SuperSTOL Archives - ByDanJohnson.com

Just Aircraft SuperSTOL

Website: http://www.justaircraft.com

Email: contact@justaircraft.com

Phone: (864) 718-0320

Walhalla, SC 29691 - USA

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

By Dan Johnson || April 3, 2019 3 Comments

Aero Adventure Aventura II

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

ICP Savannah on floats

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

Just Aircraft Highlander on floats

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

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

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

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

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

Just Aircraft …No “Just” About It. SuperSTOL Leaps Aloft.

By Dan Johnson || May 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

Both these companies are to be congratulated for advancing the light aircraft field, but one aircraft really lit this space on fire: Just Aircraft and their ground-breaking SuperSTOL. Just Aircraft went beyond vintage appeal by extending SuperSTOL ability with several distinctive features. "The dual slatted wing significantly enhanced performance and slow flight control," said design engineer Troy Woodland. His SuperSTOL wing design incorporates self-deploying leading edge slats and wide span Fowler flaps to increase stall range. SuperSTOL also uses vortex generators to further stretch slow flight performance and handling (photo). "This provides access to considerably more off-airport landing sites, making the SuperSTOL one of the most versatile backcountry machines out there," Troy added.

Thanks to those flight qualities, one was pressed into scientific survey service in a difficult environment. Russian biologists sought an aircraft to conduct surveys of wildlife populations along the Northeastern Russian Coast, above the Arctic Circle. George V. Kirtaev ordered a SuperSTOL kit from Just Aircraft in the summer of 2015. Russia allows homebuilts to be constructed, certified and flown in their airspace. With more than 200 hours in his SuperSTOL, Kirtaev said, “It is possible to fly low and slow which is essential for counting and photography.” The rugged design has proved to be good working aircraft. “There is a lot of space inside for gear and you can even spend the night in it," added Kirtaev. Complementing the hardworking wing Troy created a landing gear system that takes full advantage of a hydraulic strut with a surprising long stroke travel. SuperSTOL's tail wheel also incorporates a hydraulic shock to lessen aggressive off-airport landings. You can read my experience with SuperSTOL and this amazing landing gear here.

Wing slats combined with large surface area Fowler flaps allow the aircraft to be flown at extremely high angles of attack, permitting it to drop into small or inclined clearings. This provides access to considerably more off-airport landing sites, making the SuperStol one of the most versatile backcountry machines available. With the new wing configuration, Just Aircraft said the aircraft can cruise at 110 mph, land at 32 mph, and take off or land with as little as 150 feet of runway …or maybe a lot less. Alaska pilot Robby Pedersen won first place in the LSA Class at the Valdez short landing and take off competition. He was aided in this task by Beringer brakes and Alaskan Bush Tires on his SuperSTOL. SuperSTOL can be a workhorse but you have to bring the flying machine to a stop. About his Beringer brakes, Robby said, "They were perfect! I could not have had the shortest landing of the day without them. They are smooth and easy to regulate providing perfect control."

Just Aircraft offers several SuperSTOL engine options including the original Rotax 912. Those seeking the ultimate in how power will elect Titan's X-340 engine on Just Aircraft's stretched SuperSTOL XL. Thanks to a redesigned crankshaft, Titan develops 180 horsepower with elevated torque levels according to Continental Motors' James Ball. He added, "Essentially, the engine started out life as a 160 horsepower Lycoming, but original developer ECi (purchased by Continental in 2015) reconfigured the engine to have a larger displacement resulting in more power." Hear Just Aircraft's Troy Woodland and Gary Schmitt discuss the Titan-powered SuperSTOL in this video.

CubCrafters now leads the field for Special LSA (see this report to learn more) thanks significantly to their early installation of the 180 horsepower Titan engine. Outback Shock is starting making waves in the sky with their impressive entry. Outback with Shock options is sold in America by SportairUSA. Both these companies are to be congratulated for advancing the light aircraft field, but one aircraft really lit this space on fire: Just Aircraft and their ground-breaking SuperSTOL. Just Aircraft went beyond vintage appeal by extending SuperSTOL ability with several distinctive features. “The dual slatted wing significantly enhanced performance and slow flight control,” said design engineer Troy Woodland. His SuperSTOL wing design incorporates self-deploying leading edge slats and wide span Fowler flaps to increase stall range. SuperSTOL also uses vortex generators to further stretch slow flight performance and handling (photo). “This provides access to considerably more off-airport landing sites, making the SuperSTOL one of the most versatile backcountry machines out there,” Troy added.

Just Aircraft — SuperSTOL with 180-hp Titan (2016)

By Dan Johnson || May 26, 2017 3 Comments

https://youtu.be/iOcrNdxOtvU Just Aircraft turns heads everywhere when they first introduced the SuperSTOL (STOL stands for short takeoff and landing). With a 100-horsepower Rotax 912, the aircraft was an awesome performer. Yet they saw even more potential. After installing a 180 horsepower, six cylinder UL Power 520i, they tackled installing the similarly potent motor from Continental, the Titan X-340. When Just Aircraft engineer Tory Woodland planned the installation, he realized they'd have to extend the fuselage to assure the right weight balance and control. They added two feet to the length but the climb rate is an astonishing 3,000 feet per minute. Hear more on this video.

Just Aircraft turns heads everywhere when they first introduced the SuperSTOL (STOL stands for short takeoff and landing). With a 100-horsepower Rotax 912, the aircraft was an awesome performer. Yet they saw even more potential. After installing a 180 horsepower, six cylinder UL Power 520i, they tackled installing the similarly potent motor from Continental, the Titan X-340. When Just Aircraft engineer Tory Woodland planned the installation, he realized they’d have to extend the fuselage to assure the right weight balance and control. They added two feet to the length but the climb rate is an astonishing 3,000 feet per minute. Hear more on this video.

Just Aircraft SuperSTOL — Big Sky Aviation Builder Assist

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

Building a kit is part of the American aviation dream but it isn't for everyone. However, it is something anyone can learn. In this video we interview a husband and wife team -- Hutch and wife Ann -- who went to Just Aircraft to build their SuperSTOL (they are seated in the airplane for this video). Now, for those of you who aren't sure you can dedicate the time, Big Sky has an answer for you: come visit them and they'll give you expert assistance.

Building a kit is part of the American aviation dream but it isn’t for everyone. However, it is something anyone can learn. In this video we interview a husband and wife team — Hutch and wife Ann — who went to Just Aircraft to build their SuperSTOL (they are seated in the airplane for this video). Now, for those of you who aren’t sure you can dedicate the time, Big Sky has an answer for you: come visit them and they’ll give you expert assistance.

SuperSTOL Gets Superpower with Titan’s 180 Horses

By Dan Johnson || February 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

Troy Woodland blasts off an airshow strip using the Rotax 912 with 100 horsepower.

Under the "hood" of the SuperSTOL XL first seen at Sebring 2016 is the Titan XO-340 with 180 horsepower.

Article updated 2/16/16 — In a freshly-edited video (see at end), Just Aircraft key fellows Gary Schmidt and Troy Townsend provide extra comments and we add additional footage of SuperSTOL climbing strongly with the Titan. Even before Continental Motors took over the former ECi, that company's Titan engine has been turning heads. CubCrafters was first to this party, installing the 180-horsepower engine on their Cubalike LSA, demonstrating very short takeoff rolls before climbing steeply. Since then, quite a few other producers have embraced the potent engine and more are coming. This development is sufficiently interesting that I am at work on an article about three "divisions" of powerplants for LSA, light kits, and ultralights. However, all other users of the Titan are unlike Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL, which itself has turned many a head at airshow demonstrations. SuperSTOL was able to rivet pilots' attention when it performed with the 100-horsepower Rotax 912, so imagine the neck-snapping twists that will occur when people get a chance to see how this moveable-slats airplane on tall, telescoping gear performs with 180 horses doing the pulling. The good news is, you don't need to wait. You can get a relatively unique aft-facing, landing gear view of SuperSTOL rocketing off its factory airstrip at the end of this article. I'll bet you enjoy that! Just Aircraft reported they started flight tests with the Titan OX-340 engine on their stretched SuperSTOL XL. "Due to a redesigned crankshaft, the Titan develops 180 horsepower with elevated torque levels," said James Ball, a principal of Engine Components, International or ECi. "Essentially, the engine started out as a 160 horsepower Lycoming, but ECi reconfigured the engine to have a larger displacement resulting in more power." In 2015, Continental Motors announced they expanded more deeply into the Experimental and LSA sectors with the purchase of ECi, a San Antonio, Texas-based manufacturer of FAA-approved engine parts. The deal provided Continental with a strong foothold in the light aircraft market with the ECi's Titan line of engines including the X320, X340 and X370 models, all of which are based on Lycoming type designs. While Continental already enjoyed a solid presence in LSA and light kits with their O-200 line, Titan adds a very powerful engine choice that satiates the desire of pilots for more thrust. It's no small irony that one U.S. icon now offers engines based on another American engine icon, Lycoming. Full disclosure: Continental is owned by China's AVIC. Just Aircraft considers the Titan a good option for the SuperSTOL. "It's premature to discuss performance numbers," said XL designer Troy Woodland (seen in the lead photo doing what he does so well at airshows). However, Troy is quick to add, "But there clearly is an improvement in the takeoff roll and rate of climb. We brought our newest SuperSTOL to Sebring 2016 on a trailer to introduce the Titan and the response was very positive and enthusiastic. Since then, we've started flying it and we're pleased with the results." As is often the case, Troy is being a bit laid-back and modest, as the video below testifies. Sold as a complete kit for homebuilders, Just's SuperSTOL XL offers "unparalleled performance in short takeoffs, landings and slow flight. Configured as a high wing, with two [side-by-side] seats and tundra tires, the XL can be set down in virtually any clearing." SuperSTOL was designed for back country flying and weekend adventures and Titan adds a new dimension to those "adventures." Want to see how enthusiastically SuperSTOL climbs behind the Titan XO-340? Then, watch this video. To add perspective, the runway at Just Aircraft is one of the most unusual I've ever seen ... a very short, very, very steeply sloped runway, which in this video SuperSTOL barely uses, climbing amazingly fast away from the surface. Whoa!

American Exports: LSA Like Just’s SuperSTOL

By Dan Johnson || December 14, 2015 Leave a Comment

images by Jean-Marie Urlacher, courtesy Just Aircraft

Go aloft in SuperSTOL with our video cameras providing a first-person view.

If you've read a newspaper or watched TV in the last couple decades, you might think America only imports stuff, mostly from China. Of course, that is ridiculously simplistic and just plain wrong but constant repetition of incorrect news may eventually convince people that it is the truth. At one time, it seemed all Light-Sport Aircraft also came from overseas. Indeed, in the earliest days of Light-Sport Aircraft, rules in Europe allowed fully-built aircraft that were very similar so those producers could more quickly enter the new sector. In 2005 and 2006, more than two-thirds of all LSA were imported. While imports remain a strong and important supply of worthy aircraft, an increasing number are now produced in the USA. American companies have caught up and are now arguably pulling ahead. This is true in the innovation of design, in production of ready-to-fly SLSA and in the kit market where American companies were always the strongest and have remained so. Many other countries don't even allow kits but some do. Just Aircraft recently announced that they received authorization from England's Civil Aviation Authority to market their very popular SuperSTOL kits in the United Kingdom. This is apparently only a beachhead, with Just saying they are "taking the first step in establishing a global dealer network." Go, Just Aircraft! The Walhalla, South Carolina company is seeking additional dealers in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Most countries will require local approval by aviation authorities, but since Just has made it through the challenging process in England, they can reasonably expect other nations will be able to move forward more quickly. Many smaller countries with smaller aviation organizations — often called their CAA — focus on air transport and merely adapt rules they see coming from nations like USA or England. Over its lifespan, Just has produced more than 600 aircraft kits for construction and operation in North America. Of the 600, nearly 200 sales have been for the SuperSTOL, their newest and most versatile design, reported the company. "We will continue to market factory direct in North America, but wish to have factory representatives in the other continents." Just Aircraft has achieved SLSA status for their Highlander model that preceded SuperSTOL, but has yet to take that step for the SuperSTOL model. The two are very similar but FAA actions over the last couple years suggests that Just would have to go through all the steps again. With kit sales brisk and with customers interested in spending less, the regulatory burden may not be worth the effort and expense. SuperSTOL boasts takeoff and landing requirements of little more than 50 feet. "When fitted with 29-inch tundra tires, SuperSTOL can land in just about any kind of field, a clearing in the woods, riverbeds, or shorelines," said Just. "To enhance the slow flight characteristics of the SuperSTOL, the wings are fitted with slats, Fowler flaps, spoilers and vortex generators, allowing for an airplane that virtually will not stall with power applied." If the versatility that comes with the giant tires is still not enough, Just Aircraft can now provide floats and skis as options for the two-seat, high wing, tube and fabric aircraft. One of the big attractions of kit-built aircraft is a lower price but those tackling the project will also gain from acquiring an intimate knowledge of their flying machine unlike what an owner gets when he or she buys fly-away models. Still, the project is a big one and not every one is ready. So, to address this concern, organizations like Big Sky Aviation will help you in their Builder Assist Center. Get the background and details in the following video.

If you’ve read a newspaper or watched TV in the last couple decades, you might think America only imports stuff, mostly from China. Of course, that is ridiculously simplistic and just plain wrong but constant repetition of incorrect news may eventually convince people that it is the truth. At one time, it seemed all Light-Sport Aircraft also came from overseas. Indeed, in the earliest days of Light-Sport Aircraft, rules in Europe allowed fully-built aircraft that were very similar so those producers could more quickly enter the new sector. In 2005 and 2006, more than two-thirds of all LSA were imported. While imports remain a strong and important supply of worthy aircraft, an increasing number are now produced in the USA. American companies have caught up and are now arguably pulling ahead. This is true in the innovation of design, in production of ready-to-fly SLSA and in the kit market where American companies were always the strongest and have remained so.

Aircraft of Copperstate 2015 Continued (Part 2)

By Dan Johnson || November 7, 2015 Leave a Comment

Copperstate 2015 crowds were good on Friday and Saturday as shown by a throng examining this Scoda Aeronautics Super Petrel LS seaplane.

Kitfox's new STi model with John McBean and Dan preparing to go aloft for a Video Pilot Report.

Sling LSA was one of two The Aircraft Factory models we flew at Copperstate 2015.

Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL painted in the colors Rotax BRP uses for their fuel-injected 912 iS Sport engine.

In this Copperstate Part 2 article we resume the list of aircraft Videoman Dave and I reviewed at the show south of Phoenix, Arizona in Casa Grande. To remind you, this was the 43rd running of this show that invites all sorts of aircraft — and many dozens did fly in each day plus others did fly-over demonstrations. However, Copperstate generates a particularly strong response from manufacturers and representatives of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and utralights. That makes it a must-go show for our team at ByDanJohnson.com and Dave's SportAviationMagazine.com YouTube channel that so many of you seem to enjoy. Like other shows, many of you approached us at the event and expressed your ongoing interest in the video content we create. We are very pleased about your loyal viewership and will continue to work hard to build our growing video library ... already at 400+ videos and moving steadily to 500 and beyond. Dave started his channel before I joined the party and his channel now offers around 1,000 videos ... lots to enjoy! KITFOX STi — Around the globe, everybody knows Kitfox. Some 6,000 kits have been sold and owner John McBean is sure of more than 4,000 flying all over the world. (Many countries don't report such things so he was estimating conservatively.) No matter the precise count, Kitfox qualifies as one of the most successful kit aircraft of all time. John and his group have also achieve Special LSA status for the Super Sport model, sometimes referred to as Series 7. Dating back nearly three decades Kitfox is a very familiar shape, but what you might not know is all the updates that have occurred over the years. While early Kitfoxes had a reputation of being very light on the controls and a bit jumpy in yaw, that's all ancient history for the models produced under John and Debra McBean's careful guidance. Yet making the aircraft more refined and more enjoyable to fly is not all the Kitfox'ers have been doing. At Copperstate I went aloft with John in the STi, which stands for "STOL inspired." With substantial changes to the wing (more chord, for example) and 29-inch tundra tires, the STi left the runway in even less distance than a typical Kitfox, which is no slouch in that department. The flight with John proved he is a consummate professional with very adept in-flight practices that show his years of experience. I believe you'll enjoy the VPR this flight created. SLING LSA and SLING 4 — From way down under in South Africa comes the Sling. Ha! That long distance is no big deal, really. This company has flown multiple models all the way around the world | not once, not twice, but three times! I guess that answers all questions about the cross country capability of this handsome design | or designs. Yep, at Copperstate, I got to fly the Sling LSA but also the Rotax 914-powered Sling 4, their kit-built four-seater entry. Sling was a bit late to the LSA party. While The Airplane Factory had been operating in South Africa and selling in other countries, The Airplane Factory USA only brought in the first Sling in 2012, SLSA #125 out of 136 so far. When it arrived, Sling displayed some very interesting lines; I especially like the angular engine cowl shape. Obviously, the designers believe the craft is very solid as they were willing to make 'round the world flight #1 almost immediately after the design was completed and built. That's confidence! Main man Mike Blythe brings tons of experience to the table and it shows. However, The Airplane Factory's presence in the USA owes a debt to Matt Litnaitzky and his team. While also tending to the build-up of MGL Avionics , Matt has calmly and steadily nurtured TAF's models now including a Sling SLSA and EAB kit in both tricycle gear and taildragger plus a roomy four seat Sling 4 kit that boasts 1,000 pounds of useful load. I got to fly both at Copperstate and we did a fourth VPR on the LSA model. Look for it when the editing chores are done. JUST SUPERSTOL — At the Flying Magazine Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, California the week before, Videoman Dave and I sharpened our focus on women in aviation. We shot four new videos about women pilots and aviation participants and we continued that at Copperstate in Casa Grande, Arizona. We didn't fly in SuperSTOL as we had already done that at Sun 'n Fun (video) with Just Aircraft designer, Troy Woodland. Instead we focused on this SuperSTOL because Hutch Hudgins was aided by wife Ann Summerton in building this example. Their five month effort on six days a week moved to even longer hours every day of the week before they needed to head back to Montana. Every step of the way, this aircraft was a husband and wife project. Sharp readers may observe that this SuperSTOL is painted in the colors Rotax uses for their fuel-injected 912 iS. A nurse by profession, Ann was no delicate flower guilted into helping her husband. With obvious pride, she threw herself into the project just like Hutch and the result is first a vastly greater familiarity with literally every part on the SuperSTOL but also a deep and genuine interest in the airplane. Now the couple will host builders of SuperSTOL at a builder assist center they are creating where folks can come assemble their kit with supervision from Hutch and Ann (when she's not helping other folks in her nursing role). More info will appear in the video that follows. We have more videos coming about women in aviation that we think you'll enjoy! Click back often.

Just Aircraft SuperSTOL “Stretched”

By Dan Johnson || March 25, 2015 Leave a Comment

Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL Stretch XL blasts off the ground during test flying.

When propelled by a UL Power 520 engine, SuperSTOL Stretch XL can climb 3,000 feet per minute!

SuperSTOL has been impressing pilots since its debut. photo by Wayne Whitley; Stretch XL photos courtesy of Just Aircraft

Boeing does it. Why not Just Aircraft? Of course, a stretched Boeing only transports more people somewhere. The experience is not more fun ... maybe less so. Flying in a Just airplane will put a huge grin on your face and now it is a lot more likely to do so. Having experienced SuperSTOL with 100 horsepower, I can't wait to get a shot at one with (trumpets blare here) 180 horsepower. Hoo-Rah! "To accommodate larger engines," the company announced, "we introduce our new SuperSTOL Stretch XL." By adding an extra two feet to the aft section of the fuselage and six inches up front, the SuperSTOL Stretch XL can now accommodate the new UL Power 520 engine series or Lycoming's O-320 engine series that outputs 150-160 hp. A plain old — but still exciting — SuperSTOL is powered by the 100 horsepower Rotax 912 which weighs approximately 165 pounds, with accessories, or the 115 hp Rotax 914, weighing 175 pounds. UL Power's six-cylinder 520 model weighs 255 pounds and the Lycoming O-320 is 315 pounds. Such a significant weight and power increase required Just Aircraft designers to lengthen SuperSTOL into the "Stretch" model. The new model allows installation of other engine types weighing up to 315 pounds the company said. "Appropriate engine mounts and redesigned cowlings will accompany the SuperSTOL Stretch XL kits." After completing phase one flight testing Harrison Smith said, "This is one of the first aircraft in the world with a UL Power 520 engine, rated at 180 horsepower." He reported an increase in the rate of climb and cruise speeds. The additional length in SuperSTOL Stretch XL provides handling similar to a high horsepower Super Cub, indicated Just Aircraft. "What's really nice is that the UL Power 520 can burn automobile gas with up to 15 percent ethanol," Harrison noted. He also observed that the UL Power engine has six cylinders that "virtually eliminates vibration." (See UL Power video.) With an extra two and a half feet the SuperSTOL Stretch XL is now 21.5 feet long. Rate of climb with the UL 520 is an astounding 3,000 fpm. Just said the potent new model will cruise 109 mph (95 knots) at 2600 rpm and its landing speed is in the low 30s. Rollout with the UL 520 is 75 feet. If you are like me you will want to examine the SuperSTOL Stretch XL and you can do so at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In where the company will publicly debut their newest creation. Sun 'n Fun runs April 20-26, 2015. Even with a major boost in power, SuperSTOL is not meant to be a speedster. You want fast? You are lucky; you have many other choices. Just's SuperSTOL delivers a particular kind of flying pleasure: fast takeoffs, thrilling climbs, and the shortest, softest landing you can imagine. You literally have to experience this aerial phenomenon to truly grasp its capabilities. Our video helps explain the configuration and convey the feeling. Speed is not the only objective for pilots even while it may be a passion for many. A recent survey of AOPA members reported in the big association's eBrief news aggregator reported answers to the question, "How far do you fly on a typical flight?" The answers appear below and suggest most pilots (61%) could be mighty happy tooling around in Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL. (Sign up for eBrief.) "[I commonly fly] 50 to 100 miles" — 36% "Around the pattern or local area" — 25% "101 to 250 miles" — 23% "More than 250 miles" — 16%

Boeing does it. Why not Just Aircraft? Of course, a stretched Boeing only transports more people somewhere. The experience is not more fun … maybe less so. Flying in a Just airplane will put a huge grin on your face and now it is a lot more likely to do so. Having experienced SuperSTOL with 100 horsepower, I can’t wait to get a shot at one with (trumpets blare here) 180 horsepower. Hoo-Rah! “To accommodate larger engines,” the company announced, “we introduce our new SuperSTOL Stretch XL.” By adding an extra two feet to the aft section of the fuselage and six inches up front, the SuperSTOL Stretch XL can now accommodate the new UL Power 520 engine series or Lycoming’s O-320 engine series that outputs 150-160 hp. A plain old — but still exciting — SuperSTOL is powered by the 100 horsepower Rotax 912 which weighs approximately 165 pounds, with accessories, or the 115 hp Rotax 914, weighing 175 pounds.

7 Aircraft to Look for at Sebring 2015

By Dan Johnson || January 12, 2015 Leave a Comment

Shed the skiis and head south for the winter ... to Sebring, Florida where the orange groves go on forever and the skies are full of fun airplanes. photo from Lynn Reimer, of his Aerotrek A220

Zenith's Cruzer gives an aerial view of the Sebring grounds. The arrow points to the Show Center tent.

Bristell's handsome TDO ... stands for Tail Dragger Option. Imagine it with 26-inch tires.

Bearhawk LSA can now be ordered as a Quick Build. See the first one so completed.

Just Aircraft is offering a spoiler kit to make SuperSTOL even more appealing.

We're off to the races ... OK, the race track ... OK, we're off to Sebring, which happens to be alongside the Sebring International Raceway. Yep. It's January so it's again time for the Sebring Expo, this time number 11, the 2015 edition of the popular Florida show. I'll be onsite for the four days, which this year is one day sooner, running Wednesday through Saturday. The plan makes it easier for vendors to stay to the end on Saturday and still have time to get home on Sunday so they can be back in their businesses on Monday. Every time I head to a show people contact me, including journalists from publications that don't follow Light-Sport, light kits, ultralights, or light GA as closely as we do). The question is always the same. What new aircraft or products will we see at the show? ...Uh, let me think. Even I don't hear everything early, though perhaps my awareness is fuller than others. Developers are often busy trying to finish their new project in time. Perhaps they want to keep it secret until they unveil it. Either way, it takes time to inform journalists. Think how carefully Apple tries to keep people from knowing what new iGizmo they will introduce at their media extravanganzas. (It doesn't always work as a entire army of nosey people is constantly probing around to find out what they'll unveil.) However, I know a few things, so I'll give you some ideas and present some photos with this article to help excite your interest in attending. I hope many will make it to this year's event. It is raining hard right now, but the weather prognosis looks good, if possibly a bit on the cool side. Look for the Aerolite 103 with its new Briggs and Stratton four stroke engine. You can see my earlier article for details but I'm thrilled that someone is offering a four stroke, legal Part 103 three-axis ultralight. You have not seen this one and it deserves a look especially given its low-low price tag. How low? You'll have to swing by their space and ask but this company makes airplanes that sell for less than $16,000 fully-built and ready-to-fly. No wonder they are selling and building "to manufacturing capacity." Steve Minnich of Dreams Come True said, "We'll be showing something we've wanted for a long time at Sebring." He said it was not "Earth shattering" but it may be important to some buyers. "Evektor has previously stayed with the tried and true, low weight simple adjustment at the pedal, which also kept people from adjusting pedals in flight." However, he said, "Hearing public request and arriving at an engineering design they are satisfied with, they have released a new pedal adjustment system where the rudder pedals can be adjusted while seated." SportairUSA boss Bill Canino has been running a contest to rename their airplanes formerly known by using the word "Cub." Another company owns that name (no, not Piper) and they're putting a stop to it. So, being a reasonable sort, Bill decided to let pilots help rename his birds. He'll announce who the winners of iPads and stuff are at Sebring, but the names are no longer a secret. He said, "The previous Titan 180-horsepower Cub S will be named Outback. A plane he made somewhat famous by using an iPad for the main instrument, appropriately called iCub, will be named Nomad." The latter uses a 100-horsepower Rotax 912. Come to Sebring and see who won the prizes. You can some look for the new Paradise P1NG, as the Brazilian brand makes a reentry to the U.S. market after several years absence. In fact, they're making quite a splash with not only a new airplane but a factory-owned outlet housed at Sebring. Paradise joins Tecnam at selecting the Sebring airport for their new quarters, from which they'll supply the USA but also export to other countries. Read the earlier story for more details. Another new model I'm excited to see fully finished and flying is the Bristell TDO, or Tail Dragger Option. I saw this at Aero 2014 but it was a plain fuselage with no paint or interior. Producer BRM Aero makes a truly handsome, well-flying LSA and, like many others, I think taildraggers look oh-so cool. New U.S. distributor Lou Mancuso said, "Bristell TDO gives owners the utility of a back country aircraft with greater speed and useful load than traditional back country LSA flyers, and optional 26-inch tundra tires allow the TDO to land on very rough surfaces." A useful feature of the Bristell TDO is a "Sleeper Sleeve" option. Lou said, "Developed for the Australian market, where pitching a tent in the company of some of the world's most poisonous snakes and spiders isn't pleasant, Bristell's solution is elegantly simple: sleep in the aircraft cockpit." He explained that all the pilot need do is, "Lower the seats, cover the baggage area, and expose the rear fuselage. A completely flat area is available for sleep. At 51" wide, it's just two inches narrower than a normal full-size mattress." You'll want to see it at Sebring. LSA taildraggers seem hotter than ever. Bearhawk Aircraft announced today its Bearhawk LSA will make a first-time visit to Sebring. It will be the first Bearhawk completed as a Quick Build kit by owner Mark Goldberg. He sums it up as a "rugged, sweet-handling airplane, designed for a gross weight of 1,500 pounds," giving it a good safety margin when flown at LSA gross weight of 1,320 pounds. It is also quite a performer. At AirVenture 2014, designer Bob Barrows competed in the Valdez STOL competition in his prototype LSA. He reported a takeoff distance of 96 feet with a landing distance of 130 feet, excellent numbers for a plane with a speedy 118-mph cruise, quick for the bushplane category. Speaking of STOL, the extreme example is Just Aircraft's breathtaking SuperSTOL. I reported from last year's Midwest LSA Expo that the South Carolina company had added spoilers to further extremify SuperSTOL and now the kit is available. "The addition of spoilers significantly enhances slow flight control, especially in undesirable wind conditions. They represent the latest step in advancing the short takeoff and landing capabilities of the SuperSTOL." Yeah, like it needed more ... whew! Yet if something is good, then more must be better. Surprisingly, SuperSTOL flies quite docilely. Designer and flight tester Troy Woodland said, "Once a pilot discovers the advantage of spoilers in slow flight and turbulent air, he won't want to fly without them. They go a long way toward taking the rock and roll out of rough air on final, and they open up new areas for landings." The kits, which connect the spoilers to the ailerons, take about 40 hours to install. With all its wing features — high-lift airfoil, vortex generators, and fowler flaps — allow SuperSTOL to fly at very high angles of attack without stalling. "This allows a touchdown speed in the low 20s in calm conditions," said Just Aircraft. Come see it at Sebring. I hear we might witness the Flying Platform in flight. Hmmm ...we'll see, but it's certain you have to attend Sebring to see the newest and coolest. On the Sebring show grounds, the big Show Center tent gives you a place to eat, rest, meet and visit with friends, hear engaging speakers, find show staffers. This year you will also see something I think you'll find mighty interesting. Come see a glass panel like you've never seen. See a whole new implementation of autopilot. Look at electric propulsion done most impressively. What is it? You'll have to come to the Show Center tent at Sebring to find out. See you in Sebring!

We’re off to the races … OK, the race track … OK, we’re off to Sebring, which happens to be alongside the Sebring International Raceway. Yep. It’s January so it’s again time for the Sebring Expo, this time number 11, the 2015 edition of the popular Florida show. I’ll be onsite for the four days, which this year is one day sooner, running Wednesday through Saturday. The plan makes it easier for vendors to stay to the end on Saturday and still have time to get home on Sunday so they can be back in their businesses on Monday. Every time I head to a show people contact me, including journalists from publications that don’t follow Light-Sport, light kits, ultralights, or light GA as closely as we do). The question is always the same. What new aircraft or products will we see at the show? …Uh, let me think.

Midwest LSA Expo 2014 Highlights

By Dan Johnson || September 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

The sixth annual Midwest LSA Expo just concluded. These LSA-only events offer a more intimate setting where you can speak at length with an aircraft or other product representative. They don't offer the dense traffic of the big shows but the valued trade off is that nearly everyone who shows is interested. People came from as far as California and I witnessed many demo flights. The Mt. Vernon airport is as good as it gets for this purpose with easy access to big broad runways and plenty of open airspace. Lead by energetic Chris Collins, a team of volunteers made it work again. When the event isn't swallowing all their time these folks have a little fun. Don't worry about the nearby picture; TSA and Homeland Security can calm down. This was a planned promotional venture on the side of a great new restaurant called Rare, a chop house. The airplane suffered a crash and the tail is all that escaped undamaged; thankfully, the pilot suffered only minor injuries. Now it's immortalized ... though the N-number was altered to protect the owner's privacy. Be creative and win an iPad. That's the news from Sportair USA, importer of TL Ultralights (Sting and Sirius) and the Savage line of "Cubalikes," to borrow Sportair boss Bill Canino's word. Now the "Cub" part has to go. "In our enthusiasm for the Cub-S we overlooked something when we introduced it at AirVenture 2013 in Oshkosh," said the Arkansas company. "The word 'Cub' is a registered trademark in the USA [that was purchased from the originator of the name, Piper]. Even though many manufacturers of kits and ready-to-fly airplanes do use Cub in the names of their products, that word belongs to someone who asked us to stop using it." Being a respectful company, Sportair will cease using the "Cub" name. Indeed, that's why they're using a contest to rename the airplane. Sportair sells variations called Savage Cub, Bobber, and Cruiser but it was the Titan Stroker 180-horsepower Savage Cub-S that really raised the red flag for the name owner, perhaps as Cub-S is only $128,000, tens of thousands less than some other Cubalikes! So, if you come up with a winning name for this powerful variant, you could win one of three prizes worth several hundred dollars. Visit Sportair's Name The Plane page. Looking all bush, Cub-S — as it shall be known for a short time — is capable of landing on a creek bed or a lumpy turf field. Bush capability on Light-Sport Aircraft is more available thanks to new product releases. At the Midwest LSA Expo, RANS displayed their S-20 Raven on big tundra tires (video coming) as did Just Aircraft and Aerotrek. The Indiana company that sells the affordable A240 trigear and A220 taildragger — with a list price of $88,950 — can now be ordered with large tundra tires and this is on a nose-dragger. Nearly always such bush capability comes on a taildragger which configuration is not right for everyone. Insurance companies know tailwheel training is less common than it was many years ago and therefore getting coverage may require more training or experience. With the A240 in tundra tires for the same low price, you can have bush capability without a large investment. Aerotrek is a stable and successful importer that has steadily climbed the market share ladder now appearing in 10th place nationally and their order book stays full. Just Aircraft just can't sit still on their SuperSTOL. The airplane is selling briskly and chief designer Troy Woodland keeps improving this amazing aerial animal. It's already a fascinating airplane to watch make incredibly short takeoffs and even shorter landings. Now, it will have even more control at its crawling approach speed because Troy added spoilers to the wings (arrow), joining movable slats, vortex generators, tip plates, and large-volume flaps. My longtime interest in gliders and soaring gives me familiarity with spoilers. I feel they are an underused flight control that can have a significant effect on the wing's lift and, unlike flaps, they can be retracted quickly without adverse results. Indeed, when I flew the Cumulus ultralight motorglider extensively I became very accustomed to using them intermittently, in short on-off bursts, to control approaches to landing. For a super-short-field performer like SuperSTOL, this may prove a compelling idea and one more reason to consider this intriguing design. Just Aircraft has sold more than 500 kits and is going strong ... no wonder with this steady development work they're doing. Rotax largely owns the LSA space so far as powerplants go at somewhere around 80% market share. Of course, Continental is never to be counted out with their O-200 series that lifts many airplanes including the new batch of "LSA 4.0" GA-like aircraft and Jabiru also serves both LSA and homebuilt fleets (the latter with no less than seven firewall forward packages). Plus, we have the D-Motor coming and Florida-based Viking remains busy in the homebuilt space. At the Midwest LSA Expo importer Robert Helm told us "most of the work is complete to make the ASTM declaration" for the UL Power engines to become available on Light-Sport Aircraft. The Belgium company hasn't made a final decision to enter fully built aircraft due to liability concerns but Robert says he's very busy handling warm response from homebuilders. He recently signed a deal with Wicks Aircraft to handle parts fulfillment, giving him more time to work with tech support for installers and maintainers. KMVN is one of the best places for my video partner and I to shoot video pilot reports (VPRs). Over three days, we gathered footage for several new video interviews and VPRs. For the first time we used a new set of the new Garmin VIRB cameras. We installed a total of six cameras in or on each airplane plus shooting takeoffs, landings, and low-and-slow passes. Doing these VPRs takes one to two hours each — 30-45 minutes just to mount all the cameras. The slower pace of Mt. Vernon is excellent for these more comprehensive video productions. Once we leave the field, the real post-production work begins but watch for videos on the 180-hp Savage Cub-S, Rans S-20 Raven, Zenith 750 Cruzer, ICP Savannah plus several new video interviews. We hope you'll enjoy them.

Post-Oshkosh 2013 Quick Review

By Dan Johnson || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

At the big show EAA likes to call the Summer Celebration of Flight, we rove the grounds seeking new airplanes, new engines or propulsion systems, new panel gear, updated models and more. In this very fast tour, we'll zoom around AirVenture for a glance at some airplanes and components that caught our attention. In subsequent posts we'll delve a bit more deeply into certain ideas we thought were novel. All photos accompanying this article are courtesy of Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer, producer of the 300+ videos you can find on this website. Rans showed off their new S-20 Raven. Those who thought designer and company boss Randy Schlitter got stuck on S-19 were wrong (it's never wise to think he's done designing). His new Raven combines elements of the S-6 and S-7, namely the side-by-side seating of the S-6, with the welded spaceframe and superwide door of the S-7. It also has the S-7's wings and that's great as this is one of their sweetest flying aircraft. However, for those who didn't like the S-7's tandem seating, well ... problem fixed. The S-20 also has easily removed, reclining seats that could make this quite a camping aircraft. A huge luggage area also helps. Here's more info. SkyReach showed off two of their still-very-modestly priced BushCats. You already know these airplanes but under the name Rainbow (former company) and Cheetah (former model name). SkyReach and their new U.S. distributors, Aero Sport Planes, unveiled a new taildragger version for the many that like "standard" gear, all decked out as a "Police" airplane though that was merely decoration not actual function. They also showed a model on some clean-looking composite amphibious floats. These are LSA you can afford, priced in the $50-60,000 range depending on equipment. Yes, you can obtain them in somewhat less attention-getting coloration. Here's more info. Quicksilver charged on the Oshkosh 2013 scene with three announcements: (1) a partnership with a company doing public-use aircraft. Ident LLC will employ the GT500 in a variation they call Mosquito; (2) the new EMG for Electric Motor Glider, a partnership with Brian and Carol Carpenter and their company Tangent Aviation; and (3) Quicksilver's Sport 2S that is nearly done with ASTM approval. It's taken this industry leader a long time to join the Special LSA sector, but new owners a year and half ago set out on the mission which will conclude with an FAA audit in September. Soon, you can buy a factory built Sport 2S for $39,995. The Temecula, California company will continue offering kits and will add ELSA after they win SLSA approval. Here's more info. Another company that did very well with kits over the last 20 years is Progressive Aerodyne, famous for their SeaRey flying boat that boats more than 500 kits flying. These owners compose an intensely loyal group of seaplane pilots but all had to push through the effort of kit building. For some, this is highly satisfying, but for lots of folks, building a fairly complex airplane kit is too much work or they don't have the time. Fear not, you can now buy a factory built SeaReay and you'll spend far less money than most other seaplanes. Plus you can have it soon, rather than waiting for your distant delivery slot to come to the top of the list. SeaRey gave demo rides daily at Oshkosh's Seaplane Base. Here's more info. It was here — you knew it as the Kappa KP-5 — and then it disappeared ... for several years. Now, welcome back to the renamed SkyLeader 600. More deluxe than before and with a high-fashion interior, SkyLeader uses the sliding bubble canopy and the excellent handling of the KP-5. Yet, the 600 upgraded the staggered seating that effectively gave more room in the older model by seating the two occupants unevenly to one another; not everyone loved it and the new SkyLeader 600 is bigger so side-by-side seats are still roomy for hamburger-loving Americans. SkyLeader is officially still Jihlavan Airplanes but you don't need to twist your tongue around the more challenging Czech brand name. Just say "SkyLeader" and call rep, Randell Dutton, based near Jacksonville, Florida (904-677-2408). Here's more info. CubCrafters continues to shine brightly in the LSA universe and the western company is maintaing their delivery pace (they'll likely exceed 50 units in 2013). One reason for their success is a potent 180-horsepower engine that lifts the CarbonCub SS (video) like a homesick angel. Now Czech-based Zlin has a related machine. The iCub and Savage used Rotax power, but a Titan engine gives Zlin's new Cub-S 180 horses to bring great vigor to a vintage design. American Legend is also having an improved year with the Cub-like concept so why not a third entry ... especially at a lower price point? U.S. distributor SportairUSA hosted visitors at a huge tent display with two Zlin airplanes inside, the other being the open sided Bobber that you can customize like a Harley motorcycle. Here's more info. Tecnam is a very active company with more LSA models than any other LSA supplier and more variations of those models than, well ... any company. Only Pipistrel comes close. One model we were eager to look over was SeaSky, an obvious name when you see the P92 model set atop amphibious floats. We shot a video with Florida-based representative Tristan Raab and how appropriate given his location at Winter Haven, home to world famous Jack Brown Seaplane Base where so many have earned their seaplane rating. Tecnam developed their own composite floats and Oshkosh visitors saw the first one in the USA. As summer gives way to fall and winter, you may want to contact Tristan about a flight in this newest Tecnam variant (518-428-0804). Here's more info. Tecnam's SeaSky is a recreational aircraft with its water capabilities but for those who want a smooth sleek speedster, how about one of the prettiest LSA on the market, P2008. A fine credit to Italian design, the P2008 is now more muscular, with the first ever installation of the powerful Rotax 914 turbocharged engine. If you live in one of the high elevation western states, this might be your bird of choice given it offers another 15 horses over the Rotax 912's 100-hp. However, you can only use 115-hp for a few minutes, so an important fact we learned was that the 914 can produce a higher percentage of the continuously available 100 horses to a much higher altitude, thanks to turbo boost that operates full time. Another worthy point: installing the 914 may take more engineering but operating the potent engine is simple. Here's more info. Sporty's Pilot Shop took some time to give up a preference for the Recreational Pilot certificate. However, as their annual sweepstakes shows, they've made the shift to Light-Sport now, giving away an American Legend this year and planning to award this (photo) sweet-looking RV-12 for next year. Plus, the lucky winning owner won't have to build it because Van's Aircraft partnered with local business Synergy Air to make dozen-lot runs of fully built RV-12s. The first ones bear a special marking, that of company founder and legendary designer, Dick VanGrunsven. The first 12 aircraft Synergy built includes this one that has Van's signature on the pilot's side. You can win this handsome, well-equipped aircraft just for buying something from Sportys and they've got a lot to offer so you ought to be able to find something you need or like. Here's more info. It appears the time for aerobatic Light-Sport Aircraft has arrived. First, we did a video about Tecnam's Snap single place aerobatic aircraft and at Oshkosh 2013, we found the Panther from Panther Sport Aircraft. Using a 100-horsepower Corvair engine, company boss and designer Dan Weseman says the also-single-place Panther can do "mild aerobatics, like an RV-4 can." The new aircraft offers a number of features, which you can catch on our video. Sold as an Experimental Amateur Built aircraft, Panther meets LSA parameters allowing use by a Sport Pilot certificate holder. Since it's a kit, the Florida-based company will support several different engine installations. Here's more info. Shown to the public for the first time at AirVenture 2012 (before they even had a name for it), Just Aircraft amazed last year's crowd with the takeoff and landing performance of their now-named SuperSTOL. I've flown this airplane (video) to find it has some of the most docile handling you can imagine from an airplane that looks rather extreme or radical. Yet it's the way it leaves the ground and perhaps even more so the way it returns to the runway that drops watcher's jaws to the ground. Flying with factory demo pilot and lead designer Troy Woodland, we made seven landings with the stick full aft from half way out in the airport pattern all the way to surface yet we had full control and the touchdown was pillow soft, every time. Even after experiencing it, the results are hard to accept. The nearby photo catches the wing in full operation with flaps deployed and leading edge slats out. You can also see the major shock absorbers on the main gear and another on the tailwheel. Here's more info. I've done some other writing about SkyCraft (see here) but we haven't shown you the engine installation. SkyCraft reported at Oshkosh that they are ready for the FAA to visit seeking the agency's acceptance as a new fully-built Special LSA (last year they were planning to offer a kit, but chose to go forward with factory building the Czech design). SkyCraft will use the Hirth F-23 two stroke engine. Helping to permit their very attractive price ($55,000), the company will install the dual ignition, fuel-injected 50-horsepower Hirth that operates at the refreshingly low fuel burn of just 1.8 gph. The lightweight engine gives a 1,000 hour time before overhaul but SkyCraft offers a free top-end overhaul at 500 hours. Likewise, their prop has a 600 hour overhaul point but when those hours are reached, SkyCraft is offering to replace the prop ... for free. This young company has some consumer-friendly ideas and, if it turns out as they expected at Oshkosh, they'll be the first single seater approved as a SLSA. Here's more info. Renegade Light Sport Aircraft worked for many months on installing the Lycoming O-233 LSA engine into a pair of FK-12 Comets. The now-Florida-based company cited difficulties working with the Poland-based FK Lightplane manufacturer as a reason to stop that effort, but they immediately turned their attention to an aircraft modeled after of the Pitts S1S. Another biplane the Pitts has quite a reputation as a high performing small aircraft that is not burdensome to own and operate. Renegade plans to enlarge the cockpit and make significant use of carbon fiber to keep the single seater light and agile. At Oshkosh, they showed the Lil' Rascal (they can't use the Pitts name, of course) in nearly full clothing. We'll keep an eye on this development. Here's more info. We already reported and lots of other media have offered plenty of media to GreenWing International, the producer of the now-on-sale eSpyder pure electric aircraft. The company was featured in EAA's Innovations pavilion and flew a two-aircraft airshow routine, which you could hardly hear as the electric motor is quieter at full power than two people having a conversation. Another thing we didn't hear much about was charging the batteries. Our nearby photo show a buttoned-up eSpyder taking on juice for another hour-long flight. The smart charger talks via Bluetooth technology to each battery cell, assessing the health and needs of each segment of the battery set. Note the big power plug kept out of morning moisture (arrow). Such "fueling" is a new requirement for aircraft flying at Oshkosh, but the volunteers in the Ultralight Area handled it like old pros. Here's more info. eSpdyer wasn't the only electric aircraft regularly flying at Oshkosh. Mark Bierle flew his eGull as he has for the last few years. This soft-spoken but brilliant designer has been hard at work on electric power for several years and may be one of the most innovative in trying new ideas. This year he had a particularly potent motor in the usual pusher configuration. reportedly delivering the equivalent of 55 horsepower, Mark's lightweight, single place eGull zoomed into the sky with great enthusiasm. Since pilots seem to always vote for more rather than less power, I can imagine this could be a trend started by Bierle that might play out among other electric aircraft producers. One downside is that a bigger motor empties batteries quicker, but the same can be said about bigger gasoline engines burning more fuel yet that doesn't appear to have reduced demand for bigger engines. Here's more info. As I wind up this quick tour of interesting stuff at Oshkosh, I have to pay a bit of tribute to one of our longtime aircraft suppliers, Quad City Ultralight Aircraft. This company has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft, every one of them very reasonably priced. They're also all kit aircraft but it's clear the building proposition hasn't discouraged many from taking to the skies. Now, the company was able to trumpet its 30th anniversary and all the while the company has had the same leader, Dave Goulet. Congratulations to Dave and his team for a job well done over a long, long time. As if in honor of the company's birthday, three of four AirVenture 2013 awards in the Ultralight category went to Challenger builders including LSA Grand Champion, Gold Lindy winner Mike Riley. Here's more info. Last but certainly not least in my mind was a salute to an old friend who sadly won't be joining us anymore. Frank Beagle was for years the announcer for the Ultralight Area. His powerful bass voice could be heard throughout the public address system pretty much all day every day and he knew his light aircraft. So, it seems enormously fitting that the leaders and volunteers of this part of Oshkosh named the announcer's stand "The Beagles Nest" complete with a large plaque to commemorate Frank's decades of volunteer effort on behalf of light, recreational aviation. A dedicated 'Dac (Pterodactyl ultralight) pilot, Frank was also a friend to me and many others so we can all take pleasure at seeing his name emblazoned on the side of the announcer's stand. A tribute was also held for Frank during Oshkosh 2013.

Post-AirVenture 2014 News Review

By Dan Johnson || August 8, 2014 Leave a Comment

MVP.aero's new LSA seaplane was a great draw to EAA's 10th Year Celebration of Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft. Watch for more details and a video on MVP soon.

More than 2,500 people had some hand in building this Zenith CH-750 in a single week of AirVenture 2014. The aircraft flew shortly after the show ended. photo courtesy EAA

Tecnam enjoyed a strong show of sales as did several other vendors in what appears to be a much-improved 2014 market.

SuperSTOL pilot and designer, Troy Woodland, was honored at AirVenture 2014. photo courtesy Just Aircraft

The largest directory of all the world's light aircraft is out with a fresh edition.

Summer's big show is over and most aviation business folks are back home having that love/hate affair with email that piled up while we worked the event. On whole, the success story is strong. Airplanes sold, crowds were good, accidents were few, and the weather was not smoking hot like it has been in years past (though brief rain showers kept folks dashing for cover on occasion). EAA says attendance was up from last year, that the numbers of airplanes was higher, and that campgrounds reached capacity by midweek. EAA's special 10th Anniversary of Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Exhibit drew well all week with 17 aircraft representing all sectors within the SP/LSA space. Visitors could hardly miss the wonderfully central space AirVenture planners offered for this one-year display. With the front corners presenting a bright green Van's RV-12 plus the freshly debuted MVP seaplane attendees were practically compelled to wander the space and see all the flying machines. Big Light-Sport and general aviation aircraft producer Tecnam reported good sales success at AirVenture Oshkosh following on their strong performance at Sun 'n Fun when they also announced their U.S. base at the Sebring, Florida airport. Tecnam said they processed three orders for their Twin multiengine trainer and sold two P2008 and one G5 Eaglet Light-Sport aircraft. Officials from the Italian company noted especially strong interest in their new P2010 four seater in development under EASA and U.S. Part 23 rules. They forecast a product debut for the American market in the "near future." Twenty Ten's large cabin, front and rear passenger doors and comfortable interior along with Garmin avionic packages should interest many GA pilots thinking of something newer than their aging legacy models. ••• We didn't survey vendors about sales at the show but generally heard 2014 is a markedly improved year and we conducted about 40 new video interviews with many company leaders. One of those regarded the Bushcat on floats. Their folks reported two ready-to-fly LSA models and a kit sold at the event. Just Aircraft continued to turn heads and drop jaws with their impressive SuperSTOL's amazing performance. The company reported that partner and key designer Troy Woodland (photo) was selected by the EAA for the prestigious August Raspet Award in 2014. This honor is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of light aircraft design. "Woodland began designing in the 1990s, but it was his SuperSTOL that set him apart as he explored new technology in the design," said Just. SuperSTOL features self-adjusting slats on the leading edge of the wings, Fowler flaps, hydraulic strut landing gear with more than 20 inches of stroke, and a locking, shock-absorbing tail wheel. Troy is currently in the process of refining spoilers that deploy with the ailerons to increase roll response, especially at very slow speeds. The SuperSTOL also include tundra tires to cushion landings at very high angles of attack. Woodland follows earlier winners such as Curtiss Pitts, Burt Rutan, Dick VanGrunsven, and Pipistrel. "It took a while for the meaning of the award to sink in," said Woodland, "but then I realized that I'm joining a very exclusive club and it is truly a humbling experience." Troy refers to the tough, bush-capable SuperSTOL as his "creative effort toward making airports optional." Congratulations, Troy! Plenty of Light-Sport enthusiasts who attend airshows have come to know a man in a blur of motion: Willi Tacke. A German with a quick smile and seemingly boundless energy is a magazine impresario for the light aircraft set. He publishes several magazines and does so for English-speaking markets along with editions for French, German, and Chinese enthusiasts. At AirVenture 2014, some of us saw the first copy of the World Directory of Light Aviation 2014/2015 (WDLA). This thick publication with 268 full-color pages provides images, descriptions and technical data for more than 1,000 aircraft including ultralights, microlights, LSA, gyrocopter, ultralight helicopters, certified aircraft, kit aircraft, weight shift trikes, gliders, motor-gliders, instruments, engines, propellers, and accessories. Readers can find addresses of manufacturers, importers, associations, flight schools, and more; several indexes help you sift through the mass of information. WDLA is published in four languages: English, French, German and Chinese. You can buy it through shops in many countries and by mail order; find out more at Flying Pages shop. Stay tuned for more AirVenture 2014 news ...

Summer’s big show is over and most aviation business folks are back home having that love/hate affair with email that piled up while we worked the event. On whole, the success story is strong. Airplanes sold, crowds were good, accidents were few, and the weather was not smoking hot like it has been in years past (though brief rain showers kept folks dashing for cover on occasion). EAA says attendance was up from last year, that the numbers of airplanes was higher, and that campgrounds reached capacity by midweek. EAA’s special 10th Anniversary of Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Exhibit drew well all week with 17 aircraft representing all sectors within the SP/LSA space. Visitors could hardly miss the wonderfully central space AirVenture planners offered for this one-year display. With the front corners presenting a bright green Van’s RV-12 plus the freshly debuted MVP seaplane attendees were practically compelled to wander the space and see all the flying machines.

SuperSTOL to Perform at Just Plane Fun Days

By Dan Johnson || July 5, 2014 Leave a Comment

A one point touchdown is a particularly neat trick SuperSTOL can achieve thanks to slow touchdown speed and a shock-absorbing tailwheel gear leg. photo by Wayne Whitley

All Just Aircraft designs as seen in this photo have good bush flying capability. larger photo by Wes Whitley

I cannot imagine any pilot turning away while a SuperSTOL performs either a take off or a landing. photo by Wayne Whitley

Airplane-brand-specific fly-in events can be fun and informative. If the folks at Just Aircraft are involved and if they show off their amazing SuperSTOL, a company fly-in takes on a new level of excitement. Those of you who have stopped by their airshow display to speak to the people from Just Aircraft know the Walhalla, South Carolina manufacturer is composed of a bunch of individuals that seem so laid back, you could wonder how they get so much work done. They do, by the way, having produced and delivered more than 500 aircraft kits. Since 2012 — when they introduced their at-the-time-unnamed SuperSTOL to slacked-jawed response from crowds — Just Aircraft reported kit sales have more than doubled requiring the company to add a second shift to keep up with demand. How many other companies do you know with that need? All seriousness aside for a weekend, though, those Just Aircraft'ers know how to have a good time, too. You might want to mark your calendar. Yes, right now in the early days of July, aviation businesses and pilots from around the country are getting ready for that big summer celebration of flight called AirVenture. All eyes will be on Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the next few weeks — the show runs Monday July 28th to Sunday August 3rd. Following the event Just Aircraft will likely be counting fresh orders once they get back home to Walhalla, but they won't have much spare time on their hands. Not even one month after AirVenture ends, Just Aircraft will sponsor Just Plane Fun Days on August 29 through August 31 (Labor Day weekend) at Brass Town Airport near the town of the same name in North Carolina*. Just Plane Fun Days is open to anyone and is free of charge. The event appeals significantly to people who own one of the Just Aircraft models but anyone who is considering their designs can attend, have a good time, and find out lots more from pilots who have built and fly the airplane plus speak to company officials. Just Aircraft officials expect that Highlanders and new SuperSTOLs will dominate the event and certainly the attention of the public. Billy Payne owns the Brass Town airport and is hosting the event. He said it will be, "a gathering of like-minded people who enjoy flying their aircraft. At any given daylight hour there will usually be a dozen aircraft in the air, giving rides or participating in one of the competitions." Those who attend can observe contests such as a short field take off, short field landing, spot landing, limbo (flying under a ribbon), balloon pop, coyote shoot (balloons) and bomb drop. These can be entertaining for any aircraft types, but when you see SuperSTOL attempt them, the game is different ... and fascinating. All attending Just Aircraft models will be judged in a variety of categories: Best of Show, Best Panel, Most Innovative, People's Choice, and Grand Champion. Saturday night will be the chance for a cookout at the airport and on Sunday morning pilots will take off for a tour of the local mountains. Last year organizers reported about 2,000 people visited, and even with bad weather 19 Just Aircraft flew in. This year, if blessed with good weather, Payne expects more than twice that number. Camping is available on the field and for those who prefer a motel, the group has a special rate at the local Hampton Inn. For more information phone Billy Payne at (828) 557-4833 or call Just Aircraft at (864) 718-0320. * Brass Town hosts a festival that includes a contest with local men dressed as women to compete for the title "Miss Possum Queen." Surely this refutes anyone who thinks Brass Townians aren't out to have fun.

Just on Fire! SuperSTOL Leads to 500th Kit

By Dan Johnson || May 14, 2014 Leave a Comment

Watch our video of flying in SuperSTOL.

SuperSTOL (above) is amazing, but you can read my 2006 pilot report on Highlander here.

We all have favorites ... foods, websites, movies, and of course, airplanes. I have favorites, too. This doesn't mean my favorites are better than others, nor that anyone else may agree with me. That's OK. Properly caveated, I have to say one of my favorite airplanes is Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL. Flying it at last Sun 'n Fun with head developer Troy Woodland was arguably my most enjoyable flying experience at the show, or for that matter, in recent memory. To state this carefully, airplanes have different capabilities so I don't have an all-around #1 favorite but SuperSTOL is way up high on my list. Evidently, I am not the only one who feels strongly about the smile-factor of flying SuperSTOL. Honestly, what's not to like? The plane flies docilely — even though it looks totally radical — and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the folks behind it are your salt-of-the-Earth, down-home types that you cannot help but like. Just Aircraft, based in the "out back" of South Carolina, in Walhalla, announced they shipped their 500th kit aircraft. James Coonan of Ransom, Illinois didn't have to pay a king's ransom for his new SuperSTOL (photo) and I'll bet he's got one of those large SuperSTOL smiles. Just Aircraft reported that kits have been delivered to all 50 U.S. states and to 20 countries. They added, "Though [we are] still shipping out kits for the Highlander, the majority of sales in the past year have been SuperSTOLs." Highlander is essentially the same airplane with a good history but without the long main gear legs or leading edge slats although Just does offer some retrofit capability. Over the years Highlander has developed a loyal following. However, since the SuperSTOL with its attention-grabbing performance was first shown to visitors of AirVenture 2012 and offered for sale last year Just said kit sales more than doubled. The company has added a second shift to keep up with demand. That's a great problem to face. SuperSTOL can cruise close to 100 mph yet stalls almost absurdly slow. SuperSTOL's features slats that when combined with large Fowler flaps allow very slow flight and landings at 32 mph. Yet those hard working wings still fold, a feature Just models have long boasted. Rugged landing gear with long-stroke air shocks is designed to allow the aircraft to be plopped on the ground at very steep angles of attack. In my several landing with Troy, I estimated ground rollouts less than 100 feet after every touchdown. "Actual runways are optional with the SuperSTOL," say company reps with a smile. The high wing, two-seat, fabric covered aircraft can be fitted with massive 29-inch tundra tires that need little more than a level or inclined clearing in the back country for take offs or landings. Builders can opt for either taildragger or tricycle gear aircraft, though I cannot personally imagine anyone ever choosing tricycle gear. SuperSTOL can be fitted with regular or tundra tires, floats or skis. The airplane is Experimental Amateur-Built only at this time; the high demand suggests it isn't presently necessary to go through the ASTM process for this model though the company achieved SLSA status with the Highlander. Builders can choose Rotax or Jabiru powerplants. At its empty weight of 720 pounds, SuperSTOL has a useful load capability of 600 pounds.

We all have favorites … foods, websites, movies, and of course, airplanes. I have favorites, too. This doesn’t mean my favorites are better than others, nor that anyone else may agree with me. That’s OK. Properly caveated, I have to say one of my favorite airplanes is Just Aircraft’s SuperSTOL. Flying it at last Sun ‘n Fun with head developer Troy Woodland was arguably my most enjoyable flying experience at the show, or for that matter, in recent memory. To state this carefully, airplanes have different capabilities so I don’t have an all-around #1 favorite but SuperSTOL is way up high on my list. Evidently, I am not the only one who feels strongly about the smile-factor of flying SuperSTOL. Honestly, what’s not to like? The plane flies docilely — even though it looks totally radical — and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the folks behind it are your salt-of-the-Earth, down-home types that you cannot help but like.

Just Aircraft Is a Decade-long Success Story

By Dan Johnson || November 23, 2013 Leave a Comment

Come along with us as we fly the SuperSTOL and enjoy some unusual video angles. photo by Wayne Whitley

How do you take a laid-back approach to create a super exciting airplane? Schucks ... it appears easy as falling off a log. The oversimplification denies how much energy and effort went into SuperSTOL. Because the folks at JustAircraft seem to be the most relaxed designers in America, don't be fooled. Plenty of customers have seen the light that emanates from Walhalla, South Carolina. From the company's unusual factory airstrip to the jaw-dropping performance of their super-duper STOL aircraft, Just Aircraft is a company you can't — or at least shouldn't — ignore. To gain more flavor of the extreme-looking but easy-flying aircraft, Just's website has several videos that might fascinate you. "Since the company was formed in 2002, Just Aircraft was focused on developing an aircraft that would excel in back country performance," the company announced recently. "Starting with the Escapade, the company began shipping out kits. The Escapade is still supported by the factory and kits are still being shipped out, though the sales were quickly surpassed when designer Troy Woodland introduced his next design, the Highlander. The STOL performance of the Highlander accelerated recognition of the company, attracting an ever-increasing number of recreational pilots." On a roll, Troy expanded on the company's success this past year with the SuperSTOL, their leading product today. SuperSTOL, a two place, high wing, tube and fabric creation, grew the company's sales tally to more than 450 kits. "Within a year, we shipped out 25 kits of the new SuperSTOL and over half are now flying," reported Just Aircraft. The short time between delivery and flight is testimony to the speed with which the kits can be transformed into an airworthy aircraft. Based on my own experience flying with Troy, SuperSTOL can easily and repeatably live up to its name with impressively short takeoffs and landings. With practice, each can be achieved in a mere 50 feet, thanks to the double leading edge slats, long-stroke main gear suspension, and tundra tires ... plus good pilot technique. The company's aircraft have also be configured for floats and skis. Building a worldwide following, Just Aircraft has shipped kits to remote areas in China, Russia, Greenland, Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador and Lithuania. Among gung-ho outback pilots, Just's consumers include three women and a 78-year-old gentleman.

How do you take a laid-back approach to create a super exciting airplane? Schucks … it appears easy as falling off a log. The oversimplification denies how much energy and effort went into SuperSTOL. Because the folks at JustAircraft seem to be the most relaxed designers in America, don’t be fooled. Plenty of customers have seen the light that emanates from Walhalla, South Carolina. From the company’s unusual factory airstrip to the jaw-dropping performance of their super-duper STOL aircraft, Just Aircraft is a company you can’t — or at least shouldn’t — ignore. To gain more flavor of the extreme-looking but easy-flying aircraft, Just’s website has several videos that might fascinate you. “Since the company was formed in 2002, Just Aircraft was focused on developing an aircraft that would excel in back country performance,” the company announced recently. “Starting with the Escapade, the company began shipping out kits.