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Sebring’s Airplane Rush; a Quick Post-Review

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Sam Aircraft Sam LS

You probably don't know his face, but you may recognize the voice of my favorite videographer.

AutoGyro MTO Sport amphibious gyroplane

Tecnam's handsome P2008, now with both Rotax 912 iS engine and FlyCool's air conditioning.

Famed aerobatic performer Patty Wagstaff is considering flying a routine in a Light-Sport Aircraft, she confirmed in an interview. One she'll consider is this FK12 Comet with the inverted-capable Lycoming O-233 engine.

Tenn-Air's CH-750 Jabiru-powered kit is similar to many LSA that work well in a flight school. We spoke with several sellers who report higher time LSA doing just that.

Paul Mather's M-Squared uses this Breese 2 in regular training. He provided a detailed accounting to show how he's making money with it.

Apres-Sebring Bahamas Fly-out ... Fun!

The time-proven Aventura amphibian is now under new ownership, lead by Alex Rolinski.

Writers Jim Lawrence (R) and Dave Unwin (L) visited Flight Design dealer Brian Boucher (C) at the Spruce Creek Fly-in airport near Daytona Beach.

Preparing for Sebring, four days of the show, and a LSA flight over the ocean can fill your days to the brim ... and all of that is truly excellent. January used to be a month of flying doldrums but since Sebring started nine years ago, the month has turned into one of the most active for light plane enthusiasts. ByDanJohnson.com reflects this with increased and growing traffic. January 2013 looks to set a new all-time record and that comes on the heels of a record 2012. Thanks for your loyal visits; we're happy to be providing the news and videos you want. Speaking of coverage, thanks a billion to James Lawrence, who provided daily updates along with his superb photos from Sebring while I was running around with other duties. The good news is we've already posted four videos and several more will follow, thanks to the excellent work by my partner-in-video, creator of the popular Ultralight News YouTube channel. In this article, I'm going to tempt you by quickly highlighting some of what was noteworthy at Sebring 2013. I'll also give a brief review of the third-annual LSA fly-out to the Bahamas. We saw several aircraft not before viewed at Sebring: Golden Avio's F30 (video posted); the modestly priced Groppo Trail (video); an amphibian gyrocopter (video coming); the Sam LS (video here), and a Tecnam P2008 with the new Rotax 912 iS engine and FlyCool air conditioning installed. World showed their new $85,000 Vision LT. And I was given a special briefing on an airplane that I'm not yet at liberty to discuss but which shows that although the number of new SLSA may have slowed, the intensity of innovation is far from over. Tecnam lead the show in the number of aircraft they had on display and that doesn't even include their popular Twin Rotax model nor their four seater and other larger aircraft. Their P2008 now featuring the latest technologies is one of the prettiest LSA in the fleet (though that's a personal feeling, of course). Also from Italy is the Golden Avio F30, the final design from Italian aviation legend Stelio Frati who achieved worldwide fame for his Falco F8L. Tecnam and World have announced low priced LSA to join the ever-popular Aerotrek in the sub-$90,000 (or sub-$80,000) range, proving that Light-Sport Aircraft are not all more expensive as some pilots still insist. Yes, several deluxe models go for more than $150,000 but these beauties are loaded with fancy features like autopilots, full glass screens, airframe parachutes, and more. Another lower priced entry we'll be watching is the Groppo Trail forecast at $85-90,000. In another realm is the soon-to-be aerobatic FK12 Comet with the inverted-capable Lycoming engine. While too-many underinformed pilots still feel LSA are "too expensive," others are continuing to claim that "LSA can't hold up in a flight school environment," that they're built too lightly for the rigors of instruction. UltralightNews and I did a series of video vignettes as we spoke with several aircraft manufacturers who gave us information about higher time LSA that are doing just fine training new students to fly. We'll post that video when the editing work is complete. One of the companies we talked to was M-Squared Aircraft. Proprietor Paul Mather took the time right at the show to detail his own experience with a trainer that shows the facts in numbers that we heard from all these purveyors: given the purchase price and what a trainer can earn, less its operation and maintenance expenses can yield a Light-Sport Aircraft that holds its value quite well and can produce earnings for its operator. That students love flying in new flying machines as opposed to tired, worn-out, 40-year-old GA aircraft is no surprise. Not only do students get to fly in new aircraft that look and smell new, they also get the benefit of modern equipment similar to what might be in aircraft they buy once their training is complete. Lots of the LSA trainers we examined for our video have glass cockpits that help a student pilot learn the technology while he or she practices landings, stalls, turns, cross country flights, and most of the same maneuvers any Private Pilot candidate learns while flying in a Cessna 172, one of the more common trainers in use today. That the LSA makes less noise and uses less than half the fuel — and probably lower-priced, cleaner-burning MoGas — is icing on the cake. We used to announced two or three new SLSA models each month for what seemed years. That's how we've arrived at 130 models so far. Now, another such wave of innovation and creativity seems to be showing itself in seaplanes. I've written before about the wave of new waterborne aircraft and I remain impressed at their diversity and sheer numbers. Besides the first amphibious gyroplane I've ever seen, familiar names like the Aventura soldier on, now with new ownership in the person of Alex Rolinski. We'll post a video about him before long. The Sebring show ended with a mass departure of a flock of aircraft that flew off to the Bahamas with yours truly among the group. Jim Lawrence has written about this and illustrated his words with his great photos (articles appear below). After we all returned, he and fellow aviation writer Dave Unwin zoomed around Florida capturing more experiences and photos for future writing in magazines. Dave is part of our editorial group at ByDanJohnson.com and we'll have more from him in the future. So, that's a very fast — and surely incomplete (regrets to any I missed) — tour of just some of what I saw at Sebring. I'll be writing more details in the days ahead (and I'll catch any I missed). Click back soon! Thanks again for your frequent visits.

Preparing for Sebring, four days of the show, and a LSA flight over the ocean can fill your days to the brim … and all of that is truly excellent. January used to be a month of flying doldrums but since Sebring started nine years ago, the month has turned into one of the most active for light plane enthusiasts. ByDanJohnson.com reflects this with increased and growing traffic. January 2013 looks to set a new all-time record and that comes on the heels of a record 2012. Thanks for your loyal visits; we’re happy to be providing the news and videos you want. Speaking of coverage, thanks a billion to James Lawrence, who provided daily updates along with his superb photos from Sebring while I was running around with other duties. The good news is we’ve already posted four videos and several more will follow, thanks to the excellent work by my partner-in-video, creator of the popular Ultralight News YouTube channel.

Pre-Sebring 2013 LSA News Wrap

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Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff will perform at Sebring. Rumors suggest she's looking at LSA for a new airshow routine.

Dynon's SkyView now shows ADS-B weather and traffic.

Bristell is partnering with Aviation Access Project to offer fractional ownership.

World Aircraft will show their new, modestly-priced Vision LT at Sebring.

B.O.T.'s SC 07 Super Cruiser may be the newest SLSA (#131).

Reportedly for the first time, an FK12 Comet fired up its new Lycoming AE IO 233 powerplant.

Pipistrel's Alpha Trainer is now approved for night flight in Poland.

Bahamas anyone? Fun island hopping awaits, with sponsorship by Aviators Hot Line.

Borrow a Sennheiser S-1 Digital at Sebring. Your ears may never be the same.

Patty Wagstaff and LSA? This week brings the start of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo and excitement is high. Following are some news items to those who follow this event and the light, recreational aircraft space. On Friday, January 18th,  Sebring EAA Chapter 1240 is sponsoring a dinner featuring aerobatic expert Patty Wagstaff who will perform at the event ... with such an airshow being a first for Sebring. Proceeds will support youth aviation education programs. •• The Sebring EAA chapter has engineered a rare partnership between the chapter, the airport, and the local school board to provide educational activities for kids. This sufficiently impressed aviation philanthropist James Ray that he ended writing a check for the entire structure, a new 60 x 70-foot building at the Sebring Airport with classrooms and facilities including a large hangar space where high school children are involved in restoring two aircraft. Led by aerospace teacher John Rousch, the chapter also provides flight training scholarships. The fund-raising dinner will be hosted in the main hangar of Lockwood Aviation Supply. First CTLSi with ADS-B Aviators love abbreviations and one that invaded light aviation recently is ADS-B. FAA's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast service brings two major benefits for aircraft that install new equipment: free weather and surrounding air traffic. LSA market leader Flight Design recently completed the first installation of this in one of its brand-new CTLSi models. New dealer Florida Light-Sport Aviation, based at the Spruce Creek Fly-in near Daytona Beach, has the first of what is sure to be many such installations. •• ADS-B equipment for the installation is built by Dynon Avionics, a Flight Design supply partner that also builds the SkyView digital avionics suite used in the CTLSi models. A separate hardware module was added behind the 10-inch screen and connected to an antenna on the belly of the aircraft. An ADS-B equipped aircraft uses an ordinary GPS receiver to determine a precise position from GPS satellites and then combines that position with other aircraft information such as speed, heading, and altitude. This information is broadcast to other ADS-B capable aircraft and to ADS-B ground, or satellite communications transceivers which then relay the aircraft's position and additional information to Air Traffic Control centers in real time. It is seen as the "next generation" of air traffic control and gives this information directly to pilots and controllers. Dynon Avionics said, "The new SV-ADSB-470 unit offers subscription-free weather displayed on SkyView. Airport weather data can be displayed for nearest airports or for a specific airport identifier." Dynon added, "ADS-B receives traffic information with precise location, altitude, speed, and direction from broadcast from other ADS-B equipped aircraft along with data broadcast from ADS-B ground stations, presuming the aircraft is equipped with the correct transponder." Additionally TFRs can be shown even though these are temporarily restricted areas. LSA Fractional Ownership? Aircraft partnerships are generating growing interest. Another variation on this theme is fractional ownership. In a laudatory effort to grow the sport pilot population, Aviation Access Project CEO Rick Matthews said, "Our fractional ownership and management model allows more current pilots and those who have a passion for aviation the opportunity to own a brand new highly capable Bristell for about the cost of a used car. With a monthly maintenance fee of less than half of the average new car payment, we think we can offer the pubic an unparalleled opportunity to enter or re-enter the world of aviation for a fraction of the cost they expected." AAP has selected the Bristell as an early partner but is talking to other companies as well. •• AAP isn't the only outfit pursing this idea in light aviation. Eric Giles of World Aircraft wrote, "We will be introducing our new Vision LT RTF at Sebring.  Fewer bells and whistles but just as capable. Price is $84,995." As World Aircraft Company introduces the Vision LT, they also announced a new relationship with fractional ownership company, Aviown. "They will be getting a specially prepared Spirit LT as well as offering our decked-out Spirit," said Giles. Eric also reported, "I am confirming that all manufacturing will now take place at our Paris, Tennessee facility. We have moved the Columbia operation from its factory location to an airport where we can do prototype testing. Designer Max Tedesco will concentrate on what he does best ... design." B.O.T. approved We're still waiting to see the airworthiness certificate, but understand the newest SLSA (#131) has been approved. Welcome to the B.O.T. SC 07 Super Cruiser, first seen by Americans at the AirVenture 2013 LSA Mall. SC07's fuselage is made almost entirely of carbon fiber with only a small part of the rudder made of fiberglass. The wings internal construction is made completely in carbon fibre and the skin is made in glass/foam sandwich. SC07 wings are detachable and can be removed or installed in 30 minutes by two persons. Due to the width of the cabin and high headroom, even tall pilots will feel comfortable in the SC07, which does look smaller from the outside. Seat height can be easily adapted to fit smaller persons. B.O.T. said landings are easy thanks to effective flaps that a quick decent and landing precision. Cantilevered wings make side viewing unobstructed. B.O.T. SC07 specs: Powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912 with 23 gallons of fuel on board giving a reported 650 nm range; 48-inch-wide cabin; 1,040 gross weight (European specification); 26-foot span cantilevered wings; reported 115-knot cruise with a 35-knot stall at best flaps; 390 foot takeoff roll and 520 foot landing roll. •• Renegade LSA in Missouri has been busy. While gaining approval for SC07, they also completed the long-awaited installation of a Lycoming O-233 on the FK Lightplanes FK12 Comet biplane. "This (photo) is first start of any Lycoming AE IO 233 aircraft engine in the world," claimed Renegade boss Doc' Bailey. "It started right up on December 22, 2012." Pipistrel's Alpha Night Certification Pipistrel keeps running with their well-received Atlas LSA trainer. Pipistrel reports officially flying the first European light aircraft certified for night flight in Poland. Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol said, "We are proud that our Alpha Trainer is the first light aircraft certified to fly in Poland under night-VFR conditions." He added that this gives Alpha Trainer (video) owners the possibility to continue flying during winter time's shorter days. Alpha Trainer is a low-priced composite aircraft powered by the 80-hp Rotax 912 engine. Pipistrel said it burns only 2.5 U.S. gallons per hour on a typical flight. Alpha Trainer ships in one "full-equipment" configuration, which includes radio, transponder, GPS, ballistic parachute, specially developed analog/digital instruments, extra strong landing gear, and external lights. The most popular LSA version is produced in Italy. Bahamas Fly-Out #3 As the Sebring Expo 2013 ends, once again a flock of LSA will leave in a show-closing ceremony enroute for two islands in the Bahamas. Stopping first at Grand Bahamas for two days, participants will then fly to Bimini for two days before returning to the USA entering at Fort Lauderdale. Interested to go? You can, but you need to act quickly. Check this website or register here. Borrow the Best Ever wanted to try out one the true high-end headsets to see how your ears will love you for it? Ever wished you could try such a headset in a "real" environment, not just in their booth space at one of the big airshows? Well, lucky you, fellow pilot. I've been wanting the same thing and our good sponsor Sennheiser is prepared to do precisely that for any pilot that attends Sebring 2013 and goes to the Sennheiser booth (H102). First, go book a demo flight in the LSA of your choice. Then trot right over to Sennheiser and make the request. Assuming schedules coordinate, you're good to go. I think it's a wonderful idea and I've put my name on the list. Sennheiser's S-1 Digital is one of the top headsets and I see only one problem from their plan: You might love it so much you have to buy one ... or two. Oh, darn! As I close out this pre-Sebring LSA news wrap, I have additional info on those Chinese light aircraft shown in our earlier article. I invite you to click the link and see the fuller photo captions now appearing by those aircraft. Thanks for the info to a friend at Jane's All the World's Aircraft — he appreciates what he gets from ByDanJohnson.com and offered the update in return. Thanks, Paul Jackson!

Patty Wagstaff and LSA? This week brings the start of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo and excitement is high. Following are some news items to those who follow this event and the light, recreational aircraft space. On Friday, January 18th,  Sebring EAA Chapter 1240 is sponsoring a dinner featuring aerobatic expert Patty Wagstaff who will perform at the event … with such an airshow being a first for Sebring. Proceeds will support youth aviation education programs. •• The Sebring EAA chapter has engineered a rare partnership between the chapter, the airport, and the local school board to provide educational activities for kids. This sufficiently impressed aviation philanthropist James Ray that he ended writing a check for the entire structure, a new 60 x 70-foot building at the Sebring Airport with classrooms and facilities including a large hangar space where high school children are involved in restoring two aircraft.

More LSA Seaplanes … How About A Biplane Amphib?

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In some ways a biplane is a natural in the water — more wing area gets off the water quicker and offer a shorter span for easier manuevering.

Super Petrel LS offers comfortable seating and 45-inch-wide cabin.

Fully retractable tri-gear is part of the amphibian's design.

A forward hatch reveals the nosewheel cavity.

Sebring starts next week ... yes, next week! A new year is here and for nine years now that means it is time for the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, or just Sebring LSA Expo if you prefer. Executive Director Jana Filip and her team have been putting in the long hours to get ready and to enlist all the right exhibitors. You should get to see all the Light-Sport and other light aircraft you want in this concentrated event. One of those aircraft has not been seen in America for years and even then not as the Super Petrel LS. Longtime veterans of recreational aircraft might remember the Petrel — it's been around for more than 10 years — but this soon-to-be SLSA entrant will look fresh to nearly everyone. New Flight Design dealer and Florida Light-Sport Aviation owner Brian Boucher is assisting airport neighbor Jerry Scheid to bring this first-of-its-kind Super Petrel LS to Sebring for your closer examination. Scheid has established PS-Bird LLC to represent the striking aircraft. Interested parties may call 386-760-4140 for more info. The new Super Petrel LS still flying off its hours as an Experimental Exhibition category aircraft. Brazilian manufacturer Edra Aeronautica will pursue Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval by following ASTM standards, which happen to be nearing full government acceptance in Brazil. As the aircraft meets similar standards in other countries and with their long history, gaining approval after an FAA audit seems probable. Super Petrel LS is different from the wave of SLSA amphibians headed to market in America. This water bird is a biwing model. Why? Simple. Seaplanes have a first duty to get on step and launch, to escape the "stickiness" or "surface tension" that occurs when moving at flight speeds in water (especially smooth water). Long wings could provide that as well but long wings are more difficult to maneuver in beaching or docking situations. Two sets of wings generate additional lift yet are relatively short in span. In all, this can be an ideal solution though the lower wing and low fuselage position may not encourage operation in rougher water. Let's fill in some blanks. That shorter span is just under 29 feet. Empty weight is a surprisingly svelte 775 pounds according to the factory depending on what equipment the owner wants installed. Gross weight does not use the 1,430 pounds allowed under LSA rules, instead coming in at 1,320 like most Light-Sport landplanes. This still yields a useful load of 545 pounds. As Super Petrel carries 25 gallons of fuel, that produces a payload of 395 pounds, which translates to two 190-pound occupants and allows a few pounds for baggage. As Icon is seeking a weight increase exemption to 1,680 pounds, Super Petrel does indeed seem quite light on her sponsons. This helps the design to leave the water in less than 400 feet, according to published specs; it can lift off of a runway in just 260 feet. Super Petrel cruises at a hair under 90 knots, not surprising for a seaplane biplane. Never exceed speed is listed at 114 knots. Stall is a mere 35 knots Edra reports, again a product of twin wings and 161 square feet of area, which results in a wing loading of only 8.2 pounds per square feet. Note that specs were updated 1/9/13 upon advice from Edra. Super Petrel LS is a handsome bird with a broad comfortable interior. You can fly doors on or off. U.S. importer PS-Bird principals think they can sell the aircraft for an attractive price. Various panel choices will be offered, though seaplanes commonly are simpler aircraft flown in a more seat-of-your-pants style rather than on autopilot at higher altitudes on the straightest possible track. If Super Petrel LS catches your interest, the best solution is come to Sebring 2013 and check it out in person.

Sebring starts next week … yes, next week! A new year is here and for nine years now that means it is time for the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, or just Sebring LSA Expo if you prefer. Executive Director Jana Filip and her team have been putting in the long hours to get ready and to enlist all the right exhibitors. You should get to see all the Light-Sport and other light aircraft you want in this concentrated event. One of those aircraft has not been seen in America for years and even then not as the Super Petrel LS. Longtime veterans of recreational aircraft might remember the Petrel — it’s been around for more than 10 years — but this soon-to-be SLSA entrant will look fresh to nearly everyone. New Flight Design dealer and Florida Light-Sport Aviation owner Brian Boucher is assisting airport neighbor Jerry Scheid to bring this first-of-its-kind Super Petrel LS to Sebring for your closer examination.

Happy New Year LSA News Wrap

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Former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt (L) will address the LAMA Dinner group of 300 LSA professionals on opening night of the Sebring LSA Expo (January 17-20). photo courtesy EAA

The all-new Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun (layout still subject to last-minute changes). The curved arcs in the center are the newly relocated LSA Mall. Runway is seen at bottom. The hash markings identify irrigation on the RC runway that uses this area at other times.

AirBorne makes hang gliders, like the clean "blade wing" at the top plus a line of trikes from two seaters to very light single seaters.

Team Will Wing posed for a company photo to celebrate the holidays and reaching their 40th year.

CubCrafters Set Records In a second year of modest recovery for the LSA sector, most companies were happy to sell the same as the year before. Against this plain backdrop CubCrafters stands out sharply. The company announced that it delivered 58 new airplanes (52 of which were LSA models), a 23% increase over 2011, and more units than any year in the company's history. They're aiming for deliveries of 66 ready-to-fly aircraft this year. CubCrafters' 2012 deliveries are divided among their three models: Carbon Cub SS, Sport Cub S2, and Top Cub (the latter not a Light-Sport). • They also reported shipping 24 of their Carbon Cub EX kits in 2012, another record. That's 82 aircraft and makes them likely the light aviation leader for the year (we hope to publish our customary market report soon). CubCrafters General Manager Randy Lervold said, "Despite the economic climate, we've managed to defy industry trends." Congratulations, Team CubCrafters; job well done! Randy Babbitt to Speak at LAMA Dinner Each year, LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, hosts its annual dinner on opening night of the Sebring LSA Expo and 2013 will be the sixth annual event. Following AOPA president Craig Fuller in 2011 and then-EAA president Rod Hightower in 2012, the association is pleased to offer former FAA Adminstrator Randy Babbitt for 2013. Now a senior VP with Southwest Air Lines, Babbitt will speak to more than 300 LSA professionals expected at the invitation-only dinner on Thursday evening, January 17th. As a strong supporter of the Light-Sport concept, LAMA is especially pleased to bring in Babbitt. On several occasions, he has publicly supported the concept of self governance by an aircraft sector. Babbitt was also instrumental in moving forward the agency's decision to allow a new ASTM committee to write new perscriptive portions of Part 23 aircraft certification, the first major change in how this is done in many decades. • Welcome all LSA businessmen to the free dinner but please RSVP at this website operated by the dinner sponsor Aviators Hot Line (only minimal information is requested). Paradise City Total Makeover Big things are happening to the location formerly known as the Ultralight Area at the Sun 'n Fun airshow and convention. First, the area will now permanently be known by its longtime affectionate name: Paradise City. Once a place of great charm and thick crowds, the area suffered from the dual effects of the economic recession and the arrival of Light-Sport Aircraft. Many vendors of LSA never exhibited in Paradise City and regard the location as out of the mainstream. However, major revisions to the paved east-west Doolittle Road to allow for TSA fencing has the road — heavily used by entering vendors and many others — dipping deeply down into Paradise City (see drawing). This will dramatically change the dynamics of Paradise City and significantly enhance its visibility. • Another major change is operational: aircraft will be allowed to fly all day — even during the main airshow (except when the Thunderbirds fly). They'll use the 1,400-foot turf runway, which has seen major improvements at each end of the runway. It now provides more than 2,400 feet of unobstructed access. LSA vendors who meet new rules of operation will be permitted to conduct demonstration flights most of the day right on the grounds of Sun 'n Fun and far more easily than using the main runway. Active demo operators can give multiple flights per day to prospective customers and then invite them to visit the LSA Mall right in the center of the newly revised area. Many other vendors will also conduct flights and have their exhibits in the area. C'mon over to the all-new Paradise City and watch the action in 2013. AirBorne News Weight shift aircraft, commonly known as trikes, don't get their fair share of news and we want to update you on one of the leading producers: Australia-based AirBorne with representation in the USA by companies like Precision Windsports. I greatly enjoyed flying AirBorne's Thermal-Lite trike with its excellent Bailey single-cylinder four-stroke engine. AirBorne reported, "All T-lites are now going out with the latest Bailey V5E engine. The V5 is the fifth generation of the Bailey Aviation four-stroke engine." Revisions include a two-piece CNC machined cast-alloy crankcase at 195cc using two valves operated by a chain driven overhead camshaft. The oil system is fully pressurized to maintain constant oil pressure regardless of the oil temperature or RPM. • If the T-lite is too big and heavy for you you could try AirBorne's new V-lite. "The V-lite single seater soaring trike is perfect for hang glider pilots as it fits into the sub-70kg (154-pound) category," said AirBorne. Hang glider pilots can fly it with minimal instruction. V-Lite uses AirBorne's F2T wing based on the F2 hang glider wing (photo); it can also be used for foot launch free flying. • As if they didn't have enough to do making two-seat trikes, light trikes, trike wings and hang gliders, AirBorne is also representing the Magni Gyro company down-under. A first shipment of Magni Gyrocopters will arrive at Airborne in January including two M24 Orions and an M16. Wills Wing Celebrates Turning 40! At the lightest end of flying, one company in the USA excels like no other. For hang glider and paraglider enthusiasts the brand name Wills Wing is as good as it gets. I have long known and admired the owners of this well-run California company so I am very pleased to offer my congratulations to Wills Wing on their 40th anniversary. Five years ago I reported the company had produced more than 22,000 gliders and they must now be reaching or exceeding 25,000 ... a remarkable accomplishment for any aircraft company. • You can see their line near and close to Sun 'n Fun at one of my very favorite places to go in Florida. Wills said, "Our Wallaby Ranch 2013 Demo Days and Fly-In will be held Wednesday, April 3rd, through Saturday April 6th, with our traditional party and dinner on Saturday night. (Sun 'n Fun 2013 runs 9-14 of April, so you could make both.) • The company had a very special celebration this summer when Wills Wing Team pilot Dustin Martin set a world record flying his Wills Wing T2C 144 hang glider 475 miles from Zapata, Texas. The previous record stood for 11 years. Most powered pilots are amazed to hear hang gliders can travel so far. The company's top-of-their-line T2 wings run $6,575 to $8,585. They can achieve sink rates of only 175 feet per minute. As I close out this first-of-2013 LSA news wrap, I want to extend a Happy New Year greeting to all our loyal readers and to most sincerely thank you for making 2012 by far our best year ever! We were up in every measurement category from 21% to 58% over our best prior year. Given the sluggish economy we're pleased to evidently be offering what you want and we plan to keep it up. Watch for fresh news and videos from Sebring starting in just days.

CubCrafters Set Records In a second year of modest recovery for the LSA sector, most companies were happy to sell the same as the year before. Against this plain backdrop CubCrafters stands out sharply. The company announced that it delivered 58 new airplanes (52 of which were LSA models), a 23% increase over 2011, and more units than any year in the company’s history. They’re aiming for deliveries of 66 ready-to-fly aircraft this year. CubCrafters’ 2012 deliveries are divided among their three models: Carbon Cub SS, Sport Cub S2, and Top Cub (the latter not a Light-Sport). • They also reported shipping 24 of their Carbon Cub EX kits in 2012, another record. That’s 82 aircraft and makes them likely the light aviation leader for the year (we hope to publish our customary market report soon). CubCrafters General Manager Randy Lervold said, “Despite the economic climate, we’ve managed to defy industry trends.” Congratulations, Team CubCrafters; job well done!

Four-Stroke Part 103 Ultralight? Yes! And Fun…

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Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time. Well, OK, I'm biased but I think pretty much any time at Wallaby Ranch — the iconic hang gliding facility south of Disney Orlando — is a good time. When it also happens to be "Demo Days," Wallaby is a jumping place! Demo Days is a longstanding activity where the California manufacturer, Wills Wing, brings its newest hang gliders by the truckload so that any qualified pilots can fly them for purchase evaluation. Lots of other folks show up because it's fun and exciting but also because organizers hold the event right before Sun 'n Fun starts. Wallaby customers compose the perfect crowd for introducing a lightweight trike that can be flown for soaring fun. Airborne Australia is the down under manufacturer of both hang gliders and a successful line of trikes; they own SLSA status for their XT-912 and XT-912 Outback. "We are pleased to showcase our new Part 103 trike, the Thermalite (or TLite) with also-new Core wing," Airborne announced. Company director Russell Duncan (photo) said TLite's most distinctive feature is the Bailey 4V-200 engine from England. A 200cc SOHC four-stroke puts out 22 horsepower at 8200 rpm via a Poly-V belt reduction drive. Thanks to a low weight of just 43 pounds Bailey engines have seen wide use on powered paragliders. "These are beautiful engines purpose built for ultralights," clarified Russell. Airborne also notes that the wing has been tested to Light-Sport Standards assuming a pilot weight of 242 pounds. On my visit to Wallaby today, I got a chance to take a flight in the Thermalite/Core. What a sweet little machine! Even without hearing protection and at full throttle noise is modest. Engine shut down and restart is simple. Climb isn't fast but more than sufficient. Handling on the Core wing was light and effective, a one-handed flyer if conditions permit. Both wing and trike carriage fold up for transport by pickup or trailer and since it weighs only 238 pounds empty (well under the Part 103 weight limit of 254 pounds), Thermalite won't be too much to handle. Seek out Airborne at Sun 'n Fun to get more info, but here's a few extra tidbits from my early screening. Thermalite will cost $18,300 plus shipping making a U.S. total of just under $20,000. That is a complete price with four-stroke engine, electric start, and a ready-to-fly weight shift trike. Thermalite carries just three gallons of gasoline yet several folks flew the machine throughout the day on a single tank. I took off with a gallon and a half on board and couldn't tell I used any on landing (which I did engine off). Can you tell I enjoyed Thermalite?

Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. Well, OK, I’m biased but I think pretty much any time at Wallaby Ranch — the iconic hang gliding facility south of Disney Orlando — is a good time. When it also happens to be “Demo Days,” Wallaby is a jumping place! Demo Days is a longstanding activity where the California manufacturer, Wills Wing, brings its newest hang gliders by the truckload so that any qualified pilots can fly them for purchase evaluation. Lots of other folks show up because it’s fun and exciting but also because organizers hold the event right before Sun ‘n Fun starts. Wallaby customers compose the perfect crowd for introducing a lightweight trike that can be flown for soaring fun. Airborne Australia is the down under manufacturer of both hang gliders and a successful line of trikes; they own SLSA status for their XT-912 and XT-912 Outback.

Pipistrel Benchmarks, News, Developments

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Pipistrel's smooth Sinus/Virus family reached 500 units delivered.

Proud Pipistrel staff members cluster for a photo celebrating the 500th delivery of the Sinus/Virus line; they grouped around the company's newest model the Alpha Trainer.

A new Taurus G2 Electro is about to be unveiled.

Dealers and mechanics from around the world gathered at the Pipistrel factory for intensive training.

The company's Panthera four-seater is undergoing testing, seen here on the T-Tail structure.

Known for their several lucrative wins at the NASA Challenge events, Pipistrel also logged market successes in the USA and around the world during 2012. The manufacturer with a range from weight shift trikes to electric-powered gliders to Light-Sport Aircraft to their four-seat Panther in development has become a company to watch. At the end of the year, the Slovenian company with a production facility in Italy had plenty to discuss. Most notably, the company built their 500th aircraft from the Sinus/Virus family. These sleek machines include the Sinus ("Seen-Us") motorglider, the Virus ("Veer-Us") lightplane and shorter-winged version called the Virus SW. The company proudly announced, "Together with the other models and the powered-hang gliders, this means we have made well over one thousand flying devices!" Aircraft number 500 buyer was Charles Dalglish from Australia. The aircraft was handed over to distributor Michael Coates whose organization includes U.S. sales.This year Coates recorded his 100th delivery. Clearly the year just completed was one of significant numerical achievements for Pipistrel and they gathered their staff to celebrate the occasions (photo). Pipistrel last won at NASA's Green Challenge with their unusual Taurus entry that featured two fuselages joined by a major electric motor housing. That distinctive aircraft was never intended for production but lessons learned resulted in a December 2012 delivery of their updated Taurus G2 Electro to a father and son from New York. Pipistrel reports the G2 has "improved battery management system, more powerful electrical engine, and the charger is now portable as well." The aircraft is capable of delivering more power from the batteries with shorter recharge cycles, providing 1000+ cycles with new lithium-ion batteries. New custom-developed cockpit instruments help inform the pilot. Without well trained dealers and mechanics out in the field, no factory can keep customers or authorities fully satisfied. So, like other top LSA producers, Pipistrel held a dealer training session in their factory in late November. Such gatherings are also a chance to gain feedback from those dealing directly with customers. As Pipistrel reported, "Distributors received important education about maintenance, flight training, new models such as the Alpha Trainer and the Virus SW iS. They also participated in the factory strategic planning by providing market feedback from their countries and new, fresh ideas for our product line." Moving beyond their focus of sporting aircraft, Pipistrel debuted their sleekly shaped entry in the four seater category called the Panthera. The company reports getting many requests for an update on its development. Officials wrote that they've seen "major advancements in three areas: specialized test equipment, aircraft structural tests, and preparation for certification." After designing and building structural testing equipment Pipistrel engineers and technicians were able to perform torsion, stress, and deformation tests of aircraft structures. They report coordinating with European governing authorities at EASA to obtain [initial] approval for certified aircraft production. Pipistrel joins LSA builders — Evektor, Flight Design, and Tecnam — in work on a four seat product (Tecnam and Evektor are underway with even larger models as well).

Known for their several lucrative wins at the NASA Challenge events, Pipistrel also logged market successes in the USA and around the world during 2012. The manufacturer with a range from weight shift trikes to electric-powered gliders to Light-Sport Aircraft to their four-seat Panther in development has become a company to watch. At the end of the year, the Slovenian company with a production facility in Italy had plenty to discuss. Most notably, the company built their 500th aircraft from the Sinus/Virus family. These sleek machines include the Sinus (“Seen-Us”) motorglider, the Virus (“Veer-Us”) lightplane and shorter-winged version called the Virus SW. The company proudly announced, “Together with the other models and the powered-hang gliders, this means we have made well over one thousand flying devices!” Aircraft number 500 buyer was Charles Dalglish from Australia. The aircraft was handed over to distributor Michael Coates whose organization includes U.S. sales.This year Coates recorded his 100th delivery.

Airshow China in Zhuhai … a Photo Essay

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Chip Erwin of Czech Aircraft Works fame is now operating in China as Triton. We'll have more on his new enterprise in a future SPLOG post.

Recognize these? Triton is building the Mermaid amphibian and the SC3D follow-on to the SportCruiser Chip Erwin's team originally created.

Another familiar look is the Van's RV-12. Van's aircraft operate in many countries.

SeaRey, recently SLSA approved in the USA, has been working on entering China for several years.

"Nine Eagles" ... is a "multifunctional motor glider" by Shanghai Nine Eagles Electronic Technology Co Ltd. The company is widely known for radio-controlled models and has recently become an agent for aircraft such as the Ibis Magic and Rotorway A600 Talon. This seems to be its first indigenous product, but it is saying nothing more. Update from Paul Jackson of Jane's All the World's Aircraft.

This handsome cantilever high wing is the Rui Xiang fuel cell research aircraft designed by Shenyang Aerospace University on behalf of Research Institute of Liaoning General Aviation Policy and Technical Advisory Services. It has one 30 kW (40 hp) Sineton A37k154 electric motor with 7.5 kWh lithium fuel cell. Gross weight is 1,056 pounds; span 47 feet; max level speed 82 knots. It is uncertain if RX1E has flown and no known plans for marketing have been announced. It seems to share tail unit with LN-60F UAV from same source. genous product, but it is saying nothing more. Update from Paul Jackson of Jane's All the World's Aircraft.

The Sunward Aurora was created by Hunan Sunward Science and Technology; it is essentially an Italian Fly Synthesis Texan. The prototype shown in 2008 is now in production, with at least four built and registered. Built with full collaboration of Fly Synthesis, who flew one in Italy and then shipped it to China for trials (still with its Italian registration in the cockpit). Update from Paul Jackson of Jane's All the World's Aircraft.

The VoyageTech Black Headed Gull was first shown in 2012 by Nanchang Aviation University powered by the Rotax 912S. Gross weight is 1,210 pounds; span 27 feet; max level speed 125 knots. It was first flown on or before June 8th, 2011 and is offered for sale at Chinese Yuan 700,000 (about $113,000). Update from Paul Jackson of Jane's All the World's Aircraft.

Back to one we know, this is Brazil's SeaMax amphibian.

The Spanish Colyaer Freedom amphibian has been seen in American and the company may appear at Sun 'n Fun 2013.

Canada's Mosquito ultralight helicopter.

The yellow one reads "HappyGyro" but these appear to be the Auto Gyro Calidus and MTO Sport.

Photographer and aviation leader Jan Fridrich (L) poses with the Czech Ambassador to China Mr. Libor Sečka in the Czech LAA booth.

Last month the southern China city of Zhuhai hosted a large collection of aircraft at Airshow China. We've been hearing about this once-closed country in matters of aviation so often, I thought it would be something different to show a collection of photos taken by my LAMA Europe colleague, Jan Fridrich. He works for the Czech Light Aircraft Association and you know his name as the man who does the hard work to gather figures for our regular LSA market surveys. Another associate of mine, Will Escutia, one of the new owners of Quicksilver Aeronautics, also traveled to China recently. Visiting dealer prospects in the north of the large country Will reported that he sees four main forces driving the opening of aviation in China: (1) airspace below 3,000 meters is opening to civilian aircraft; (2) high interest in flying follows that airspace opening; (3) government is concerned about their economy and aviation is seen as helpful; (4) entrepreneurs are jockeying to take early advantage of the burgeoning market. Will observed the limitations to growth as bureaucracy and regulations that stifle faster development; the need for a Type Certificate with costs that are still too high; a need for a commercial pilots license; laws that hold a pilot responsible for any death, a deterrent to wealthy Chinese; and flying between cities remains prohibited so pilots can fly only about 60 kilometers around airports and you need to land where you took off. As he is not fluent in Chinese, Jan was not able to determine the brands of all aircraft but it's still fun to see what showed at Zhuhai. Some you'll recognize and captions will name aircraft that could be identified. Thanks to Jan Fridrich for all these photos!

Last month the southern China city of Zhuhai hosted a large collection of aircraft at Airshow China. We’ve been hearing about this once-closed country in matters of aviation so often, I thought it would be something different to show a collection of photos taken by my LAMA Europe colleague, Jan Fridrich. He works for the Czech Light Aircraft Association and you know his name as the man who does the hard work to gather figures for our regular LSA market surveys. Another associate of mine, Will Escutia, one of the new owners of Quicksilver Aeronautics, also traveled to China recently. Visiting dealer prospects in the north of the large country Will reported that he sees four main forces driving the opening of aviation in China: (1) airspace below 3,000 meters is opening to civilian aircraft; (2) high interest in flying follows that airspace opening; (3) government is concerned about their economy and aviation is seen as helpful; (4) entrepreneurs are jockeying to take early advantage of the burgeoning market.

Dynon SkyView Class Before Sebring Expo 2012

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Our group was overwhelmingly instrument-rated pilots, not a flock of fresh students taking basic flight classes. Here were many experienced pilots paying rapt attention to a delivery by Kirk Kleinholz as he launched a series of classes covering the operation of the Dynon SkyView. *** In a few days, Kirk will repeat this several times via twice-daily classes offered at the Sebring Expo. Sebring sessions are free, though later classes may carry some tuition. *** Kirk needed to be highly knowledgeable with the Spruce Creek Fly-in group, and he is. A CFI-Instrument, he's an expert on Dynon's glass screens and matching SkyView to the mission. *** SkyView is a computerized EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) offered in 7- or 10-inch sizes that display synthetic vision, moving map, and engine info.*** Kirk's two-overhead-screen projection system allowed us to see his points while also viewing the effect of adjustments on a master SkyView unit that was linked to Dynon's modestly-priced autopilot servos ($750 each). To better establish skills, attendees shared four functioning SkyView units. Three units ran a simulator mode that allowed the rest of us to fiddle with knobs and try to keep up. *** Keeping up will be its own challenge. As airplane instruments go the way of the information revolution (as in computers and, increasingly, biology), SkyView is hardware combined with software. Regularly throughout his talk, Kirk noted that some new feature or refined adjustment was coming in a new software release. Most of these updates are offered free of charge, but you'll have to learn new techniques. Sound familiar? *** Ah, SkyView proves it's a long, long way since the analog instruments of... well, just a few years ago. The rush of technology in the cockpit is equally as amazing as that rush affecting us everywhere: laptops, smartphones, tablets, and innumerable other gizmos. Everything seems to come with a manual nowadays except that the manual is probably on an iPad. Some lament the loss of our beloved "steam gauges." I understand. We knew those instruments so well. *** After three and a half hours of intense Dynon education, I still feel I need a few hours of hands-on use to be adequately proficient. It will take even longer to be totally fluent with SkyView and related Dynon gear such as their autopilot. That learning curve is one important reason Dynon is working to educate pilots. They realize pilots will be safer if they know and understand — and are not distracted by — their digital avionics. Another reason is to help owners get all they want out of these marvelous devices. As I reflect on what I had to learn to determine location by triangulating vectors with a VOR or flying a back course ILS approach, I realize these SkyViews aren't so hard. And after some point of learning, I realize my situational awareness will be vastly better than with the old round dials. Embrace your digital future! Thanks for the class, Dynon and Kirk!

Our group was overwhelmingly instrument-rated pilots, not a flock of fresh students taking basic flight classes. Here were many experienced pilots paying rapt attention to a delivery by Kirk Kleinholz as he launched a series of classes covering the operation of the Dynon SkyView. *** In a few days, Kirk will repeat this several times via twice-daily classes offered at the Sebring Expo. Sebring sessions are free, though later classes may carry some tuition. *** Kirk needed to be highly knowledgeable with the Spruce Creek Fly-in group, and he is. A CFI-Instrument, he’s an expert on Dynon’s glass screens and matching SkyView to the mission. *** SkyView is a computerized EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) offered in 7- or 10-inch sizes that display synthetic vision, moving map, and engine info.*** Kirk’s two-overhead-screen projection system allowed us to see his points while also viewing the effect of adjustments on a master SkyView unit that was linked to Dynon’s modestly-priced autopilot servos ($750 each).

Stick Wigglers Versus Glass Panel Geeks

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Flight Design's new CTLSi. photo by James Lawrence

If you know Garmin's touchscreen aera 500-560, you already know how to work the 796... though it offers much more than the smaller units.

Dynon's popular SkyView now presents weather, traffic, and allows control of the transponder and autopilot.

You can add GPS and ADS-B info to your iPad or smartphone using Dual Electronic's new XGPS170.

After flying more than 350 different aircraft models, I became rather adept at what some pilots call "stick wiggling." The reference is for all the actions you take to physically fly the plane. Heck, it's about all you do on very basically-equipped ultralight aircraft that I still love to fly. Modern LSA, however, typically offer loaded instrument panels and while I check out stalls, flight qualities and landings of a Light-Sport Aircraft, I rarely get any time to play with the panel goodies. Fortunately, a recent experience in a brand-new Flight Design CTLSi provided a three-hour window to wiggle the stick plus a whole lot more. Like a majority of late-model LSA, this aircraft was equipped with a full glass panel, comprised of dual 10-inch Dynon Sky View screens on either side of a Garmin aera 796. Checking me out was Brian Boucher, an airline pilot who operates Florida Light-Sport Aircraft from my home airport at Spruce Creek. Brian will be a dealer for Flight Design models also providing maintenance and other services. I took a four-hour Dynon SkyView class almost a year ago and it felt like I'd forgotten everything. Some of it stuck but it was helpful to have Brian showing me around these highly capable devices. SkyView incorporates the usual mind-boggling array of PFD/EMS/GPS with Synthetic Vision but this CTLSi also had the Dynon transponder and auto pilot. The Garmin aera 796 offered traffic alerts, XM weather, every chart you might need and so much more. Frankly, the whole setup was sensory overload and three hours of actual use is still not enough to master all it can do. By the time we completed the round trip I was feeling good. I made two good landings proving my stick wiggling skills were intact. And I knew a great deal more about the dazzling panel. Both activities are fun, but they are separate skills and each needs constant polishing for best results. Dynon Avionics is now shipping their ADS-B unit that coordinates with the SkyView system.  A remotely mounted module provides easy — and free! — access to weather and traffic information. Selling for $995 the new unit is an affordable and permanently mounted ADS-B "In" device designed specifically for experimental and light sport aircraft. Paired with Dynon's Mode-S transponder, you also get ADS-B "Out" that wakes up the ADS-B ground stations and causes them to send a traffic portrait that includes all known ADS-B targets around the SkyView-equipped aircraft. The new ADS-B capability only functions in the USA. Coordinating with the new hardware, SkyView Software Version 5.0 was recently released to support ADS-B weather, traffic and more. Version 5.0 is a free upgrade for all existing SkyView owners. Dual Electronics has started shipping its new XGPS170 panel-top unit with ADS-B receiver that works with iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Dual's tiny device currently works with WingXPro from Hilton Software and the company said it will soon be able to use apps from Jeppesen, Flight Guide, and other developers. XGPS170 features a high-accuracy WAAS GPS receiver plus an ADS-B receiver that can present weather and traffic. The receiver, which sells for $799, connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, and can link to two tablets simultaneously. A built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to five hours in continuous use, and a 12-28V charger is included.

After flying more than 350 different aircraft models, I became rather adept at what some pilots call “stick wiggling.” The reference is for all the actions you take to physically fly the plane. Heck, it’s about all you do on very basically-equipped ultralight aircraft that I still love to fly. Modern LSA, however, typically offer loaded instrument panels and while I check out stalls, flight qualities and landings of a Light-Sport Aircraft, I rarely get any time to play with the panel goodies. Fortunately, a recent experience in a brand-new Flight Design CTLSi provided a three-hour window to wiggle the stick plus a whole lot more. Like a majority of late-model LSA, this aircraft was equipped with a full glass panel, comprised of dual 10-inch Dynon Sky View screens on either side of a Garmin aera 796. Checking me out was Brian Boucher, an airline pilot who operates Florida Light-Sport Aircraft from my home airport at Spruce Creek.

Canada’s First Electric-Powered Ultralight

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Randy Rauck prepares to make a flight in Canada's first electric-powered ultralight. photo by Trevor Batstone

Using North Wing's Solairus trike and wing, Rauck added electric power. photo by Trevor Batstone

Electric power virtually eliminates vibration, noise, and pollution, said Rauck. photo by Trevor Batstone

Batteries on "Green 1" offer an hour's flight, more than enough to get a soaring pilot to thermal altitude. Rauck plans a charging station at his airpark, so pilots can swap batteries and continue flying. photo by Trevor Batstone

From the land of sky-blue waters comes ... no, not a beverage but Canada's first electric ultralight. And sky-blue waters aren't the point; instead, it's all about blue skies and getting up to them for a bit of soaring fun. Thanks to my journalist friend Russ Niles, Editor-in-Chief of AvWeb (one of my favorite aviation websites), I heard about a Canadian friend who's done some interesting development work. Given the general excitement about electric power and my personal interest in soaring flight, I called up my old friend. Like many of us who enjoy soaring hang gliders, developer Randy Rauck said, "I always wanted to apply electric to a lightweight trike so we could quickly and easily fly our hang gliders up to where the thermals abound." When he's not creating a new powerplant Randy runs the Freedom Flight Park in Lumby, BC Canada. "I wanted to try electric to get away from the vibration of a lightweight two-stroke gasoline engine. Those engines demand more maintenance, make noise, cause pollution ... and I just thought electric could be better in every way," he explained. Photographer Trevor Batstone wrote, "On December 8, 2012 [we saw] the inaugural flight of C-IYUP, the first electric-powered ultralight in Canada. Randy Rauck, pilot and owner, lifted the wheels of the ground for the first time, completing two flights here at CYPK in Pitt Meadows, BC." Dubbed "Green 1" the light trike was built by eUP Aviation Inc., in collaboration with American trike and wing producer North Wing, whose owner Kamron Blevins agreed that Randy could use one of his trikes and the new Solairus (video) wing. "Kamron said he'd been thinking about electric power but lacked the time, so we got together on this," said Randy. Randy's main enterprise is running an active hang gliding flight park and his Raven Aviation enterprise. At this he is eminently qualified with a long history. In addition Randy worked with Darrell Murphy on projects like the biplane Renegade plus the metal monoplane Maverick and other Murphy powered aircraft. Developed in association with John McClintock under the name eUP Aviation, Green 1 is powered by a 84 volt, 19 KW hours, or 26-hp electric motor fueled by a one-hour duration battery pack. In test flights it has climbed 600 feet per minute making the effort to reach an altitude where thermals can be found and exploited no more than a 3-5 minute flight. Of course it all happens with very low noise that Randy says makes for improved neighbor relations. "We do plan to sell the package but we're still working out pricing and supply. We've agreed to collaborate with Kamron and North Wing. They'll supply the trike and wing and we'll do the electric system." He notes electric motor parts are sourced from Europe and Asia. No details have been confirmed at this writing about North Wing handling U.S. sales but all are excited about early results and intend to keep forging ahead. "We may come to Sun 'n Fun 2013 and by then we may have details worked out more fully," finished Rauck.Below you can see eUP's wing-mounted video:

From the land of sky-blue waters comes … no, not a beverage but Canada’s first electric ultralight. And sky-blue waters aren’t the point; instead, it’s all about blue skies and getting up to them for a bit of soaring fun. Thanks to my journalist friend Russ Niles, Editor-in-Chief of AvWeb (one of my favorite aviation websites), I heard about a Canadian friend who’s done some interesting development work. Given the general excitement about electric power and my personal interest in soaring flight, I called up my old friend. Like many of us who enjoy soaring hang gliders, developer Randy Rauck said, “I always wanted to apply electric to a lightweight trike so we could quickly and easily fly our hang gliders up to where the thermals abound.” When he’s not creating a new powerplant Randy runs the Freedom Flight Park in Lumby, BC Canada. “I wanted to try electric to get away from the vibration of a lightweight two-stroke gasoline engine.

iLSA & CTLSi — Much More than Fuel Injection

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Cowling "eyebrows" are one clue to the new fuel-injected engine underneath.

On the tail, a little "i" also helps identify the Rotax 912 iS powerplant. Read our FAQs about the new engine.

Flight Design's popular CTLSi is ready to fly for 2013.

While Flight Design was busy with CTLSi changes, they also took time to celebrate their 25th birthday with this handsome black & silver limited edition "Jubilee" model.

The first iLSA are flying in the USA. Springboarding from Apple's famous iDevices, why not iLSA? This stands for "i" Light-Sport Aircraft, meaning they're fuel injected, which today suggests Rotax's new 912 iS engine. Tecnam has announced P2008s with the new powerplant. Pipistrel has iS models, too. Others will follow, although Remos indicated they are taking a wait-and-see approach to the new powerplant. All models remain available with the carbureted version of the 912s in 80 or 100 horsepower. (See this earlier article about the newest Rotax and this one with a video.) Market leader Flight Design has iLSA arriving in all corners of the country under the slightly changed name of CTLSi. Flight Design USA president Tom Peghiny recently assembled a couple of these airplanes and logged several flights on them. He offered a series of comments on how his newest LSA is an improvement in last year's model. Most often reported is reduced fuel use. Tom wrote, "CTLSi has improved fuel economy, reduced carbon emissions, and does not require leaded fuel. The Rotax 912 iS engine operates with standard auto fuel up to 10% Ethanol." He added that the powerplant is an attractive modern engine installation that allows for simpler operation and lower maintenance; mechanics will no longer need to sync two carburetors. Though the 912 engine has changed considerably, it retains the 2,000-hour overhaul time and Flight Design boosted their warranty on both airframe and engine. In the nose-on photo, you can see two small "strakes" that give the cowling a gutsy appearance. According to Flight Design's John Doman, "The 'eyebrows' on the cowling provide clearance for the fuel injection rails." Those nose cowl alterations and a little "i" on the tail behind "CTLS" are all you see from the outside. Under the cowling, more changes await close inspection. Tom Peghiny continued, "Extra alternator output supports increased electrical systems on our new CTLSi and works in conjunction with a lithium-ion main battery." He noted, "The upgraded model has a new header tank with an additional 1.7 gallons of fuel, a low fuel warning light, and even moreso than before, CTLSi offers super long range flights." Besides simpler operation, Tom said, "CTLSi has a highly redundant installation with a Rotax-supplied fuel pump system that works very well with Dynon's Engine Monitoring System and special EMS modules." A new fuel selector now provides a graphic indicator on SkyView multi-function display. Yet the CTLSi changes are not all engine and fuel system related. A new electric trim control features a graphic indicator on the SkyView MFD; Dynon's SkyView sythetic vision now offers an ADS-B option for 2013. Whelen lights were added for 2013; audio alarms are increased on SkyView in a "pleasant voice," Tom said. He went on, "Three GPS systems are on board including three synthetic vision systems; a redundant air data, attitude, and heading reference system (shorthand: 'ADAHRS') with battery backup." The last reference means CTLSi can lose all electrical generation and still fly with battery back up. The Garmin 796 can be used as touchscreen navigation device complimented by XM weather and music with info about TFRs and other flight impediments. The whole system offers seamless integration with the Dynon autopilot for navigation, greatly relieving pilot workload. Finally CTLSi offers 100% LED lighting including landing light and a 12-volt plug for an iPad or other mobile devices. Apple fans even have an input for their iPod. In short, Tom finishes, "This is not your father's LSA!"

The first iLSA are flying in the USA. Springboarding from Apple’s famous iDevices, why not iLSA? This stands for “i” Light-Sport Aircraft, meaning they’re fuel injected, which today suggests Rotax’s new 912 iS engine. Tecnam has announced P2008s with the new powerplant. Pipistrel has iS models, too. Others will follow, although Remos indicated they are taking a wait-and-see approach to the new powerplant. All models remain available with the carbureted version of the 912s in 80 or 100 horsepower. (See this earlier article about the newest Rotax and this one with a video.) Market leader Flight Design has iLSA arriving in all corners of the country under the slightly changed name of CTLSi. Flight Design USA president Tom Peghiny recently assembled a couple of these airplanes and logged several flights on them. He offered a series of comments on how his newest LSA is an improvement in last year’s model.

Air Creation Skypper Wins SLSA #130

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Air Creation's newest... Skyyper, SLSA #130.

Skypper retains Air Creations rakish nose fairing.

Looking closely at the carriage, you can see it is constructed of welded components.

Skypper is simpler and that means lower cost. How does $50,000 for a ready-to-fly Light-Sport sound?

Congratulations to Air Creation USA for winning Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval for their newest weight-shift control aircraft called the Skypper. That's a worthwhile achievement for any new LSA, but before I tell you how this model is different, let me do another explanation. In summer of 2012, FAA issued an internal order — meaning it was intended for their field offices and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) and others. This order with a name only a government agency could love — 8130.2G CHG1 — changed some of the rules about how aircraft gain their SLSA Airworthiness Certificates. One company that got trapped by the learning curve that followed was Air Creation USA, these days operated by Neil Bungard. Neil was relatively new to the ASTM standards process and any misunderstanding he may have had of CHG1 was matched by FAA officials and non-FAA DARs. Everybody had to read and decipher FAA marching orders as described in the lengthy document. Few fully understood it when Neil first tried to get his new model approved and since one of the things CHG1 specifically called out was a "new model," this started a series of hoop-jumping exercises that consumed Neil's time for many weeks. To his credit, he sorted it all out and therefore was awarded a new certificate for Skypper. Therefore, let me repeat my congratulations! Some years ago Air Creation gained SLSA approval for the Tanarg 912 and the GTE 912. Skypper has similarities to each but is not identical, therefore despite the earlier approvals, Skypper represented a "new model" and thereby Neil got tripped up by CHG1. Confused? Well, now you know how Neil felt. However, all's well that ends well and the end was full approval for a new model. Whew! As the importer Neil wrote, "Some of the things that I like about the Skypper include: • lower center of gravity; • wider wheel base; • truss-built frame; • adjustable differential braking (front and back wheels); • easy bolt-on fairing option, and • Rotax 582, 912-80 hp, and 912-100 hp engine options." He added that Skypper flies well with Air Creation's legacy wings (Fun 450, iXess, Kiss) plus their new variable-geometry wings (Bionix 15 and 13, and Nuvix). Neil also said, "Skypper's price is coming in at about $50,000 for the 100-hp version given the current exchange rate between dollars and euros. rate. Compared to most choices, $50,000 is a great value for a new SLSA with the same powerplant most SLSA presently use. This engine alone accounts for nearly $20,000 of the full price. Note that by a "truss-built frame" Neil refers to a welded steel carriage versus aluminum tubes gusseted together with bolts. Air Creations first debuted welded carriage frames on the Tanarg (pilot report) but has now obviously refined the effort (nearby photos). Variable geometry wings mean that the spread of the wings can be changed at any time. This can have a significant effect on speed or handling and is a development the hang gliding world refined some years back. FAA noted recently that they will begin specifying which wing can be used with which SLSA trikes. Wings can make quite a bit of difference in how the aircraft performs and for this reason trikes have unusual flexibility mostly unmatched in fixed LSA (with one noteworthy exception being the Phoenix LSA motorglider that can change wing tips to achieve different flight characteristics).

Congratulations to Air Creation USA for winning Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval for their newest weight-shift control aircraft called the Skypper. That’s a worthwhile achievement for any new LSA, but before I tell you how this model is different, let me do another explanation. In summer of 2012, FAA issued an internal order — meaning it was intended for their field offices and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) and others. This order with a name only a government agency could love — 8130.2G CHG1 — changed some of the rules about how aircraft gain their SLSA Airworthiness Certificates. One company that got trapped by the learning curve that followed was Air Creation USA, these days operated by Neil Bungard. Neil was relatively new to the ASTM standards process and any misunderstanding he may have had of CHG1 was matched by FAA officials and non-FAA DARs. Everybody had to read and decipher FAA marching orders as described in the lengthy document.

He Did It! Flying at 100 in His LSA

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Guy Reynolds sits in the cockpit of his Evektor SportStar light sport aircraft Friday [November 30, 2012] before taking the controls for a flight around the Eastern Regional Airport to celebrate his 100th birthday. He is the oldest known licensed pilot in [West Virginia]. photo of Guy Reynolds by John McVey of the Martinsburg, West Virginia Journal newspaper

What will you do on your 100th birthday? Guy went for a flight.

Guy signs a prop that will be on display in the airport terminal. Bart Rogers who sent this photo wrote, "I've promised all other aviators they can sign it when they turn 100."

Dramatic SportStar sunset shot by James Lawrence

This article follows up on an earlier one about Guy Reynolds. Yesterday, on his 100th birthday, Guy took the skies as he has so regularly, flying his Evektor SportStar with a fellow pilot along for safety. Rather than interpret, I present local journalist John McVey's entire piece below. John also gives you a perspective on Guy, a fellow aviator we can all admire. The following was written by John McVey and published by the Martinsburg, West Virginia Journal newspaper. Bold accents are added. —DJ MARTINSBURG — Thomas Guy Reynolds Jr. eased back on the stick of his Evektor SportStar light sport aircraft and it lifted effortlessly off the runway at the Eastern Regional Airport. He circled the field three times, making a couple of low passes over the runway for pictures, and softly set his plane down. That would not be extraordinary, but Reynolds flew Friday on his 100th birthday. He is the oldest known licensed pilot in West Virginia and definitely the senior pilot in this region. "The flight was fine," Reynolds said afterward. "The air was nice and smooth." He takes a co-pilot with him in his two-seater plane, usually Bart Rogers, but flying on his birthday has become a tradition as well as celebrating the day with fellow pilots at the airport, who fly in to enjoy lunch, cake and stories. "I hope to fly on my 101st birthday," he said. Rogers was grateful for the weather Friday, which was perfect for flying — little wind and clear skies. "It is a thrill to fly with someone who's 100 years old," Rogers said. "He's as sharp as a tack." And Rogers does not touch the controls. Reynolds is the pilot. Needless to say, Reynolds' centennial birthday was very special, drawing a quite a crowd of family, friends and admirers. "I am in awe of him, totally in awe," said Ann Reynolds Carden, who traveled from New York to see her father fly. "He doesn't have any fear, so I'm not afraid when he flies, but I don't like to fly." Understandably, she is extremely proud of her father. "He is a wonderful father; he's a good man; he's an amazing, incredible human being," Carden said. Reynolds was born in Martinsburg November 30, 1912, the son of the late Thomas Guy Reynolds Sr. and Lora Lenora Stotler Reynolds. He graduated from Shepherd College in 1933 with a degree in education. Reynolds taught school in Berkeley County for 18 years; ran his own television and radio repair business; served as an electro-mechanical designer for Thieblot Aircraft Co., which was located at the airport; and worked as an engineer at Corning Glass Works in Berkeley County, where he was appointed to the position of senior associate. He was the first person at the local plant to receive that honor. Reynolds took his first flight from Shepherd Field, now the Eastern Regional Airport, in 1929 in a Ford Trimotor airplane. In 1943, he organized the Martinsburg Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, serving as its first commander. The unit's insignia bears his initials. After World War II, Reynolds served as chairman of the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission for two terms. He was recognized in 2004 as the Berkeley County Citizen of the Year for his lifetime of volunteer service to the community. In 2006, Reynolds was named an Outstanding Alumni of Shepherd University. He was inducted into the West Virginia Voter Hall of Fame in 2008 for having voted in every general election since at least 1942, when records were first kept. And on his 93rd birthday, he made a parachute jump — a lifelong ambition — with the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Parachute Club. He was, and as far he knows, remains the oldest person to parachute in Pennsylvania. "I'm just blessed, that's all I can say," Reynolds said about his aptitude for flying during media interviews. "I'm lucky I can fly. I feel comfortable in the air, relaxed and I enjoy it." Asked for his advice to young people, he said, "If you want to do something, do it. You don't know when you might not be able to do it."

This article follows up on an earlier one about Guy Reynolds. Yesterday, on his 100th birthday, Guy took the skies as he has so regularly, flying his Evektor SportStar with a fellow pilot along for safety. Rather than interpret, I present local journalist John McVey’s entire piece below. John also gives you a perspective on Guy, a fellow aviator we can all admire. The following was written by John McVey and published by the Martinsburg, West Virginia Journal newspaper. Bold accents are added. —DJ MARTINSBURG — Thomas Guy Reynolds Jr. eased back on the stick of his Evektor SportStar light sport aircraft and it lifted effortlessly off the runway at the Eastern Regional Airport. He circled the field three times, making a couple of low passes over the runway for pictures, and softly set his plane down. That would not be extraordinary, but Reynolds flew Friday on his 100th birthday.

Cubs at the Creek Plus a Peek into the Future

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Ron Bishop of Ventus LLC poses with his AmphibCub.

An immaculately restored 1955 Piper Pacer seen at the Spruce Creek event.

Piper's original Pacer and Tri-Pacer sold well in the 1950s.

On a lovely day recently at my home airflield — Spruce Creek Fly-in — local Cub afficianado Ron Bishop assembled quite a few of American Legend's handsome yellow Cub lookalikes. The affair, complete with the requisite hot dog lunch attracted about 200 visitors said Ron. They saw more than Cubs as a SeaRey, a CTsw and a Jabiru also joined the party. All were available for a closer look. Ron Bishop is representing the American Legend Cub line and displayed an example of almost every one, from the Super Legend out front (more on that in a minute), several Cubs on wheels, and the one Ron has been flying regularly around Spruce Creek, the AmphibCub. The outing was an occasion for potential buyers to select a Cub of their choice and Ron reported two did just that. They'll be smiling and so was Ron. Calling his new LSA company Ventus LLC (Greek for "wind"), Bishop will quarter his enterprise with longtime Spruce Creek FBO Yelvington Jet Aviation. Ron reported that the Super Legend is now about to enter production and should be available as the new year arrives. Super Legend is powered by the potent Lycoming O-233 engine (video) and that should make it a lively performer, especially when fitted with floats. The O-233 has 115 horsepower on the standard LSA version, features electronic ignition, and is a multi-fuel engine meaning it can use mogas (even with 10% ethanol), avgas, or a mixture... much like the Rotax is able to do. All this means when you float up to the marina, you can likely fuel up and not have to seek out an airport. The O-233 is now only a few pounds heavier than the more commonly used Continental O-200, which is why American Legend has been able to adapt the American-made powerplant. To assure Super Legend stays within the LSA weight parameters, carbon fiber has been used in many areas of the airplane. Get more details on our video. All that effort to accommodate Lycoming and to lighten the airplane will come into good use when American Legend sets out on a new project that Ron Bishop revealed at his event. The fresh news I uncovered is a plan to make a replica edition of Piper Aircraft's popular Pacer. The Florida company made their four-place PA-20 Pacer and PA-22 Tri-Pacer models in the post-World War II period. After the nose dragger model came out it outsold the taildragging Pacer six to one; more than 8,000 Tri-Pacers were produced between 1953 and 1960. Ron indicated that Legend boss Darin Hart is already at work on the Pacer variation, albeit with only two seats to qualify as a Light-Sport. That change and the addition of carbon fiber cowling and wheel pants plus other weight savings should help the Texas producer keep their version of the Pacer lean and lively. They plan to use the 115-horsepower, 2,400-hour TBO Lycoming O-233 just as on the Super Legend. Ron said he hoped they could complete the project by end of summer 2013.

On a lovely day recently at my home airflield — Spruce Creek Fly-in — local Cub afficianado Ron Bishop assembled quite a few of American Legend’s handsome yellow Cub lookalikes. The affair, complete with the requisite hot dog lunch attracted about 200 visitors said Ron. They saw more than Cubs as a SeaRey, a CTsw and a Jabiru also joined the party. All were available for a closer look. Ron Bishop is representing the American Legend Cub line and displayed an example of almost every one, from the Super Legend out front (more on that in a minute), several Cubs on wheels, and the one Ron has been flying regularly around Spruce Creek, the AmphibCub. The outing was an occasion for potential buyers to select a Cub of their choice and Ron reported two did just that. They’ll be smiling and so was Ron. Calling his new LSA company Ventus LLC (Greek for “wind”), Bishop will quarter his enterprise with longtime Spruce Creek FBO Yelvington Jet Aviation.

Centenarian Enjoys Flying His Evektor LSA

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photo courtesy Jim Lawrence... companies seeking professional work should contact James Lawrence Photography

Guy Reynolds in beloved Evektor Sportstar. photo provided by Bart Rogers. Also read Jim's Lawrence's article on Guy's 99th birthday flight.

Reynolds and his aviation support group. photo provided by John McVey of the Martinsburg, West Virginia Journal newspaper.

Some see a centenarian in Guy Reynolds; others see a fellow pilot. photo provided by John McVey

This intricate model of air traffic patterns was built by Guy Reynolds while he worked for Thieblot Aircraft. It was featured in NBAA's Skyways magazine in August of 1959. Thanks to aviation historian Bart Rogers for providing this and other information about Guy's background.

On November 30th, Guy Reynolds will celebrate his 100th birthday by taking a flight in Light-Sport Aircraft. Putting a finer point on it, he'll take this flight in his LSA. Are you surprised that a centenarian has an LSA? Admit it... I was. However, Guy is no ordinary guy. He bought his Evektor Sportstar back at the beginning of LSA and he's been flying it about 100 hours every year. That's probably more than you fly your LSA. Impressive even for a young 50-year old pilot, this fact is, well... astounding for a 90-something pilot. Before you question the wisdom of this flight, let me assure you Guy is a pretty together fellow. We spoke on the phone and other than being a bit hard of hearing, he sounded great. I accept that he's 99+ because he said so but he sounds like a younger person. He was savvy enough to voluntarily give up flying with anyone other than another pilot at age 95 because, "I might have a stroke or something and don't want to endanger anyone." So, quit your worrying. Guy is simply a fellow pilot who loves flying and doesn't want to stop. Though he's now given up his medical, he's healthy enough to have gotten one when he was 93 years old. Facilitating Guy's continuing interest in flying his Sportstar, he is supported by a group of fellow local pilots. Inspired when he witnessed the Navy's USS Shenandoah airship in 1923 followed by a first flight in a Ford Tri-Motor in 1928, Guy started flying in the early '40s, got his license in 1945, and logged time on a dozen aircraft models. He stopped in 1952 due to other responsibilities and did not return to the aviation family until 2005 with the advent of Light-Sport. He likes low-wing airplanes, researched articles, and selected the Sportstar. "It's nice to fly, comfortable, has plenty of leg room and is low in cost," observed Guy. Like many who switch from heavier general aviation aircraft he finds it a bit sensitive and would prefer wing tanks for ease of filling. (Newer Evektor models answered this request.) His aviation buddies provide a stool to make getting up on the low wing easier and they carry it along on short cross country flights. This news came to me through longtime Evektor dealer, Jeff Conrad. "Guy was our very first Sportstar customer," reported Jeff. "He purchased Evektor Sportstar, N322PG. This aircraft was licensed the same day as N400EV, April 8, 2005. So it shares the distinction of being [among the first] SLSA in the world." For those that may have forgotten Sportstar enjoys the distinction of being SLSA No. 1 accepted by FAA. "I've never regretted the purchase," said Guy. "I delivered Mr. Reynold's aircraft during Sun 'n Fun 2005. Best I can remember it was April 13-14th. The Bill of Sale was dated March 29th with registration March 31st." Given these dates, Guy's Sportstar may have been the first end-user delivery of an SLSA, Jeff speculated. For T. Guy Reynolds. Jr., LSA was a dream fulfilled and he wasted no time. "When Guy bought his Sportstar he was 93 years old," noted Jeff. "Since then he has accumulated 800 hours as he approaches his 100th birthday. He is surely the oldest living Sport Pilot and still flying!" In his century of living, Guy has done many interesting things. "He's an engineer and an inventor," said Jeff. On our teleconference Guy's friend and local aviation historian, Bart Rogers, spoke of Guy's work in devising early traffic patterns. "I worked with the three main New York airports plus Chicago and Atlanta," recalled Guy. Bart told us about an intricate "sculpture" Guy created to illustrate possible approach entry patterns for the New York airports. The flight paths were represented with thin string. "It was quite a work of art," added Bart (photo). This was all back in the age of the DC-3. He also worked on a then-CAA experiment to put swiveling gear on a DC-3 "so it could land catywampus" in cross-wind conditions as Guy described the effort. So, you may go have a flight on November 30th and I hope it will be pleasurable and enjoyable for you. Yet until you repeat such a flight on your 100th birthday — should you be so fortunate — you'll have nothing over Guy Reynolds. I hope for great weather on that momentous day plus spectators who can appreciate how one pilot celebrates 100 years of living by going aloft in his Light-Sport Aircraft. Hearty congratulations to a fellow aviator! Jeff Conrad was the importer for Evektor in the first few years of Light-Sport Aircraft and remains a dealer today. He joins companies like AB Flight and Dreams Come True, the latter run by Steve Minnich in Dayton, Ohio.

On November 30th, Guy Reynolds will celebrate his 100th birthday by taking a flight in Light-Sport Aircraft. Putting a finer point on it, he’ll take this flight in his LSA. Are you surprised that a centenarian has an LSA? Admit it… I was. However, Guy is no ordinary guy. He bought his Evektor Sportstar back at the beginning of LSA and he’s been flying it about 100 hours every year. That’s probably more than you fly your LSA. Impressive even for a young 50-year old pilot, this fact is, well… astounding for a 90-something pilot. Before you question the wisdom of this flight, let me assure you Guy is a pretty together fellow. We spoke on the phone and other than being a bit hard of hearing, he sounded great. I accept that he’s 99+ because he said so but he sounds like a younger person. He was savvy enough to voluntarily give up flying with anyone other than another pilot at age 95 because, “I might have a stroke or something and don’t want to endanger anyone.” So, quit your worrying.

Mid-November 2012 LSA News Wrap

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Michael Coates receives EAA's August Raspet award for the Pipistrel design team.

Good to Go in China Things are happening in China. "So, what's new," you say? "We've been hearing about China for months." Things may move slowly in China but this week, Airshow China is happening in the southern city of Zhuhai and my colleague, Jan Fridrich is present. He reports that some LSA are displayed including Triton's Mermaid and SC3D (based on the SportCruiser), Flight Design's CTSW, Colyaer's Freedom, and some other aircraft he is working to identify. Watch for a followup article. Triton is the new China-based factory run by Chip Erwin. ••• LSA leader CubCrafters gained Type Certificate approval in China for their Part 23-certified Top Cub. General Manager Randy Lervold said they have taken no steps with the LSA models but that they expect to pursue that in the future. Meanwhile, though the company announced the sale of two Carbon Cubs in Europe, they are taking a similarly measured approach using Permit to Fly privileges for now. "We're feeling our way along," said Randy about both China and Europe. However, he mentioned a commonly-expressed feeling among American producers that the USA opened its doors to European LSA but that restrictive regulations in other countries is less welcoming. Yes, you might bring an LSA to Europe but costly government approvals are offputting, perhaps explaining Cessna's choice of using Primary Aircraft rather than pursue EASA's particular form of LSA. Read more about private aviation in China. Jubilee Jubilation LSA market leader Flight Design is beginning to celebrate 25 years in business. To commemorate the occasion, the German company will build a special Jubilee edition of several models in a very limited series of 25 airplanes adding a personal touch, a unique equipment list, a special two-tone leather interior, including leather instrument panel treatment, and a handsome 25th Anniversary theme exterior paint design (photo) along with purchase incentives. "Each 25th Anniversary Jubilee airplane will have an upper management 'Godfather' assigned to personally monitor its build process to ensure our extraordinary level of quality is attained throughout every step and detail of manufacturing," said Flight Design CEO Matthias Betsch. America-bound models will come with the new fuel-injected Rotax 912iS engine and Dynon SkyView avionics featuring dual 10-inch displays and more. Contact the company for the complete equipment list. Happy Birthday, Flight Design! Hitting 100 and 25 Speaking of success stories... consider Pipistrel. "This really important news kind of snuck up on me as a surprise," observed U.S. representative, Michael Coates, "but I have just noticed that our multi-year cooperation with Pipistrel has resulted in selling our 100th aircraft recently!" According to Pipistrel boss Ivo Boscarol, "Michael is not just a great distributor and salesman, but also a true partner to Pipistrel through the last 15 years." He added, "We owe a large part of Pipistrel's success to Michael Coates and his entire team of local and international dealers from Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America." Michael reported selling 20 aircraft in the USA at Oshkosh 2012 and in the two months afterward, a performance any LSA producer would love to claim. As a side note, given the announcement from Flight Design, Pipistrel was organized in 1987 thus completing its 25th year in 2012. Congratulations! Troubles at the Top Even aircraft giants can have problems. Cessna issued work orders for more than 200 Skycatchers in an effort that has to cost the big Wichita company well over $300,000*. Can you imagine how that would affect a smaller company without the ability to write a six-figure check? Size has benefits, as those couple hundred customers will be professionally handled. Cessna issued a Mandatory Service Bulletin to repair problems with the wing structure of the first 228 Skycatchers delivered. Mechanics must add a rib and other reinforcement at the wing/fuselage junction where Cessna found some cracking on its factory evaluation aircraft. The action does not ground the airplanes; indeed, the work only has to be done at the next 100-hour or annual inspection. However, this is a big modification. Skin on the Skycatchers' leading edge must be removed and replaced and new parts must be installed in the wing structure. Cessna says it will take about 32 hours to make the upgrade and the company will pay for the work. Skycatcher serial numbers 002 to 229 are affected. * Roughly $300K is calculated at 32 hours each at a minimum of $40 per mechanic hour for $1,280 each times 228 Skycatchers. Ouch! YouTube LSA Sensation Thanks to some new measuring tools from Google, the owner of YouTube, video channel Ultralight News reported some big numbers: 5,000,000+ and 13,777,529. The first is views of the channel's videos on YouTube, on which I am honored to collaborate (and you can see those on our LSA Videos page). The bigger number is minutes watched! Making this all the more amazing is that the minutes count only started on September 1st, just nine weeks ago. No matter how you tally it up it, that's nearly 230,000 hours of watching light aircraft fly on the world's number three website in barely more than two months! That sums to more than 3,000 hours per day... representing a lot of attention to recreational aircraft. Go, Ultralight News channel! You can support this work of video outreach by subscribing at The Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer. Worthy Video In closing and speaking of video, I watched an encouraging interview of new EAA Chairman and CEO Jack Pelton done by Jim Campbell of Aero-News.net at the recently concluded NBAA convention. In his usual style, Jim asked a few tough questions and got solid responses from a clearly relaxed and ready man who once ran Cessna. As everyone in aviation knows by now, the Oshkosh member organization has seen major turmoil with the abrupt departures of longtime president Tom Poberezny and short time president Rod Hightower. Many hope Pelton can bring some calm and this video appears to show he's up to the task. Take a watch for yourself.

Good to Go in China Things are happening in China. “So, what’s new,” you say? “We’ve been hearing about China for months.” Things may move slowly in China but this week, Airshow China is happening in the southern city of Zhuhai and my colleague, Jan Fridrich is present. He reports that some LSA are displayed including Triton’s Mermaid and SC3D (based on the SportCruiser), Flight Design’s CTSW, Colyaer’s Freedom, and some other aircraft he is working to identify. Watch for a followup article. Triton is the new China-based factory run by Chip Erwin. ••• LSA leader CubCrafters gained Type Certificate approval in China for their Part 23-certified Top Cub. General Manager Randy Lervold said they have taken no steps with the LSA models but that they expect to pursue that in the future. Meanwhile, though the company announced the sale of two Carbon Cubs in Europe, they are taking a similarly measured approach using Permit to Fly privileges for now.

SeaRey Passes FAA Audit, Becomes SLSA #129

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Adam Yang receives an airworthiness certificate from Orlando MIDO's Al Kimble.

Progressive Aerodyne's certification team celebrates winning SLSA certificate #129. Designer Kerry Ritcher stands to the left and company owner Adam Yang to the right of the SeaRey. General Manager Joe Friend is to the left of Kerry and Consultant Abid Farooqui is in the green shirt. (Also see update)

Many thick three-ring binders holding hundreds of documents are reviewed with FAA audit personnel.

CEO Adam Yang (dark glasses) and President Kerry Ricther take 982 Sierra Romeo for its maiden SLSA flight.

Consider this an entry to the "They-said-it-couldn't-be-done" department. As regular readers know, FAA has been conducting audits with LSA producers... tough, top-to-bottom reviews of every detail in the voluminous ASTM standard set. Last April another company had no less than six FAA personnel in their building for three full days, each armed with a laptop and literally hundreds of questions. Passing one of these grueling tests is a fairly major accomplishment. Then consider FAA amped up the task by saying any new model or first LSA from a new company would probably get one of these thorough inspections before they could enter the market. Progressive Aerodyne hosted such an FAA team to examine their first SLSA candidate and — surprise! — they came out with a certificate. No followup is needed. So the heartiest of congratulations go to Progressive Aerodyne and their SeaRey. Yesterday they were issued their airworthiness certificate after a visit from five FAA personnel from both Washington, DC and the local Orlando, Florida MIDO (Manufacturing Inspection District Office). After working with another consulting company for more than a year, Progressive Aerodyne CEO Adam Yang switched gears and hired Abid Farooqui of SilverLight Aviation. In four and a half months SilverLight's staff worked with the Progressive Aerodyne certification team (see update) to complete the job on what was by any measure a very demanding schedule. The independent engineering company coordinated closely with Progressive Aerodyne's staff lead by SeaRey designer, company president, and co-founder, Kerry Richter. "[We] will start production of the compliant airplane immediately to meet the long expected market desire," said Yang. [After] selling the same model kit of the two-place amphibian airplane for the past twenty years [our team] has been working diligently for a few years to meet relevant ASTM standards and FAA regulations." He added that the internal group and its consultant strictly followed the ASTM standards and FAA regulations in achieving this "first-article" certificate with only minor findings that were corrected quickly resulting in the MIDO office issuing the coveted pink card. With the arrival of SLSA #129, Progressive Aerodyne has proven that even with intensely watchful oversight from FAA officials, it remains possible for the Light-Sport Aircraft industry to maintain the blistering pace of new model development. The Tavares, Florida company headquartered appropriately on a lake will now make the transition from building the side-by-side seaplane kit to adding fully manufactured aircraft. This is no small task as the business model for kit assembly and builder support is radically different from constructing ready-to-fly airplanes to a series of internationally-recognized standards. SeaRey is a popular seaplane with 600 kits sold and more than 500 flying. Owners make a loyal and tight group dedicated to their flying machines. The aircraft features a roomy cockpit with sliding canopy and full dual controls. It is powered by the Rotax 912 ULS and offers retractable gear in keeping with Light-Sport Aircraft rules for amphibians. You can read our full-length pilot report on the kit version. Update 11/9/12 — Given their accomplishment, it's worthy to list additional members of the Progressive Aerodyne certification team: Alan Chandler (prototype builder and assembly manual author); Stan Proctor (quality assurance); John Bernard (electrical systems); Bryce Richter (machinist); Dan Saunders (SilverLight engineer); Stacey Farooqui (SilverLight documentation manager)

Consider this an entry to the “They-said-it-couldn’t-be-done” department. As regular readers know, FAA has been conducting audits with LSA producers… tough, top-to-bottom reviews of every detail in the voluminous ASTM standard set. Last April another company had no less than six FAA personnel in their building for three full days, each armed with a laptop and literally hundreds of questions. Passing one of these grueling tests is a fairly major accomplishment. Then consider FAA amped up the task by saying any new model or first LSA from a new company would probably get one of these thorough inspections before they could enter the market. Progressive Aerodyne hosted such an FAA team to examine their first SLSA candidate and — surprise! — they came out with a certificate. No followup is needed. So the heartiest of congratulations go to Progressive Aerodyne and their SeaRey. Yesterday they were issued their airworthiness certificate after a visit from five FAA personnel from both Washington, DC and the local Orlando, Florida MIDO (Manufacturing Inspection District Office).

Grand LSA News Wrap-Up… Pre-Oshkosh

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Cessna's Discover Flying team and their numbered Skycatchers: From left... Ed Honey (dispatcher); Conor Dancy; Luis Acosta; Jen Scanlan; Ben Alimena; Zoe Cunningham; Chris Rogers; Luke Patterson; and Taylor Breum.

Breezer Aircraft USA moves to the Sun 'n Fun campus.

One of each: the new Rotax 912 iS is installed on one side while the familiar 912 ULS remains on the left of Lockwood's AirCam.

Yowie! This airplane can almost jump off the ground. See it at Oshkosh. photo by Randee Laskewitz

The popular and versatile Lotus Floats have a new home and improved service.

Allegro gains support of more leaders in North Carolina.

CESSNA'S DISCOVER FLYING I met new business leader for the Skycatcher LSA, Tracy Leopold, at Sun 'n Fun 2012 where she confirmed the Wichita giant's support for their lightest aircraft, now being assembled in Independence alongside other Cessna models. As summer began, Tracy's Skycatcher group amped up their game with a program called Discover Flying Challenge. *** After hiring eight university graduate flight instructors — plus a ninth to act as dispatcher — the team took off in all directions and will reunite again at AirVenture 2012. Meanwhile, the youthful team is visiting Cessna Pilot Centers and non-CPC FBOs plus fly-ins and air shows all the while doing what college grads do these days: updating Facebook and Twitter feeds and blogging about their activities. *** "We wanted to do something different, something that would get the attention of the next generation of pilots while at the same time getting the Skycatcher in front of the public," explained Tracy. Keep up with the 8+1 at Big C's Facebook page. It's great to see Cessna's dedication to their littlest airplane and we wish them huge success at finding more, younger pilots. |||| BREEZER AT LAKELAND In early July, Breezer Aircraft USA, announced they entered into a five-year lease with Sun 'n Fun to move their flight training and related aviation services to the SnF campus at the Lakeland, Florida airport. Breezerites will headquarter in Hangar B, familiar to airshow attendees as part of the indoor displays. *** This is part of the vision that airshow boss John "Lites" Leenhouts has for making SnF into a seven-day-a-week, year-round destination, instead of just a once-a-year event. *** Along with their flight training ops, Breezer USA plans to offer builder's assistance for their Breezer II kits and will offer Rotax maintenance. They'll be joining Pilot Mall and the Seaplane Pilots Association on the SnF campus. Breezer USA chief Mike Zidziunas — pronounced by most folks as "Mike Z" — said, "We've been working on this plan for many months." At a "Fire Hub" event in late June, he was pleased to forecast the arrangement "...any day now." *** Mike Z also plans to work with students of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy at Sun 'n Fun, to have a hands-on program allowing students to obtain their A&P Certificate by the time they graduate from high school. Mike Z is an A&P with a Light Sport Repairman Rating, a certified Rotax Mechanic and importer of the Breezer II Light-Sport Aircraft.  Contact Mike at 941-915-8883 or send him an email |||| FIRST U.S. ROTAX 912 iS INSTALLATION? So far as I know the very first Rotax 912 iS got installed and it will work side-by-side with its older brother, the ubiquitous 912 ULS. How's that? They are both installed on an AirCam (one of my favorite flying machines and the aircraft I used to obtain my multiengine rating). Proprietor Phil Lockwood and his Lockwood Aircraft team are completing the new installation, which other manufacturers have observed is a significant project. This should provide a superb test bed as AirCam can operate exceedingly well with either engine. *** One of Phil's top lieutenants is John Hurst, an electronics guru who has been hard at it for a year to totally redesign the Lockwood website. On my recent visit to Sebring to plan for the 2013 Expo, he gave me a brief review on my iPad (it works best in landscape mode). The navigation is vastly improved but of great interest to many mechanics or homebuilders are exploded-part drawings that themselves explode into detail views. You can zoom in so far that every nut and bolt seem to jump off the screen. The Lockwood bunch are like the Energizer Bunny, always moving and improving. I don't know how you do it, guys and gals, but keep on flyin'. |||| JUST AIRCRAFT'S EXTREME(ly) COOL AIRPLANE Speaking of flying, you never know what Troy Woodland might be cooking up at Just Aircraft. How about something, umm... genuinely extreme? Come to think of it, they haven't settled on a name for their new aircraft and Extreme rather fits the bill (even if it has become a bit overused). *** Their newest creation, which we just saw at Just in prototype form, is looking good and standing tall... quite literally on its huge tires and what seemed to be mile-long gear legs. Troy's business partner Gary Schmitt showed me a video of them drop testing the Extreme (or whatever it may be called) four-plus feet without any obvious damage or deformation. To those that have no experience with such tests that may not sound too high, but I've observed such tests in my days with BRS parachutes and I'm here to tell you that is huge! Commonly such test are done at two or even one foot. *** The giant tires and gear combine with automatic leading edge slats. Not fixed slots, these slats hinge sideways in two sections — inner and outer wing elements — to allow the bird to take off in something like two fuselage lengths. To assist, the flaps are elephant-ear sized, dropping to 40 degrees, which means the tail feathers also had to be enlarged. All this is a work in process and I'm spilling the beans a bit so don't hold me or Just Aircraft accountable, but what a so-cool project! *** The two section slats allow the inner section to slap closed before the outer, which means control stays effective even at ridiculously slow speeds. All this is great for the shortest imaginable takeoffs and landings and that's a good thing given Just's truly extreme factory runway. Right outside the factory is a parking lot leading to a 400-foot grass runway on a slope inclined enough that you could nearly foot launch a hang glider. Crazy? Not at all, as I witnessed young pilot John von Kaenel take off and return like it was any runway (well, assuming good preparation and technique). Hopefully attendees can watch demonstration flights of the extreme new Just at AirVenture 2012. |||| LOTUS FLOATS FINDS NEW HOME   After years in the aircraft float business, the developer of inflatable Full-Lotus floats decided to focus on non-aviation products. Design rights, inventory and production tooling were sold to Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc. (AFM), The Canadian company will continue producing the standard line of Full-Lotus floats and has started deliveries of floats as well as replacement parts for maintenance and repairs to existing owners. The company will soon start introducing type-specific rigging instructions for a variety of popular aircraft designs, something not previously offered by Full-Lotus. *** The one-of-their kind Full-Lotus floats are a lightweight, robust, air-inflated system introduced in 1985 for ultralight aircraft and since adapted for general aviation use. The design uses multiple bladders inside a tough vinyl casing with polycarbonate protective shell. "The result is a float system that can be beached on rocky shores without worry and that can bump most submerged objects at taxiing speed without damage," reported AFM. Inflation provides a shock-absorbing capability unique to aviation floats. *** AFM's new production facilities are located on the Huronia Airport (CYEE) in Midland, Ontario, next to Zenair Limited, the well-known kit aircraft manufacturer. Visit AFM's website, call 705-526-4537, or send email. |||| LSA AMERICA / ALLEGRO MOVES Wrapping our tour of LSA news, we look at another move for the U.S-based producer of the Allegro Light-Sport Aircraft. LSA America, which has already made one landing in Halifax County, North Carolina, "prepared for another flight today that will bring the company to the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport," reported owners Doug and Betty Hempstead. The company will move from its current location in Littleton officials said at a recent groundbreaking ceremony at the new location. *** Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Pierce told the audience the company plans to build a 16,000-square foot manufacturing facility at the airport. "While the Littleton site works well, the airport needed to promote the business side. The [new] location is a great business opportunity." Pierce noted that LSA America's move is important to the community because it will create 34 jobs within two years. "We're excited about the opportunity to partner with LSA." You gotta love when politicians boost aviation so congratulations to Doug and Betty... and that's our news for now. We're traveling to Oshkosh for much, much more, so stay tuned to ByDanJohnson.com!

CESSNA’S DISCOVER FLYING I met new business leader for the Skycatcher LSA, Tracy Leopold, at Sun ‘n Fun 2012 where she confirmed the Wichita giant’s support for their lightest aircraft, now being assembled in Independence alongside other Cessna models. As summer began, Tracy’s Skycatcher group amped up their game with a program called Discover Flying Challenge. *** After hiring eight university graduate flight instructors — plus a ninth to act as dispatcher — the team took off in all directions and will reunite again at AirVenture 2012. Meanwhile, the youthful team is visiting Cessna Pilot Centers and non-CPC FBOs plus fly-ins and air shows all the while doing what college grads do these days: updating Facebook and Twitter feeds and blogging about their activities. *** “We wanted to do something different, something that would get the attention of the next generation of pilots while at the same time getting the Skycatcher in front of the public,” explained Tracy.

Tecnam Offers Bargain-Priced Echo Classic Light

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment (Edit)

Tecnam's new Echo Classic Light offers a respected LSA at prices comparable to those expected in 2003 when the SP/LSA rule was introduced.

Major Italian producer Tecnam today announced the launch of the P92 Classic Light microlight. This is the seventh-generation model in Tecnam P92 range of airplanes, which this year celebrated 20 years of production. The company reports that over two decades of service, "P92's worldwide fleet now stands at nearly 2,000 aircraft with 200,000 flown hours. The P92 Classic Light is the 13th variant and follows on from the launch earlier this year of both the P92 Tail Dragger (video) and P92 SeaSky Hydroplane. In concert with the international announcement, Tecnam North America confirmed it will launch the new P92 Echo Classic Light priced at $74,999 through to the end of 2012. For those that recall the original promise — of a fully-built LSA for about $60,000 — this price meets that expectation if you only factor in the time value of money, that is, $60,000 in 2003 (the year before SP/LSA) is $75,459 in 2012 dollars. Tecnam responded to market demand for a no frills, basic, aircraft that will still retain the great flight characteristics for which the brand is known. "The predominantly metal aircraft yields a day VFR aircraft that can legally be flown away from Hanover County Airport, Tecnam North America's home base, at this price with no hidden charges or surprises," stated Phil Solomon, CEO. Basic configuration info: Rotax 912UL 80 horsepower engine, which can use standard grades of automotive fuel; special light weight seats that are fully adjustable in flight; steerable nose gear with center handbrake; single 11.9-gallon fuel tank (a second tank of equal size is optional, totaling 23.8 gallons); all required day VFR instrumentation for flight outside of controlled airspace; gross weight of 1,102 pounds giving a standard useful load of 496 pounds and payload of 424 pounds. Performance specs: max cruise of 103 knots; endurance of 3 hours (with standard single tank); stall is 44 knots, clean; takeoff run is 459 feet and landing is 328 feet; The Echo Classic Light comes with a standard two-year / 200-hour manufacturer's warranty. "A limited number of upgrade packages will be available at competitive prices," Solomon added. By example, buyers could add the TruTrak primary flight display for $1,700; the second tank at $1,400; or navigation and strobe lights for $2,650. "We have built our reputation at Tecnam on producing airplanes that offer outstanding value," said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam's Managing Director. The basic Echo Classic Light package is certainly a worthy airplane from a company renown for excellent flight characteristics and handling. Those who decry the high price of Special LSA need look no further for proof manufacturers like Tecnam heard you and are responding.

Major Italian producer Tecnam today announced the launch of the P92 Classic Light microlight. This is the seventh-generation model in Tecnam P92 range of airplanes, which this year celebrated 20 years of production. The company reports that over two decades of service, “P92’s worldwide fleet now stands at nearly 2,000 aircraft with 200,000 flown hours. The P92 Classic Light is the 13th variant and follows on from the launch earlier this year of both the P92 Tail Dragger (video) and P92 SeaSky Hydroplane. In concert with the international announcement, Tecnam North America confirmed it will launch the new P92 Echo Classic Light priced at $74,999 through to the end of 2012. For those that recall the original promise — of a fully-built LSA for about $60,000 — this price meets that expectation if you only factor in the time value of money, that is, $60,000 in 2003 (the year before SP/LSA) is $75,459 in 2012 dollars.

Election Day (Non-Political) LSA News Wrap

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment (Edit)

Dynon's new D-1 Pocket Panel.

ASTM's LSA committee celebrated 10 years of work.

Sun 'n Fun's Paradise City runway has new improvements and the area will have a new look (red "V" shows the new road route, approximately).

What a Month! October was a busy month starting with the first-year LSA event Heart of America Sport Aviation Classic outside of Kansas City. The next week featured AOPA's Summit in Palm Springs California. After a brief stop in Phoenix for a conference, the ASTM meeting followed in Atlanta, and the month finished with the big NBAA convention in Orlando. It was good to finally get back in the office and see how the month went... and, IT WENT GREAT! October was THE biggest month ever for ByDanJohnson.com. My sincerest thanks to each of you for your regular visits propelling us to this new mark. I'm pleased we're delivering the content you want and we'll continue to do so. Watch for more videos and news stories as we head toward Sebring in January. Spruced Up Spruce What's the big event on Tuesday November 6th? Ha! ...trick question. How about this? Major supplier Aircraft Spruce will launch a completely redesigned website today... yes, election day. So, pull your nose out of your smartphone, iPad, computer, or TV and do something more fun rather than watch election returns. ••• Aircraft Spruce's new website includes many new features such as improved product search and navigation, however, for those that suffer during change, the old site will run in tandem with the new site for 60 days. You can browse and order on the new website plus offer Aircraft Spruce feedback as to what you like or don't like. Aircraft Spruce has more than 80,000 different products so online is where you'll find it all. For those who prefer to flip pages the company's free 900-page catalog remains available or simply pick the phone and dial, 877-477-7823. ••• Also... for the convenience of western Rotax enthusiasts and mechanics California Power Systems now offers CPS Rotax classes. Welcome, New President No, not Romney or Obama (haven't you heard enough about them?). Welcome to new Dynon president Robert Hamilton. I met Robert at the AOPA Summit in San Jose, California in fall of 2008. He was just getting involved with Dynon then and was doing his due diligence of sounding out various industry players. We visited for an hour and I viewed someone likely to do well. Indeed, four years later, Dynon moved him to the top spot in a company which itself has leapt from... well, nowhere in 2003 with their first product debut to the leading avionics supplier of non-certified aircraft. They've even made inroads to Type Certified cockpits with their little D-1 Pocket Panel that GA pilots carry along in increasing numbers. Congratulations to Robert and Dynon! Happy Birthday, ASTM The group of folks, mostly volunteers, who have written the ASTM standards used to "certify" Light-Sport Aircraft celebrated their 10th anniversary in Atlanta at the end of October. The people who did, do, and will labor to make these industry-devised standards are woefully under appreciated yet they have achieved so much in a short 10 years that they've spawned an offspring and an fascinating one it is at that. The LSA bunch goes by the moniker F37, one of ASTM's many committee working on standards for industries of every description. Now, the standards body has established a new group called F44. The irony? These are the people who make what we know as Part 23 or Type Certified aircraft. In an FAA initiative with the slogan, "Half the [certification] Cost; Twice the Safety," the aviation agency will turn over the prescriptive part of certification rules to a standards body... and this is because the method has worked so well for LSA. I find it intriguing and somehow satisfying to hear government will let industry lead and I hope the industry and agency find their goal of cutting the cost of new airplanes while keeping them safe to fly. All New Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun After a lengthy delay while various government agencies squabbled about exact plans (gee... sound familiar?) earth is being moved on the grounds of Sun 'n Fun's campus. "You'd be amazed at all the activity," related longtime Paradise City area chairman Dave Piper. "The culvert at the East end of the Paradise City runway is in place (right arrow) and the old ILS berm that created a hump in the middle of the space is gone." It'll all get new sod before Sun 'n Fun 2013. The paved road (Doolittle) that ran along the northern border of Paradise City now dips deeply down into the area creating a new dynamic and an easier entry to the former Ultralight Area. I'll have more on this as it develops but I'm excited to see renewed energy in this area that offers so much to LSA and light plane enthusiasts. The 1,400-foot runway is now much more usable with long overruns and flying is promised "all day long" even during most of the main airshow.

What a Month! October was a busy month starting with the first-year LSA event Heart of America Sport Aviation Classic outside of Kansas City. The next week featured AOPA’s Summit in Palm Springs California. After a brief stop in Phoenix for a conference, the ASTM meeting followed in Atlanta, and the month finished with the big NBAA convention in Orlando. It was good to finally get back in the office and see how the month went… and, IT WENT GREAT! October was THE biggest month ever for ByDanJohnson.com. My sincerest thanks to each of you for your regular visits propelling us to this new mark. I’m pleased we’re delivering the content you want and we’ll continue to do so. Watch for more videos and news stories as we head toward Sebring in January. Spruced Up Spruce What’s the big event on Tuesday November 6th? Ha! …trick question. How about this? Major supplier Aircraft Spruce will launch a completely redesigned website today… yes, election day.

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