News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft
At AirVenture 2014, EAA hosted Zenith Aircraft in a major project in which 2,500 people gave some assistance to a central team that built an entire CH-750 from shipping container to FAA sign-off and test fly during the seven days of the show in Oshkosh. At the end Jeff Skiles (crew member of the famous airliner landing on the Hudson River) test flew the airplane. Here's a view of the furious effort to get the job done quickly and well.
At AirVenture 2014, EAA hosted Zenith Aircraft in a major project in which 2,500 people gave some assistance to a central team that built an entire CH-750 from shipping container to FAA sign-off and test fly during the seven days of the show in Oshkosh. At the end Jeff Skiles (crew member of the famous airliner landing on the Hudson River) test flew the airplane. Here’s a view of the furious effort to get the job done quickly and well.
Belite Aircraft rarely sits still. This company,. operated by a man former in the computer industry, knows that constant development of an idea stimulates interest. The latest from James Weibe is the UltraCub and it has two main differences: (1) the main fuselage is of notably different construction and (2) it has a four-stroke engine up front. You can hear the engine and hear more about all the changes to the newest model from Belite on this video.
Belite Aircraft rarely sits still. This company,. operated by a man former in the computer industry, knows that constant development of an idea stimulates interest. The latest from James Weibe is the UltraCub and it has two main differences: (1) the main fuselage is of notably different construction and (2) it has a four-stroke engine up front. You can hear the engine and hear more about all the changes to the newest model from Belite on this video.
When you think a company has wrung all it could from a design, think again and then once more. First came the CH-701 STOL, which acquired the nickname "Sky Jeep" for its great off-runway capabilities and short take off. Zenith improved that with the CH-750 that featured a wider cockpit among other changes. At Sun 'n Fun 2013 Zenith unveiled the Cruzer, a non-STOL version of the same airplane now offering faster cruising. We spoke with expert factory pilot Roger Dubbert about the newest variation on this successful theme.
When you think a company has wrung all it could from a design, think again and then once more. First came the CH-701 STOL, which acquired the nickname “Sky Jeep” for its great off-runway capabilities and short take off. Zenith improved that with the CH-750 that featured a wider cockpit among other changes. At Sun ‘n Fun 2013 Zenith unveiled the Cruzer, a non-STOL version of the same airplane now offering faster cruising. We spoke with expert factory pilot Roger Dubbert about the newest variation on this successful theme.
When you want the final word, it's often best to go right to the top, to the boss. That we did with Kolb Aircraft boss Brian Melborn. In this video shot at the new and improved Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun 2013, we heard about the Kolb Firefly as a Part 103 ultralight vehicle ... but the best news is a factory available ready-to-fly model, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Brian also tells about a few changes to the great flying light aircraft.
When you want the final word, it’s often best to go right to the top, to the boss. That we did with Kolb Aircraft boss Brian Melborn. In this video shot at the new and improved Paradise City at Sun ‘n Fun 2013, we heard about the Kolb Firefly as a Part 103 ultralight vehicle … but the best news is a factory available ready-to-fly model, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Brian also tells about a few changes to the great flying light aircraft.
Jim Weibe is the brains behind the Belite aircraft, some of which meet Part 103 parameters. He also does Belite Electronic superlight instruments. This busy fellow is now also offering amphibious floats, for his aircraft but conceivable for any other aircraft up to 620 pounds. The great news here is that you can't find many other floats for truly light aircraft and Jim has labored to change that situation ... though larger floats will follow.
Jim Weibe is the brains behind the Belite aircraft, some of which meet Part 103 parameters. He also does Belite Electronic superlight instruments. This busy fellow is now also offering amphibious floats, for his aircraft but conceivable for any other aircraft up to 620 pounds. The great news here is that you can’t find many other floats for truly light aircraft and Jim has labored to change that situation … though larger floats will follow.
Zenith Aircraft CH-650 is the follow-on to the popular CH-601 with hundreds flying. Company pilot Roger Dubbert tells us about some of the differences between the predecessor and the '650 and he answers our questions on your behalf regarding flight controls, comfort, baggage and more. Come hear the details for this "sedan" of the line complementing the "Sky Jeep" CH-750.
Zenith Aircraft CH-650 is the follow-on to the popular CH-601 with hundreds flying. Company pilot Roger Dubbert tells us about some of the differences between the predecessor and the ‘650 and he answers our questions on your behalf regarding flight controls, comfort, baggage and more. Come hear the details for this “sedan” of the line complementing the “Sky Jeep” CH-750.
The amazing, incredible AirCam ... one aircraft you fly in ways you'd never fly in another airplane. How that? AirCam is an open cockpit twin engine airplane that can even take off with only one engine (though don't do this!). AirCam developer Lockwood Aircraft tested the new fuel-injected Rotax iS engine on one side with a carburetor 912 ULS on the other. How did that work? Watch this video while light aircraft expert John Hurst explains his experience flying this aircraft from Florida to Oshkosh.
The amazing, incredible AirCam … one aircraft you fly in ways you’d never fly in another airplane. How that? AirCam is an open cockpit twin engine airplane that can even take off with only one engine (though don’t do this!). AirCam developer Lockwood Aircraft tested the new fuel-injected Rotax iS engine on one side with a carburetor 912 ULS on the other. How did that work? Watch this video while light aircraft expert John Hurst explains his experience flying this aircraft from Florida to Oshkosh.
In 2012, Rotax brought out their new fuel-injected 912 iS engine. The leading supplier of Light-Sport Aircraft engines worked hard on this computer-controlled engine as they prepared a replacement for the venerable carburetor 912 (which remains in production). We spoke with LSA guru John Hurst who flew a twin-engine AirCam from Sebring Florida to Oshkosh and he tells about flying one of each 912 engine versions.
In 2012, Rotax brought out their new fuel-injected 912 iS engine. The leading supplier of Light-Sport Aircraft engines worked hard on this computer-controlled engine as they prepared a replacement for the venerable carburetor 912 (which remains in production). We spoke with LSA guru John Hurst who flew a twin-engine AirCam from Sebring Florida to Oshkosh and he tells about flying one of each 912 engine versions.
Here is the second installment of our full-length pilot reports, by which we mean we give much more than a quick glance at an aircraft. This time we review the Allegro 2007, the model that is now 100% Made in the USA.
Near the start, some wind noise interfers but this improves.
Here is the second installment of our full-length pilot reports, by which we mean we give much more than a quick glance at an aircraft. This time we review the Allegro 2007, the model that is now 100% Made in the USA. Near the start, some wind noise interfers but this improves.
MIDWEST LSA EXPO 2012 -- One of our series of many short videos from the fall show, this one on the Kolb Firefly. In the very same month that FAA's Part 103 turned 30 years old, we look at a legitimte Part 103 fixed wing design. The Firefly is mated to a stable of other popular Kolb airplanes that you build as a kit (though Firefly can legally be factory assembled or built for you by anyone).
MIDWEST LSA EXPO 2012 — One of our series of many short videos from the fall show, this one on the Kolb Firefly. In the very same month that FAA’s Part 103 turned 30 years old, we look at a legitimte Part 103 fixed wing design. The Firefly is mated to a stable of other popular Kolb airplanes that you build as a kit (though Firefly can legally be factory assembled or built for you by anyone).
One sweet little Part 103 candidate at Sun 'n Fun 2012 that turned lots of heads what what folks dubbed the "Wonder Bread Airplane" for obvious reasons (at least if you saw TV commercials before 1975). Developer James Weibe has done lots of development on his single place entry and he tells us all about it.
One sweet little Part 103 candidate at Sun ‘n Fun 2012 that turned lots of heads what what folks dubbed the “Wonder Bread Airplane” for obvious reasons (at least if you saw TV commercials before 1975). Developer James Weibe has done lots of development on his single place entry and he tells us all about it.
We literally shoot the Breese in this video as we examine a very special single seater from M-Squared. This owner built example has numerous unique features to it that we look at in detail. But the main ingredient may be the dual turbocharged HKS two cylinder four stroke engine that makes 80 horsepower, which in turn must make an extremely impressive performer out of the otherwise mild-mannered Breese SS.
We literally shoot the Breese in this video as we examine a very special single seater from M-Squared. This owner built example has numerous unique features to it that we look at in detail. But the main ingredient may be the dual turbocharged HKS two cylinder four stroke engine that makes 80 horsepower, which in turn must make an extremely impressive performer out of the otherwise mild-mannered Breese SS.
Kolb's Firefly, developed several years ago, is a true-blue entry to the Part 103 ultralight rule. It was purpose-designed to accommodate a more powerful engine to meet customer interest, but to do so while staying within Part 103 254-pound empty weight mandate. It does! And with the legendary good Kolb handling paired with a more potent powerplant, here's a low-cost option to keep you smiling after a day's flying.
Kolb’s Firefly, developed several years ago, is a true-blue entry to the Part 103 ultralight rule. It was purpose-designed to accommodate a more powerful engine to meet customer interest, but to do so while staying within Part 103 254-pound empty weight mandate. It does! And with the legendary good Kolb handling paired with a more potent powerplant, here’s a low-cost option to keep you smiling after a day’s flying.
We talked with Roger Dubbert about the whole line of Zenith aircraft, including the CH-701 STOL in kit form, the larger CH-750 in SLSA or kit, and the low wing CH-650. But we also looked at the UL engine that the Zenith folks fitted to their CH-650 design. See more about the engine HERE but listento Roger describe how Zenith regards this new entry.
We talked with Roger Dubbert about the whole line of Zenith aircraft, including the CH-701 STOL in kit form, the larger CH-750 in SLSA or kit, and the low wing CH-650. But we also looked at the UL engine that the Zenith folks fitted to their CH-650 design. See more about the engine HERE but listento Roger describe how Zenith regards this new entry.
LSA America is now the builder of the #3 Light-Sport Aircraft to win approval as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Recently a new factory opened in Littleton, North Carolina (thanks to financial support from the state among other sources) and new Allegro LSA are starting to roll off the line. In this video we'll update the situation for the newest U.S.-based manufacturer of LSA. The video was shot just before the new factory opened.
LSA America is now the builder of the #3 Light-Sport Aircraft to win approval as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Recently a new factory opened in Littleton, North Carolina (thanks to financial support from the state among other sources) and new Allegro LSA are starting to roll off the line. In this video we’ll update the situation for the newest U.S.-based manufacturer of LSA. The video was shot just before the new factory opened.
Kolb Aircraft is one of the most successful of light aircraft or ultralights among all companies. Now under stable new ownership and management, the much-loved brand is ready for a revival following the economic downturn of the mid-2000s. To hear the latest, we spoke with Brian Milborn at Sun 'n Fun 2011 at the company's display in Paradise City.
Kolb Aircraft is one of the most successful of light aircraft or ultralights among all companies. Now under stable new ownership and management, the much-loved brand is ready for a revival following the economic downturn of the mid-2000s. To hear the latest, we spoke with Brian Milborn at Sun ‘n Fun 2011 at the company’s display in Paradise City.
Some have called this design the Jeep of the sky and one flight demonstration will tell you why. An examination shows the leading edge slats and an overall design intended for the shortest possible takeoff and landing (called STOL) and the second generation STOL CH 750 can provide that capability all day long. A well established design from a longtime supplier, about a kit a day leaves Mexico, Missouri including the company's low wing Zodiac CH 650 design.
Some have called this design the Jeep of the sky and one flight demonstration will tell you why. An examination shows the leading edge slats and an overall design intended for the shortest possible takeoff and landing (called STOL) and the second generation STOL CH 750 can provide that capability all day long. A well established design from a longtime supplier, about a kit a day leaves Mexico, Missouri including the company’s low wing Zodiac CH 650 design.
M-Squared continues a tradition of simple but well-built open cockpit "ultralight" aircraft. I used quotation marks as M-Square now sells SLSA and ELSA models, but also continues to make the Part 103-capable single seater that you can fly without a pilot's license of any kind plus no medical and no N-numbers required. Freedom in flying was never so obvious or delightful.
M-Squared continues a tradition of simple but well-built open cockpit “ultralight” aircraft. I used quotation marks as M-Square now sells SLSA and ELSA models, but also continues to make the Part 103-capable single seater that you can fly without a pilot’s license of any kind plus no medical and no N-numbers required. Freedom in flying was never so obvious or delightful.
Belite Aircraft bought the design rights for the single place, Part 103 design formerly known as the Kitfox Lite. The Kansas company did more than simply rename the aircraft, however. They also moved from aluminum tubes and wood ribs to carbon fiber elements and made numerous small changes to keep the aircraft with Part 103 weights. The video explains a few of the new options now available.
Belite Aircraft bought the design rights for the single place, Part 103 design formerly known as the Kitfox Lite. The Kansas company did more than simply rename the aircraft, however. They also moved from aluminum tubes and wood ribs to carbon fiber elements and made numerous small changes to keep the aircraft with Part 103 weights. The video explains a few of the new options now available.
Allegro was the third aircraft certified under new SLSA rules back in April 2005. When the Czech manufacturer collapsed, the American importer worked to bring production to America. That's now complete and Allegro USA is building the Allegro 2007 in Oregon (alongside the Sadler Vampire). Let's catch up with this true composite.
Allegro was the third aircraft certified under new SLSA rules back in April 2005. When the Czech manufacturer collapsed, the American importer worked to bring production to America. That’s now complete and Allegro USA is building the Allegro 2007 in Oregon (alongside the Sadler Vampire). Let’s catch up with this true composite.