News from Sebring Expo 2017… “We had a lot of interest in Elf,” said Don Reece, the man behind Apogee A.C.E., the Florida dealer for Ekolot. Indeed, though even smaller and tucked behind Ekolot’s better known Topaz, Elf caught the attention of Videoman Dave and I as we scoured the Sebring exhibit grounds looking to shoot video of any aircraft or development of interest. We get to do this at many shows so catching our attention means something. (Watch for an upcoming video on Elf after editing is complete.) Ekolot Elf — It looks small and is physically smaller because Elf seats comfortably (but narrowly) a single occupant. It read “Light-Sport” on the outside but it has not completed the proof of compliance as of Sebring 2017. However, that’s the plan after an FAA regional office told importer Krzysztof “Kris” Siuba that Elf was too fast for Part 103 and any attempt to remedy that would be fruitless so it could not qualify for FAA’s simplest, least regulated category.
Ekolot America
Website: http://www.ekolotamericas.com
Email: NIU-G@comcast.net
Phone: 815-762-1865
Dekalb, IL 60115 - USAEkolot — Topax (0414)
Kris Siuba has represented the handsome Light-Sport Aircraft Topaz from Ekolot for several years but he wasn’t a solo pilot until just before his 9-hour flight to Sun ‘n Fun 2014. We speak with Kris and have a look around the Topax with its excellent finish work. For those seeking something a bit different or for those looking for an aircraft that shows great stye, this might move your spirit. (If you attend the Midwest LSA Expo at the beginning of every September — an hour east of St. Louis — come find Kris and Topaz).
Ekolot — Topaz
The Topaz from Ekolot was viewed for the first time by Americans at the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. We’ve seen this Polish company’s Junior before but not their top-of-the-line Topaz. However, around 100 are flying in Europe so it is not a brand new design. Come with us and have a look at this handsome aircraft with the snazzy auto-style interior.
Smooth Ekolot Topaz Makes First U.S. Appearance
Just when you thought the LSA industry was running out of models (109 presently show on our SLSA List)… here comes one of the sharpest examples I’ve seen. NIU Group used the Midwest LSA Expo as the venue to debut an airplane I’ve seen in Europe (more than 100 flying). Previously in the U.S., we have seen the Junior from the same company. In the accompanying photos we see the top-of-the-line Topaz and a handsome machine it is, both outside and inside. With its automotive-styled, leather-trimmed interior, Topaz presents an attention-getter for any airport ramp and the Midwest LSA Expo was no exception. Attendees were drawn to the gorgeous new LSA represented by Krzysztof Siuba. He’s aware his first name is difficult for Americans, so he just says, “Call me Kris.” Whew! Good. As with many European producers, Poland-based Ekolot has experience with sailplanes and the composite finish shows a glider producer’s attention to an exceptionally smooth finish.