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Remos Aircraft GmbH GX

Website: http://www.remos.com

Email: aircraft@remos.com

Phone: (888) 838-9879

Pasewalk, -- 17309 - Germany

U.S. Distributor is Remos Aircraft, Inc.

AOPA Summit 2009 Broadens Outreach of LSA

By Dan Johnson || November 10, 2009 Leave a Comment

AOPA Summit 2009 -- Light-Sport Aircraft felt the embrace of the world's largest pilot's association as AOPA deepened their commitment to the new sector. Remos GX is AOPA's Fun to Fly Sweepstakes choice. Icon got center stage for 15 minutes of fame.

In its first year as the AOPA "Summit" (versus "Expo"), the 70-year-old, 415,000-member organization made lots of changes large and small. Among the most notable under capable new president Craig Fuller was much greater attention to LSA. Here's the fast-read update... *** AOPA announced their 2010 Sweepstakes airplane is a Remos GX; the company had multiple displays and aircraft. Cessna brought a Skycatcher for selected reporters to fly. Craig Fuller had Icon A5 developer Kirk Hawkins on the center-hall stage. EAA's Earl Lawrence led a LSA panel of FAA and industry experts (including yours truly). LAMA operated an LSA Mall area and had fruitful discussions with AOPA to advance goals of the LSA industry. SeaMax USA showed off their simulator seaplane running on MS Flight Sim. Tecnam North America, with several aircraft on display, announced new service centers for the popular Italian line of aircraft they now represent. Flight Design announced three new FD Pilot Centers. Dynon showed off their new SkyView in 7 & 10-inch screens. And, Garmin showed their new new "aera" touch-screen GPS. *** In the LSA Mall at Tampa's bayside airport -- hosted by LAMA and supported by Aviators Hot Line and Light Aviation Edition, Dynon, Aircraft Partnership Association and AirFleet Capital -- LSA exhibitors included Progressive Aerodyne's SeaRey; Sportair USA's Sting S-3; Jabiru USA J-230; Arion's Lightning LS1; Aerotrek's A220; X-Air's LS; and Paradise's P-1. Outside the LSA Mall were RANS's S-19 and S-7 Courier; American Legend's Cub; and CubCrafters SportCub.

In its first year as the AOPA “Summit” (versus “Expo”), the 70-year-old, 415,000-member organization made lots of changes large and small. Among the most notable under capable new president Craig Fuller was much greater attention to LSA. Here’s the fast-read update… *** AOPA announced their 2010 Sweepstakes airplane is a Remos GX; the company had multiple displays and aircraft. Cessna brought a Skycatcher for selected reporters to fly. Craig Fuller had Icon A5 developer Kirk Hawkins on the center-hall stage. EAA’s Earl Lawrence led a LSA panel of FAA and industry experts (including yours truly). LAMA operated an LSA Mall area and had fruitful discussions with AOPA to advance goals of the LSA industry. SeaMax USA showed off their simulator seaplane running on MS Flight Sim. Tecnam North America, with several aircraft on display, announced new service centers for the popular Italian line of aircraft they now represent.

Pair of Floatplanes Announced: Legend and Remos

By Dan Johnson || October 9, 2009 Leave a Comment

Different Floatplanes for Different Buyers -- The Legend FloatCub is a vintage design, fabric-covered airplane on all-metal floats. Contrarily, the Remos GX is a contemporary design built significantly of carbon fiber with composite floats. Well, they both have high wings and that's probably best for a floatplane. Legend FloatCub photos by Bob Hirshberg, Scruffyy Productions *** Remos photos by Ken Godin

We've arrived at the end of the main float-flying season, but two of our largest Light-Sport Aircraft manufacturers just announced floatplane models. Welcome to the American Legend FloatCub and the Remos GX on floats. Each company contracted with float experts (a big difference from SeaMax or SeaRey). *** The most successful American LSA producer, American Legend won approval on October 2 for their Amphibious Legend FloatCub after declaring they met ASTM standards. FloatCub was put on sale for $159,000 and the first customer aircraft is being assembled. Legend went to long-established float company, Baumann Floats of New Richmond, Wisconsin. The new model flew in July, 2009 and made an appearance at Oshkosh. Unlike original Piper Cubs that were often put on floats, the Legend Cub has doors on both sides, a big benefit when docking. If purchased with the 120-hp Jabiru 3300, Legend FloatCub should prove quite energetic even at high elevations. *** After Oshkosh 2008, Remos chose Downwind Technology in Menasha, Wisconsin to supply their Shark Floats; and subcontracted Aero Sport Outfitters to perform the installation. Like Legend, Remos showed their airplane at Oshkosh this year. After the show the final work was completed and the new model first flew on September 30th. Sales director, Ken Godin, reported the Remos floatplane was licensed in the Research and Development Experimental Category ("the first LSA aircraft to do so," he said). Test flights and performance data will be collected for the next few months and the aircraft is projected for "delivery in January or February, 2010."

We’ve arrived at the end of the main float-flying season, but two of our largest Light-Sport Aircraft manufacturers just announced floatplane models. Welcome to the American Legend FloatCub and the Remos GX on floats. Each company contracted with float experts (a big difference from SeaMax or SeaRey). *** The most successful American LSA producer, American Legend won approval on October 2 for their Amphibious Legend FloatCub after declaring they met ASTM standards. FloatCub was put on sale for $159,000 and the first customer aircraft is being assembled. Legend went to long-established float company, Baumann Floats of New Richmond, Wisconsin. The new model flew in July, 2009 and made an appearance at Oshkosh. Unlike original Piper Cubs that were often put on floats, the Legend Cub has doors on both sides, a big benefit when docking. If purchased with the 120-hp Jabiru 3300, Legend FloatCub should prove quite energetic even at high elevations.

Flying Kids in LSA; AOPA’s New Aviation Summit

By Dan Johnson || August 16, 2009 Leave a Comment

Reaching Out with LSA -- According to EAA's Bob Campbell, 292 students had their first flying experience in a Remos G-3 or GX during EAA summer camps. Four CFIs rotated the students through a series of 15- to 20-minute flights. (At AOPA's Summit home page, the first aircraft you see is an LSA. No wonder, perhaps, as the organization said their many incoming calls are more often about LSA than any other topic.)

We all discuss declining numbers of pilots in FAA's database. Despite widespread concerns, efforts to bring more people into aviation have fallen short. *** Several worthy projects have attempted to reverse the drop in the pilot population. Over the years, EAA's Young Eagles program has put nearly a million and a half kids into airplanes. That's a wonderful achievement, thanks to EAA's leadership and many thousands of willing volunteer pilots. One LSA provider, Remos, has worked with the organization to provide flights to a large flock of kids attending EAA summer flying camps (photo). *** Yet we must do more to interest people in flying. Along those lines, I'm at once amazed and appreciative that AOPA and EAA have chosen to combine efforts (finally!). AOPA is also completely refashioning its former Expo into the new AOPA Aviation Summit. "For the first time, AOPA will be reaching outside the aviation community to welcome the public into all general aviation has to offer." AOPA's new initiative, combined with a new collaboration with EAA, joined to entry-level Light-Sport Aircraft looks like a winner to me. *** For the fifth year in a row, LAMA will work with AOPA event planners to provide an LSA Area at the airport display, which itself will focus on more public outreach this year. One neat new addition: seaplanes, including LSA, flying from a pier right next to Peter O. Knight airport in Tampa, Florida.

We all discuss declining numbers of pilots in FAA’s database. Despite widespread concerns, efforts to bring more people into aviation have fallen short. *** Several worthy projects have attempted to reverse the drop in the pilot population. Over the years, EAA’s Young Eagles program has put nearly a million and a half kids into airplanes. That’s a wonderful achievement, thanks to EAA’s leadership and many thousands of willing volunteer pilots. One LSA provider, Remos, has worked with the organization to provide flights to a large flock of kids attending EAA summer flying camps (photo). *** Yet we must do more to interest people in flying. Along those lines, I’m at once amazed and appreciative that AOPA and EAA have chosen to combine efforts (finally!). AOPA is also completely refashioning its former Expo into the new AOPA Aviation Summit. “For the first time, AOPA will be reaching outside the aviation community to welcome the public into all general aviation has to offer.” AOPA’s new initiative, combined with a new collaboration with EAA, joined to entry-level Light-Sport Aircraft looks like a winner to me.

LSA Attain New Plateau in Aviation World

By Dan Johnson || August 5, 2009 Leave a Comment

LSA Mall: Meeting Place -- Top leaders gathered in the LSA Mall, located a short distance from the new Oshkosh "World's Busiest Control Tower." [Bottom right] A present-day Big Three of LSA discussed industry development while waiting for the FAA Administrator's visit (R to L) Flight Design's Matthias Betsch, Tecnam's Paolo Pascale, LAMA's Larry Burke, and Remos' Corvin Huber. [Bottom left] Flight Design USA president Tom Peghiny speaks with AOPA journalist Alton Marsh. [Upper inset] EAA Radio host John Montgomery interviewed American Legend's Kurt Sehnert (standing) and Jabiru's Pete Krotje. In the background an Airbus A-380 performs maneuvers.

Viewed from the LSA Mall, AirVenture 2009 was much more than the summer's big celebration of flight. Several important events tell a story of growing acceptance of LSA. Here's a short list: LAMA hosted a meeting of G10 (the 10 largest LSA producers) and another of G5, while paying visits to every LAMA member in attendance. *** At the G10 meeting and again at LAMA's press conference, Avemco president Jim Lauerman detailed his company's support (in writing) for LAMA's audit activities. His expressions were corroborated by Falcon Insurance VP Bob Mackey. *** Earl Lawrence, VP of government relations for EAA, brought brand new FAA administrator Randy Babbitt to the LSA Mall, where he met with presidents of LSA companies: Flight Design, Tecnam, Remos, and IndUS. *** At AOPA's invitation, LAMA arranged a meeting for several LSA industry leaders with new AOPA president Craig Fuller. *** EAA Radio broadcast from the LSA Mall interviewing top producers from American Legend, Jabiru, among other industry leaders. *** Of course, for tens of thousands of visitors, the LSA Mall was mainly the place to find shiny new Special Light-Sport Aircraft including all the top selling models. And with the LSA Mall as an "anchor tenant" of the new AirVenture display area, other suppliers also took space in what is shaping up as the (unofficial-for-now) LSA Area. Thanks to confirmation from EAA leadership, who now view the LSA Mall as a "destination," visitors to EAA's 2010 event should again find the latest and greatest Light-Sport Aircraft in convenient proximity.

Viewed from the LSA Mall, AirVenture 2009 was much more than the summer’s big celebration of flight. Several important events tell a story of growing acceptance of LSA. Here’s a short list: LAMA hosted a meeting of G10 (the 10 largest LSA producers) and another of G5, while paying visits to every LAMA member in attendance. *** At the G10 meeting and again at LAMA’s press conference, Avemco president Jim Lauerman detailed his company’s support (in writing) for LAMA’s audit activities. His expressions were corroborated by Falcon Insurance VP Bob Mackey. *** Earl Lawrence, VP of government relations for EAA, brought brand new FAA administrator Randy Babbitt to the LSA Mall, where he met with presidents of LSA companies: Flight Design, Tecnam, Remos, and IndUS. *** At AOPA’s invitation, LAMA arranged a meeting for several LSA industry leaders with new AOPA president Craig Fuller.

Strong Survive Tough Economy…Some Repositioning

By Dan Johnson || May 12, 2009 Leave a Comment

Though a few other brands (Evektor, CZAW, CubCrafters, and Jabiru) are closing on the 100-airplanes-registered benchmark, the four brands pictured above constitute the only triple-digit sellers and have 40% of all SLSA registrations. LSA performance in 2009 got closer to general aviation deliveries as the GA piston market sunk by a very steep 55% in 1Q09.

We continue to see the effects of the last year of economic turmoil in Light-Sport Aircraft market shares. The chart accompanying this SPLOG tells the numbers as always presented, with total market share since the first deliveries in 2005 based on carefully-reviewed FAA registration data. The top twenty (of 70 total) producers still represent almost 90% of total SLSA registrations. For the record... registrations on FAA's database are not the same as sales. Aircraft can be registered and not sold. Aircraft can be identified as sold yet no longer registered, for example, if removed from service due to a non-repairable crash. To get some idea of the work my associate Jan Fridrich does to collect this information, go look for yourself at FAA's database. *** Remos continues its solid 2008 performance despite the troubled economy. In the 16-month period since January 1, 2008 the German brand is the leader with 73 units registered, followed by familiar names, in order: Flight Design 62; Tecnam 49; Czech Aircraft Works (see below) 44; Jabiru 32; American Legend 27; AMD 23; CubCrafters 22; Aeropro 14, plus Evektor and TL Ultralight at 12 each. These 11 brands registered 74% of all new SLSA airplanes. *** One of the largest business developments since Czech-based Fantasy Air went down is the change of ownership at the maker of the SportCruiser. Formerly Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW), the company is now called Czech Sport Aircraft. New operators state they will support the fleet of 89 models flying... half of them delivered in the last year. Meanwhile, Fantasy Air importer Doug Hempstead reports he expects U.S.-based production of the Allegro to start later this year.

2008 In Review; a Look at the Year for LSA Sales

By Dan Johnson || December 12, 2008 Leave a Comment

We still cannot count weight shift or powered parachutes as those database figures remain suspect. Though sales are off about 20%, pilots still want to fly and LSA still offer excellent value. I predict pent-up demand will balloon sales once customers perceive the economy to be improving.

With one month to go (and it's hard to imagine a big December), we have figures to report for this most extraordinary year. We're all (painfully) aware of the economic predicament, but how has this impacted light-sport aviation? Here's my observations. *** In 11 months, the industry has increased fleet size by 35% to 1,510 fixed wing airplanes from 1,118 on January 1st. Annualizing the numbers, all airplane LSA should register 427 airplanes, which equates to about 35 aircraft per month, which means sales were about 20% off the monthly pace recorded since early 2006. *** Flight Design held its top spot and again delivered the most, but just barely. Remos has been the rising star of 2008 with a 147% increase over their total on January 1st. Tecnam became only the third company to pass 100 units registered. Other solid gains were logged by Czech Aircraft Works (up 69% in the year); Jabiru (up 53%); FPNA (up 55%, though from a lower number, which makes larger percentage gains easier); Aeropro (up 52%). *** In raw numbers, Flight Design lead, registering 56 in 11 months, Remos had 50, Tecnam had 36, Czech Aircraft Works had 31, Jabiru had 29, and American Legend had 24.

With one month to go (and it’s hard to imagine a big December), we have figures to report for this most extraordinary year. We’re all (painfully) aware of the economic predicament, but how has this impacted light-sport aviation? Here’s my observations. *** In 11 months, the industry has increased fleet size by 35% to 1,510 fixed wing airplanes from 1,118 on January 1st. Annualizing the numbers, all airplane LSA should register 427 airplanes, which equates to about 35 aircraft per month, which means sales were about 20% off the monthly pace recorded since early 2006. *** Flight Design held its top spot and again delivered the most, but just barely. Remos has been the rising star of 2008 with a 147% increase over their total on January 1st. Tecnam became only the third company to pass 100 units registered. Other solid gains were logged by Czech Aircraft Works (up 69% in the year); Jabiru (up 53%); FPNA (up 55%, though from a lower number, which makes larger percentage gains easier); Aeropro (up 52%).

260 Air Academy Kids Fly a Remos LSA

By Dan Johnson || August 23, 2008 Leave a Comment

Photos depict the G-3 flying while new Remos CEO Corvin Huber poses in front of the new GX with movie star Harrison Ford. As present Chairman of the Young Eagles, Ford is active in helping kids to fly.

At EAA's Gathering of Eagles fund raiser at AirVenure 2008, movie stars Harrison Ford, John Travolta, and Cliff Robertson plus golf legend Arnold Palmer took the stage. With their encouragement, EAA raised a ton of dough that night. Young Eagles is a great program, having flown more than 1.4 million kids. But it isn't the organization's only youth-in-aviation initiative *** Some 260 kids aged 12 to 18 attended summer sessions in Oshkosh this year. Programs varied, said EAA, but every student got to fly a Remos G-3 for 20 to 30 minutes. "The Remos is fun to fly and easy to control," said Bob Campbell, Director of the Air Academy. "Students held the controls until it was time to land and were able to log the time. It's our hope that it will be the beginning of a Sport Pilot [certificate] for each one." *** Remos Aircraft benefits from having a dealership based right on Wittman Field, the airport that plays host to AirVenture each summer. Orion Flight Services is where I flew the new GX model for a pilot report to appear later. All I can say is...those lucky kids! *** The Air Academy programs house 48 students per session in a handsome log and stone dormitory built on the southeast corner of Pioneer Airport.

At EAA’s Gathering of Eagles fund raiser at AirVenure 2008, movie stars Harrison Ford, John Travolta, and Cliff Robertson plus golf legend Arnold Palmer took the stage. With their encouragement, EAA raised a ton of dough that night. Young Eagles is a great program, having flown more than 1.4 million kids. But it isn’t the organization’s only youth-in-aviation initiative *** Some 260 kids aged 12 to 18 attended summer sessions in Oshkosh this year. Programs varied, said EAA, but every student got to fly a Remos G-3 for 20 to 30 minutes. “The Remos is fun to fly and easy to control,” said Bob Campbell, Director of the Air Academy. “Students held the controls until it was time to land and were able to log the time. It’s our hope that it will be the beginning of a Sport Pilot [certificate] for each one.” *** Remos Aircraft benefits from having a dealership based right on Wittman Field, the airport that plays host to AirVenture each summer.

Remos Aircraft Announces New GX Model

By Dan Johnson || August 5, 2008 Leave a Comment

National Service Manager and longtime airshow aerobatic pilot, Cris Ferguson, uses his hands to emphasize how the GX wing has been made leaner. The lower left inset shows clean execution of flaps and linkage. At top U.S. boss Michael Meirer is pictured on the left.

Among many new aircraft shown at Oshkosh, one long-anticipated model was the updated Remos GX. The German company has moved steadily up the market share ranking of Special Light-Sport Aircraft using the earlier G-3 model designed in the 1990s. Following a major engineering effort, GX was shown to American buyers at the Wisconsin event. I was fortunate to fly the new model and found it has light and pleasant handling with several new features. *** Most notably, the wing has changed from the fabric covered version to a composite exterior that will likely be appreciated by customers including flight schools. The outer span is now tapered and the wing section is thinner, helping GX run close to the maximum speed allowed under LSA rules. GX, which is 100% built in Germany, retained the wing folding that attracts many buyers. Directional stability was enhanced by a longer "strake" or dorsal fin leading to the vertical stabilizer. Behind the left seat, the baggage area was lengthened allowing golf clubs to be carried; you remove the seat for such use, but the GX has several storage areas for small items you may want in flight. *** Also representing the GX was newly appointed Remos CEO, Corvin Huber.

Among many new aircraft shown at Oshkosh, one long-anticipated model was the updated Remos GX. The German company has moved steadily up the market share ranking of Special Light-Sport Aircraft using the earlier G-3 model designed in the 1990s. Following a major engineering effort, GX was shown to American buyers at the Wisconsin event. I was fortunate to fly the new model and found it has light and pleasant handling with several new features. *** Most notably, the wing has changed from the fabric covered version to a composite exterior that will likely be appreciated by customers including flight schools. The outer span is now tapered and the wing section is thinner, helping GX run close to the maximum speed allowed under LSA rules. GX, which is 100% built in Germany, retained the wing folding that attracts many buyers. Directional stability was enhanced by a longer “strake” or dorsal fin leading to the vertical stabilizer.