News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft
Tom Peghiny poses in front of a Flight Designs CT on the day FAA awarded a Special Light-Sport Aircraft certificate.
Sun ‘n Fun 2005 started off with a bang when Flightstar Sportplanes’ Tom Peghiny heard the Flight Design CT he imports was one of the first Special Light-Sport Aircraft to be given its airworthiness certificate. (S-LSAs are fully built and can be used for training or rental.) CT regional dealer Tom Gutmann of Airtime Aviation, Inc., was the recipient of a process Peghiny graciously called “the effort of many people.” Watch for full coverage of this benchmark achievement in aviation magazines.
Though busy with his expanding enterprises, Phil goes aloft with Drifter guru Jeff Hudson (aft seat) to flight check a Drifter 912 on amphibious Lotus floats. Read my Super Drifter 912 report.
When I first met Phil Lockwood, he was selling Drifters. That was more than 20 years ago. In that time the venerable Drifter ultralight went through several owners and many changes. A Drifter model even hailed from Australia for a time. But in a combined deal including the Air Cam — which Phil designed — all design rights, inventory, tooling, documentation returned home…to Lockwood enterprises (Read July 5, 2006 SPLOG). A 7,000 square-foot addition enlarges Lockwood’s facility to house the new activity. On a tour of this facility after the Sebring Expo I saw the stockpile of components that demanded a new building. Initially Phil expected only to supply Drifter parts to service about 1,000 aircraft flying around the globe. But early demand has staffers shipping a few kits even while they complete the factory. Lockwood also plans to deliver full Air Cam kits bringing this hugely delightful aircraft back to regular production.
Of recent SLSA approvals Breezer is the newest offering from one of Germany’s largest microlight producers. Comco-Ikarus is also the C42 builder and found a big success with German flight schools. Just as AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 started, Breezer won its SLSA certificate. On an exceptionally beautiful day as AirVenture started, I flew this German designed and built design. Very pleasant and straightforward handling plus easy landings, in all a very satisfying experience. You enter from in front of the wing (note step) which makes entry suprisingly easy. Inside you have a huge visual panorama. Watch for my pilot report in Sport Pilot magazine.
The background photo shows Savannah VG, newest to win SLSA approval. It has no slats, unlike the first Savannah (inset view) to win airworthiness. Another model, the Savannah ADV, has movable slats. Cruise speeds: Savannah -- 95 mph; Savannah VG -- 102 mph; Savannah ADV -- 115 mph.
OK, this may sound complicated. Savannah is an Italian design which bears some resemblance to the CH-701 (though with numerous differences). It is being assembled by Skykits, a Canadian company with a U.S. location from parts fabricated throughout Europe. Got that? OK, let’s add more. Savannah is one fuselage with three diffferent wing variations. While I grant you these perform somewhat differently, I didn’t see them as each deserving their own airworthiness. But I’m not FAA…who, it turns out, did want three certificates to prevent owners from wing swapping. So, today, we have SLSA #39 as the “regular” Savannah with the fixed leading edge slat (inset photo); and #47 ADV model with a tapered wing with movable slots (rather significant differences); and the new #48 VG model, which has no slats, insteading using a line of vortex generators. Still with me? OK, finally, you can get all three models in ready-to-fly form, as an ELSA, or as a 51% kit.
LSA Aero -- based in Tanner, Alabama -- sells the three Colyaer designs: Freedom S100, Martin 3 (land plane), and Gannet, a non-amphibious seaplane. These airplanes were developed by Colyaer of Pontevedra Spain and have been flying in Europe for eight years.
Perhaps it’s a little ironic that Freedom wins its freedom. When I spoke with importer Don Langford at the Sebring LSA Expo he sounded somewhat unsure about the future for his Spanish amphibian. He’d submitted information for an exemption but had no reply. Yet shortly after Expo ended FAA granted LSA Aero‘s request for the Colyaer Freedom S100. The exclusive club now includes Czech Aircraft Works’ Mermaid and the Freedom. *** Each person exercising Sport Pilot privileges is required to obtain additional ground and flight instruction — on landing gear inspection, operation, and emergency procedures to include six takeoffs and landings and three in-flight gear movements. After a logbook endorsement and with appropriate placards on the aircraft, a Sport Pilot is allowed to move the gear as designed. Congratulations to Don and LSA Aero. This may help crack the door open wider for other amphibious LSA.
This pair of all-metal Light-Sport Aircraft from Czech Aircraft Works represent two of three models the American-owned company has certified to SLSA standards (the other is the Parrot). In particular note the Mermaid engine sitting up on struts. And watch for my SportCruiser report to post here soon.
At the Sebring LSA Expo, visitors saw two airplanes they’d seen before, but these were actually revised models that are now ready for waiting pilots. The Mermaid charmed the LSA world when it was first introduced, since collecting more than 200 order deposits. The boat hull LSA also earned the first of two exemptions regarding the “repositionable” gear detail that has so befuddled FAA lawyers. The agency says it will fix this part of the SP/LSA rule by May 2007 but Mermaid is one of only two amphibs that allow Sport Pilots to reposition the gear. [UPDATE: LSA Aero’s Freedom S100 also recently won an exemption.] Mermaid’s engine now sits up on struts. Not only does this look great, the change has solved prior challenges of the Jabiru 3300 engine installation. It is also said to decrease noise. *** SportCruiser may look the same to you but the “third generation” model is said to fly better and it certainly looks sleeker with its beautifully shaped canopy.
An evolution in design, Mystique shows the camera a beautiful shape. LSA America sells the new model alongside the earlier Skyboy; manufactured respectively by Interplane Aircraft and Flying Machines.
LSA America is a newly formed company separate from but associated with Fantasy Air USA, importer of the very successful Allegro*. The new company displayed their Mystique from Flying Machines, which won SLSA #46 just before the Sebring LSA Expo. This lovely bird has smooth flowing lines all the way to a squared off vertical stabilizer. I took a test flight in Mystique to find a light handling airplane with huge visibility. Built in the Czech Republic, Mystique joins Interplane’s Skyboy in LSA America’s lineup. Mystique has a contemporary appearance and equipment neatly fitting the LSA mold and looks second generation compared to the low-cost Skyboy. Look for my report in EAA Sport Pilot soon (perhaps the March or April 2007 issue). On less than 26 feet of span, Mystique boasts a 15:1 glide; such performance is hard to judge in an hour flight but clearly Mystique held energy well.
While we await entry from more powered parachute brands -- Blue Heron and Powrachute are working toward approval -- Infinity is the first in America to issue their Statement of Compliance. Infinity owner Alvie Wall holds an info sign.
December is a quiet period for many businesses, unless they are involved with consumer retail. It was the first month in 18 that reported no new SLSA. But the Sebring Expo evidently proved to be a motivator as we had no less than four announcements at the show. *** Infinity Power Parachutes of Sturgis, Michigan proudly showed their Commander SE 582 two seater that earned SLSA #45. This represents powered parachute approval #2 and is the first American PPC to win its airworthiness certificate. Commander has altered the structure from my earlier Infinity 2001 report but retains the dual three-inch angle beam structure that provides exceptional strength to Infinity models. Commander’s carriage also continues the flexibility of frontal safety bars as a removable option; primary structure is not affected. Commander 582 has sold for $15,000 but the cost of earning SLSA approval is certain to increase the price.
Today the 2007 Sebring LSA Expo starts. Several new airplane introductions were expected among them Evektor's Sportstar Plus (file photo, no visual difference accompanies new model).
Evektor America requested their Czech supplier, Evektor Aerotechnik to perform an engineering study of the design. The result? By slightly raising the stall speed to ASTM standards (45 knots), the company was able to add 55 pounds of useful load. The newly capable model will be called the Sportstar Plus. *** On a visit to their Kerrville, Texas base (the same city/airport that is home to Mooney Aircraft), Evektor America‘s Jeff Conrad also told me that deliveries have now exceeded 42 Sportstars and that the importer plans to bring in 60 aircraft for 2007, growing steadily to over 100 units by 2008. Evektor’s surprising success has been in the GA flight school market where they currently have 15 schools using 18 Sportstars. “We believe this is the best penetration of any SLSA,” said Jeff. *** In addition to having the first certified LSA Sportstar, Evektor America is gearing up to sell Evektor’s four seat Cobra model, to be certified under Part 23 regulations.
A visually striking design, the 100-hp Rotax 912S is smoothly faired and stands slightly above the wing on a short support. Email SeaMax USA or call 863-557-4457. See detailed photos.
My old friend Malcolm Jones* and Carlos Bessa will unveil a lovely amphibian LSA called SeaMax at the Sebring LSA Expo starting tomorrow. SeaMax by Brazilian producer AirMax intends to achieve Special Light-Sport Aircraft status but it has been cutting through waves in other countries for several years. SeaMax is a lighter amphibian, with gross weight at 1,144 pounds (a max of 1,430 is allowed). At 660 pounds empty, the composite seaplane yields a 484 pound useful load and can carry up to 25 gallons of fuel. SeaMax can lift off the water in only 325 feet. Electrically operated landing gear can be lowered into the water for taxiing onto a beach. SeaMax has a broad 46-inch wide cockpit and lots of attention to detail has been paid to the speedboat-like interior finish. * Malcolm operates a favorite hang gliding airpark called Wallaby Ranch just eight miles south of Disney Florida.
Thorpedo with the Jabiru 3300 (120-hp) engine has been a good performer, but now, thanks to changes offered by engineers from LoPresti Speed Merchants, cruise could jump 20 knots says IndUS.
One sign that Light-Sport Aircraft have arrived is when a well-known general aviation company joins forces with a LSA leader. That’s what occurred when IndUS Aviation, producer of the Thorpedo and Sky Skooter, retained Vero Beach, Florida-based LoPresti Speed Merchants. You surely know the legendary Roy LoPresti operation that gained fame by working with major airframe builders to extract more speed from their designs. Though Roy died last August, the company continues its “brain trust” work to squeeze speed from an airplane without adding horsepower. Those speed mods are now going to quicken the cruise of a new Thorpedo LP. At the Sebring LSA Expo in just four days, you can get first-hand info on components that will make a new, faster Thorpedo. *** You may also want to ask the IndUS folks why FAA Administrator Marion Blakey paid a three-hour visit to their operation in India.
See -- and fly! -- the industry leading Light-Sport Aircraft from all across the nation. The season-opening airshow has high wings, low wings, mid-wings, flex wings, 'chute wings, rotary wings, and more.
We’re down to the last week before the 2007 Sebring LSA Expo kicks off a new year in sport aviation. In attendance will be every market-leading airplane and some in the works. One of the most watched of these is the Cessna LSA. The company is still working on their “business case,” a formal plan for the Textron board to allow them to consider Cessna’s proposed entry to the world of Light-Sport Aircraft. But while the Wichita giant makes its decision key Cessna people will staff the company’s exhibit at Sebring…virtually sealing the case for the Expo being an important event on the LSA calendar. Sun ‘n Fun has also bought space to promote their full airshow in April. EAA will be hosting a whole series of forums. LAMA will holds its annual member meeting. And other groups will gather. Media people are asking for credentials.
Using no helium, Skyacht's "Personal Blimp" is "a lighter-than-air foldable airship" that can manuever in ways to make it a potential working aircraft. See it fly in a short video that demonstrates it's ability to turn tightly.
OK, so it’s a variation of hot air balloon with steering capability. It isn’t a LSA. But, given my fascination with airships, I see Dan Nachbar’s and Mike Kuehlmuss’ Skyacht effort as a neat project. *** Named after the aviation pioneer, Alberto (Santos-Dumont) is not a pure hot air balloon as it uses aluminum tubes and a tension line to add rigidity. Twin burners create hot air as the lifting medium. Presently a gas engine drives and maneuvers Alberto, but a quieter electric motor is planned. Alberto first flew in October 2006 and has logged more than 10 hours. It can be folded something like an umbrella so the 102-foot long, 70-foot wide envelope plus its gondola fit in a 24-foot car trailer. Cost: somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000 which is tons less than the cheapest helium blimp at about $2 million. *** I thought this a light hearted topic with which to end 2006.
A proud Terri Sipantzi poses by his newly approved Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) AirBorne XT912 with Streak III wing. For info on AirBorne's coming SLSA, email Terri.
In mid-May 2005 SPLOG announced the weight-shift aircraft ASTM standards were done. Indeed, they were, but implementation was stopped with a lengthy appeal. After a 40-page defense, the appeal was subsequently overturned and the specification was again put up for vote. This time it passed, and trikes finally have a standard. AirBorne’s XT series trikes are already certified to government standards in Australia so the down-under company should qualify for SLSA with relative ease. After the new standard was confirmed, Eastern U.S. AirBorne rep’ Terri Sipantzi of Precision Windsports reported, “AirBorne is now taking orders on SLSA XT-912s for delivery in February.” He encourages potential customers to lock in 2005 prices with an order and deposit placed now. The race begins to see which trike will be first with an SLSA certificate.
Pilots seeking a good flying, reasonably priced airplane now have another choice. Sky Arrow will retail in the mid-$60,000 range, says Hansen Air Group. Some 200 are flying worldwide with 25 in America. Read my Report on the 80-hp Sky Arrow.
The count of Special Light Sport Aircraft rose another notch, to 18 certified models, with the addition on November 4th of the Italian Sky Arrow design built by Iniziative Industriali Italiane, or simply 3I. Hansen Air Group boss, Jon Hansen — well known for his promotion of the also-Italian Tecnam aircraft — reported the news while displaying the Tecnam Bravo at the AOPA Expo, which concluded today. (The big organization’s annual convention featured 15 Light Sport Aircraft in a special area arranged through LAMA.) Sky Arrow has previously achieved a tougher certification, that of FAA’s Part 23, so the SLSA achievement may be taken in stride by those who know the design. More surprising is that the Hansen Air Group, with representation on east and west coast, has now brought four aircraft into the SLSA fold…more than any other importer or U.S. manufacturer. Jon indicated that his company would put additional focus on the Sky Arrow due to its excellent value.
My good friend Gerry Charlebois flies vacationers and others over the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai (he's flown over 10,000 folks!). He loves his XT912 and gives high points to AirBorne for service.
On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday March 17th, 2006, the AirBorne XT912 became the second brand of trike ever to join a very exclusive club. East Coast dealer, Terri Sipantzi, reported, “We gave birth to AirBorne’s first SLSA last night at 10:30 p.m., PST. An AirBorne XT912 registered as N-912PW was issued its Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate by Brian Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation.” The down-under brand has worked hard to establish an American following and they have for years met a demanding Australian certification standard, so no one is surprised that they were able to show compliance with the ASTM rules. You can read my flight review of the AirBorne XT912 in EAA’s Sport Pilot magazine for February 2006. We’ll be posting the article here (some 90 days after first publication). Congratulations to AirBorne and their U.S. team in becoming the 30th SLSA to meet FAA-approved standards.
Two imported trikes (AirBorne and Air Creation) are leaders in the U.S. market but both have a presence in many other countries. You are invited to read my report on the AirBorne XT 912.
Lance Armstrong helped Americans become familiar with the major French bicycle race by winning seven times. Now a Frenchman is making a name for Australian trike maker AirBorne among French pilots. AirBorne’s French distributor won the Microlight Tour de France for the second year running aboard his Airborne XT-912 mated to the Streak 3 wing. Serge and Genevieve Bouchet operate Veliplane ULM Paris, one of the largest microlight schools in France doing both weight shift and three axis training. The Tour de France routes pilots around the country as they navigate and race against each other. *** Airborne won French approval for their entire trike line and two years ago Airborne achieved a milestone earning British CAA acceptance for the XT-912. “So far, we are the only import trike manufacturer allowed to sell ready-to-fly aircraft into the UK market,” said the Australian builder. AirBorne XT 912 has also won SLSA airworthiness in the USA as number 30 on our SLSA List.
One the highlights of the last two AirVenture Oshkosh shows has been the LSA Mall. Three dozen models are showcased where visitors can easily see them all in one location. A dedicated LSA Exhibit Area is in planning for the 2008 event. Photo courtesy EAA
For the past two years at their big airshow, EAA has provided an exceptional space to LSA manufacturers and importers. The LSA Mall — right next to show-central AeroShell Square — has attracted thousands of pilots and others interested in looking at all Light-Sport Aircraft in one location. Though the space EAA has offered for the LSA Mall is in great demand, they are using it to help showcase LSA for an unprecedented third year in a row! I took a call this morning from EAA President Tom Poberezny to confirm plans he and I discussed at AOPA’s November Expo in Palm Springs. EAA has hired show experts and engineers to assist them in planning changes for their huge event. Management will present ideas to their board in May and will formally announce a site plan at AirVenture 2007. Implementation for significant changes will start immediately after the show ends, Tom added.
So, you’re an ultralight pilot with many hours flying one of the great light airplanes that enjoyed the limelight long before Light-Sport Aircraft. Then FAA goes and creates a new class of pilot. Now, despite your pilot credential from USUA, ASC, or EAA, you have to go get a new one. Earning it involves a written test plus a flight check with oral exam…all of which you’ve already taken. “What sense does that make,” you ask? Point taken, but that flight has left the ground. You have to do it and you ought to do it soon. Why? Because if you act before January 31, 2007, you can at least get credit for all that time you’ve logged. What’s worse than having to pay to take tests for stuff you already know? How about having to go fly with an instructor to acquire the 20 hours it takes to qualify for a Sport Pilot certificate?
Fly your plane. Drive your car. Or get on board an airliner. Whatever your transport, if you're interested in Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft, I suggest you make your way to Sebring January 11-14, 2007.
You might think hurricanes in the first two years would dampen the spirit of the Sebring LSA Expo, but fortunately organizers have proven up to the task of building a new aviation event. Sebring overcame its weather challenges to become a significant show next occurring January 11-14, 2007. The U.S Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida is the country’s largest concentrated gathering of Light-Sport Aircraft. More than 100 aircraft are expected. Up 20% over last year, the exhibitor list is a who’s who of LSA manufacturers, importers, and suppliers. EAA hosts the forums which help explain the new rule. Company representatives make presentations. Media support is provided by Tampa Tribune and Channel 8 TV. “We don’t have jet powered trucks, but if you want to learn more about LSA, the exciting new segment of fun flying, or to get a demonstration ride, Sebring is the place to come,” said Sebring Expo boss, Bob Wood.
