BRM Aero, s.r.o. Archives - Page 2 of 3

BRM Aero, s.r.o.

Website: http://www.brmaero.com

Email: info@brmaero.com

Phone: +420 608 306 338

Kunovice, -- 686 04 - Czech Republic

BRM Aero’s Bristell Gains New U.S. Distributor

By Dan Johnson || December 11, 2014 4 Comments

BRM Aero's TDO (Taildragger Option) is flying in Europe.

The Czech company offers a kit version as well; U.S. qualification has not yet been determined.

BRM Aero's Bristell got off to a good start in the USA two years ago. Unfortunately, after an initial burst of positive reviews and good response from pilots, the distributor at the time stumbled. A failed association with the now-defunct Aviation Access Project undermined the efforts but that association had nothing to do with the Czech aircraft producer. So, after a year or so of discussions and evaluation, BRM Aero found a new, high-quality representative. In early December 2014, Bristell Aircraft, a New York corporation, officially accepted the appointment to represent the aircraft of BRM Aero. "Bristell Aircraft is an American company whose roots go deep into the highly-structured world of FAA-certified aircraft," said Lou Mancuso, director of Bristell Aircraft. Over the last year, Lou has worked directly with BRM Aero "to develop, customize, and standardize aircraft specifically for the North American market." Lou and his team bring 68 years of aviation sales, service and training success and appear well suited to the endeavor. "We are excited to introduce American aviators to this exceptional aircraft," said Lou. "In our flight schools we have owned and operated several brands of LSA. Without doubt the Bristell is the very best." Milan Bristela, the aircraft's designer said, "We are delighted to have the breadth of expertise and depth of resources that Lou's team brings to Bristell and North America." See this video interview with Milan shot at Aero 2013. Conceived from the ground up for American customers, designer Milan Bristela's creation has the widest cockpit available in the fleet of more than 130 Light-Sport Aircraft. At slightly more than 51 inches wide the cabin is broader than a Cirrus SR22 that sells for more than five times as much. "Milan focused on making the aircraft extremely comfortable, easy to fly and with enviable performance and stability," noted Mancuso. With a substantial 600-pound useful load, two people can easily take off with full fuel and still have room for luggage, the importer said. Equipped with a fuel-sipping Rotax 912iS, the Bristell easily covers 600 nautical miles between fuel stops. "This aircraft is the culmination of Bristela's decades of aircraft design experience," added Mancuso. "It's sleek lines and superb fit and finish are an outward manifestation of the thought and care that have gone into its creation. In Bristela's words, this aircraft is what his heart created. Hence his company slogan, 'Wings with heart'." "American aviators demand a high level of quality, reliability, and support," expressed Mancuso. "Simply importing and reselling an aircraft was not an option for us." Working with BRM Aero, Bristell Aircraft selected upgraded interiors, equipped models with standardized systems and configurations like toe brakes and have standard tire sizes that are available at most FBOs. Bristell Aircraft said it maintains a comprehensive inventory of aircraft-specific parts at two east cost locations. "We can ensure that Bristell customers enjoy ease-of-maintenance and maximum long-term serviceability," said Mancuso. The result of the collaboration of the Czech manufacturer and the New York aviation enterprise is "a premier line of Light Sport Aircraft tailored for the American aviator with the highest level of quality, fit and finish available, and backed by the longest warranty in its class," added Mancuso. Bristell offers a two year/400 hour warranty. Bristell is available as a Light-Sport in either tricycle gear or taildragger configuration, A retractable model is offered in Europe. The European producer also offers a kit version and Mancuso's Bristell Aircraft may elect to represent this choice as well. Any way it is configured, Bristell is a lovely, efficient, well-flying airplane. You can read my short review in this article or watch this video after that flight. Bristell is one of what might be called a boutique manufacturer. A small, core group associated with designer Milan Bristela performs the manufacturing of his handsome airplane available in multiple configurations. Now you order a Bristell model from a reliable and long-established U.S. enterprise. Those who examine the Bristell closely will start to appreciate how interesting a fifth generation LSA design can be.

BRM Aero‘s Bristell got off to a good start in the USA two years ago. Unfortunately, after an initial burst of positive reviews and good response from pilots, the distributor at the time stumbled. A failed association with the now-defunct Aviation Access Project undermined the efforts but that association had nothing to do with the Czech aircraft producer. So, after a year or so of discussions and evaluation, BRM Aero found a new, high-quality representative. In early December 2014, Bristell Aircraft, a New York corporation, officially accepted the appointment to represent the aircraft of BRM Aero. “Bristell Aircraft is an American company whose roots go deep into the highly-structured world of FAA-certified aircraft,” said Lou Mancuso, director of Bristell Aircraft. Over the last year, Lou has worked directly with BRM Aero “to develop, customize, and standardize aircraft specifically for the North American market.” Lou and his team bring 68 years of aviation sales, service and training success and appear well suited to the endeavor.

LSA Taildraggers Broaden the Sector’s Appeal

By Dan Johnson || November 7, 2014 1 Comment

The Airplane Factory pilot launches the new Sling Taildragger in South Africa.

BRM Aero has reconfigured its shapely Bristell into a taildragger called TDO (for Taildragger Option).

Taildraggers may be among the least understood and most feared aircraft available in the LSA space ... or for that matter throughout general aviation. While we have many good choices that I'll list below, I have nonetheless heard from many readers or airshow visitors that they are uncertain about their operation of an aircraft that has no nosewheel. If you have no taildragger skills, you'll also find it a challenge to get proper flight instruction in a "standard" aircraft. For those seeking new skills in flying, however, taildraggers may provide high satisfaction. Most who have crossed the barrier to taildragging subsequently look very fondly at such aircraft, seeing a sleeker yet gutsier, more rugged appearance. Of course, nosewheels dominate general aviation as they can be easier to land, especially in crosswinds, but once you learn the lesson of "happy feet" — or keeping your feet active on the rudder pedals throughout approach and touchdown — you may always yearn for more taildragger time. Photos accompanying this article illustrate two established nosewheel designs now offered in taildragger configuration. Both are new to the market but they join quite a flock. Consider these other taildragging Light-Sport Aircraft: Tecnam's Taildragger • the long popular Kitfox • Rans' S-6, S-7, and S-20 • Renegade's taildragging Falcon • Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL and Highlander • Aerotrek's A220 • FK Lightplanes' aerobatic Comet • Phoenix Air's motorglider • and Pipistrel's Sinus motorglider ... and these are just the landplanes. Plus, I've left out a few models that appear to have gone quiet in the marketplace. LSA seaplanes can also be taildraggers (as well as pusher designs). Icon's highly visible A5 is a nosedragger as are Super Petrel, SeaMax, Mermaid, and Freedom that feature retractable nosewheels, yet taildragger LSA seaplanes include Progressive Aerodyne's Searey and Lisa's Akoya. The splashy new MVP and Wave seaplanes still in development plan to offer what might be called "hybrid" landing gear configurations (more on them in the future). Of course, the Cubalikes are taildraggers in keeping with their vintage looks; likewise for the Savage series. Work aircraft like the Dragonfly hang glider towplane are also well served by being taildraggers. The Airplane Factory USA's always upbeat team led by Matt Liknaitzky reported, "After a wonderful trip to the Copperstate Fly-In [we] sold [our] first U.S. based Sling Taildragger or Sling TD. This tailwheel version of the Sling 2 is the latest model designed by Mike Blyth and The Airplane Factory team." Matt added that the South African factory has received the order and has already begun the production process. "This beauty should arrive in the U.S. in about 6 months and we can't wait to have her join the Sling family," said Matt. He also noted that beyond the inaugural taildragger, two ready-to-fly four seat Sling 4s will arrive in the U.S. by the start of 2015 and will be available to demo. Ready-to-fly Sling Light-Sport Aircraft will be arriving every two months, with a few orders already placed. Four kit builders have joined the Sling builders brigade. The Airplane Factory maintains a vigorous pace of development and manufacturing and enjoys good U.S. presence thanks to TAF USA's operation at the Torrence, California airport run by expat South African Matt Litnaitzky who has since gained permanent U.S. status. Last but by no means least is the BRM Aero TDO or Taildragger Option Bristell. This handsome airplane was much admired in trigear form after its arrival in the USA. Some see it as a new generation version of the SportCruiser, which is hardly a surprise as the company owner and chief designer is Milan Bristela who had a great involvement in the original development of the popular airplane sold today by U.S. Sport Aircraft back when it was manufactured by Czech Aircraft Works (renamed Czech Sport Aircraft following an ownership change). Milan has developed BRM Aero into something of a boutique aircraft manufacturer custom building airplanes for customers in a very intimate fashion. Like The Airplane Factory, Milan stays very busy with new ideas and the TDO is another handsome airplane being added to the LSA fleet. You may not think taildraggers are for you as they do require some additional training (for insurance if no other reason) but nearly everyone admits these are good looking aircraft that draw appreciative looks in the air or on the ramp. Welcome to both Sling Taildragger and BRM's Bristell TDO! Although not in a taildragger Sling, you might enjoy this short video of a couple aviatrixes flying the Pacific Ocean shoreline from Sling's base in Torrence to Camarillo, California.

Taildraggers may be among the least understood and most feared aircraft available in the LSA space … or for that matter throughout general aviation. While we have many good choices that I’ll list below, I have nonetheless heard from many readers or airshow visitors that they are uncertain about their operation of an aircraft that has no nosewheel. If you have no taildragger skills, you’ll also find it a challenge to get proper flight instruction in a “standard” aircraft. For those seeking new skills in flying, however, taildraggers may provide high satisfaction. Most who have crossed the barrier to taildragging subsequently look very fondly at such aircraft, seeing a sleeker yet gutsier, more rugged appearance. Of course, nosewheels dominate general aviation as they can be easier to land, especially in crosswinds, but once you learn the lesson of “happy feet” — or keeping your feet active on the rudder pedals throughout approach and touchdown — you may always yearn for more taildragger time.

Summer’s Coming; Cool It, Fellow Pilots!

By Dan Johnson || May 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

Hear more details in our video on the FlyCool air conditioning in CTLS.

Across the northern U.S. states and across much of Europe it was a lousy, cold, snowy winter. It seemed everyone I spoke to at Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany complained about the crappy winter and their laments mirrored those from America's northlands. However, the weather appears to be going directly from winter to summer. It was warm in Slovenia when we visited Pipistrel and it's now getting hot across much of the USA. That's great, perhaps, as it foretells an active flying season. However, as the weather warms, it can get mighty hot in the cockpit and not only because you're on short final on a gusty day in a responsive LSA. US Aviation previewed their integration of the AMT FlyCool air conditioning system in the Flight Design CTLS at Sun 'n Fun 2013. The Dallas-area, Texas company partnered with FlyCool to develop an installation for the Flight Design CTLS. US Aviation rep, Scott Severen said, "We are seeing a 20 degree drop in less than 10 minutes on a 100 degree day" The FlyCool system is a 9,500 BTU per hour, all-electric system that fits in the right side baggage area of the CTLS (photo). US Aviation will perform installations at their sprawling Denton, Texas facility. Scott also noted that they plan to offer an option to pre-cool the CTLS during pre-flight by plugging the unit in to standard 110 volt current in the hangar." The hardware swallows up half of CTLS' baggage area, but small shelves behind each seat will suffice for short trips. The cost is less than $15,000 and takes about a week, he said. "Visitors at the show who experienced the system working were quite impressed by the volume of cool air moving through the cockpit vents between the seats," observed Severen. Flycool is an innovative, lightweight, very low-power-draw air conditioning system developed by Air Management Technology of Denver, Colorado. US Aviation is a major flight school and maintenance facility in central Texas that is super LSA-friendly. US Aviation has been a Rotax Service Center for many years employing six Rotax-trained, full-time A&P mechanics. In regular efforts by Severen over the past two years, the company has become an authorized repair representative for many of the top LSA brands. Adding to their other well-known companies, US Aviation recently announced taking this duty for Bristell USA. "Bristell audited the US Aviation facility and found the capability requirements and the proper tools and equipment necessary to perform authorized service including insurance and warranty service, along with avionics and BRS service," reported Barry Pruitt, President of Bristell USA. "They understand Light-Sport Aircraft. We are proud to partner with US Aviation in creating outstanding support for our customers in the central USA." We've posted ten more LSA videos: Super Petrel LS • Bush Cat • CubCrafters on Mead Floats • Belite amphib floats • Mosquito ultralight helicopter • Fisher kits review • Golden Avio F30 • Groppo Trail & Savannah • Aerotrek durability • and, the ready-to-fly Kolb Part 103 Firefly. We have many more still to come ... all for free. Happy viewing!

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.

Pre-Sebring 2013 LSA News Wrap

By Dan Johnson || January 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff will perform at Sebring. Rumors suggest she's looking at LSA for a new airshow routine.

Dynon's SkyView now shows ADS-B weather and traffic.

Bristell is partnering with Aviation Access Project to offer fractional ownership.

World Aircraft will show their new, modestly-priced Vision LT at Sebring.

B.O.T.'s SC 07 Super Cruiser may be the newest SLSA (#131).

Reportedly for the first time, an FK12 Comet fired up its new Lycoming AE IO 233 powerplant.

Pipistrel's Alpha Trainer is now approved for night flight in Poland.

Bahamas anyone? Fun island hopping awaits, with sponsorship by Aviators Hot Line.

Borrow a Sennheiser S-1 Digital at Sebring. Your ears may never be the same.

Patty Wagstaff and LSA? This week brings the start of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo and excitement is high. Following are some news items to those who follow this event and the light, recreational aircraft space. On Friday, January 18th, Sebring EAA Chapter 1240 is sponsoring a dinner featuring aerobatic expert Patty Wagstaff who will perform at the event ... with such an airshow being a first for Sebring. Proceeds will support youth aviation education programs. •• The Sebring EAA chapter has engineered a rare partnership between the chapter, the airport, and the local school board to provide educational activities for kids. This sufficiently impressed aviation philanthropist James Ray that he ended writing a check for the entire structure, a new 60 x 70-foot building at the Sebring Airport with classrooms and facilities including a large hangar space where high school children are involved in restoring two aircraft. Led by aerospace teacher John Rousch, the chapter also provides flight training scholarships. The fund-raising dinner will be hosted in the main hangar of Lockwood Aviation Supply. First CTLSi with ADS-B Aviators love abbreviations and one that invaded light aviation recently is ADS-B. FAA's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast service brings two major benefits for aircraft that install new equipment: free weather and surrounding air traffic. LSA market leader Flight Design recently completed the first installation of this in one of its brand-new CTLSi models. New dealer Florida Light-Sport Aviation, based at the Spruce Creek Fly-in near Daytona Beach, has the first of what is sure to be many such installations. •• ADS-B equipment for the installation is built by Dynon Avionics, a Flight Design supply partner that also builds the SkyView digital avionics suite used in the CTLSi models. A separate hardware module was added behind the 10-inch screen and connected to an antenna on the belly of the aircraft. An ADS-B equipped aircraft uses an ordinary GPS receiver to determine a precise position from GPS satellites and then combines that position with other aircraft information such as speed, heading, and altitude. This information is broadcast to other ADS-B capable aircraft and to ADS-B ground, or satellite communications transceivers which then relay the aircraft's position and additional information to Air Traffic Control centers in real time. It is seen as the "next generation" of air traffic control and gives this information directly to pilots and controllers. Dynon Avionics said, "The new SV-ADSB-470 unit offers subscription-free weather displayed on SkyView. Airport weather data can be displayed for nearest airports or for a specific airport identifier." Dynon added, "ADS-B receives traffic information with precise location, altitude, speed, and direction from broadcast from other ADS-B equipped aircraft along with data broadcast from ADS-B ground stations, presuming the aircraft is equipped with the correct transponder." Additionally TFRs can be shown even though these are temporarily restricted areas. LSA Fractional Ownership? Aircraft partnerships are generating growing interest. Another variation on this theme is fractional ownership. In a laudatory effort to grow the sport pilot population, Aviation Access Project CEO Rick Matthews said, "Our fractional ownership and management model allows more current pilots and those who have a passion for aviation the opportunity to own a brand new highly capable Bristell for about the cost of a used car. With a monthly maintenance fee of less than half of the average new car payment, we think we can offer the pubic an unparalleled opportunity to enter or re-enter the world of aviation for a fraction of the cost they expected." AAP has selected the Bristell as an early partner but is talking to other companies as well. •• AAP isn't the only outfit pursing this idea in light aviation. Eric Giles of World Aircraft wrote, "We will be introducing our new Vision LT RTF at Sebring. Fewer bells and whistles but just as capable. Price is $84,995." As World Aircraft Company introduces the Vision LT, they also announced a new relationship with fractional ownership company, Aviown. "They will be getting a specially prepared Spirit LT as well as offering our decked-out Spirit," said Giles. Eric also reported, "I am confirming that all manufacturing will now take place at our Paris, Tennessee facility. We have moved the Columbia operation from its factory location to an airport where we can do prototype testing. Designer Max Tedesco will concentrate on what he does best ... design." B.O.T. approved We're still waiting to see the airworthiness certificate, but understand the newest SLSA (#131) has been approved. Welcome to the B.O.T. SC 07 Super Cruiser, first seen by Americans at the AirVenture 2013 LSA Mall. SC07's fuselage is made almost entirely of carbon fiber with only a small part of the rudder made of fiberglass. The wings internal construction is made completely in carbon fibre and the skin is made in glass/foam sandwich. SC07 wings are detachable and can be removed or installed in 30 minutes by two persons. Due to the width of the cabin and high headroom, even tall pilots will feel comfortable in the SC07, which does look smaller from the outside. Seat height can be easily adapted to fit smaller persons. B.O.T. said landings are easy thanks to effective flaps that a quick decent and landing precision. Cantilevered wings make side viewing unobstructed. B.O.T. SC07 specs: Powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912 with 23 gallons of fuel on board giving a reported 650 nm range; 48-inch-wide cabin; 1,040 gross weight (European specification); 26-foot span cantilevered wings; reported 115-knot cruise with a 35-knot stall at best flaps; 390 foot takeoff roll and 520 foot landing roll. •• Renegade LSA in Missouri has been busy. While gaining approval for SC07, they also completed the long-awaited installation of a Lycoming O-233 on the FK Lightplanes FK12 Comet biplane. "This (photo) is first start of any Lycoming AE IO 233 aircraft engine in the world," claimed Renegade boss Doc' Bailey. "It started right up on December 22, 2012." Pipistrel's Alpha Night Certification Pipistrel keeps running with their well-received Atlas LSA trainer. Pipistrel reports officially flying the first European light aircraft certified for night flight in Poland. Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol said, "We are proud that our Alpha Trainer is the first light aircraft certified to fly in Poland under night-VFR conditions." He added that this gives Alpha Trainer (video) owners the possibility to continue flying during winter time's shorter days. Alpha Trainer is a low-priced composite aircraft powered by the 80-hp Rotax 912 engine. Pipistrel said it burns only 2.5 U.S. gallons per hour on a typical flight. Alpha Trainer ships in one "full-equipment" configuration, which includes radio, transponder, GPS, ballistic parachute, specially developed analog/digital instruments, extra strong landing gear, and external lights. The most popular LSA version is produced in Italy. Bahamas Fly-Out #3 As the Sebring Expo 2013 ends, once again a flock of LSA will leave in a show-closing ceremony enroute for two islands in the Bahamas. Stopping first at Grand Bahamas for two days, participants will then fly to Bimini for two days before returning to the USA entering at Fort Lauderdale. Interested to go? You can, but you need to act quickly. Check this website or register here. Borrow the Best Ever wanted to try out one the true high-end headsets to see how your ears will love you for it? Ever wished you could try such a headset in a "real" environment, not just in their booth space at one of the big airshows? Well, lucky you, fellow pilot. I've been wanting the same thing and our good sponsor Sennheiser is prepared to do precisely that for any pilot that attends Sebring 2013 and goes to the Sennheiser booth (H102). First, go book a demo flight in the LSA of your choice. Then trot right over to Sennheiser and make the request. Assuming schedules coordinate, you're good to go. I think it's a wonderful idea and I've put my name on the list. Sennheiser's S-1 Digital is one of the top headsets and I see only one problem from their plan: You might love it so much you have to buy one ... or two. Oh, darn! As I close out this pre-Sebring LSA news wrap, I have additional info on those Chinese light aircraft shown in our earlier article. I invite you to click the link and see the fuller photo captions now appearing by those aircraft. Thanks for the info to a friend at Jane's All the World's Aircraft — he appreciates what he gets from ByDanJohnson.com and offered the update in return. Thanks, Paul Jackson!

First Half 2012 LSA Registration Update

By Dan Johnson || September 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

BRM Aero's Bristell appears to be an up-and-comer.

Jim Lee has quietly been logging a slew of orders for his smooth motorglider.

Aerotrek continues to be a solid selling aircraft, and offers one of the lower price points among LSA.

We've been getting requests for market share information and I am happy to provide an update, thanks to my European associate Jan Fridrich who does the hard work of sifting through FAA's database. I remind you that his efforts are not merely tallying whatever FAA publishes. In fairness, Jan has to evaluate many pieces of information and judge accuracy of the entries. This isn't because FAA's registrars are bumbling fools that cannot enter data accurately. The challenges come from sheer number of brands (90) and models (127) over a mere seven years... unprecedented in aviation history. To that add the variations of Experimental Amateur Built (EAB), Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA), Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft kits (ELSA) and converted two-place ultralights to LSA status. Then factor in that some standard category or homebuilt aircraft meet the LSA parameters of weight and speed and such so some people consider them "LSA," when in fact they mean they can be flown by some possessing a Sport Pilot certificate. My onetime EAA associate Ron Wagner coined the phrase "Sport Pilot eligible" to describe these aircraft. So now we come to the first half of 2012. Cessna appears the clear and away winner of the registration sweepstakes with an impressive 71 registered aircraft logged in six months (11.8/month). Jan reports a good number of these are registered in Cessna's corporate name so they do not equate to deliveries though they are newly hatched LSA. In all of 2011 Cessna registered 11.2/month so Shenyang Aircraft in China is finding a steady pace of production. Following well behind but still leading the rest of the pack is CubCrafters with 28 more registrations in the first half (4.7/month), a faster pace than their 2011 performance of 36 (3.0/month), indeed greater than 50% more production than last year when they also came in second after Cessna. American Legend managed to slightly up their 2011 pace to register seven new LSA in the first six months of 2012, trailed by Flight Design with six, followed by a tie between Jabiru U.S. and SportCruiser at five each. One surprise is Phoenix, the sleek motorglider builder, whose U.S. importer registered four in 2012 but reports having sold 20. "We cannot keep up with orders from customers," Jim Lee reports, "even though the production rate has increased." Bristell registered three and was followed by a chain of companies registering two apiece: Arion and their Lightning, Renegade and their Falcon, World Aircraft and their Spirit, and Canadian Light Aircraft and their Bush Caddy. Quite a few more companies at least got on the log and I think it's fair to say the first half of 2012 represents an improvement over 2011. That's great and we'll hope for more progress in the Light-Sport Aircraft sector. Update 9/5/12 — Shortly after we released the nearby chart, we heard from Aerotrek that we had undercounted their registrations. Besides our regrets — we do strive for accuracy — we repeat the comment that FAA's database can be a confusing place. Aerotrek's Rob Rollison sent detailed information to support his registration of six new LSA (the earlier report was for two) in the first half of 2012. He reported three each of the A240 tricycle gear models and A220 taildragger models were registered. Aerotrek continues to enjoy positive developments. In defending his registrations, Rob wrote, "Every plane I receive from [manufacturer] Aeropro is already sold — we are sold-out eight months in advance at the present time (and it's been this way for over a year)." Contratulations to Aerotrek and Aeropro. We looked into the data more deeply and corrected the chart. DISCLAIMER: As always we remind readers that the information presented in the text above and in the nearby graph is derived from registrations as logged by FAA Registration Branch. Figures are not sales or deliveries though over time, these values will tend to be very close. Also, the registration database used for this report may no longer include aircraft that were removed from the registry, slightly altering the numbers. Such removals can occur when an aircraft is shipped out of the USA, is destroyed by an accident, or is taken from Special LSA category to another category like Experimental LSA. Every effort has been made to report the most accurate information available.

We’ve been getting requests for market share information and I am happy to provide an update, thanks to my European associate Jan Fridrich who does the hard work of sifting through FAA’s database. I remind you that his efforts are not merely tallying whatever FAA publishes. In fairness, Jan has to evaluate many pieces of information and judge accuracy of the entries. This isn’t because FAA’s registrars are bumbling fools that cannot enter data accurately. The challenges come from sheer number of brands (90) and models (127) over a mere seven years… unprecedented in aviation history. To that add the variations of Experimental Amateur Built (EAB), Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA), Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft kits (ELSA) and converted two-place ultralights to LSA status. Then factor in that some standard category or homebuilt aircraft meet the LSA parameters of weight and speed and such so some people consider them “LSA,” when in fact they mean they can be flown by some possessing a Sport Pilot certificate.

Flying the Airplanes of Sebring 2012 — Bristell

By Dan Johnson || May 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

photo by Michal Pavlasek courtesy Liberty Sport Aviation

BRM Aero's new Bristell at Sebring 2012.

Smoothly achieved Bristell flies beautifully.

Not only wide (51.2 inches) Bristell's cockpit offer these occupants plenty of headroom. photo courtesy Liberty Sport Aviation

Since Sebring in January, the airshow season has rushed by at warp speed and now we return to more aircraft flown at the event that kicks off the aviation year. We'll add more from Sun 'n Fun soon plus we're loading more than 30 new videos. In this post, we have a quick look at the all-new Bristell, first unveiled to the American pilot community at the AOPA Summit last fall in Hartford Connecticut. *** If you feel a sense of deja vu when looking at Bristell, that's understandable. It has some common design heritage with the SportCruiser or PiperSport because the man behind the BRM Aero Bristell — Milan Bristela — was once affiliated with Czech Aircraft Works which originated the design. That's when Milan and I first met. He left the former company before it was taken over by Czech Sport Aircraft, designed another aircraft with a different partner, and finally chose a path all his own. Milan calls this a fifth generation design owing to his earlier work. Evidently those iterations paid off because at Sebring 2012, several media reporters went over the Bristell carefully and every one I spoke to was quite impressed (not always easy with reporters used to looking over everyone's latest and greatest projects). *** What really struck me were the many detail considerations, perhaps a function of long work on a design concept. Our video goes over many of these plus the very comfortable — and roomy (see photo) — cockpit. *** I offer some specifications to help tell the story. Engine is the ubiquitous 100-hp Rotax 912; Span is just under 30 feet; Empty weight 729 pounds; Payload with full fuel (32 gallons) is 400 pounds; Range 700 nm based on more than six hours endurance burning 5.5 gph in high cruise; Cabin width is a whopping 51.2 inches, almost a foot wider than a Cessna 172; Baggage capacity is significant carrying 121 pounds in two wing lockers and space aft of the seat. Of course, the latter depends on other loading but is nonetheless appealing to those who want to travel in the Bristell. The U.S. importer says Bristell will get you from Philadelphia (not far from their current location) to Chicago with a single fuel stop. Stall is a low 32 knots or 39 clean and what's called "max structural cruise" is listed at 116 knots or 133 mph. Never exceed speed is 145 knots. The Czech company is also working on a retractable model though that will not qualify under American LSA regulations. *** In flight, Bristell was a thing of beauty with wonderful handling and a seemingly unimpeachable stability profile. I didn't find any warts and I spoke to three other flight reviewers who were equally enthusiastic. Perhaps you ought to take a flight at an airshow near you. Because importer Bristell USA is new to the game (though well established in the LSA business), dealerships have not sprung up across the USA... yet. Even in an economic downturn that is taking its toll, Bristell seemed a breath of fresh air. Click to gain more info.

Since Sebring in January, the airshow season has rushed by at warp speed and now we return to more aircraft flown at the event that kicks off the aviation year. We’ll add more from Sun ‘n Fun soon plus we’re loading more than 30 new videos. In this post, we have a quick look at the all-new Bristell, first unveiled to the American pilot community at the AOPA Summit last fall in Hartford Connecticut. *** If you feel a sense of deja vu when looking at Bristell, that’s understandable. It has some common design heritage with the SportCruiser or PiperSport because the man behind the BRM Aero Bristell — Milan Bristela — was once affiliated with Czech Aircraft Works which originated the design. That’s when Milan and I first met. He left the former company before it was taken over by Czech Sport Aircraft, designed another aircraft with a different partner, and finally chose a path all his own.

Lockwood Rotax and Bristell at AOPA Summit 2011

By Dan Johnson || September 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

Phil Lockwood (R) visits with a customer at AOPA Summit 2011.

Van's Aircraft's RV-12 LSA made the cover of Lockwood's new catalog.

BRM Aero's Bristell debuted at AOPA's Airportfest 2011, attracting steady crowds.

At AOPA summit I spent time in the Lockwood Aviation booth giving me a chance to speak with a few RV-12 builders. *** Van's has reportedly sold approximately 600 RV-12 Light-Sport Aircraft, of which 150 may be flying, making RV-12 by far the most successful Experimental LSA. RV-12 would among rank high among all Light-Sport Aircraft were we able to include ELSA in the SLSA List (...we cannot, for several reasons). In a sign that proprietor and industry leader Phil Lockwood sees good potential in RV-12 service work he displays the leading ELSA on his latest Lockwood Aircraft Supply catalog. Van's did not exhibit at Summit 2011. *** I found it equally interesting to hear much improved reception to the Rotax line compared to earlier AOPA Expos or Summits. Perhaps it's the 2,000-hour overhaul time. Maybe it's the 40,000 9-series engines Rotax has installed on aircraft. Possibly more widely available Rotax service as seen on our FIRM List. Regardless, it seems likely Lockwood Repair services — and those provided by other Rotax centers — should enjoy good maintenance business for many years. |||| At the airport, visitors were greeted by a Cessna Skycatcher, which the big company positioned as the first aircraft inside the gate. Among LSA purveyors, Remos, Flight Design, Jabiru U.S., Arion Lightning, and CubCrafters had displays, as did Terrafugia though the latter was in the convention hall regularly folding its wings in and out. *** At Airportfest, Liberty Sport Aviation's Bristell was a hit, making its U.S. debut. People liked the 51-inch-wide cockpit, "...as wide as the Cirrus SR22," said rep' Barry Pruitt, who also stated that a 6-foot-8-inch father and son duo sat, and comfortably fit, under the bubble canopy with headroom to spare. Many were impressed with the smooth curves on the all-metal SLSA. Prices start about $125,000. |||| On Saturday, EAA and AOPA made a joint announcement that they will petition FAA next year to drop the third class medical for certain GA aircraft, limiting such privilege to one passenger and no more than 180 horsepower in day VFR. Read more from EAA. Though EAA and AOPA say doing away with the medical is supported by experience from Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft, the message was received warily by LSA sellers even as AOPA members gave loud approval at the morning session. Because many LSA are sold to pilots concerned about their medical, some felt the surprise announcement could chill sales that are already slow. However, other experts didn't perceive the negative and most pilots are aware the number of medically-related accidents is vanishingly small, plus generally, removing any barriers to more flying activity is a net gain. Yet even EAA and AOPA officials agreed the chance for victory is uncertain on this sixth try to go to a driver's license medical and approval may take two to five years, if ever. With disparate reactions to the announcement, only time will show how this new initiative might benefit aviation growth and activity. Regardless, it is fascinating to see the onetime rival member organizations harnessing their considerable horsepower in a combined effort.

At AOPA summit I spent time in the Lockwood Aviation booth giving me a chance to speak with a few RV-12 builders. *** Van’s has reportedly sold approximately 600 RV-12 Light-Sport Aircraft, of which 150 may be flying, making RV-12 by far the most successful Experimental LSA. RV-12 would among rank high among all Light-Sport Aircraft were we able to include ELSA in the SLSA List (…we cannot, for several reasons). In a sign that proprietor and industry leader Phil Lockwood sees good potential in RV-12 service work he displays the leading ELSA on his latest Lockwood Aircraft Supply catalog. Van’s did not exhibit at Summit 2011. *** I found it equally interesting to hear much improved reception to the Rotax line compared to earlier AOPA Expos or Summits. Perhaps it’s the 2,000-hour overhaul time. Maybe it’s the 40,000 9-series engines Rotax has installed on aircraft.

A Pair of New SLSA Arrive Before AOPA Summit 2011

By Dan Johnson || September 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

New Bristell Fastback from BRM Aero. photos by Barry Pruitt courtesy Liberty Sport Aviation

Pipistrel's latest approval is for their Sinus motorglider. Shown at bottom is the Sinus with tundra tires. photos courtesy Pipistrel

GAMA and LAMA members will meet again at AOPA's Summit.

Just in time for this year's AOPA Summit, welcome to a pair of Special Light-Sport Aircraft, numbers 121 and 122: the first, the formerly named NG 5 LSA, rebadged as the Bristell Fastback by importer Liberty Sport Aviation of Pennsylvania; and the second being the fourth approval for Pipistrel, specifically for their Sinus motorglider (previous Pipistrel approvals included the Virus, Virus SW, and Taurus). *** NG 5 LSA was not previously offered in the U.S. though it was sold in Europe as the NG 4 from Roko Aero. When Roko closed its doors production stopped for the NG 4. It became NG 5 as the company reformed into BRM Aero. Changes occur in any industry but Bristell Fastback designer, Milan Bristela, is a steady hand on the joystick known for his foundational work on the SportCruiser (for a year known as the PiperSport) that is presently ranked #2 in U.S. registrations. The Bristell is certainly similar to the SportCruiser/PiperSport though not identical as a close examination at AOPA Summit 2011 will show. |||| Pipistrel is one of those ambitious companies that seems to create new models with ease. Their line is extensive including a weight shift trike, a sailplane (Apis), a self-launched side-by-side motorglider (Taurus), the twin Virus models, plus, now, the Sinus. I first flew the latter as it entered the USA as an Experimental-Exhibition aircraft. Certification rules differ for genuine motorgliders and the company's U.S. representatives first traveled down that path before achieving no less than four SLSA approvals in the last three months. Pipistrel is only bested by Tecnam's five SLSA approvals and is matched only by Jabiru US and ICP/Skykits (which itself is going to new ownership... we commonly see changes in this most dynamic sector of aviation). A regular at air shows, Pipistrel is not on the exhibitor list for AOPA Summit perhaps as they are competing in the NASA Green Challenge, which is scheduled to begin immediately as Summit 2011 ends. Update 9/21/11 PM — See Pipistrel USA's blog postings about the NASA Green Flight Challenge 2011. |||| Among many other activities at AOPA Summit 2011, GAMA and LAMA will hold the second of a series of strategy meetings with delegates from both LSA and general aviation companies. As LSA further integrate into the broader fleet of aircraft, the general aviation industry is anticipating a rewrite of Part 23 certification rules. While helping LSA to develop and grow into a solid sector of aviation, the "experiment" of industry consensus standards certification offers guidance about how to simplify rules. Put another way, the LSA industry has much to learn but also has fresh experience to offer. *** Kudos to GAMA's staff for their foresight in helping to bring the two groups together. The combined group plans to meet about four times per year at major airshows.

Just in time for this year’s AOPA Summit, welcome to a pair of Special Light-Sport Aircraft, numbers 121 and 122: the first, the formerly named NG 5 LSA, rebadged as the Bristell Fastback by importer Liberty Sport Aviation of Pennsylvania; and the second being the fourth approval for Pipistrel, specifically for their Sinus motorglider (previous Pipistrel approvals included the Virus, Virus SW, and Taurus). *** NG 5 LSA was not previously offered in the U.S. though it was sold in Europe as the NG 4 from Roko Aero. When Roko closed its doors production stopped for the NG 4. It became NG 5 as the company reformed into BRM Aero. Changes occur in any industry but Bristell Fastback designer, Milan Bristela, is a steady hand on the joystick known for his foundational work on the SportCruiser (for a year known as the PiperSport) that is presently ranked #2 in U.S.

Two New (Yet Familiar) LSA Return to America

By Dan Johnson || September 8, 2011 Leave a Comment

New NG 5 LSA from BRM Aero. photo courtesy BRM Aero

Does it look familiar, perhaps a little like the SportCruiser or PiperSport? photo courtesy BRM Aero

Lambada was thought to be a goner, but it's back. photo courtesy Distar

Choices increase for LSA motorgliders. photo courtesy Distar

Here's a tale of two planes. One has been seen and sold in the U.S. (Lambada motorglider). The other has a fascinating history and should look familiar to you... quite familiar. It's now known as the NG 5 LSA and that probably rings no bell. However, NG 5 and the #2 ranked SportCruiser share a common history. NG 5 designer, Milan Bristela, once lead design work at Czech Aircraft Works, the first company to create and bring to market the SportCruiser. In 2010 that model took a yearlong debut as the PiperSport though once again U.S. Sport Aviation returns to their long support for and sales of SportCruiser, now produced by Czech Sport Aircraft. *** Along the way, Milan departed and worked for a time with another company called Roko Aero; the aircraft was then called the NG 4. The newly formed BRM Aero company said, "[We] finished collaboration with Roko Aero and stopped production of their NG 4 aeroplanes." Now, Americans can welcome NG 5 LSA to be represented by Liberty Sport Aviation in Pennsylvania. *** Timing is close but Liberty's Barry Pruitt wrote, "The Milan Bristela design ... will be here the first week of September for the AOPA show!" Details are scant now, but if you can attend AOPA Summit 2011 in Hartford, Connecticut you can discover more. If you are unable to make the show, I hope to gather additional information from Summit. Barry Pruitt has long LSA experience with another all-metal low wing, Evektor. He worked for two of the importers and built many models flying in the U.S. today. |||| Joe Kulbeth wrote, "I have recently become the new distributor of the Lambada and the Samba XXL." Urban Air's products were taken out of bankruptcy by another Czech company named Distar s.r.o., which has resumed the manufacture of these two aircraft and is now ready to take orders from buyers. Lambada had a decent early run but fell out the market when Urban Air went down. *** After Lambada disappeared, Jim Lee formed Phoenix Air USA to distribute a significantly revised, second-generation LSA motorglider of the same name: Phoenix. *** Kulbeth's partner Mike Tomazin acknowledged the challenges. "Not too long ago it was believed ... that the Lambada, manufactured by Urban Air s.r.o., was going to pass into LSA aviation history," he wrote. That proved incorrect. *** With a reported empty weight of 627 pounds Lambada has a useful load of 693 pounds for pilot, passenger, baggage and fuel. Tomazin reported the long-winged beauty is available with either 80-hp Rotax 912 UL or 80-hp Jabiru 2200. Aeronautical & Industrial Resources, abbreviated as AIRUSA, said it is the exclusive North American representative for Distar. Current Lambada pricing with an 80-hp 912 Rotax engine and basic instruments is $83,500 (not including shipping).

Here’s a tale of two planes. One has been seen and sold in the U.S. (Lambada motorglider). The other has a fascinating history and should look familiar to you… quite familiar. It’s now known as the NG 5 LSA and that probably rings no bell. However, NG 5 and the #2 ranked SportCruiser share a common history. NG 5 designer, Milan Bristela, once lead design work at Czech Aircraft Works, the first company to create and bring to market the SportCruiser. In 2010 that model took a yearlong debut as the PiperSport though once again U.S. Sport Aviation returns to their long support for and sales of SportCruiser, now produced by Czech Sport Aircraft. *** Along the way, Milan departed and worked for a time with another company called Roko Aero; the aircraft was then called the NG 4. The newly formed BRM Aero company said, “[We] finished collaboration with Roko Aero and stopped production of their NG 4 aeroplanes.” Now, Americans can welcome NG 5 LSA to be represented by Liberty Sport Aviation in Pennsylvania.