News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft
The FK Lightplanes company has released its new Fk9 ELA that more closely meets U.S. LSA regulations but its Mark IV version of the Fk9 is one of Germany's most popular light aircraft. See it in this video atop straight Baumann floats made in Minnesota.
The FK Lightplanes company has released its new Fk9 ELA that more closely meets U.S. LSA regulations but its Mark IV version of the Fk9 is one of Germany’s most popular light aircraft. See it in this video atop straight Baumann floats made in Minnesota.
One of Canada's most famous aircraft producers is Zenair, a sister enterprise to Zenith Aircraft based in the USA.
From the 1982 vintage Jesse Anglin's J6 Karatoo comes L'il Buzzard, introduced in 1990. Background: A development of the 1982 vintage Anglin J6 Karatoo, the L'il Buzzard was introduced in 1999 - Specs or order: here. L'il Huster and L'il Buzzard are kit aircraft with professional builder assist available.
You may not be thinking about it now while the snow swirls and piles up in mountainous white drifts, but in a few months, Canada will again be a very scenic place to fly. May an American LSA owner do so? While a growing number of countries around the world have been steadily embracing use of ASTM standards — as are used to gain FAA acceptance in the U.S. — Canada has resisted the trend. America’s neighbor to the North has another category called Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplane (AULA) that is very similar to LSA and has worked for Transport Canada for years. Canadian authorities have subtly changed the game and relaxed the cost of flying your Yankee LSA north of the border. According to writer Patrick Gilligan, “An exemption by Transport Canada (TC) makes it more affordable and less onerous for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) from the United States to be flown into Canada.” Gilligan continued to explain (original COPA article) saying that American LSA owners simply have to download and complete a Standardized Validation form (available here).
Watch our video about Sam Aircraft's Sam LS.
You can read my pilot report after flying the Sam LS with developer Thierry Zibi.
Zenith and Zenair are closely-linked enterprises with different leaders in different countries. In recent years, the three Heintz brothers took different responsibilities for the business founded by dad, Chris Heintz. An aeronautical engineer, Chris founded Zenair Ltd., in Canada in 1974 and parleyed his design pedigree into a flock of airplanes that have sold by the thousand all over the world. Today, Matt, Sebastien, and Michael run the multifaceted firm. Through 2015, the combined effort of Zenith and Zenair sought to produce light plane models called 750 STOL, 750 Cruzer, and 650B Zodiac plus four seat kits called CH 801/8000, a sport-utility plane, and the four-seat CH 640 plus a type-certified four seater called CH 2000. That fleet recently got a bit larger when Zenith / Zenair bought the assets from the Canadian developer of Sam LS. “Sam Aircraft assets have been acquired by the … owners and operators of Zenith Aircraft Company (U.S.) and Zenair Ltd.
The main view above was taken toward the end of the day. On Friday and Saturday the ramp was packed with show planes and a large number of aircraft that flew in for the day.
Videoman Dave takes his camera aloft in the AirCam with Phil Lockwood.
A couple members of Videoman Dave's fan club wanted to pose for a photo in front of the Bumblebee Revo that we fly for a Video Pilot Report. Amy Saunders (L) and Nicole DeLuca both fly the Revo. Nicole is in training and Amy has flown from Florida to Oshkosh and to the West Coast and back. The Bumblebee-themed Revo belongs to Henry TrikeLife.
Updated 11/5/15 with video at end … We went. We flew (and flew). We shot video … lots of video. Videoman Dave’s dual hand held cameras got a workout as did our six Garmin VIRB cameras. We did more of our popular interviews but we also captured multiple angles on several aircraft as we continue to build our expanding library of VPRs or Video Pilot Reports. Nearly always hard at work on terra firma, Dave went aloft (photo) to get some air and to capture aerial images. Dave took a seat in the twin-engined AirCam with company designer and boss, Phil Lockwood so you can see Copperstate 2016 from the air. Honestly, I can hardly imagine how Dave keeps track of those hours and hours of video much less organize them into the productions you enjoy to the tune of 1.5 million minutes a month of viewing.
M-Squared Breese owner, retired Captain Ray Anderson, donated to the Florida Air Museum his very special single seater that was highly modified in numerous ways; see our video on this amazing airplane.
Quicksilver's single seat Sprint uses the twin cylinder opposed Hirth F23 that provides 50 horsepower to achieve wonderful performance in a Part 103 ultralight.
Evolution Trikes makes the super-deluxe Revo and now this new Rev, a Part 103 ultralight available starting at only $17,900.
Fly Hard's SkyCycle used a custom 15-layer-deep airbrush paint job to attempt winning its ninth-in-a-row award at Sun 'n Fun.
Part 103 ultralight activity was not the news I expected to report from Sun ‘n Fun 2015, certainly not as my first report. After an intense week shooting video interviews at Sun ‘n Fun 2015, I am impressed to report that Part 103 is much more than alive and well. For those that may have missed this unique category, Part 103 ultralight vehicles (FAA’s deliberate wording) are single seat flying machines of varying description that need no medical, not even a pilot license, no N-number registration, and can be sold ready-to-fly. The entire FAA regulation for them can be printed on the front and back of a single piece of paper. Adding to the charm of rarely having to interact with a government agency in order to have some fun in your airplane are a couple similar efforts in Europe. Germany has its 120-kilogram class (264 pounds) and England has its SSDR category (Single Seat De Regulated).
Amphibious float-equipped airplanes are in the wheelhouse of M-Squared Aircraft. photo courtesy M-Squared Aircraft
Ray Anderson's magnificent flying machine will soon be on display at the Florida Air Museum. See video for a full tour of this remarkable airplane.
Father and daughter go aloft to capture photos of M-Squared Aircraft's several models.
Sun ‘n Fun is coming in less than two months. Surprised? Yes, we are now less than 60 days before the start of this season-opening event. The folks in Lakeland offer so much to do at their April celebration that you can barely jam it all in to a six day visit. No doubt this is why many arrive a few days early … well, that and Florida being the Sunshine State which will be warm and pleasant from April 21-26, 2015. C’mon down. Get away from that snowy winter up north. One thing you may not have done is visit the Museum on the property. All those new airplanes and products plus a major airshow keep people outside, understandably so. However, for 2015 light aircraft enthusiasts have one more reason to plan some extra time to keep the sunburn to a minimum by spending a few hours inside.
This attention-getting "dragon" Air Cam is not Ron Owens' but it might qualify as "gnarly." As the next photo shows, this was a total treatment.
This Air Cam may have demanding duties in remote areas, but that doesn't mean the paint job has to be dull.
What would you like for a Christmas present, perhaps if you won big in a lottery? Well, you’re a pilot so I might guess that some airplane has caught your fancy. Me, too. Like most pilots a number of desirable airplanes catch my eye but also like most pilots, I cannot afford to have one of each that appeals to me. High on my list of wished-for airplanes is Lockwood Aircraft‘s Air Cam. I have quite a few hours flying one example or another. I even earned my multiengine rating in one, as part of an article I wrote years ago. As part of the required hours of training to take the flight check — no written test is involved for a multiengine rating — I engaged an old friend and multiengine instructor, Richard Johnson. An Air Cam owner, Sebring dentist Ron Owen, graciously supplied his Air Cam.
I’ve been on a couple AirCam outings and I have two points about them: (1) Owners of this unusual airplane are often fairly well-off people and see a golden opportunity when invited by the good planners at Lockwood Aircraft; and, (2) These pilots know how to have fun with their airplanes, flying to some delicious locations. Previous fly-outs included Jekyll Island, Heaven’s Landing, Cedar Key off Florida’s west coast, and the Bahamas. If you don’t know AirCam here’s a video that gives a bit of the flavor of this amazing aircraft. (I readily admit to a positive bias for the machine as I have had the chance to fly a good number of hours in it and earned my multi-engine rating in one … but that’s another story.) On the two occasions when I’ve joined the AirCam’ers on their fly-outs (or is that “fly-ins?”), I’ve discovered that these folks have uncovered some wonderful places.
Engine suppliers must love Zenith Aircraft, perhaps as much as their many airframe owners. For 23 years, the kit company based in Mexico, Missouri has supplied about 200 kits per year to buyers all over the country and around the world. That is a selling performance any light airplane company would like to boast. One reason for their success is their support of a variety of engines, no small feat considering each engines has special qualities to be considered when installing and using them. Good for Zenith for going the extra mile. One of the many engines they support is the Viking Aircraft Engine from Edgewater, Florida on the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State. Zenith also supports engines from Rotax, Jabiru, UL Power, and Continental. See the video below covering the short field takeoff and landing competition on a pretty, sunny day at the Mexico airport.
Zenith reported, "Winning performance by Jan Eggenfellner flying a Zenith STOL CH 750 powered by a Viking 110 engine." To win the competition you had to do well at both takeoff and landing, an appropriate way to show off the potential for Zenith's high-lift CH 750 STOL. Jan won the contest with a very impressive 219 feet, comprised of a takeoff at 110 feet and landing in just 109 feet. Of course, as an engine producer this was very satisfying as he flew a handsome burgundy CH-750 powered by one of his Viking engines producing 110 horsepower. As do other powerplant providers, Viking works to assist buyers with is often called a firewall forward package, sometimes containing a nose cowl that encloses the engine that can help performance. Despite some challenges beginning this company (see last paragraph), Viking has successfully installed engines on several aircraft types (nearby photo). At the Missouri Open Hangar Day event, four Viking-powered Zenith models attended including three that made the lengthy trip from Florida plus another from Ohio. Three CH 750s were joined by a low wing CH 650.
Viking offers a bit more power than the Continental or Rotax engines that lift so many Light-Sport Aircraft in the USA and around the world. UL Power can provide several engines with even more power but Viking prides itself on the performance achieved by their attractive powerplants. The Florida company reported that a Cessna 150 using a Viking engine with a custom cowling can cruise at 135 mph even without wheelpants. That's impressive. I once owned a Cessna 150 with a 150-horsepower Lycoming engine that didn't cruise that fast (though it did empty the standard fuel tanks in a couple hours). One builder of a Van's RV-12 sent airspeed indicator photo proof of cruising 145 miles an hour with the Viking, though we didn't hear the atmospheric conditions at the time. A Sonex reportedly can achieve 170 mph in the speedy, low-cost design from Oshkosh Wisconsin and a Just Aircraft model likewise sent a photo of his ASI showing 115 mph. On the other end of the spectrum, at least one powered parachute operator fitted the Viking ... but speed isn't a factor. Powered parachute speeds are dictated by the canopy wing, not engine power. The Florida engine maker reports fitting 32 air frames in their five years of existence. See our video for more details about Viking.
Jan Eggenfellner (photo) is the designer of the Viking Aircraft Engine. For 15 years, from 1994 to 2009, he built and sold aircraft powerplants based on Subaru engines. His goal was to hold down the cost of engines, which as any homebuilder knows, can be a significant investment. By his own telling, a low profit margin and a worsening national economy drove him to bankruptcy in 2009. He wrote, "Some customers lost money. I personally lost everything, providing refunds until no money was left." In 2010, he restarted his engine business based on a Honda block and remaining Subaru parts. "Some interest was gained by showing the engine at a local airshow for Light-Sport Aircraft," he wrote. "An initial cost of $9,900 brought enough customers onboard to form a new company." The Viking engine project was started and financing secured. Today, Jan reported, "Viking Aircraft Engines, LLC is a sound company with 11 people actively working to produce engines in Florida." Reflecting on the earlier enterprise, he admits, "I am sorry that my previous company was unable to survive. I have some critics." He requests that potential customers "ask any Viking Aircraft Engine owner" and to that end, he provides comments from buyers on his website.
Catch the STOL competition fun in this video from Zenith Aircraft.
Engine suppliers must love Zenith Aircraft, perhaps as much as their many airframe owners. For 23 years, the kit company based in Mexico, Missouri has supplied about 200 kits per year to buyers all over the country and around the world. That is a selling performance any light airplane company would like to boast. One reason for their success is their support of a variety of engines, no small feat considering each engines has special qualities to be considered when installing and using them. Good for Zenith for going the extra mile. One of the many engines they support is the Viking Aircraft Engine from Edgewater, Florida on the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State. Zenith also supports engines from Rotax, Jabiru, UL Power, and Continental. See the video below covering the short field takeoff and landing competition on a pretty, sunny day at the Mexico airport.
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.
The landscape around Heaven's Landing is beautiful but rather forbidding to low-level single engine flying. AirCam can loiter easily and can slow into the 35-knot range to allow full scenic absorption. See full AirCam specs.
At one of the company-organized AirCam fly-ins, a collection of colorful and powerful twin engine aircraft gathered at Heaven's Landing, a beautiful airpark development in the Northeast Georgia mountains.
Lockwood Aircraft has been working on a full enclosure canopy for AirCam; here you see the prototype. It can be removed in 30 minutes.
Phil Lockwood (front) and Robert Meyer (not shown) gave many sales demonstration flights and offered area rides to others in one of the very few airplanes that will allow flying, safely, at low levels over densely tree covered terrain.
Company fly-ins are surprisingly rare despite offering a useful tool to propel new sales, to stimulate interest and camaraderie among existing owners, and to invigorate enjoyment of flying machines. This message became more obvious as a number of people joined a group of AirCam owners at Heaven’s Landing, an airpark in northeast Georgia that is surrounded by hundreds of acres of densely forested nature managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Mountains rise to 3,000 feet above sea level and form an undulating landscape of tree-covered slopes. Such an area is perfect for an aircraft like AirCam that so excels in low-level flying. Indeed, I cannot think of another aircraft I would willingly fly over terrain where landing areas are so sparse. For those who do not know, AirCam is essentially a grown-up ultralight with twin pusher engines that can easily climb — even take off! — on only one of its two powerful engines.
Rotax mechanics in training at the engine maker's in-house instructional center.
Rotax BRP is offering a new warranty extension program but it plans more. The Austrian supplier of some 80% of the powerplants used in Light-Sport Aircraft and light kit aircraft is also building a flight school locator for training operations that use their engine. Consumers have some locator services now — in fact, our own FIRM List offers resources — but most (including ours) are USA-centric. As a supplier of engines around the world, Rotax will build a locator service for the entire globe. For many that struggle to find a flight school using Light-Sport Aircraft, this should be most welcome. More on that as it develops R.E.S.T. stands for Rotax Extended Service Terms. The company introduced two new warranty extension programs for its consumers scheduled to start in November 2013. “The R.E.S.T. program provides a warranty extension for all new Rotax 4-stroke aircraft engines,” Rotax said.
Zenith Aircraft is one of the country or world's most successful providers of kit aircraft. Several thousands of all models are flying. One of their most popular is the "Sky Jeep," otherwise known by the more pedestrian designation, CH 750. Plenty of reasons tell the story of why Zenith in Mexico, Missouri can sell solidly through good times and bad but arguably one of the most important is the company's support for many different engines. Since Zenith sells Experimental Amateur Built (51%) kits, owners can install whatever they like and Zenith supports multiple engine installations. Now, they've added one of the very newest: Rotax BRP's fuel injected 912iS. Zenith now offers the 912iS as an engine choice from a list of powerplants that includes the 100-hp 912 ULS, the turbo Rotax 914, the fuel-injected UL Power (video) and Viking engines, as well as the Continental 0-200 and the Lycoming 0-235/233 engines. Each of these engines is suitable for the high wing CH 750 series or low wing CH 650 designs.
"The first Zenith kit aircraft in North America to fly with the new Rotax 912iS engine was a collaborative effort involving Zenith Aircraft Co., which supplied the aircraft kit, Rotech Research Canada, Ltd. which installed the engine, and Skytek Aircraft Services which assembled the airframe," reported the company. They added that Skytek developed the firewall-forward package for completing the engine installation. "Both the aircraft and the engine performed flawlessly," said Sebastien Heinz, President of Zenith Aircraft. "We put 7.5 hours on the CH 750 on the first day and had no squawks. Rotax has done it right." Rotax BRP reports a steadily growing number of airframe manufacturers have installed the 912iS or are working on the project.
Zenith said installing the fuel-injected 912iS was more complicated than a standard, carbureted 912ULS engine. "However," Zenith added, "the new model has considerably more redundancy, increased efficiency, reduced pilot workload and is certifiable. It operates without primers, carb heat, or mixture controls." The engine and accessories are monitored constantly by a built-in computer that alerts pilots to any issues that arise on the ground or in the air. The result is a higher level of reliability and enhanced safety. The Rotax 912iS is a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with opposed cylinders that is cooled by air and liquid. A dry sump features lubrication from a separate 0.8-gallon oil tank. Hydraulic valve tappets provide automatic adjustment. The 912 iS provides two redundant electronic fuel injection systems, an engine management system, dual electronic ignition, electric starter and an integrated reduction gear. TBO (Time Before Overhaul) is 2,000 hours.
Zenith Aircraft is one of the country or world’s most successful providers of kit aircraft. Several thousands of all models are flying. One of their most popular is the “Sky Jeep,” otherwise known by the more pedestrian designation, CH 750. Plenty of reasons tell the story of why Zenith in Mexico, Missouri can sell solidly through good times and bad but arguably one of the most important is the company’s support for many different engines. Since Zenith sells Experimental Amateur Built (51%) kits, owners can install whatever they like and Zenith supports multiple engine installations. Now, they’ve added one of the very newest: Rotax BRP’s fuel injected 912iS. Zenith now offers the 912iS as an engine choice from a list of powerplants that includes the 100-hp 912 ULS, the turbo Rotax 914, the fuel-injected UL Power (video) and Viking engines, as well as the Continental 0-200 and the Lycoming 0-235/233 engines.
China, China, China … Americans hear a lot about this fast growing country although financial news outlets say growth is slowing as its economy matures. American pilots have been hearing plenty, too. Sometimes it seems like an unending list of companies (Cirrus Design, Continental Motors, Mooney Aircraft, several LSA seaplane manufacturers and various other enterprises) that report gaining Chinese investment. We have several times written about western light aircraft builders gaining approval to sell in China after meeting requirements from the country’s aviation authorities. We have even seen a number of Chinese-designed light aircraft some of which are exploring new new ideas. European and other aircraft are offered for sale at shows though deliveries remain modest. Behind all this bustle of activity Zenith Aircraft has been quietly collecting orders and making shipments. Indeed, they released fresh news about their success in China.
New Zealand is a land of great variety from mountains to beaches.
Deane Philip in his STOL CH 701, powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912ULS engine, demonstrated a STOL takeoff. photos courtesy Zenith Aircraft
Among Light-Sport Aircraft enthusiasts, certain qualities of our wonderful airplanes are compelling. While fuel efficiency is high on the list as are great visibility and modest prices, another characteristic often rises high in the minds of aviators: STOL, shorthand for Short Takeoff and Landing. Now honestly, virtually all our aircraft exhibit much shorter takeoffs and landings than nearly any general aviation airplane, owing to the light weight and high power-to-weight ratio of LSA. However, even among the standard good performance, some machine rise more quickly than others. For decades, Zenith Aircraft has sold the CH 701 and now the CH 750 that offer some of the best short field performance of any light plane. Recently the company described an event down under (where it is summertime). “Down under” in this case means New Zealand. Every year pilots gather in Omaka, New Zealand for the Healthy Bastards STOL Competition. This year Zenith reported their aircraft took first and second place in the microlight or LSA 1,320 pound category.
The Patriot 150 didn't show at Oshkosh but will make its debut at the January 2008 Sebring Expo where I expect to fly the new model. AMD says, "Zodiac is a sport car but Patriot is so traditional, training will take about 9 minutes." Check Patriot performance specs.
“We thank Cessna for getting people all excited about a high-wing, all-metal, Continental O-200-powered LSA,” exclaimed John Degonia, sales director for AMD, seller of the Zodiac CH-601. The Wichita giant has confirmed LSA enthusiasm with more than 700 Skycatcher orders, but it will be two years before the first deliveries. This delay is helping AMD take orders for their new Patriot 150. *** “It’s a two seat, 46-inch wide 172,” added John. The proven design formula gives Georgia-based AMD a high and low wing to address both market interests. CH-601 designer Chris Heintz “put his own spin on it,” said Degonia, “making it a shorter takeoff and landing design, and beefing it up to handle the O-200 Continental engine.” AMD is also planning an amphib version as “half our inquiries ask about floats,” said John. Patriot is priced at $89,900 for a day/night VFR version with a radio and avionics airplane for about $97,000.
Big guys fit nicely in the roomier STOL CH 750. photo courtesy Zenith Aircraft Company
STOL CH 750 reflects well on designer, Chris Heintz, who will be honored at an AirVenture banquet on July 27, 2011. photo courtesy Zenith Aircraft Company
Zenith Aircraft Company occupies a spacious 20,000 square foot building on the Mexico, Missouri airport. photo by Randee Laskewitz
Sebastien Heintz (alongside STOL CH 750) has operated Zenith Aircraft Company since 1992. photo by Randee Laskewitz
Aviator opinion is widespread about CH 701 and CH 750 being ugly ducklings. Fortunately, plenty of pilots don’t care about looks so long as an airplane flies well (750 does!) and for some the, ahem… distinctive look of 750 is a thing of pride. Think Hummer or the old Volkswagen Thing. Or in the aviation field, think Storch. *** Indeed, Zenith Aircraft Company has shipped more than 1,000 of these birds and the company is presently putting out 200 kits a year* — an enviable performance that most light airplane producers would love to report. *** You might guess 750 replaced 701, but as I discovered both remain in production. The 701 carries a somewhat lower price tag and it is lighter, which allows a builder to use a smaller engine that consumes less fuel. *** CH 750 (video) takes advantage of the LSA weight limit of 1,320 pounds, rising from 701’s 1,100-pound gross weight.
SeaLite makes its first flight on December 17, 2013. all photos courtesy Belite Aircraft
It seems like we discuss seaplanes (the boat hull variety of airplanes) more than floatplanes (land planes with floats added). Rare are any of these a single seater and one that might fit in Part 103 for ultralight vehicles (meaning no pilot license, no medical, and no N-numbers are required). Yet some like the flexibility afforded by removable floatation. Many buyers seek lower price tags and most pilots tend to fly solo more than with passengers (even when four or more seats are available). So, perhaps you should consider Belite Aircraft airplanes especially now that ever-inventive developer James Wiebe has transformed his single seater into an amphibious floatplane called SeaLite. The new model is getting closer to delivery. “The first flight of our amphibious, carbon fiber, float-equipped aircraft falls on 110th anniversary of Wright Brother’s first flight,” said James about his voyage aloft on December 17th. “Although today’s test flight was from a conventional grass runway, the expanded test plan will soon demonstrate takeoff and landing operations from water as well,” clarified Weibe.
As winter arrives in much of the USA, it is worth asking: “Are Light-Sport Aircraft solely fair weather flyers or can they serve greater purposes?” When trying to answer let’s avoid the error of generalizing. The range of LSA is very broad and ranges from below $40,000 to $150,000 or more and from conventional fixed wings to weight shift, powered parachutes, motorgliders, gyros, hot-air and more. One answer to the winter question won’t suffice. Secondly, not all LSA are factory built so the rules differ. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: Winter or summer, LSA can certainly be useful even if they are not used for compensation flying or flown for hire. Take the following example. Richard Lauzon operates his Zenith CH-801 in conjunction with his Ten Mile Lodge in northern Quebec. He reported, “STOL CH 801 is by far the most practical means of getting in and out of [my] hunting/fishing resort.” The nearest airport is 45 flying minutes to the south.
A solar-panel-equipped Pegasus hangs above a display of several electric aircraft.
Conducting a rare interview with Paolo Pascale, the managing director of LSA giant, Tecnam, in front of their new Astore. See our video.
Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer had to arrive early in the morning to get this shot of the Fk 51 Mustang without a crowd around it.
We were busy at Aero Friedrichshafen 2013, knocking out more than 30 videos for your viewing information and entertainment. That’s more than seven videos per day and a sum of more than five hours total running time (more than three Hollywood movies in minutes of viewing time). With these and all the videos shot at Sun ‘n Fun the week before Aero started, we expect to offer more than 300 videos on our LSA Video page. I’d like for you to understand how much effort that represents. I’d also like to thank BRS Parachutes, ICP North America, and Renegade Light Sport Aircraft for providing financial assistance to Lightsport and Ultralight Flyer. Without their support, these videos would not likely have been made. Today, I uploaded more than a dozen new videos to ByDanJohnson.com. We have many more coming. The newest ones include • Introduction to Aero and what you’ll see • Tecnam’s aerobatic Snap • FlyEco’s Diesel engine • FK 51 replica Mustang • Yuneec’s electric-powered eSpyder • lightweight electric aircraft • Zlin’s customizable Bobber • ICP’s Savannah taildragger and new engine • BOT SpeedCruiser with D-Motor • BRM Aero’s Bristell taildragger • Phoenix Air’s electric-powered ePhoenix • Nando Groppo tri-gear and, • one from AirVenture 2012 on the Zenith CH-650.
