather narrow but while permitting regular ramp operations, keeps the gear closer to the fuselage adds to the general smoothness of the design. The only unusual control is a right-shoulder-mounted braking handle for the prop.
Ekolot's JK-01Elf uses a single cylinder engine with folding prop, which itself is sophisticated with a small disc brake to slow the prop allowing it to fold back on hinges. When restarting after soaring as long as you wish, the blades will swing out and forward as motion develops lift. The electric-starting Polini Motori Thor 200 two stroke one cylinder air cooled engine offers max power of 26 horsepower at 7000 rpm. Elf is sleek enough and light enough that 26 horsepower is sufficient, said Kris. On board fuel is about 4.5 gallons. Under high power that won't last too long but this slippery airplane is meant to be flown with engine off or at low power so that represents plenty of fuel.
Electric propulsion enthusiasts will be interested to hear Elf is being fitted with a Geiger electric drive. Check with 
