A few days ago a couple Super Petrel XPs arrived in Florida. In no time, Roger Helton‘s team had the pair assembled and had earned their Special Airworthiness Certificates, from two different FAA inspectors no less. Development happens fast in light aviation; Mosaic will further quicken the pace. Welcome to Light-Sport Aircraft where the swift thrive and those that can’t move fast enough fall behind. LSA is a market full of seasoned competitors. They’ve learned their trade well, surviving and some even gaining during the Covid upset. Any new creation coming to market will be measured against tough standards. You think the pace of development is fast now? Wait as Mosaic approaches and company after company announces new products to take advantage of the “Christmas in July” list of new privileges FAA offered in the summer release of their Mosaic proposal (view list at bottom). The regulation is currently in review by the agency and according to their own statements, it should go live by second quarter 2025 (2Q25).
Super Petrel XP Arrives in Florida; Proven Product Significantly Upgraded
Two fresh Special LSA airworthiness certificates were signed by two different FAA officials on March 14, 2024 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
Super Petrel XP Here in America
Typical of those veterans of this industry, Scoda Aeronautica from Brazil has learned to constantly update and improve their product. It is a testament to their experience and to good planning that two aircraft arrived in America in time for Sun 'n Fun starting April 9th. This speaks to a high level of coordination between the Brazilian-based manufacturer, Scoda, and their American partner, Super Petrel USA.Moving Market
The LSA seaplane marketplace has seen significant changes in the last few years. California's Icon revved up their manufacturing after a delayed start and is now producing A5s in some volume.Arrows show where headsets can be stored; tidy and clever.
XP Highlights
Many pilots recognize that seaplanes need more power to separate from the water. A moving fluid adheres to the hull, creating "stickiness," plus the initial acceleration in water is slower than wheels on a hard surface.Super Petrel XP FEATURE LIST:
- Full composite tapered wings with built-in landing / position lights
- Streamlined carbon / aramid composite fuselage
- One-piece canopy providing unparalleled visibility and comfort for the occupants
- Structural nose area allowing occupants to walk in and out while beaching
- Longer hull enhancing hydrodynamics’ efficiency and floatation
- Electrically-actuated, hydraulically-operated landing gear retracting system
- State-of-the-art nose and main wheels with larger tires
- New brake system, including parking brake
- Maximum gross weight of 1,430 pounds for both water and land
- New fuel system with dual gauge indicators
- Baggage area increased by 60%
- Niches for Bose headsets stowage with headset control module in the side arm rest
- Centrally-mounted Garmin G3X Touch augmented with G5 plus transponder, VHF, Autopilot, AOA, ADSB In and Out, and ELT ACK 406 dual frequency with whip antenna and SiriusFM
- New Garmin Landing Gear Alerting System
- Central console with throttle control and switches
- Four position seat back adjustment
- Ballast tank with gauge indicator and electric in / out pump system
- Powered by Rotax 915iS turbocharged engine outputting 141 horsepower
- 5-blade e-Prop propeller system
ARTICLE LINKS:
- Scoda Aeronautica, contact info and all content on this website
- Super Petrel USA, U.S importer contact info
- Rotax Aircraft Engines, contact info and content on this website
- Tableau Public, our database for all FAA-registered (N-numbered) SLSA or kit aircraft that Sport Pilots can fly
- Sun 'n Fun 2024, official website — the popular show is celebrating its 50th year (see XP at this event)
Christmas in July — These graphics show all the new capabilities FAA offered in July 2023. The agency is currently reviewing comments and making appropriate changes. A final rule is expected by 2Q25.