Great (and getting hot!) weather and a good, if not record-breaking, turnout mark the beginning of the EAA Sun ‘n Fun flyin. *** The exhibitor turnout is likewise somewhat down, although Dan Johnson’s LSA Mall at the entrance is filled with aircraft and lots of serious interest from potential buyers, as in previous shows. *** I’ve talked with many LSA companies here who say there are more serious buyers, fewer “tire-kickers”. *** Some LSA makers like Flight Design have racked up aircraft sales already. Others are still hoping to do business: it depends on who you talk to on whether the show is better or worse than expected. Expectations due to the economic times were not high to begin with, so it’s too early to put a number on the overall picture. *** Lots of new developments though, with more details to come here, such as: *** * a new electric/Rotax hybrid engine that will boost economy and provide electric power safety backup in emergencies, announced at AERO Friedrichshafen *** * Evektor passes LAMA audit *** * Legend Cub offers sub-$100,000 “Aeronomic Stimulus” SLSA, and new Garmin 696 installation *** * EAA presents Earth Day celebration with electric LSA prototype in center of the LSA exhibitors in the southeast display mall.

To quell the confusion many have around the name of the fabric-covered taildragger and tri-gear LSA models produced by Aerotrek Aircraft (AKA Rollison Light Sport Aircraft), the company just announced a name change: Goodbye EuroFox, hello Aerotrek A220 and A240. *** The Aerotrek A220 and A240 are factory-built two-seaters manufactured in Europe by Aeropro CZ and set up for the U.S. market by Aerotrek in Bloomfield, IN. Aeropro has produced nearly 300 aircraft since 1990. *** The EuroFox lineage, like so many other similar looking aircraft from a number of makers, derives from the Avid Flyer which started the whole thing off way back yonder. One clone was the Kitfox (which, the company wants known, is not related in any way to Aerotrek’s airplanes). *** The Aerotrek models are significantly upgraded SLSA versions of those fun homebuilts of yore. *** But really, what’s in a name? With that boffo price of $62,950 in today’s still-Euro-dominated market, call it what you want, just show me the dotted line!

Terrafugia, an enterprising company made up of MIT grads, announced the successful maiden flight of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. Or, the flying car. Congrats to the company, I wish them success with the two-seater. *** The big idea here of course is one that’s been tried before without success: a road-worthy, street-legal vehicle that, after unfolding the wings, can be flown as a legal LSA from any local airport. *** Lest I forget to mention it, no, you can’t take off from the street in front of your house – unless you live in an airport community and your street is a legal runway. *** The flight followed six months of static, road and taxi testing, says Terrafugia. The car/plane is designed to cruise up to 450 mi. at more than 115 mph, ride at highway speeds with wings folded (which takes, they say, 30 sec.), and fits in a household garage.

Here’s a new show kicking off this weekend (Mar. 7) for all you LSA enthusiasts of the Texan persuasion. The Heart of Texas LSA Expo debuts on Saturday at the airfield in Bryan. Here’s the link to the airport. *** This should be welcome news for those in the southwest and central region who find Sebring, Oshkosh or Sun ‘n Fun bridges too far, travelwise. *** Many LSA exhibitors will be there, including the friendly folks from American Legend with their Cub line, industry leader Flight Design and its all-composite CTLS, Indus Aviation with the low-wing Sky Skooter and other Thorp kitplane-derived SLSAs, Cub Crafters with its own line of Piper Cubalike LSAs, and Northwing, makers of light sport and ultralight trikes.

Chris Regis of Paradise Acft. did me a favor in absentia by filing a quick report from the field about the Heart of Texas LSA Expo fly-in he and other manufacturers recently attended. *** “The folks organizing really took great care of all vendors;it was a small event since it’s their first year but all the top manufacturers were there:Paradise, CT, Jabiru, Sting, Rans, Lambada, Sport Star, etc… *** During the first day, the wind was very strong and no one did demos but Sunday everyone was busy. *** The location is very good, between Dallas and Houston and I am glad that Karl and the rest of the folks decided to do this event. Jim, Texas is a huge market so we will definitely be there next year.

In a Safety Recommendation released Apr. 14, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) “has investigated a series of in-flight structural breakups of Zodiac CH-601XL airplanes designed by Zenair, Inc…in the United States in the last 3 years. The Safety Board is also aware of several in-flight structural breakups of CH-601XLs that have occurred abroad. It appears that aerodynamic flutter is the likely source of four of the U.S. accidents and of at least two foreign accidents. The Safety Board believes urgent action is needed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prevent additional in-flight breakups. Two of the accident airplanes were classified as Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA).” *** In six of the breakups, NTSB noted 10 people were killed. *** Aerodynamic flutter occurs when aerodynamic and structural forces interact and lead to unsafe structural vibration in the airplane. Left undamped, the vibrations can quickly lead to structural failure. *** NTSB’s urgent recommendation to the FAA is to prohibit further flight of the CH-601XL until it can determine the airplane is no longer susceptible to aerodynamic flutter.

Somebody forgot to tell Paradise Ind. Aeronautica about the major global economic meltdown. Chris Regis of Paradise, (see my spots about their acft. below), tells me the company just opened its new 70,000-square-foot-plant in Brazil, which will produce 120 airplanes per year. *** Customers can even keep track of their airplane’s construction progress on the internet thanks to a remote camera system on the assembly line! How cool is that? *** Paradise makes the P1 and P1 SP (with all-hand controls for disabled pilots). Their aircraft (look for my report on both models in an upcoming issue of Plane & Pilot) are built in Brazil and assembled, outfitted and test flown in Sebring, FL. *** Price is in the $109,000-$120,000 range, depending on avionics and options. *** Pix as soon as I get ’em from Chris.

Epic Aircraft, known for high-tech personal jet and turboprop designs, announced an LSA project in the works. Called Focus, the carbon-fiber two-seat airframe, a pet project of company head Rick Schrameck since 2000, will also be available in three other configurations, including a 400-knot turboprop version! Market price is estimated at $115,000 to $120,000. *** The LSA’s all-up weight of 1320 lbs. will include 615 lbs. useful load, 40kt. stall speed (full flaps), 115 kt. cruise at 75% power and a 1050 mile range (34 gallons w/30 min. reserve.)

The ex-MIT whiz kids who formed their own company (Terrafugia) have just finished the fourth and final round of flight and ground testing on the Proof of Concept Transition® (POC) at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. *** A total of 28 flights were made, designed to evaluate handling, climb, performance, take-off and landing. *** “The Proof of Concept validated three basic goals,” says a company release. “We could design/build a roadable aircraft, drive it and fly it.” *** The tests will lead to several engineering and design modifications which will be incorporated in the Beta Prototype, targeted for 2010. If all goes according to plan, the company intends to make its first customer delivery in 2011.

I have seen the future and it is electric. Lots more to say about this than I have time, space or energy here, after my first day at Oshkosh, but this much is clear: electric flight is a reality, just as the Wright Brother’s Flyer made heavier-than-air flight a reality. *** I spent an hour talking with the Yuneec E-430 people. *** FACTOIDS: *** * Made in China *** * The company just built a new 250,000 sq. ft. factory. That’s right: 1/4 MILLION square feet! *** * Company has initial plans to produce 6 different electric flying craft: ultralights, trikes, powered parachutes, hang gliders…and the sleek, beautiful, 45-foot wingspan E-430 (above) that went from light bulb idea to flying prototype in 4 months! *** * Getting FAA to amend LSA reg to admit electric power will take some doing. But you can’t stop a flood tide. *** Also saw Flight Design’s Tom Peghiny wow the crowds in the waning light at the Ultralight flying area with his E-Spyder, also powered by a Yuneec prototype electric propulsion system.

Last weekend, under popcorn-cloud, clear blue skies, the Greater Boston EAA Chapter 106 put on a doozy of a local LSA air show that drew several hundred folks. *** By my count 11 LSA models represented the industry, including the FPNA Valor (left), Flight Design CTLS (cockpit, right, with a guest and FD rep John Lampson looking on), and the Terrafugia proof-of-concept Transition “roadable” aircraft, in it’s final public appearance as work has begun on the Beta version. BTW…it drove in. 😉 *** The show was held at the lovely Lawrence Muni airport (good name) in Andover, MA, just north of Boston. *** The chapter created an enthusiastic, well-attended event that will stand as a good model for how to make it happen on the local level: pilots talking to pilots, not a big splashy corporate thang. Some demo flights, a local biplane ride vendor, and terrific food (bkfst or lunch, all you could eat for $5 or $7 – now we’re talking!) *** In addition to those shown and mentioned here and below, LSA that flew in included the *** Vans RV12, Sport Cruiser, Aerotrek A240 and Highlander Sport.

Two “Lookie what we can do!” stories – one accomplished, one getting under way this week. *** Avweb reports two chommies (Afrikaans for friends) expect to fly their modified D6 Sling light sport airplane around the world! These adventurous lads modified their South Africa-produced, metal LSA (not ASTM certified in the US) to carry up to 118 gallons in each wing for long legs. Long, as in more than 2,000 nautical miles over water. Holy Lucky Lindy, Batman! And people think I’m nuts flying a hang glider. *** Mike Blyth and James Pitman are the pilots. They hope to launch from Johannesburg this Thursday and make a stop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. I’ll try to snag a shot of them. Bon voyage, guys! *** To follow the adventure Click here. *** NEXT UP in the Let’s Rock LSA Dept. comes from my next-issue column, Light Sport Chronicles.

So what do you do for a break from your regular airline gig? Fly around the world, of course! *** These two airline pilots plan to circumnavigate old Terra in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Swiss pilot license holders. *** In April, 2010, Yannick Bovier and Francisco Agullo will launch in two, not one but two, Flight Design CTLSs from Switzerland, fly west down the coast of Africa and hop the Atlantic to Brazil. They’ve even named their planes: Dreamcatcher and Celine’ (for a daughter, not the singer.) *** The motivations are the “usual suspects” stuff of aerial adventure: to commemorate aviation milestones (Swiss) and inspire young people. *** What the hey, for me the inspiration is imagining making such a journey myself! And flying in formation for 25,200 miles? Now there’s a concept. *** The intrepid pioneers plan to visit 18 countries, span five continents and cross two oceans.

Sad news today that the father of hang gliding, Francis M. Rogallo, who I had the distinct pleasure to meet at Kitty Hawk a few years ago when I flew a competition on the dunes, has passed away at 97. *** That’s a nice old age for all to aspire to, but his passing will be marked by every “diver driver” who ever took foot-launched flight. *** “Rog” was universally beloved within the community, and stayed in touch with industry leaders and pilots who lauded him for his gentle good nature and indisputable place as the person who’s aerodynamic engineering creativity directly led to hang gliding, ultralights and todays light sport aircraft. *** Rog invented what came to be known as the Rogallo Wing as a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) project engineer in 1948. He got patents for the flexible v-shaped fabric/frame Parawing in 1951. *** NASA became highly interested in a capsule-deployable version in 1958 for bringing astronauts back home, but dropped the complexities of deploying the steerable design in favor of the round parachutes we know, which were deemed adequate for the mission.

P&P Newsroom FLASH UPDATE (okay, it’s just me): Dan Johnson reports on his website that the first production Skycatcher tabbed for delivery has arrived at Wichita. Dan reports that the delivery floodgates should open wide next year (2010). But having the first C-162 finally out there and flying is good news for Cessna – and the LSA industry in general. *** Back to our regular BlogCast… *** Cessna Aircraft partnered up with video flight training guru John King of King Schools for it’s new Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course. It’s a web-based system, available through Cessna Pilot Centers. *** A driver for the program is the imminent release to market of the C-162 Skycatcher SLSA later this year, part of the company’s stated goal of making flying more accessible and re-energizing its flight program. *** Cool thing about its webbiness is the flexibility it gives students and instructors. All aspects of the student’s training are tracked, and can be customized to reflect the student’s local conditions.

Had a chat with Randy Schlitter of Rans Aircraft about his SLSA, the S-19, today. It’s new name is the Venterra, which, says Randy, means open over the earth. Kinda poetic and a fitting moniker for such a fun, responsive, open-view low winger like the S-19. *** Look for my article on Randy’s incredible 25 years as an aircraft manufacturer (more than 4,500 kits and ready-to-fly planes sold!) in the next issue of Pilot Journal magazine. Randy’s also been designing and building recumbent and other innovative bicycles for more than 35 years and his products are known and respected worldwide. I own two myself, they’re beautifully engineered and built and a lot more fun to ride than the traditional back-aching, hard seat prostate pounders the French tricked us into riding all those decades ago. *** Randy’s a fascinating, Gyro Gearloose kinda guy, that rare combination of brilliant innovator/designer and savvy businessman.

Greetings fellow LSA fans! *** Welcome to Hangar Flyin’ *** I’m Jim Lawrence, *** Light Sport Editor at Large *** We’re starting this blog so you’ll have a webby place for your questions, burning issues, rants (keep ’em clean) and for when you just feel like dropping by to stay in touch. We’re up, and we’re listening. *** Let us know how you feel about the LSA coverage in the magazine and here. Hope to see you in the skies this year. *** High and safe, *** Jim *** =================================================== *** To start things off right, here’s a couple shots of the bird I trained in: *** ——— the lovely Flight Design CTLS. *** It’s a wonderful example of the new wave of LSA machines: strong, responsive, comfortable, with great range, sturdy gear and real cross country legs with its 120 knot speed and 1000 mi range. *** Into the hangar before the next storm *** Sleek, pretty and sweet to fly… *** My flight instructor John Lampson.

An important development in the globalization of sport flight was just announced by Flight Design, the German maker of the CT line of LSA that leads in sales here in the U.S. *** The parent company announced its CT line had received Type Design Approval TDA-LSA-0001A from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as well as a Chinese Production Certificate. *** That number is important: the CT will forever be the very first foreign LSA allowed to be sold in China. Although the Skycatcher is in fact manufactured for Cessna in China, it is not yet certified to be sold and flown in China, though that day can’t be too far down the road. *** The potential benefit to sport aviation is huge. *** Not only is China reportedly building general aviation airports all over the huge nation – a significant change from earlier domestic policy to help its exploding middle class enjoy the fruits of its labors – but its willingness to allow foreign manufacturers to sell their wares signals the first wave of what could prove to be a huge market worldwide.

Remos, German makers of the popular Remos GX composite SLSA, has been the subject of a lot of wagging tongues the last few days. Rumors abound as to what it all means, with innuendo-slinging around the company’s alleged lack of timely disclosure surrounding its financial difficulties. *** The man who seems to have his finger on the pulse of the story and its nuances is LAMA President and Light Sport go-to dude Dan Johnson, who I talked with at length about the subject this morning. *** Dan’s ByDanJohnson.com jam-packed aviation info website has the scoop in his Splog (Sport pilot’s blog) so rather than do a thinly veiled rehash of what he told me, you can go here and get it straight from the old Pegasus’s mouth himself, and also read the company’s official release today right here. *** Short tell: word got out that Remos had a cash flow problem, was subsequently required under German finance law to file for insolvency status (not the same nor as dire a portent of financial ailment as a U.S.

The newspaper Bay Of Plenty Times just posted a story bylined by Julia Proverbs that the popular Australian SLSA Jabiru has migrated to its down-under neighbor New Zealand. A flight school run by Euroflight International of Tauranga, (north island) just bought and flew two Jabiru LSA models to replace the school’s aging Cessna 150s. *** Pilots Tim Holland and Ross Crawford made the formation flight of around 1500 nm over the Tasman Sea in a new J230 and a slightly used J120 . *** Gutsy Call Dept: Holland reportedly doesn’t swim! Talk about confidence in your aircraft. (SAT phones, rafts and other survival gear were on board, so we know he’s not completely crazy). *** “Earlier this year , we decided to upgrade our fleet,” said Holland’s wife, *** Euroflight co-owner Anita Holland. “We were looking for something which would make flight training safe, affordable and fun…(and decided on a) composite aircraft …due to strength, durability and no risk of the dreaded corrosion.