Can you hear it? Do you notice pilots all around you preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for AirVenture 2023? Preflights happening. Engines firing up. Courses set on the EFIS. We’re off to the biggest aviation week of the year! One pre-show announcement came from one of our most stable and long-lived producers in recreational aviation, Sensenich Propellers. Based in Plant City, Florida not far from Lakeland where Sun ‘n Fun happens every year, Sensenich will be going on the road with the rest of us as we make our way to upper midwest U.S. Come on along. Hope to see you on the grounds… though maybe not because on the busy days literally hundreds of thousands of pilots and friends will be examining tens of thousands of aircraft and every imaginable kind of aviation gear, including props, of course. Now for Lycoming’s O-320 On July 11, 2023 Sensenich received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its carbon ground adjustable pitch STOL propeller on Piper Super Cub Aircraft with O-320 engines.
Sensenich Propeller
Website: http://www.sensenich.com
Email: propsales@sensenich.com
Phone: 813-752-3711
Plant City, FL 33563 - USAWhat I’m Flying — Pilot Report on Van’s RV-12
Flying the RV-12
With several dozen hours in an RV-12 I've come to more fully understand why so many pilots are enthusiastic about their RV, the majority of which are not -12s, yet the whole Van's Aircraft line (RV-3 through RV-14) share common characteristics. Among those are sprightly performance and simply marvelous handling.A wing step is partially shown at lower left. You can step down onto the floor before sitting.
The RV series of several models from Van's Aircraft use a similar all-metal construction.
RV-12 captured flying over Sebring Airport during the Expo by extraordinarily talented professional photographer, Jim Koepnick.
Over the years, curious pilots have asked me what aircraft I fly. I’ve had the pleasure to evaluate a great many models; the number crossed 400 a couple years back. My usual quip is that this experience makes me a pilot of many and a master of none. I usually add that anyone with a good number of hours in their own airplane knows far more about it than I do. However, I have gotten to fly a small number of airplanes for a higher number of hours. The most recent such experience is with a Van’s RV-12, because a neighbor of mine at my home airport allows me to enjoy his airplane. It’s a nice arrangement that I value highly; thanks, Joe! I usually avoid identifying what I’m flying for a couple reasons. First, I don’t own a Light-Sport Aircraft because that can get uncomfortable in an industry where I fly one after another to report on them.
Going, Going… Faster than Ever; Arion’s Sleek Lightning Is Ready for Blast-Off
Look No Further A Flash of Lightning
Of course, fast glass will never replace gnarly back-country airplanes on giant tundra tires. If you like that sort of operation, you're lucky to have many choices.Bolts of Lightning
Lightning LS-1 is an all-composite design paired with metal hardware elements. All components are made in house by Arion’s experienced staff. More than 100 Lightnings are flying American skies. The company reported 160 Lightning models are flying world wide dating back to Lightning’s first flight on March 3, 2006.Learn more about Titan directly from the source in the video at the bottom of this page.
Titan-Powered Lightning XS
Some pilots (me, for instance) thoroughly enjoy the beauty of flying slowly, of drifting leisurely over the landscape at a “human speed” that allows enough time to enjoy the expanse of an aerial view of your surroundings.Listen to developer Nick Otterback tell you lots about the superspeeder Lightning XS with 180 horsepower. A second video goes into depth about the Titan line of engines. https://youtu.be/gqOL9oZNzAw https://youtu.be/cycCQeOVwoo
Nearly 200 Lightning models are flying around the globe since the line was introduced in 2006.
You’ve heard some pilot say: “That airplane is so sleek it looks fast even when sitting parked on the ramp.” This is one of those airplanes. While most light aircraft producers concentrate on either kits or fully-built, a few swing both ways. Some builders unwilling to experiment with two very distinct business models permitted others to contract build a fully-built version while they focus entirely on kit building. Few have managed to do well with both endeavors but Arion seems to have solved the challenges. Arguably the shapeliest and smoothest aircraft in either the kit or RTF space is Arion Aircraft’s Lightning series. Nearly everyone agrees these qualify as fast-when-sitting-still types. Even one of the many electric airplane wannabe producers, Bye Aerospace, chose Lightning as its airframe template because they needed the smoothest, most modern look they could find. Look No Further A Flash of Lightning Of course, fast glass will never replace gnarly back-country airplanes on giant tundra tires.
Much-Loved Luscombe Has Returned — Again, Crossing the Continent
photo from flight-manuals-online.com
Welcome Back to the Shiny Silvaire
From its mid-century origin in Kansas City, Missouri, Luscombe moved to Trenton, New Jersey. It was was later manufactured in Dallas, Texas, then in Fort Collins, Colorado before moving to Riverside, California under the direction of John Dearden who achieved LSA acceptance for Luscombe Silvaire Model 8.A Different Kind of "Green"
Nicknamed "Green Acres" is LAC's base-level Luscombe LSA. "It is our lowest cost in the lightest package, intended for operations the way the original Model 8 was flown: very basic," said Steve. He suggests: "Bring your own handheld radio and GPS" much as it was in days-gone-by. Standard equipment include stainless steel firewall and exhaust systems, fresh air vents, a 50-amp alternator, and Cleveland toe brakes for the pilot." Dual controls are available as an option.Schaffen Luscombe in-flight (photo from wikipedia)
Tooling and jigs are being refurbished before production restarts on Luscombe Model 8 LSA.
Technical Specifications Luscombe Model 8 LSA
- Maximum Stall Speed — 42 knots
- Maneuvering Speed — 100 knots
- Never-Exceed Speed — 126 knots
- Cruise Speed — 105 knots
- Demonstrated Crosswind Component — 20 knots
- Takeoff Roll (sea level) — 600 feet (add 20% on turf)
- Landing Distance Over 50 Foot Obstacle — 1,000 feet
- Fuel Capacity — 2 x 12.5 gallon tanks, total 25 gallons
- Endurance — 4 hours with 45 minute reserve
- Powerplant — Continental O-200 producing 100 horsepower
- Propeller — Sensenich, fixed pitch
- Base Price — $110,500
Loading the wings with 3,500 pounds using 28 people (= 125 pounds each), we can observe the presumably lighter-weight females are on the outer wing — still making a most impressive image.
Of all the airplanes earning rave reviews over the years, one model stands out above most others in the distinction of handling quality. Over and over I’ve heard from pilots of a certain, umm… maturity, and Luscombe is the brand often mentioned. After flying many airplane models, I’d be hard pressed to tell you which one I thought out-handled the rest. What does that even mean? Handling can be quite personal. Some like a docile, forgiving airplane. In all honesty, that’s probably most of us. It’s annoying (and possibly threatening) to be forced to constantly stay on top of an airplane. Other pilots prefer fast response and a light touch. Luscombe offers a delightful combination of light forces with great response that will make most of us feel comfortable. That’s magic! Welcome Back to the Shiny Silvaire From its mid-century origin in Kansas City, Missouri, Luscombe moved to Trenton, New Jersey.
Wood to Composite — Sensenich Leads the Way in Recreational Aircraft (and More)
Recreational and More
Sensenich is so common on the light aircraft that we cover on this website that some readers may not even be aware of the brand's use on FAA-certified aircraft. Of the "well over 850,000 propellers" Sensenich said they have shipped, most went on certified aircraft. They know how to meet those regulations.Video below shows aspects of the ground adjusting mechanism.
Want to see those fat props work? Watch the video below and check the acceleration of one airboat.
https://youtu.be/QTOLuuPUD1o
In the early 1930s, Sensenich began making propellers …from wood. Almost a century later, wood remains a very viable material for props and many recreational aircraft owners are happy about that because wood is light and less costly. However, times advance inexorably. Wood lead to metal which gave way to composite, a category now including carbon fiber. Through it all, Plant City, Florida-based Sensenich has managed to keep their products “right on the nose” (except for pusher configurations, of course). The company quartered only a few miles from Sun ‘n Fun introduced metal propellers in the 1940s, developed composite propellers in the late 1990s, and continues to push boundaries in the light aircraft, unmanned, and marine propulsion markets. For those unaware, Sensenich has built a substantial business making large diameter, very-wide-chord props for airboats. Recreational and More Sensenich is so common on the light aircraft that we cover on this website that some readers may not even be aware of the brand’s use on FAA-certified aircraft.
DeLand Showcase 2018 — Day Two …the Good Times Continue
A beautiful 2013 SportStar Max brokered by Evektor dealer Dreams Come True. Used aircraft sales are a growing part of their enterprise.
New Jabiru distributor Scott Severen of U.S. Sport Planes said he exceeded his first year sales goal.
2018 Results Keep Adding Up
Yesterday's Day One post related several conpanies giving satisfactory results for their sales this year. Perhaps encouraged by a buoyant economy, pilots are choosing new LSA but in parallel more importers and manufacturers are helping to move used LSA. The fleet has grown enough to generate a good supply of low-time, desirable Light-Sport Aircraft. Any representing looking to sell new machines can boost their enterprise by also facilitating the sale of used aircraft. In either new or used transactions, pilots win as they can acquire aircraft that interest them. It's all good and 2018 is proving to be a respectable year.At a reception ending Day Two, DeLand Showcase Director Jana Filip reported that front gate receipts were greater on Thursday than either Thursday of the two prior years of the Showcase. Then she announced Friday’s gate was greater than the two previous Fridays. DeLand Showcase 2018 is the third running of the event. Showers rolled in threatening Showcase’s perfect weather record although the rain didn’t start until exhibitors and sponsors had gathered in the main show center tent. Under shelter, live music was presented by the Flying Musicians Association, lead by professional music man, Gary Filip. A catered dinner fed the group and as the evening concluded, the rain died off as if on cue. A couple tents were damaged by strong winds including one in the Dreams Come True booth of Steve and Debbie Minnich and an EAA Chapter food tent. No airplane damage was reported.
Sensenich — Props for LSA & Homebuilts
Sensenich (pronounced Sensen-ICK) is one of the best-known prop manufacturers in the world, long supplying Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines, but also airboat makers. In 2012 Sensenich came out with a line of props specifically aimed at the Light-Sport Aircraft community and they can serve Rotax and Jabiru as well as Lycoming and Continental. Join us while we visit with company president Don Rowell at AirVenture Oshkosh.
Touring All-American Propeller Maker Sensenich
In Light-Sport aviation, we have many international suppliers … of aircraft, engines, instruments, and much more to include propellers. I embrace the worldwide suppliers and don’t fret about America’s position. The truth is, any international supplier has to have a U.S. representative so American jobs and profits are part of that global supply chain and most aircraft built overseas have a substantial percentage of U.S.-produced components. Still, as an American, it is great to see solid U.S. companies prospering. One of those is Sensenich Propellers and last week, I took a tour of this enterprise based in Plant City, Florida (near Lakeland, where Sun ‘n Fun is headquartered). I was shown throughout the facility by President Don Rowell, a 37-year employee of Sensenich (pronounced SEN-sen-ick). He directly manages the Plant City operation since 1993, after relocating from the company’s founding plant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Both facilities continue to operate and are divided by prop material.