ByDanJohnson.com

Affordable and Capable: Merlin Lite
sponsored by Aeromarine-LSA.com

News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft

Heavenbound Aviation

Website: https://heavenboundaviation.com/

Email: info@heavenboundaviation.com

Phone: 740-644-4690

Johnstown, OH 43031 - USA

Here’s Some Good News from Ukraine — LSA Manufacturer Aeroprakt Is Building Steadily

By Dan Johnson || 4 Comments

We are awash in bad news from Ukraine. Some is honest reporting of the extremely difficult circumstances for many in the war-racked nation. Yet media does not always grace itself, always finding the worst of the news to report in somber tones. Amazingly, it's not all bad. While heads of state send troops into harms way, most of a nation's citizenry merely attempts to live a normal life amid the chaos of war. Doing business and living your life while bomb warning sirens shriek is something most Americans can't grasp, thankfully.

Aeroprakt's winners: A-22 on left in blue and A-32 on right.

Aeroprakt, builder of the very successful A-22 and A-32 series of Special LSA, suffered directly when a missile hit their flying club building (report here, scroll to last video). Their main factory remains in the central city of Kyiv, where it has been for many years. I visited this location back in 2003 so they've been stable for more than 20 years. Their stability and determination to continue building and shipping quality aircraft as the war drags on is admirable. After an Oshkosh 2023 visit with former importer Dennis Long and present importer Andy Humphrey, I have some Aeroprakt news to report. For those who enjoy video, two appear at the bottom including a full-length Video Pilot Report on A-32.

Aeroprakt of Ukraine in 2023

I had to ask, even though I was worried about the answer: "How is Aeroprakt doing while the war rages?" It is reasonable to think Aeroprakt must be struggling to stay aloft when so many citizens are focused on defending their homeland. The glare of the world's spotlights during the turmoil is surely uncomfortable and unhelpful. Yet, "They are back to ten aircraft per month," said Andy. "Their best-ever steady performance was 12 aircraft per month before Covid and then Russia's invasion. So, they are doing surprisingly well." I asked about supply line problems and while acknowledging many challenges, Andy indicated Aeroproakt is managing well enough. "They have to deal with power outages at times, shifting to generators to keep the machinery humming," he stated. He also noted Aeroprakt is shipping materials in and finished aircraft out of Poland, a country that has been very supportive of its Ukraine neighbor. Aeroprakt employs about 50 personnel and has remained steady throughout the last three years. Dennis Long added that Aeroprakt has now passed 1,500 airplanes manufactured. Many light aircraft builders would love to match that performance After A-32's introduction five years ago, Aeroprakt has continued to upgrade A-22 even after the original was greatly streamlined to arrive at A-32. Because I've written about A-32 and A-22 in earlier articles, I'll skip a detailed description here and instead recommend this article or the videos below. One of A-22's newer changes included a third door (nearby image). While we are anticipating Mosaic LSA or mLSA to offer larger cabins in 2025 and beyond, today we have some spacious LSA like A-22 and A-32. The third door made using their larger cabin much easier. After eight months of 2023, Andy's Heavenbound Aviation said sales are running about 50/50 between A-22 and A-32. The former, which has sold more than 1,000 units, has become popular with flight schools. They don't need the speed and sophistication of the A-32 and the prior model is attractively priced for flight schools or recreational pilots. "A-32 generates interest from its 115 knot cruise, 27-knot stall (great for shorter airfields) and its brisker climb," said Andy. "On the other hand, A-22 is more forgiving on landing as its flatter fuselage allows better slips and it doesn't retain energy as efficiently as the slicker A-32." No matter which model may catch your interest, Heavenbound is prepared. "We have all spare parts to service Aeroprakt's line in our Ohio facility," reported Andy. He also said that his enterprise enjoys a good relationship with the local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) that approves Aeroprakt models as they arrive in the U.S. Heavenbound has long been an active flight training operation as well. "Today flight training is a busy activity for us. We have three CFIs offering flight instruction in two Aeroproakts and two Taylorcraft," clarified Andy. Though the Lordstown, Ohio outfit has as many students as they can handle, they always make room for a new Aeroprakt buyer. When I inquired, Andy said that "more [buyers] than you think" take instruction with their aircraft purchase, as many as half of them in recent years.

IFR Trainer

Heavenbound brought the first full-IFR-equipped A-32 to Oshkosh and it sold before the week finished. Since Aeroprakt has modest prices compared to many other LSA — A-22 is the price leader but even A-32 isn't bad — you may not be surprised to learn an IFR A-32 sells for $195,000.

An IFR-capable Aeroprakt A-32 fitted with Garmin G3X Touch, GTN 650, plus Garmin autopilot and all lighting.

Before you gripe about that price, remember a basic A-22 is far less. If you select the thoroughly redesigned A-32 with an expensive Garmin IFR suite of digital instruments, the cost will be much higher. You may not need all that. Surrounding the Garmin G3X Touch main screen, Heavenbound specified the GMA 24 audio panel, a GTN 650 for IFR operations offering GPS, nav/com, VOR, ILS, plus RNAV capabilities. Those who want some of this equipment but can operate more simply could save a bundle by choosing the Garmin 175 instead, Andy explained. The fully-equipped A-32 is ready for cloud penetration assuming the pilot has the credential (an IFR rating) and is current. Naturally, it is not approved for flight into known icing.

As you can see in the Video Pilot Report below, A-32 can have a central Y-stick but dual yokes is how A-22 was originally fitted. Note a bottle holder on the side of the panel which is built to allow generous forward-side visibility.

"A flight school or an individual can file IFR and do under-hood training operations," in the Special LSA model, Andy explained. If a customer wants to fly into IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions… "in the soup" if you prefer), then that pilot will need to change to ELSA status where paid flight instruction is no longer permitted, though that may not matter to many pilots. The IFR version is quite complete. "In addition to the panel instruments, our model comes with Garmin's autopilot and all the lighting you'd expect," finished Andy. It is wonderful to see Aeroprakt continuing to build their handsome, colorful aircraft even as their homeland is troubled. This demonstrates the will of pilots and builders to pursue their interest in flight, regardless of obstacles placed in their way.

ARTICLE LINKS:

This 15-minute video provides a good description of the aircraft. Recorded at Midwest LSA Expo two years ago. If you are attending that event, Heavenbound Aviation will be present for closer examination and demo flights. https://youtu.be/CluUho2D3aU?si=HbrnEFQK_AKmddOU Also from two years ago, here is a full-length Video Pilot Report (36 minutes) with Dennis Long in Aeroprakt's A-32. https://youtu.be/vwDHjeWY7DU?si=1uyDFOI7-Ih46_o9

We are awash in bad news from Ukraine. Some is honest reporting of the extremely difficult circumstances for many in the war-racked nation. Yet media does not always grace itself, always finding the worst of the news to report in somber tones. Amazingly, it’s not all bad. While heads of state send troops into harms way, most of a nation’s citizenry merely attempts to live a normal life amid the chaos of war. Doing business and living your life while bomb warning sirens shriek is something most Americans can’t grasp, thankfully. Aeroprakt, builder of the very successful A-22 and A-32 series of Special LSA, suffered directly when a missile hit their flying club building (report here, scroll to last video). Their main factory remains in the central city of Kyiv, where it has been for many years. I visited this location back in 2003 so they’ve been stable for more than 20 years.

AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 Is Done; Here’s an Overview Done On-Air with EAA Radio

By Dan Johnson || 15 Comments

It's all over — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest-attendance airshow event. It's a delicious, if somewhat overwhelming, drink out of a firehose for an entire week. Oshkosh has something for every pilot and more than any one person can see. I'll mention this news briefly as I wish to pay respect to fellow pilots. Two crashes on the weekend after we departed resulted in four fatalities reportedly including one passenger. My sincere condolences to the surviving families. Oshkosh has had safe years with no loss of life but when so many airplanes assemble, mathematical odds suggest a crash is going happen despite heroic efforts to make the event as safe as possible.

In the heat of Oshkosh 2023, people proved adept at finding shade where they could, in this case, that offered by a tailplane and fuselage… well, except for one fellow who was still enjoying the plentiful sunshine.

During the week of Oshkosh, a few days were rather warm. Cooling rains came mostly at night, sparing the airshow but surely soaking campers in tents. The campgrounds were full to the edges and EAA opened multiple other locations to handle the overflow. AirVenture's campground metric — Camp Scholler handles 40,000 campers and that wasn't enough — plus thick throngs of people to weave around anywhere I walked the show grounds suggested a great turnout to me. Indeed, EAA president Jack Pelton reported more than 677,000 visitors.

Mosaic and More

Given FAA's earlier-than-predicted release of the highly-anticipated NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making), Mosaic was on the minds of many aviators. The one thing that is no longer included is drones or multicopters. Once they were removed, the regulation went forward swiftly.

The Federal Register document was posted on Monday July 24, 2023. This is the official version you should use to comment. Click or tap the image to view the full document.

Mosaic burst upon the scene bearing unanticipated surprises. Through their proposal FAA has confirmed industry did well regulating itself. FAA has said repeatedly, "We want industry to do more." ASTM's F37 LSA committee members have clearly done an impressive job. Join ASTM here if you'd like to help! In the video below I highlight several aspects of the new proposal but in the days and weeks ahead I will dive much more deeply into the NPRM. Various groups will closely examine the NPRM, producing summaries as soon as possible so you can digest the NPRM and compose your response. I hope each of you will let FAA know what you think, but write your own words. Scanning technology lets FAA group identical responses as one response, so say whatever you think but don't copy and paste language others have proposed. Also, be polite and constructive; ranting will not help.

In FAA briefings like this one by LSA manager John Stoll last year, community leaders and manufacturers learn details.

The good news is that you don't have to wait. I am quite impressed with nearly 200 comments to my earlier article. Some commenters have clearly dug into the details intensively. Fly at Night? — Here's one part of the NPRM that generated many comments. The question raised: "Can a Sport Pilot fly at night …without a medical." Commenter Rich wrote, "FAA stated at a forum yesterday [at Oshkosh 2023] that, yes, the intent is that for night flight a medical or BasicMed is required. The reason given was that they did not have enough trust in state driver agencies to adequately check eyes." I'm sure Rich heard and quoted the FAA guys correctly, however, reading the Federal Register release of Mosaic, I still believe the FAA will use endorsements to allow Sport Pilot certificate holders to receive training in pursuit of skills for night flying, retractable gear, adjustable props, and even IFR. The language in the NPRM supports this on page after page.

More Aircraft Coming

I know what most readers enjoy and fortunately I have the same interest. The following flying machines are ones I will be writing about in the days and weeks ahead. As with those aircraft already reported from the show, by no means are these all the intriguing aircraft at Oshkosh but they are ones I hope you will enjoy. AEROPRAKT — I simply have to admire the Aeroprakt team, led by designer Yuri Yakovlev. Everyone on the planet is aware how their home country of Ukraine is under immense pressure from every direction including missiles flying and bombs dropping. How they can keep it together is something of a miracle and certainly a credit to their dedication and resolve. During AirVenture, former importer Dennis Long (who's still helping) texted to say Aeroprakt had built their 1,500th aircraft. They aren't just repeating though; they're still innovating. One Aeroprakt on display had a third door (similar to Jabiru J-230D, Montaer MC-01, and KFA's Safari XL). This makes loading baggage easier and allows use of the aft space in A-32 Vixxen's roomy cockpit. New importer, Andy Humphrey, who operates as Heaven Bound, showed me another Aeroprakt at Oshkosh that was fully equipped for IFR, a use he noted is "permitted for Special LSA when used for IFR flight or recurrent training." A standard in development by ASTM should allow flight into IMC that is not presently advised. HAWK ULTRA AIR — You know Hawk for many years; they celebrated 40 years in 2022  (as did the Part 103 regulation). Today, one organization, CGS Aviation, builds the Special LSA version. In Oshkosh, I met a new engineer hire at CGS Aviation who confirmed they are going through the two seater carefully, creating all-new CAD files that never existed with the original. This is a very worthy effort but prevented them from displaying at AirVenture. Bob Santom and son LB focus solely on the single place CGS Hawks including models that qualify for Part 103's wonderful privileges. It turns out both CGS enterprises can stay busy. At AirVenture 2023, Bob and LB exhibited their open-cockpit Hawk Ultra Air. I thought it looked good with no Dacron skin covering the structure. I observed different pilots enter the cockpit — one weighing 165 pounds and one at 240 — and both seemed to fit easily. A 200-250 hour build for beginners, the display Hawk Ultra Air makes 103 with an airframe parachute, tipping the scales at a completely proper 278 pounds empty. Read this article to learn more about Hawk as it celebrated 40 anniversary in 2022 (along with Part 103; botht came out in 1982). AQUILAE — The name means Eagle in Latin, a great name for an airplane even if everyone will ask how to spell it and say it — "Ack-will-lay." Does it look familiar to you. It did to me as I toured the ultralight area at AirVenture 2023. I had a hint, though. Mark Mellicker represented the G1 STOL at airshows for the last couple years (see this earlier article). As happens in aviation and any other business, events changed the organization and another company at AirVenture told me they were representing G1. So I had two clues when I saw Mark by this shiny new airplane. Mark decided to go on his own and, voila!, Aquilae. When I write more about this, you will see it has a wing-fold system that many buyers like. It's a large-ish, STOL-capable design like G1 but both G1 and Aquilae owe their design heritage to Alisport's Yuma from Italy, though even that design signficantly resembles the Zenith 701, the granddaddy of such designs. FUSION NANO GYRO — I will readily admit I was charmed by Fusion's Nano gyro when I saw it and reported on it from AirVenture 2021 (article). However, it needed a different engine and Jeffrey Boyd was already on it with European producer, Fusion Copter. At AirVenture, Jeffrey of FUN, or Fly Ultralight Nano, showed an example propelled by a Hirth F23 engine producing 50 horsepower. He says it has behaved well for him and he's actually had quite a success with this modestly-priced (less than $30,000) Part 103 aircraft. Big two seat gyros are fun and essential for training but once you know how to fly this type aircraft Nano might be the last aircraft you ever need. I tried it on for size in 2021 and loved the way it felt and fit. Now with more substantial and dependable power I'd bet many more will arrive in the USA. However, it's already been a good run as Fusion now has 35 flying around the world and Jonathan has lead the charge selling 21 units in the USA. That's a performance of which he can be proud. GOGETAIR 750 — As I wrap up this preview, I come to an aircraft I've seen for a few years at the German Aero Friedrichshafen show that I have enjoyed for 25 years. As I close this article, it may be appropriate to bring attention to a four seater — as that category will be coming in 16 months when we get Mosaic LSA or mLSA. Shannon Hankins & Alan Jackson from Scissortail Aerosport, LLC are representing the G750 to North America. GoGetAir is a fairly new company, arriving on the scene during what might be called the Covid era. They started before but had to immediately survive that trying period with their handsome aircraft. The timing of Scissortail and GoGetAir is marvelous, being right on the cusp of Mosaic being released. In the meantime, FAA has registration categories such Experimental Exhibition that allow import of a small number of fully-assembled aircraft to test the market. By late 2024 or early 2025, we should see Mosaic become official regulation and then G750 will easily fit the mLSA category assuming the company chooses to pursue and declare compliance with ASTM standards. Naturally, we have yet to learn how FAA will audit a new producer like GoGetAir although third-party audits have been discussed. In case you didn't notice the subtle suggestion in the photo, G750 is a four-seater, powered by the Rotax 915iS. This will be a very common combination when Mosaic officially arrives, but G750 also demonstrates style and a beautifully compound-curved leading and trailing edge wing. All the preceding aircraft will get their own fuller treatment beyond this summary.

ARTICLE LINKS:

AIRCRAFT LINKS:

In the following 12-minute video EAA Radio host J Mont G interviewed me about AirVenture 2023 — the aircraft, the anniversaries, Mosaic and more. I hope you'll enjoy this lively give and take. Thanks to EAA Radio for permitting this video. https://youtu.be/c9mEq31DwmI

It’s all over — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest-attendance airshow event. It’s a delicious, if somewhat overwhelming, drink out of a firehose for an entire week. Oshkosh has something for every pilot and more than any one person can see. I’ll mention this news briefly as I wish to pay respect to fellow pilots. Two crashes on the weekend after we departed resulted in four fatalities reportedly including one passenger. My sincere condolences to the surviving families. Oshkosh has had safe years with no loss of life but when so many airplanes assemble, mathematical odds suggest a crash is going happen despite heroic efforts to make the event as safe as possible. During the week of Oshkosh, a few days were rather warm. Cooling rains came mostly at night, sparing the airshow but surely soaking campers in tents. The campgrounds were full to the edges and EAA opened multiple other locations to handle the overflow.

Aeroprakt and Aeros Continue Manufacturing Despite Senseless Destruction in Ukraine

By Dan Johnson || 6 Comments

The following story is one that moved me and might affect you similarly. I consider all recreational aviators anywhere in the world as fellow flying enthusiasts. Maybe you do, too? Whatever we fly, pilots share a love of aviation, regardless of what language we speak or what currency we spend.

Aircraft like the Aeros ANT and many more are listed in the Part 103 List with many links to more information.

I am flooded with admiration for those airplane producers in Ukraine who have courageously continued even as bombs fall and missiles fly. I have visited three Ukraine producers (some years ago) and I can only try to imagine what they are experiencing today. In this article I want to shine a light on courageous efforts by regular Ukraine citizens to continue making aircraft that bring satisfaction to pilots in America and many other countries.

Aero Hang Gliders and Nanotrikes

As you'll hear in the first video below, I was told a compelling story about workers in Kyiv-based Aeros going to their factory pre-dawn, entering quietly, working with reduced lighting to be less conspicuous, and locking themselves in for the workday. Whatever the present-day facts, I cannot imagine many Americans being willing to go to work under such circumstances. Still the Aeros team continues to build and deliver their flying machines, ranging from hang gliders to trikes to the Sky Ranger three-axis airplanes (long flight review from 2007). The Ukraine company has been building these for at least 20 years; I last visited in 2003. Aeros reported on their website, "In the last few years [we have seen] growing interest in lightweight trikes." The company employed the term "nanolight" because this tiny trike is extremely light compared with more conventional two-seat trikes.

In addition to hang gliders and trikes, Aeros has long built the three-axis Sky Ranger.

"These little ones attract pilots for being as portable as possible," said Aeros. A nanolight trike, they point out, can be folded up to fit in the back of many cars; the entire aircraft can be de-rigged and stored at home with minimum time and effort. ANT, or Aeros Nanolight Trike, is primarily aimed at those of us who like the idea of soaring a hang glider but don't live near mountains to launch from or simply desire a way to get aloft without needing the support of a launch team. "Some pilots choose nanolight trikes just to have an alternative on normally non-soaring days, others - to open up new soaring opportunities," explained Aeros.

ANT main gear look odd in this photo but they are manually folded out of the airflow to reduce drag while soaring.

Fulfilling the Aeros concept of maximum portability, ANT's main landing gear is manually retractable even in flight, to position the main gear out of the wind stream. A very experienced builder of both beginner and competition-grade hang gliders, Aeros has created the Discus T wing specifically for ANT. Discus T comes in two sizes, Discus 14T and Discus 15T, the number roughly relating to the square meter area of the wing. This is their best soaring choice for ANT. Fox T is another wing for nanolight trikes, created for "those who want to feel the simplicity and real pleasure of bird-like flying," said Aeros. Fox T offers low and slow maneuverable flying. "Fox T has been developed from our beginner Fox glider and has been reinforced and adapted exclusively for flying with nanolight trikes," Aeros clarified. For experienced pilots wanting maximum performance, Aeros offers their Combat T, "a step higher in nanolight technology, designed for those who want to fly faster and farther." Besides the Polini or Vittorazi two-stroke engines adapted from the powered paraglider industry, Aeros offers a Bailey V5 four-stroke engine (article) to minimize maintenance costs and provide greater engine reliability. As an example, an ANT trike with a Discus T wing and a Bailey V5 at cruising speed consumes as little as two-thirds of one gallon of fuel per hour, offering incredible fun at minimal cost. "You can power fly ANT for more than three hours," probably using less less fuel than on your drive to the airport or airfield. I hope Aeros will be able to keep producing its flying machines throughout this time of war. It puts smiles on the faces of their customers while keeping their workers employed.

Aeroprakt Popular & Colorful

One of the most successful LSA in the U.S. market is also manufactured in central Ukraine. When I visited this company many years ago, they were new in western markets. Fortunately for them, a wealthy Saudi Arab businessman and flying enthusiast helped bankroll the new company. On my visit, I saw an active operation with workers buzzing to build aircraft. However, they did so in a converted factory that was far from optimal. They made it work but they had ambitions for another facility.

The original A-22 model with its extensive acrylic viewpoints. That model has now been joined by the newer, smoother A-32.

I flew with principal designer, Yuri Yakovlev in an A-22 (image nearby) to a location where he planned to expand and improve their facility. The second video below shows the nice building that followed along with destruction it suffered from Russian artillery. Like Aeros, Dennis Long indicated Aeroprakt is continuing operations despite the scary conditions in their home country. Dennis handed off Aeroprakt importation to Andy Humphrey of Heavenbound Aviation. The company is active at all major airshows.

Flight Design CT and F-series

The most famous builder of LSA in Ukraine is the Germany company, Flight Design. Many years ago, company leader Matheus Betsch established a factory in Kherson (pronounced "HAIR-son"). Unless you've completed avoided the news you should recognize this name as one of the few areas Russia occupies in Ukraine.

Flight Design's new F2 about to land at the Midwest LSA Expo.

I visited this city in the south of Ukraine some years ago. In addition, many LSA pilots will recognize the name Tom Peghiny, the longtime importer of the CT series. Tom married his wife in Kherson and her family remains in this area. This has been an exceedingly difficult experience for them. While the leaders of countries have their aggressive ambitions, it is the ordinary citizens of those nations that have to bear the consequences.

A beautifully restored CTSW achieved by North American importer, Airtime Aviation.

Flight Design's Ukraine, German, and Czech teammates worked to shift production of CTs and the new F-series from Kherson to Šumperk in the Czech Republic. The market leader has already resumed shipments, a admirable accomplishment under the most trying and dangerous of circumstances. This post has no political message beyond hoping for peace but I felt it was worthwhile to show how bravely those people continue working to build the aircraft many American pilots enjoy. Here's wishing for better times for everyone in Ukraine's light aviation community.

ARTICLE LINKS:

Here's a brief look at the Aero ANT (Aeros Nanolight Trike) as seen as Oshkosh 2022. https://youtu.be/VYMozCLuxgQ "Following is a YouTube video from Plane Ukraine depicting the Russian destruction of Aeroprakt headquarters. The story of this destruction of one of the world's most innovative LSA companies needs an audience." —Forwarded by John Inglis Most of you won't understand the language in this video but words are not necessary to show how a beautiful facility created by Aeroprakt has been badly damaged by artillery strikes. What a shame… https://youtu.be/ZNih5CS1cmc

The following story is one that moved me and might affect you similarly. I consider all recreational aviators anywhere in the world as fellow flying enthusiasts. Maybe you do, too? Whatever we fly, pilots share a love of aviation, regardless of what language we speak or what currency we spend. I am flooded with admiration for those airplane producers in Ukraine who have courageously continued even as bombs fall and missiles fly. I have visited three Ukraine producers (some years ago) and I can only try to imagine what they are experiencing today. In this article I want to shine a light on courageous efforts by regular Ukraine citizens to continue making aircraft that bring satisfaction to pilots in America and many other countries. Aero Hang Gliders and Nanotrikes As you’ll hear in the first video below, I was told a compelling story about workers in Kyiv-based Aeros going to their factory pre-dawn, entering quietly, working with reduced lighting to be less conspicuous, and locking themselves in for the workday.

NEWS Update — Started at Sun ‘n Fun… Preparing for AirVenture Oshkosh 2022

By Dan Johnson || 6 Comments

My moment of truth is fast approaching. Will I succeed or fail to predict the future? I have been repeating my forecast that FAA will announce a draft of their newest regulation, called an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) at EAA's big summer celebration of flight. I'm not betting the farm, though. I think it's a fairly safe prediction.

COMMON QUESTION — Frequently, pilots at Sun 'n Fun asked for a Mosaic update. As the agency is head-down working on the final touches to the draft, not much has changed. This article with video gives my latest view (from fall 2021).

To win an increase in their budget a few years back, FAA agreed to complete a new regulation by December 31, 2023. That new reg is widely known as Mosaic; its full name is Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. Because FAA has said the agency needs 16 months to read every comment and adjust the final regulation language accordingly, seeing the future is simple math. Go back in time 16 months from the end-of-year deadline in 2023 and you end up at… yep! — AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. We will see if they meet their goal.

DRONE SWARM — Are they self-replicating? Nope, but lots and lots of drones were being prepared for the Sun 'n Fun airshow. This is merely a portion of the fleet that put on a programmed demonstration.

Among LSA enthusiasts and those following Mosaic and hoping for an enlargement of the LSA aircraft description, it may come as a surprise to learn that Mosaic is as much about multicopters/UAVs/eVTOLs (call them as you will) as LSA. In fact, it is multicopters that are driving the deadline. Congress ordered this new sector be integrated into the national airspace. LSA, warbirds, homebuilts, and other Special Airworthiness Certificate holders are all included in this sweeping rule. (For clarification, aircraft built by Cessna and Cirrus are issued Standard Airworthiness Certificates.) Mosaic may be consuming a lot of the oxygen around airports these days, but light aviation news keeps on coming. Let's review what we saw at Sun 'n Fun that will be completed or refined by Oshkosh 2022.

New Aeroprakt Importer

For several years Dennis Long has been the American face of Aeroprakt. He took over the importing and has enjoyed quite a good run. According to a quick search on Tableau Public — our source for all light aircraft N-number registrations — Aeroprakt has around 70 aircraft flying in the USA. Dennis Long sold most of them.

WELL PRICED — Aeroprakt models are popular because of their well-evolved design but also their modest expense (compared to some LSA).

As most readers may be aware, Aeroprakt is based in the Ukraine, specifically in Kyiv. If you weren't sure where that was in 2021, you surely know now. While the company continues to produce, said Dennis, it is operating under significant duress from the war actions. Part supplies and shipment of finished aircraft is massively disrupted by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. In this very challenging environment, Dennis is changing gears. While he will continue to help, he is turning over import duties for Aeroprakt to Andy Humphrey, a CFI, an A&P with Inspection Authorization, and a veteran of the Light-Sport Aircraft sector. Andy's Heavenbound Aviation is based in Johnstown, Ohio where he also represents Aerolite 103 and Quicksilver. Given his experience in the affordable end of aviation, it appears Aeroprakt is in good hands for the future. When Mr. Putin removes his troops from Ukraine, look for the low-cost aircraft producer to accelerate.

Evektor Goes Mainstream

Evektor is back with great news for students looking for a place to get Sport Pilot (and further) training in Light-Sport Aircraft.

COMPANY COLORS — An Evektor Harmony seen at Sun 'n Fun wears the Jet Access company colors.

At Sun 'n Fun 2022, I interviewed an impressive young aviator and businessman, John Mauch, Jet Access’ Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Operations. Jet Access is the 10th largest charter flight operator in the world based on flight hours and the midwestern company has extensive operations to support such aircraft. However, they also run several flight training operations. They manage their schools so well that several collegiate aviation programs have hired the company to manage their operations. Based in Indianapolis, Jet Access has multiple flight school operations now and plans several more. All of them will feature the Evektor LSA line, primarily focused on the Harmony model (video pilot report). Mauch said Jet Access chose Evektor because they have found them durable for steady flight training operations, easy-to-fly and maintain, plus they have a low fuel burn. Given today's sky-high fuel prices, this advantage has become much more important. Jet Access schools make broad use of the Evektor models. "These are technically advanced aircraft with glass cockpits and autopilots,” observed John adding, “This prepares our students for modern piloting that improves safety, while still focusing on stick and rudder skills due to cooperative flight characteristics of the Evektors. They’re also larger inside than legacy trainers with far better visibility and cabin airflow.” Jet Access ordered a dozen Evektors and plans to keep adding models as their growing operation expands. This will help many pilots seeking instruction in modern Light-Sport Aircraft.

Pipistrel Generates Million$

Whatever the actual number and whatever the contract terms state, one thing seems sure. Pipistrel found Ivo Boscarol will have no trouble paying his bills. Heck, it appears he could afford his own biz jet.

ROLLING IN DOUGH — Pipistrel owner, Ivo Boscarol, sold out to Textron in a highly lucrative deal.

At Sun 'n Fun 2022 I was told Ivo sold his business for better than €200,000,000 (well over $200 million). Such high finance is way beyond my usual reporting but I'd bet those funds will be paid out on a schedule of performance. Deliver such-and-so technology to Textron by this date and you get $20 million. Deliver the next phase and get $30 million more… like that. I have no idea, of course, but however he gets paid, Ivo will be rolling in it. In all my years in light aviation, I have never heard of a higher value paid for any light aircraft company. In fact, I've never heard any number even close to that. Ivo has long proven adept at maneuvering his company and it seems he hit the jackpot this time. Some enthusiasts were grousing that Textron might never produce any Pipistrel models and who knows what the future holds. For now though, it was reported that Pipistrel will still operate its factories in Europe and Ivo will retain a 10% ownership share. Call him the Elon Musk of aviation, perhaps. It was reportedly Textron's interest in the Velis electric-propulsion version of Pipistrel that won their corporate heart. Congratulations to Ivo!

Quicksilver's Four-Stroker

This article from Day 1 of Sun 'n Fun revealed a new four-stroke engine resulting from a fascinating collaboration of two light aircraft companies — although a pairing I would not have predicted. Learn more about the engine from the earlier article.

Quicksilver revs up quietly with four stroke power (article) in a collaboration with Blackhawk Paramotor.

At Sun 'n Fun 2022 Air-Tech Inc's Ken Borne fired the engine up for journalists and protective buyers yet I they have not yet flown their aircraft with the Aero engine. I'll be looking for news at Oshkosh about how well that engine performed and whether it could sweep through the thousands of Quicksilvers flying. Many owners have said they prefer a four stroke powerplant. When their current two-stroke engine needs maintenance, a significant number might switch to four stroke. Owners like them because they are quieter, more fuel efficient, have longer maintenance cycles, and have a deeper sound many pilots like. In addition, some locations are clamping down on two-strokes that are perceived as "dirtier" or louder or less dependable. Air-Tech, Inc., and Blackhawk Paramotor got together at last year's Oshkosh to hatch this idea (they displayed immediately next to one another and started talking…). Now, perhaps we'll see this collaboration take to the skies. If all goes well, I predict a strong interest from buyers.

TL Sport Aircraft's Fleet

In a previous article, I wrote about the TL Sport Aircraft Stream aircraft. I'll follow up with a report on the Sirius LSA, too, but these aircraft have fresh representation and new relationships.

EXPANDING LINE — TL Sport Aircraft now imports and represents four models: Sting, Sirius, Stream, Sparker.

The new U.S. importer of the TL Ultralight aircraft from the Czech Republic is TL Sport Aircraft, run by a capable Trey Murdaugh. You can see him in the earlier article demonstrating Stream. He has brought stability to one of the LSA sector's most successful brands. TL Ultralight is well known for their Sting after multiple generations of development. They also make the high wing Sirius, the tandem retractable Stream, and have introduced a Stream variation in side-by-side seating called Sparker. The last two are retractable speedsters both well positioned for the changes coming in Mosaic. One of the key elements to this story has TL Sport Aircraft appointing Aerosport as a dealer for their line. I flew both Stream and Sirius at the Illinois company's DeLand, Florida operation called Aerosport South (video). In fact, DeLand appears to be developing into a powerhouse of light, affordable aircraft with the AeroSport group plus another that is planning to represent multiple brands including Aero Adventure, Seamax, Montaer, BOT, Fusion, and possibly others. Collaborative efforts make for stronger companies that can better serve their clients with a choice of aircraft and service for all of them.

Vashon Ranger's Secret

Finally, I'm going to tease you without telling you anything. I have been sworn to secrecy but Vashon, builder of the increasingly popular Ranger LSA is projecting a major new announcement by AirVenture.

WHAT'S NEXT? — To learn Vashon's big secret, either come to AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 or check back here as I report the news.

At Sun 'n Fun I did an interview with Vashon boss Scott Taylor. He didn't mention the news in the video so you won't learn it when that work is completed. However, Vashon's news will likely be regarded as a significant announcement, especially coming out at the very time I believe FAA will draw back the curtain on Mosaic …meaning the agency may announce the NPRM; the final rule is still at least 18 months away. Stay tuned here for more, and if you can make it, come see the news and feel the airshow thunder at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. It's really starting to get interesting! That wraps news from Sun 'n Fun 2022. Now, get ready for news from Aero Friedrichshafen 2022, going on right now in Europe.

My moment of truth is fast approaching. Will I succeed or fail to predict the future? I have been repeating my forecast that FAA will announce a draft of their newest regulation, called an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) at EAA’s big summer celebration of flight. I’m not betting the farm, though. I think it’s a fairly safe prediction. To win an increase in their budget a few years back, FAA agreed to complete a new regulation by December 31, 2023. That new reg is widely known as Mosaic; its full name is Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. Because FAA has said the agency needs 16 months to read every comment and adjust the final regulation language accordingly, seeing the future is simple math. Go back in time 16 months from the end-of-year deadline in 2023 and you end up at… yep! — AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. We will see if they meet their goal.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use