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ICP / Skykits Savannah

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Three More Is a Wrap: ICP Savannah, Super Petrel 400, Supercharged Jabiru

By Dan Johnson || April 10, 2022 2 Comments

As Sun 'n Fun 2022 comes to a close, so does my daily reporting. This happens through long days and short nights. My sleep schedule can soon get back to normal. In an article already underway, I will make some forecasts for what we'll see at AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 based on what was displayed at Sun 'n Fun 2022. Watch for that in a couple days after I catch my breath.

Saturday was busy at the LSA Mall hosted by LAMA and the DeLand Sport Aviation Community. Overall, crowds packed the Sun 'n Fun grounds.

Meanwhile I'm expecting to go fly in the TL Sport Aircraft high wing TL-3000 Sirius and perhaps their retractable tandem Stream. I'm also scheduled to go fly the BOT SC07 Super Cruiser. I hope to have reports on these later in April. Meanwhile, here's a final daily report from Sun 'n Fun 2022…

Savannah by ICP

What is it about orange? Several people told Savannah rep' Walter della Nebia that it attracted them. I felt similarly. I can't explain it but the show airplane certainly looked great and drew plenty of visitors.

Savannah painted a bright orange with gray accents turned out to be a crowd pleaser, attracting plenty of eyeballs including mine.

I've written about and done videos on Savannah. The airplane has not changed too much because it works well as it is. As you'll read below about Petrel, builders are making plenty of small changes but when a shape works, you don't change it. I always relate this airliners. Why do they all look essentially the same (except for size and specific capabilities)? Because that shape works. Savannah is similar. Several people said it looks like a Zenith CH-750. Perhaps it once was similar but over the years ICP has been building this, many changes have been made. Still, it's certainly similar to the American kit. Here are two major differences: (1) Savannah is available as a ready-to-fly Special LSA unlike the -750, which is only available as a kit. Models with modest differences were approved years ago, filling slots #39, #47, and #48 on our SLSA List. (2) Unlike nearly every other producer of light aircraft, you can get a Savannah now, as in today. Walter reported he has five Savannah kits in stock right now; no waiting. That makes Savannah nearly unique at a time when many producers at Sun 'n Fun were quoting deliveries into 2023, with some saying late in 2023. Almost two years is a long time to wait so I doubt those Savannahs will last too long. If this attractive LSA interests you, you may want to contact ICP North America sooner than later.

Scoda Petrel 400 Series

Scoda Aeronautica's Super Petrel LS has been in the U.S. market for several years and has achieved a solid measure of success. I stopped by their space at Sun 'n Fun 2022 to see what they meant by "400 Series" on the hull of this flying boat.

Scoda's Super Petrel LS has seen hundreds of very small improvements. One you can see in a completed aircraft is a new main gear shock absorber (arrow).

A glance at the design confirmed no major changes have been made so why apply this designation? Then I spoke to a couple owners at their space to learn "400" has multiple explanations. Over the years, some 400 changes have been made to the airframe. These are mostly minor but one you can see is a substantial shock absorber on the main gear (photo, arrow). The majority of other changes were less visible or invisible yet such a stream of alterations — sometimes called by an industry phrase, "CANI," for "Continuing And Never-ending Improvement" — warranted some mention even if you can look closely and cannot see the difference. This is likely true on many other aircraft but Scoda chose to help customers or prospective buyers become aware of these minor upgrades. Another way "400" makes sense that 40 Super Petrel LS aircraft flying in the USA. This occurred over several years, but the Brazilian manufacturer of the design has made a steady push to increase it's share of the LSA seaplane market. Here is my pilot report on Super Petrel from a few years back (the company name was Edra, later changed to Scoda). The subject aircraft is essentially the one being sold today, albeit before some of the 400 improvements.

Supercharged Jabiru

No question that pilots are eternally intrigued by more powerful engines. From the early days of ultralight and then Light-Sport Aircraft, engine power output seems only to go in one direction.

Steve Henry's high-revving Yamaha-powered Just Highlander wowed crowds during the STOL competitions held at the end of most days in Paradise City. Number '44' has a highly modified airframe plus the 300-horsepower engine.

Evidence of fascination with this is Steve Henry's attention-getting Yamaha-Powered Highlander STOL aircraft. Seen in nearby images, Steve's aircraft was back flying after a mishap a few days earlier in strong winds. The aircraft ended up on its nose but the damage was limited to a prop. The Yamaha Highlander that blasts into the air comes with a healthy but un-LSA-like sound. As you can see in the nearby photo he has highly modified the airframe to excel at STOL comps. A few years ago at the Copperstate Fly-in in Arizona, I had the pleasure to fly with Marc Holcomb in his homebuilt Arion Lightning. We flew from Buckeye where Copperstate was held to Greg Hobbs' base in the general Tucson, Arizona area. Greg and his wife Crystal created this place where owners can get professional assistance while they build their airplane. Marc was one builder who stayed in their on-site living quarters as he finished his Lightning.

Marc Holcomb's Jabiru 3300-powered Lightning has been modified with a supercharger. A video will go into many of the details.

At the time they talked about a performance boost for the Jabiru 3300 six-cylinder, 120-horsepower engine that propels many of this model. Marc built an Experimental-Amateur Built Lightning so he is not limited by the LSA speed or equipment parameters. At Sun 'n Fun 2022, we interviewed Marc about his supercharged Jab 3300. He gets impressive speed increases and can climb to altitude without significant power loss. In flat-as-a-pool-table Florida, this may seem less valuable but in mile-high Denver, Colorado it almost becomes necessary. Watch for the video with lots of technical information as soon as Videoman Dave can get it edited (please be patient; editing consumes many hours of detailed effort).

As Sun ‘n Fun 2022 comes to a close, so does my daily reporting. This happens through long days and short nights. My sleep schedule can soon get back to normal. In an article already underway, I will make some forecasts for what we’ll see at AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 based on what was displayed at Sun ‘n Fun 2022. Watch for that in a couple days after I catch my breath. Meanwhile I’m expecting to go fly in the TL Sport Aircraft high wing TL-3000 Sirius and perhaps their retractable tandem Stream. I’m also scheduled to go fly the BOT SC07 Super Cruiser. I hope to have reports on these later in April. Meanwhile, here’s a final daily report from Sun ‘n Fun 2022… Savannah by ICP What is it about orange? Several people told Savannah rep’ Walter della Nebia that it attracted them. I felt similarly. I can’t explain it but the show airplane certainly looked great and drew plenty of visitors.

Building Your Own Airplane… Seem Hard? How About with Experienced, Professional Help?

By Dan Johnson || June 4, 2020 7 Comments

Let me be honest. I've built one aircraft in my life. It was a Quicksilver MX series, a design that can be assembled by first timer with reasonable skills in only 80 hours or so. A lot depends on your skills and interest, your basic mechanical aptitude, the space you have to work, your tools, and how much time you can put into a project. Quicksilver is a super-simple kit. What if you desire something more complex?

Arion Lightning kit aircraft photo by Jay Schweitzer.

I deeply admire those who have built some of the most beautiful aircraft I've ever seen. As many a manufacturer has told me, even kit manufacturers — "A homebuilder can do an even better job than we can at the factory because they can spend all the time needed to get every detail exactly right. We have a business to run and even though we're very good at what we do, we cannot justify the hours a homebuilder may invest." Sounds right to me… even considering how many superlative factory-built kits I've seen.

I flew with Marc Halcomb in this Lightning he built with Greg Hobbs.

Yeah, still, though, if I'm going tackle a project like a sleek and shapely Arion Lightning, I'm going to need expert help. Many builders love the idea of someone checking their work and suggesting an order of events before you start cutting a piece of metal. At Experimental Aircraft Build Center Arizona, Greg Hobbs, Jack Norris, and others are present and ready to give you advice or lend a hand if you feel uncomfortable. When the job is done, you may find a level of satisfaction that is hard to duplicate with almost any other activity in your life. So, pack a bag, rev up your passion for aviation, and get ready to build. Fortunately, Americans have many build center choices, but I was duly impressed with the Hobbs' Build Center in Arizona. Come on along (video below) while we took a flight from Copperstate to their facility.

Build Your Dream

Aided mightily by the real boss, Greg’s longtime spouse Crystal, the pair have created a idyllic setting to build your own aircraft. Located about 30 miles northwest from Tucson or a hour and a half south of Phoenix, Arizona, Greg and Crystal built with their own hands a large hangar with all the space and all the amenities needed to get your airplane kit put together. Yours and several other projects all at once.

Crystal and Greg Hobbs photo by Jay Schweitzer

While you work at the project in time periods that work for you, the experience will be a eat-sleep-breath kit building from Day One. As Greg notes, entertainment and restaurants are a few miles away at the closest and people come to the Build Center not to go out for dinner or a movie but to build airplanes. So, build airplanes they do. They'll work with you 12 hours a day if you want, but "it's whatever the customer wants to do," clarified Greg. If eight hours maxes you out (probably understandable at first, anyway), you can collapse on one of the lounge's comfy chairs and recharge your batteries.

I was told by several builders that Crystal puts out a good food spread and generally these two make you feel at home, even providing bedrooms so you can stay on the job as long as your schedule allows. "Most spend time, return home, and come back to finish the task," explained Greg. Building a Lightning — Greg observed, "All the primary fiberglass assemblies are preformed and fully fabricated including fuselage halves already bonded together with bulkheads installed; wings are substantially finished with fuel tanks installed; and all flight controls are installed." The kit also includes cowls, the prop spinner, cockpit canopy frame, seats, and baggage floors.

Welded structures, such as the motor mount, spar box assembly, gear leg sockets, and various brackets, are finished and epoxy painted at the factory making them ready to install. Lightning's landing gear is machined from 7075T6 aluminum and ready to fit. An airplane like Lightning "goes together pretty fast," said Greg, continuing to say that the process takes only about three weeks. If you try this at home, plan on more time, other builders told me. The help the Build Center gives is invaluable plus it's more social than many projects. The Experimental Aircraft Build Center Arizona also helps builders create the Flying Legends Tucano and the ICP Savannah.

A Flying Legends Tucano being assembled at the Build Center.

The Build Center is 10 miles west of Marana's municipal airport, which itself is 20 miles northwest of Tucson, Arizona or about 100 miles south of Phoenix. This is baking hot country but Greg and Crystal's facility will keep you comfortable. Find out more by visiting Experimental Aircraft Build Center Arizona. As you will see and learn, you need bring nothing but your enthusiasm. Greg and Crystal — along with partner Jack Norris — will provide everything. You get a sleeping room. Crystal prepares meals and several builders told me this may be the highlight of the whole experience. The Build Center provides all the tools, jigs, and work tables you need. Let's get to work!

https://youtu.be/AWZe8-hKSCo https://youtu.be/fuYArZbdTzw

Let me be honest. I’ve built one aircraft in my life. It was a Quicksilver MX series, a design that can be assembled by first timer with reasonable skills in only 80 hours or so. A lot depends on your skills and interest, your basic mechanical aptitude, the space you have to work, your tools, and how much time you can put into a project. Quicksilver is a super-simple kit. What if you desire something more complex? I deeply admire those who have built some of the most beautiful aircraft I’ve ever seen. As many a manufacturer has told me, even kit manufacturers — “A homebuilder can do an even better job than we can at the factory because they can spend all the time needed to get every detail exactly right. We have a business to run and even though we’re very good at what we do, we cannot justify the hours a homebuilder may invest.” Sounds right to me… even considering how many superlative factory-built kits I’ve seen.

Sun ‘n Fun Day 2 — As Summertime Approaches, Light-Sport Seaplanes Draw Interest

By Dan Johnson || April 3, 2019 3 Comments

Aero Adventure Aventura II

Seaplane flying is a specialty within aviation but it is one that has steady appeal and develops passionate aviators. I prefer to modify that "gear-up landing" line to… "There are pilots who love seaplane flying and there are those will love it." Be forewarned: Once you touch your seaplane* or floatplane* to the water, it may forever change you. If you think I'm being too dramatic, you probably haven't flown off the water. Great, so it's magical to see the countryside from a few hundred feet up. Even better, enjoy flying low across the clear, blue, warm waters of the Bahamas. Examine the shoreline of a big lake in a way you'd never do in a landplane. Compared to airports, seaplane pilots have many times more lakes or rivers able to handle a landing. All are fair game in an emergency and many U.S. waterways will permit normal water operations.

ICP Savannah on floats

Are you convinced yet? Water flying does require earning a Seaplane rating for Private or better pilots flying a certified floatplane or seaplane. However, for Sport Pilots or those using higher level certificates to exercise the privileges of Sport Pilot, only training plus a logbook endorsement is needed. Purchase cost of a seaplane can be, well… breathtaking. If you or someone you know has ever priced a general aviation aircraft on floats, you're aware they can be quite expensive. Flying from water demands a more robust airframe and amphibians add weight and complexity. Finding a qualified flight school and instructors with seaplane trainers and insurance for commercial training operations is another challenge although organizations like the dedicated Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) can help overcome some of the preceding obstacles.

Just Aircraft Highlander on floats

All these facts conspire to make seaplane flying less common than it ought to be. Light-Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot kits to the rescue. While still more costly than landline equivalents, LSA seaplanes carry price tags that are a fraction of certified aircraft on floats and they likely outperform their counterparts in general aviation. Even SPA — the water flying organization that has been more focused on certified floatplanes — is now flying a loaned Searey for a year or so to learn more about this segment of their community (photo). Here at Sun 'n Fun 2019, we saw two new entries in the LSA or Sport Pilot kit space. Italian manufacturer ICP representative (and airline pilot) Walter della Nebbia presented a bright red STOL Savannah on white composite amphibious floats. The floats were designed and built by an Italian organization (Scuola Italiano Volo) with many years of experience providing seaplane-only flight instruction. "He (the designer) is very knowledgeable," said Walter. "These are very good floats with lots of experience."

Progressive Aerodyne's Searey on loan to the Seaplane Pilots Association

Just Aircraft showed a Highlander on aluminum floats built by the owner from a Zenair float kit. Just has become known for their SuperSTOL model with the jaw-dropping performance. Highlander is the company's original LSA success story (#33 on our SLSA List) that, when significantly modified for special use, became SuperSTOL. Besides these two entries the LSA industry offers several more choices of float-equipped land planes plus other boat-hulled seaplanes such as Progressive Aerodyne's Searey, Aero Adventure's Aventura, Seamax Aircraft's SeaMax, Vickers Aircraft's coming Wave, and others. In the days ahead I'll also provide some coverage for a very affordable amphibious weight shift trike, Airtime Aircraft's Cygnet, built right here in Florida. While waterborne aircraft carry a higher price tags than land-only airplanes, seaplane flying has never been more affordable.

* My definition of these terms is that a "seaplane" has a boat hull where a "floatplane" is straight or amphibious floats added to a landline. The terms are not used as official designations. Home page sunset view over Seamax LSA seaplane by Randee Laskewitz

Seaplane flying is a specialty within aviation but it is one that has steady appeal and develops passionate aviators. I prefer to modify that “gear-up landing” line to… “There are pilots who love seaplane flying and there are those will love it.” Be forewarned: Once you touch your seaplane* or floatplane* to the water, it may forever change you. If you think I’m being too dramatic, you probably haven’t flown off the water. Great, so it’s magical to see the countryside from a few hundred feet up. Even better, enjoy flying low across the clear, blue, warm waters of the Bahamas. Examine the shoreline of a big lake in a way you’d never do in a landplane. Compared to airports, seaplane pilots have many times more lakes or rivers able to handle a landing. All are fair game in an emergency and many U.S. waterways will permit normal water operations. Are you convinced yet?

ICP — Savannah taildragger (Aero 2013)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 2 Comments

ICP gained brand name awareness primarily with their Savannah model, a short take off and landing airplane that sells for a modest price. We've seen it several times but always in tricycle gear. Now at Aero, everyone saw for the first time the new taildragger model from Italy's ICP. We spoke with company leader Loredana Arisio. We also take a look at their new light aircraft engine with questions answered by engine Andrea Caglio.

ICP gained brand name awareness primarily with their Savannah model, a short take off and landing airplane that sells for a modest price. We’ve seen it several times but always in tricycle gear. Now at Aero, everyone saw for the first time the new taildragger model from Italy’s ICP. We spoke with company leader Loredana Arisio. We also take a look at their new light aircraft engine with questions answered by engine Andrea Caglio.

Skykits — Savannah

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

The Italian design from ICP is the Savannah, one of the best performing STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) Light-Sport Aircraft. Skykits is a formerly Canadian company recently moved to Tennessee and they build major components from ICP into no less than four finished versions called the regular Savannah, VG, ADV, and Skykits special variation, the Rampage.

Aero Friedrichshafen Video Bonanza

By Dan Johnson || May 8, 2013 Leave a Comment

A solar-panel-equipped Pegasus hangs above a display of several electric aircraft.

Conducting a rare interview with Paolo Pascale, the managing director of LSA giant, Tecnam, in front of their new Astore. See our video.

Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer had to arrive early in the morning to get this shot of the Fk 51 Mustang without a crowd around it.

Conducting an interview on the D-Motor that is preparing to go through ASTM standards approval. Some photos courtesy Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer

We were busy at Aero Friedrichshafen 2013, knocking out more than 30 videos for your viewing information and entertainment. That's more than seven videos per day and a sum of more than five hours total running time (more than three Hollywood movies in minutes of viewing time). With these and all the videos shot at Sun 'n Fun the week before Aero started, we expect to offer more than 300 videos on our LSA Video page. I'd like for you to understand how much effort that represents. I'd also like to thank BRS Parachutes, ICP North America, and Renegade Light Sport Aircraft for providing financial assistance to Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer. Without their support, these videos would not likely have been made. Today, I uploaded more than a dozen new videos to ByDanJohnson.com. We have many more coming. The newest ones include • Introduction to Aero and what you'll see • Tecnam's aerobatic Snap • FlyEco's Diesel engine • FK 51 replica Mustang • Yuneec's electric-powered eSpyder • lightweight electric aircraft • Zlin's customizable Bobber • ICP's Savannah taildragger and new engine • BOT SpeedCruiser with D-Motor • BRM Aero's Bristell taildragger • Phoenix Air's electric-powered ePhoenix • Nando Groppo tri-gear and, • one from AirVenture 2012 on the Zenith CH-650. You might better understand the work it takes to make a video by relating to major motion picture films from Hollywood or other movie making centers. You've probably seen "Making of ..." videos where the concepts, equipment, and tasks are explained in detail. Of course, Hollywood spends millions of dollars and often hundreds of man-hours for scenes that sometimes last just a few seconds. Naturally, my effort with Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer, which uploads to YouTube channel "UltralightNews" isn't the same as a big-budget Hollywood production. Nonetheless each video is no small effort and I'd like to give you just a glimpse. First you have to travel to where the action is, be it Sun 'n Fun in central Florida or a week later in southern Germany. Then you carry equipment and supplies for literally miles (or kilometers) at these big events to get to where airplane projects are being shown. Before shooting starts, you work with representatives that know their products and run through a routine to be used in video taping that is similar to live-studio productions ... that is, we coach the people being interviewed as to what they can expect and how to follow our lead. To save time and make the final production effort simpler, we try to keep editing to a minimum. These are not staged or scripted events and we work hard to avoid retakes. All interviews are essentially live action and we are grateful for those whose native language is not English as they participated. Honestly, though, all the above is the easy part. Once the video is captured much more is required. "Static" shots — those scenes you see while the interview continues on an audio track — are often shot early in the morning before crowds gather around new aircraft. Company video is secured to add action. After logging all the footage editing starts. This is at least a full day task for every one of the 10-minute videos you see here and on YouTube. Now that we have about 300 videos "in the can," we offer a library with the viewing-minutes equivalent of more than 33 full-length Hollywood movies. Believe me, we don't have Hollywood's multi-million dollar budgets nor do you pay anything to watch the videos. Thanks to all our subjects for their creative work designing airplanes and products and to Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer for the substantial post-production effort.

We were busy at Aero Friedrichshafen 2013, knocking out more than 30 videos for your viewing information and entertainment. That’s more than seven videos per day and a sum of more than five hours total running time (more than three Hollywood movies in minutes of viewing time). With these and all the videos shot at Sun ‘n Fun the week before Aero started, we expect to offer more than 300 videos on our LSA Video page. I’d like for you to understand how much effort that represents. I’d also like to thank BRS Parachutes, ICP North America, and Renegade Light Sport Aircraft for providing financial assistance to Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer. Without their support, these videos would not likely have been made. Today, I uploaded more than a dozen new videos to ByDanJohnson.com. We have many more coming. The newest ones include • Introduction to Aero and what you’ll see • Tecnam’s aerobatic Snap • FlyEco’s Diesel engine • FK 51 replica Mustang • Yuneec’s electric-powered eSpyder • lightweight electric aircraft • Zlin’s customizable Bobber • ICP’s Savannah taildragger and new engine • BOT SpeedCruiser with D-Motor • BRM Aero’s Bristell taildragger • Phoenix Air’s electric-powered ePhoenix • Nando Groppo tri-gear and, • one from AirVenture 2012 on the Zenith CH-650.

Global LSA in Paris… Tennessee, That Is

By Dan Johnson || July 19, 2010 Leave a Comment

Skykits' handsome facility at the Paris, Tennessee airport.

With short take off aircraft and composite amphibious floats, Skykits is ready to capitalize on the popularity of float flying.

Savannah is a off-airport vehicle. Fixed slats gave way to vortex generators.

Skykits' newest Rampage is shown inside the company showroom.

In the endless tree-covered rolling terrain of northwestern Tennessee resides a Canadian manufacturer of Italian aircraft. Welcome to Skykits, producer of two models of Savannah, a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) design from ICP of Italy plus a newer variation of ICP's Vimana, which Skykits calls Rampage. *** Starting out in his native Canada, Eric Giles found a willing Tennessee community offering incentives if he set up shop at the local airport. Housed in a new facility (photos), Skykits ranks in the top 20 producers that generate about 90% of all SLSA registered to date. *** After ASTM-certifying four models Skykits offers three today: Savannah VG with vortex generators replacing earlier fixed leading edge slots; Savannah VGW, the VG's larger brother done in wide body form ("47 inches plus bubble doors"); and Rampage with electrically-deployable leading edge slats mated to Fowler flaps. The result of the latter effort, said Skykits, is "an airplane that will cruise at 115 mph yet land and takeoff in under 200 feet!" Indeed the company quotes takeoff over a 50 foot obstacle at just 319 feet. Go ahead and compare that to most LSA, though many can run significantly faster than the 100-knot cruise of Rampage. *** Skykits also sells the Savannah models in ELSA kit form and a carbon and Kevlar amphibious float system. *** An important distinction of Skykits airplanes are modest prices. In ready-to-fly form with 100-hp Rotax 912 engines, three-blade props, and basic panels, prices range from $74,000 to $85,000. No wonder the Paris company logged four sales at Sun 'n Fun 2010. [UPDATE 5/12/10] On a factory visit today, Eric Giles spoke about the excellent support he has received from the town of Paris, Tennessee including the mayor, airport manager, and other officials. His leased 21,000 square foot building is brand-new and a huge parking apron out front were provided as an incentive to encourage him to relocate from Canada. I'm always pleased to hear of such a warm welcome for a LSA company.

A Trio of Savannah SLSA

By Dan Johnson || January 29, 2007 Leave a Comment

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. Whew! Choices are great but require that you do your homework.

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.

How Shall We Count New SLSA?

By Dan Johnson || September 22, 2006 Leave a Comment

Does it help to have your new SLSA blessed in the Hawaiian fashion? I don't know but that and a parachute might save you one day. This traditional ceremony welcomed the island's first SLSA, said Skykits.

Barely over a month ago, I reported that Skykits Corp won their first approval for the Savannah. In that SPLOG posting I said that the plane would be produced with three wings mated to the same fuselage. Now, proving the point, Skykits president Eric Giles announced his second SLSA approval...for a Savannah ADV. Eric also claimed the airplane delivered to Hawaii was the first SLSA to be registered in the state (photo). *** Savannah ADV has a tapered airfoil with full-span retractable leading edge slats and double-slotted flaps, both operated electrically with a mechanical backup. Skykits says, "The new wing increases cruise speed by 25 mph while maintaining the STOL capabilities. "As their company name implies, kits are also available. The questions arise, though: Is this a new model or a model variation? Do we count it as a new SLSA? We're bound to have more such questions as the LSA evolution continues.

Barely over a month ago, I reported that Skykits Corp won their first approval for the Savannah. In that SPLOG posting I said that the plane would be produced with three wings mated to the same fuselage. Now, proving the point, Skykits president Eric Giles announced his second SLSA approval…for a Savannah ADV. Eric also claimed the airplane delivered to Hawaii was the first SLSA to be registered in the state (photo). *** Savannah ADV has a tapered airfoil with full-span retractable leading edge slats and double-slotted flaps, both operated electrically with a mechanical backup. Skykits says, “The new wing increases cruise speed by 25 mph while maintaining the STOL capabilities. “As their company name implies, kits are also available. The questions arise, though: Is this a new model or a model variation? Do we count it as a new SLSA? We’re bound to have more such questions as the LSA evolution continues.