SportairUSA Archives - Page 3 of 5

SportairUSA

Website: http://www.sportair.aero/

Email: bill@sportair.aero

Phone: (501) 228-7777

North Little Rock, AR 72118 - USA

Zlin Savage…Isn’t; Fun, Lower-Cost Cub-like LSA

By Dan Johnson || January 7, 2009 Leave a Comment

Given how she flies, I really don't know why the Zlin developers settled on the name Savage.

It simply isn't "savage" despite being a taildragger that challenges some tricycle-gear-trained pilots. Sure you'll need training or prior experience to qualify for insurance but it's no more challenging than Legend Cub, Sport Cub, or Rans' S-7LS. Savage exhibits very cooperative handling down to low stall speeds (below 40 mph indicated). You can read a sidebar or look for full-length articles to be posted on this website. Coming next for Zlin's Savage is a bushplane option perhaps to be named the Sport. The new model will include reinforcements to withstand the rigors of bush flying and landings on rougher surfaces. Additional X bracing has been added, the gear extended three inches to allow huge Alaskan Bushwheels (photo), plus you can order a belly pod for camping gear. If you want floats, you should select the left side door option. But since Savage is much lower priced than Legend or CubCrafters, you can add several options and still spend less. According to expert Cub pilots another option worth considering, especially for bush flying, is vortex generators.

Given how she flies, I really don’t know why the Zlin developers settled on the name Savage. It simply isn’t “savage” despite being a taildragger that challenges some tricycle-gear-trained pilots. Sure you’ll need training or prior experience to qualify for insurance but it’s no more challenging than Legend Cub, Sport Cub, or Rans’ S-7LS. Savage exhibits very cooperative handling down to low stall speeds (below 40 mph indicated). You can read a sidebar or look for full-length articles to be posted on this website. Coming next for Zlin’s Savage is a bushplane option perhaps to be named the Sport. The new model will include reinforcements to withstand the rigors of bush flying and landings on rougher surfaces. Additional X bracing has been added, the gear extended three inches to allow huge Alaskan Bushwheels (photo), plus you can order a belly pod for camping gear. If you want floats, you should select the left side door option.

Cub Trio Aims to Fill the Sky with LSA

By Dan Johnson || January 6, 2009 Leave a Comment

Caught in reflection at the St. Louis EAA Sport Pilot Tour, the Legend Cub was the first to win Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA) certification. Click for more Legend Cub info.

Triplet LSA Cubs entering the market show the popularity of this venerable design. First approved as an SLSA was the Legend Cub which offers many features desired by those who love J-3 Cubs. Shortly after Legend came approval for the Savage Cub and the CubCrafters Sport Cub should follow soon. Watch for my review of all three in EAA's October 2005 Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft magazine. One differentiating factor between the three are their choices of engine. Both Legend and CubCrafters use the 100-hp Continental O-200 while Legend plans to offer the 120-hp Jabiru 3300 as well. Savage offers the 100-hp Rotax 912S. All offer electric starting (not on an original Piper J-3) and each has significantly improved performance and comfort.

Triplet LSA Cubs entering the market show the popularity of this venerable design. First approved as an SLSA was the Legend Cub which offers many features desired by those who love J-3 Cubs. Shortly after Legend came approval for the Savage Cub and the CubCrafters Sport Cub should follow soon. Watch for my review of all three in EAA’s October 2005 Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft magazine. One differentiating factor between the three are their choices of engine. Both Legend and CubCrafters use the 100-hp Continental O-200 while Legend plans to offer the 120-hp Jabiru 3300 as well. Savage offers the 100-hp Rotax 912S. All offer electric starting (not on an original Piper J-3) and each has significantly improved performance and comfort.

Free Straight & Level Button for Sting S3 Owners

By Dan Johnson || October 31, 2008 Leave a Comment

Bill Canino (right) is the U.S. importer for TL Ultralight and their Sting S3 and TL-3000 Sirius. To the left is David Dobogai, an American living in the Czech Republic to run TL. SportairUSA reports more than 70 Stings have been delivered in the USA and 500 are flying worldwide. See the Sting S3 at AOPA Expo '08.

Recently I visited Cirrus Design. I saw progress on the Cirrus Vision jet and the new Garmin Perspective panel for the SR22. Both aircraft are full of high-end avionics. *** Down here in the world of Light-Sport Aircraft, we have far less costly choices for flat-screen avionic displays (panels in the Vision or SR22 literally cost more than an entire LSA). Yet the data each set of instruments uses is identical. LSA are also often equipped with autopilots...again, far less expensively compared to the certified units GA builders install. *** Recently SportairUSA announced their new "Straight & Level" button. If you find yourself in the soup unexpectedly, the pilot or passenger can push one button causing the autopilot to take over by guiding the airplane while the occupants assess their next move. It's a brilliant idea to give pilots a breather. "The Straight and Level system is a significant advance in flight safety for Sting owners," says Bill Canino, operator of SportairUSA, "That's why we are providing it at no additional cost on all of ourTruTrak EFIS/autopilot equipped Stings." The SL button even turns the autopilot on if it was off...a mighty smart airplane at a fraction of the cost of similarly equipped GA airplanes.

Recently I visited Cirrus Design. I saw progress on the Cirrus Vision jet and the new Garmin Perspective panel for the SR22. Both aircraft are full of high-end avionics. *** Down here in the world of Light-Sport Aircraft, we have far less costly choices for flat-screen avionic displays (panels in the Vision or SR22 literally cost more than an entire LSA). Yet the data each set of instruments uses is identical. LSA are also often equipped with autopilots…again, far less expensively compared to the certified units GA builders install. *** Recently SportairUSA announced their new “Straight & Level” button. If you find yourself in the soup unexpectedly, the pilot or passenger can push one button causing the autopilot to take over by guiding the airplane while the occupants assess their next move. It’s a brilliant idea to give pilots a breather. “The Straight and Level system is a significant advance in flight safety for Sting owners,” says Bill Canino, operator of SportairUSA, “That’s why we are providing it at no additional cost on all of ourTruTrak EFIS/autopilot equipped Stings.” The SL button even turns the autopilot on if it was off…a mighty smart airplane at a fraction of the cost of similarly equipped GA airplanes.

TL-Ultralight Makes First Flight in New Sirius

By Dan Johnson || June 26, 2008 Leave a Comment

At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, SportairUSA displayed a full-size mockup of the TL-3000. A production prototype is planned for July and production should start later in 2008. SportairUSA expects an SLSA-certified version to be ready for the USA by the first half of 2009.

You might say it's Sirius when TL-3000 takes to the air for the first time. Kidding aside, the new model's U.S. importer is seriously happy about their composite high wing making its initial flight. Czech producer TL-Ultralight makes the sleek low-wing StingSport that SportairUSA has been selling since the first SLSA lifted into American skies. In development since 2006, TL president Jiri Tlusty recently flew the carbon fiber TL-3000 for the first time. *** SportairUSA boss Bill Canino was recently in Czech Republic making arrangements to market the TL-3000 alongside the Sting S3, an advanced generation version of the TL's successful low wing model. The Arkansas-based importer says the 46-inch wide Sirius is powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912S, has a useful load of 600 pounds, and extended range with fuel capacity of more than 30 gallons. *** As with StingSport and Sting S3, TL-3000 will come standard with high-end safety features such as a Galaxy rocket-deployed parachute system, PCAS collision avoidance, and AmSafe 4-point inertial-reel seat belts. Easy entry and plenty of legroom are further benefits, said Sportair. TL-Ultralight reportedly has more than 500 aircraft flying around the world.

You might say it’s Sirius when TL-3000 takes to the air for the first time. Kidding aside, the new model’s U.S. importer is seriously happy about their composite high wing making its initial flight. Czech producer TL-Ultralight makes the sleek low-wing StingSport that SportairUSA has been selling since the first SLSA lifted into American skies. In development since 2006, TL president Jiri Tlusty recently flew the carbon fiber TL-3000 for the first time. *** SportairUSA boss Bill Canino was recently in Czech Republic making arrangements to market the TL-3000 alongside the Sting S3, an advanced generation version of the TL’s successful low wing model. The Arkansas-based importer says the 46-inch wide Sirius is powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912S, has a useful load of 600 pounds, and extended range with fuel capacity of more than 30 gallons. *** As with StingSport and Sting S3, TL-3000 will come standard with high-end safety features such as a Galaxy rocket-deployed parachute system, PCAS collision avoidance, and AmSafe 4-point inertial-reel seat belts.

Big Crowds at the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall

By Dan Johnson || April 20, 2008 Leave a Comment

If you missed the Sun 'n Fun LSA Mall in 2008, please accept an invitation for April 21-26, 2009.

Sun 'n Fun 2008 is history, but planning is already underway for the 2009 event. Event boss John Burton confirmed we will again have the LAMA-hosted LSA Mall right at the front gate next April 21-26. A major success at this year's Lakeland, Florida airshow, the industry Mall presentation featured 17 Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Weather prevented Fantasy Air's Allegro from attending. Two days before the event, a tornado crushed a Sting S3 planned for display. And work at Quicksilver Manufacturing postponed the exhibit of the GT500 (they're finishing SLSA approval, reports national sales manager, Todd Ellefson). *** The 17 who were in the '08 LSA Mall enjoyed significant traffic all week and virtually every visitor to Sun 'n Fun was at least exposed to Light-Sport Aircraft in a wide variety (although we were not able to enlist any trike or powered parachute companies). Aircraft shown were: Flight Design CTLS, AirMax SeaMax, Jabiru USA J-250, IndUS Thorpedo, CubCrafters Sport Cub, FP&A A-22 Valor, Sportsplanes.com Breezer II, Just Aircraft Highlander on floats, Lambada motorglider, Gobosh G-700S, Remos G-3, CZAW SportCruiser, Legend Cub, AMD Patriot and CH-601, Evektor SportStar, and Paradise P-1. *** Joining LAMA inside the big welcome tent were Rotax and Jabiru LSA engines, BRS emergency parachutes, AirFleet Capital (LSA financing), and ASA training resources featuring Paul Hamilton (who also made a special 30-minute DVD of LSA flying in scenic locations). LAMA plus tens of thousands of visitors thank all who participated!

Sun ‘n Fun 2008 is history, but planning is already underway for the 2009 event. Event boss John Burton confirmed we will again have the LAMA-hosted LSA Mall right at the front gate next April 21-26. A major success at this year’s Lakeland, Florida airshow, the industry Mall presentation featured 17 Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Weather prevented Fantasy Air’s Allegro from attending. Two days before the event, a tornado crushed a Sting S3 planned for display. And work at Quicksilver Manufacturing postponed the exhibit of the GT500 (they’re finishing SLSA approval, reports national sales manager, Todd Ellefson). *** The 17 who were in the ’08 LSA Mall enjoyed significant traffic all week and virtually every visitor to Sun ‘n Fun was at least exposed to Light-Sport Aircraft in a wide variety (although we were not able to enlist any trike or powered parachute companies).

High Priced Light-Sport Aircraft; What’s Going On?

By Dan Johnson || March 15, 2008 Leave a Comment

Recently the euro hit 1.56 to the dollar. Watch for LSA prices to increase...again. Above the CTLS are three premium brands: (L-R) Sting S3, Remos G-3, and SkyLeader 500. Below are three bargain SLSA: X-Air LS, Sport Hornet, and EuroFox.

Lots of folks are wondering about, or complaining about, the seemingly high prices of Light-Sport Aircraft. Recently a prior editor-in-chief of EAA publications, Scott Spangler, wrote a blog on JetWhine. Scott focused on expensive avionics as one reason LSA cost so much. While a factual observation, I believe the price increase is more complex. *** First, LSA suppliers install equipment like autopilots because buyers ask for them. A large chunk of all LSA are sold to "retiring" GA pilots used to such equipment in their Cessna or Bonanza. Simpler LSA are available; most suppliers have one. But customers are buying the loaded-panel jobs. *** Let's look closer at those rising prices. Five years ago, in the pre-dawn of SP/LSA, a CT was selling for $60,000. Today it's $125,000. By far the largest piece of that doubling is the euro's soaring value compared to the dollar. Were the currencies at parity, that $125,000 would be $80,000. By the way, suppliers earn not one cent of profit from that extra $45,000! The "real" (non currency exchange) increase from $60,000 five years ago -- about $20,000 -- is generated by two factors. Most obvious are the avionics and other accessories. A $125,000 CTLS comes standard with dual glass screens, a sophisticated GPS, radio, transponder, a $5,000 emergency airframe parachute, and more. The second factor is the time value of money -- another 18% or $10,000. So an $80,000 price (if the euro equaled the dollar as it did in 2002) is not much higher than the $60,000 of 2003. *** Despite those price hikes, here in 2008 you can choose the ready-to-fly X-Air LS for $46,000, the Sport Hornet for $49,000, the EuroFox for $69,000, or the SportCruiser for $79,000. Even simpler aircraft may be coming in the $40-45,000 range. Those low numbers barely exceed the component cost of kit aircraft. *** Regardless of the preceding discussion higher prices remain a fact of life. You still have to shell out $125,000 for a CTLS (you can finance this for a bit more than $800 a month) though you get a lot of airplane for the money. If buyers truly want cheaper, simpler aircraft, they ARE available.

SportairUSA to Unveil Evolved Sting S3 at Sebring

By Dan Johnson || January 16, 2008 Leave a Comment

Those attending Sebring LSA Expo can examine S3 live and up close. Sebring starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday the 20th. C'mon down, y'all!

SEBRING 2008 UPDATE -- Through the first three years of LSA sales StingSport from TL Ultralights has earned the #7 rank equaling an estimated 5% of the U.S. market. The new Sting S3 should push the popularity of this 98% carbon fiber low wing. S3 has a new fully-tapered wing and redesigned elevator trim. According to Bill Canino, president of SportairUSA, "Lower stall speed, shorter take-off roll, faster climb rate, balanced controls and exceptional slow flight characteristics are among the results." Clean stall speed is 39 knots (45 mph); with full flaps stall comes at 34 knots (39 mph). Cruise speed at 75% power is 116 knots (133 mph), according to SportairUSA. "Rate of climb with the 100 hp Rotax 912S is better than 1,100 fpm and take-off ground roll has been measured at 255 feet," added Bill. *** A basic fly-away Sting S3 including the GreenLine EMS is priced at $102,900. Load it up with an advanced analog panel or the Dynon EFIS D100, Garmin 496 with weather, SL40 radio, GTX327 transponder, PCAS collision avoidance, plus night lighting and S3 becomes very well prepared for cross-country flight at $120,500 to $123,500. In addition, StingSport comes with a long list of standard safety features such as airframe parachute.

SEBRING 2008 UPDATE — Through the first three years of LSA sales StingSport from TL Ultralights has earned the #7 rank equaling an estimated 5% of the U.S. market. The new Sting S3 should push the popularity of this 98% carbon fiber low wing. S3 has a new fully-tapered wing and redesigned elevator trim. According to Bill Canino, president of SportairUSA, “Lower stall speed, shorter take-off roll, faster climb rate, balanced controls and exceptional slow flight characteristics are among the results.” Clean stall speed is 39 knots (45 mph); with full flaps stall comes at 34 knots (39 mph). Cruise speed at 75% power is 116 knots (133 mph), according to SportairUSA. “Rate of climb with the 100 hp Rotax 912S is better than 1,100 fpm and take-off ground roll has been measured at 255 feet,” added Bill. *** A basic fly-away Sting S3 including the GreenLine EMS is priced at $102,900.

Got An LSA Opinion? SportairUSA Wants Your Input.

By Dan Johnson || October 25, 2007 Leave a Comment

StingSport was the #5 SLSA certified, and the first to promote an airframe emergency parachute as standard equipment (they use Galaxy). SportairUSA also offers the PCAS collision-avoidance system, full-time carburetor heat, and AmSafe 4-point inertial-reel restraints as additional safety items.

The customer is king...even before becoming a customer. StingSport seller SportairUSA has launched an online survey to find out what you think. Will you waste your time? Not if you have an opinion and want someone to listen carefully. You could also pick up $100 in cash for your time and have a chance at a $1,000 bonus prize. *** To offer your thoughts, click here and follow the survey instructions. I did it in 10 minutes. They ask 23 questions, some with multiple responses and a few require you to type some answer. Results could provide valuable info. Last year, Flight Design surveyed customers and offered a prize. It's great to see these leading companies working hard to get real opinions. But don't delay. The survey runs only through the end of November. SportairUSA and their research partner promise your answers will remain anonymous and they won't try to sell you anything as a result of your participation.

The customer is king…even before becoming a customer. StingSport seller SportairUSA has launched an online survey to find out what you think. Will you waste your time? Not if you have an opinion and want someone to listen carefully. You could also pick up $100 in cash for your time and have a chance at a $1,000 bonus prize. *** To offer your thoughts, click here and follow the survey instructions. I did it in 10 minutes. They ask 23 questions, some with multiple responses and a few require you to type some answer. Results could provide valuable info. Last year, Flight Design surveyed customers and offered a prize. It’s great to see these leading companies working hard to get real opinions. But don’t delay. The survey runs only through the end of November. SportairUSA and their research partner promise your answers will remain anonymous and they won’t try to sell you anything as a result of your participation.

AOPA’s Hartford Expo Has Generous Count of LSA

By Dan Johnson || October 14, 2007 Leave a Comment

Crowds gathered around a flock of SLSA at Brainard airport in Hartford CT as AOPA kicks off their fall Expo. One fascination with LSA is folding wings as Remos demonstrated for their G-3.

Most pilots know AOPA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, has been fighting the user fee battle...and they've been doing well resisting the might of the U.S. government. But they must also have a connection with Mother Nature as warm, beautiful weather shined on opening day at Connecticut's Brainard airport. *** On display: StingSport, Skylark, the new Breezer II, Allegro 2000, SportCruiser, Sigma, Thorpedo, Sport Cub, Bravo, Sierra, CTsw, Jabiru J-250, Gobosh G-700S, and Remos G-3. Contrary to earlier info, American Champion brought The Champ, Cessna displayed their Skycatcher mockup, and Cirrus flew their SRS. In all, I counted 17 LSA at Hartford. That amounts to a healthy 19% of all airplanes on display. Two days remain; come pick up a free "Reach for the Sky" LSA info booklet compliments of EAA and LAMA. On Saturday the 6th you are invited to my updated talk on the state of the LSA industry at the Convention Center (11:00 a.m. to noon).

Most pilots know AOPA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, has been fighting the user fee battle…and they’ve been doing well resisting the might of the U.S. government. But they must also have a connection with Mother Nature as warm, beautiful weather shined on opening day at Connecticut’s Brainard airport. *** On display: StingSport, Skylark, the new Breezer II, Allegro 2000, SportCruiser, Sigma, Thorpedo, Sport Cub, Bravo, Sierra, CTsw, Jabiru J-250, Gobosh G-700S, and Remos G-3. Contrary to earlier info, American Champion brought The Champ, Cessna displayed their Skycatcher mockup, and Cirrus flew their SRS. In all, I counted 17 LSA at Hartford. That amounts to a healthy 19% of all airplanes on display.

Light Sport Airplanes West Officially Opens

By Dan Johnson || September 17, 2007 Leave a Comment

On a gorgeous April 28th, Light Sport Airplanes West brought industry leaders for the Grand Opening of their 5,600 square foot showroom/mall (lower photo). Pictured above (L-R) are Tom Peghiny and John Dunham of Flight Design USA with LSA West owner Mike Fletcher.

Within 24 hours of getting home from Sun 'n Fun, several industry leaders including Evektor America's Jeff Conrad, Flight Design USA's Tom Peghiny, Jabiru USA's Ed Ricks, and BRS parachute's Gregg Ellsworth packed up and headed off to California. What motivated these men to depart so soon after a long week in Florida? They all wanted to support proprietor Mike Fletcher as he and his staff celebrated the Grand Opening of Light Sport Airplanes West. I also flew out to join the party for America's largest LSA showroom and a grand affair it was. Estimates put attendance at 300 (I suspect that didn't include everyone present as some 100 aircraft flew in). Representing the Sportstar, CTsw, and J-250 plus the Remos G-3, TL Ultralight StingSport, and Tecnam, LSA West has an impressive line and a large inventory of LSA in stock. The Salinas, California-based operation also conducts flight training and represents some brands up and down the west coast. Various media people attended inlcuding a writer from Flying magazine) and Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Within 24 hours of getting home from Sun ‘n Fun, several industry leaders including Evektor America’s Jeff Conrad, Flight Design USA’s Tom Peghiny, Jabiru USA’s Ed Ricks, and BRS parachute’s Gregg Ellsworth packed up and headed off to California. What motivated these men to depart so soon after a long week in Florida? They all wanted to support proprietor Mike Fletcher as he and his staff celebrated the Grand Opening of Light Sport Airplanes West. I also flew out to join the party for America’s largest LSA showroom and a grand affair it was. Estimates put attendance at 300 (I suspect that didn’t include everyone present as some 100 aircraft flew in). Representing the Sportstar, CTsw, and J-250 plus the Remos G-3, TL Ultralight StingSport, and Tecnam, LSA West has an impressive line and a large inventory of LSA in stock.

Czech Republic Is the Major LSA Exporter

By Dan Johnson || September 17, 2007 Leave a Comment

Czech Republic producers make such SLSA as: Sportstar; Allegro 2000; StingSport (photo); KP-5; Savage; Parrot; SportCruiser; Mermaid; Faeta; Skyboy; and Mystique.

You can hardly doubt the headline. A cruise through our SLSA List will show almost a quarter of all (12 of 50) designs that have won certification are from the Czech Republic. Even the USA counts only 11 SLSA models so far. Yet perhaps showing global cross-pollination, at least two Czech producers are owned by Americans (Czech Aircraft Works and Interplane). Even inside the Czech Republic one company often builds parts used by others. Since the Soviets withdrew 17 years ago, the Czech Republic has embraced recreational aviation with excellent success. *** Of course, Germany, Italy, France and Spain plus East European producers in Poland, Romania, and Hungary have also made their impact in the American LSA market. So, ASTM's LSA committee will hold its next standards writing and review session in Prague, Czech Republic. I'll be going as will several other American leaders, partly as a significant gathering of EU aviation officials will also meet in conjunction with the ASTM meeting.

You can hardly doubt the headline. A cruise through our SLSA List will show almost a quarter of all (12 of 50) designs that have won certification are from the Czech Republic. Even the USA counts only 11 SLSA models so far. Yet perhaps showing global cross-pollination, at least two Czech producers are owned by Americans (Czech Aircraft Works and Interplane). Even inside the Czech Republic one company often builds parts used by others. Since the Soviets withdrew 17 years ago, the Czech Republic has embraced recreational aviation with excellent success. *** Of course, Germany, Italy, France and Spain plus East European producers in Poland, Romania, and Hungary have also made their impact in the American LSA market. So, ASTM‘s LSA committee will hold its next standards writing and review session in Prague, Czech Republic. I’ll be going as will several other American leaders, partly as a significant gathering of EU aviation officials will also meet in conjunction with the ASTM meeting.

Come See LSA at AOPA’s 2007 Expo in Hartford

By Dan Johnson || September 17, 2007 Leave a Comment

Near the LAMA motorhome display on the Hartford-Brainard Airport, you'll find these LSA: Sigma; Sportstar; CTsw; G-700S; Jabiru J-250; G-3; StingSport, Breezer, and Skylark; and two Tecnams. Alongside their GA models, Cirrus will show their SRS and CubCrafters their Sport Cub. Neither Cessna Skycatcher nor The Champ are expected to attend.

At Oshkosh I took the chance to speak with several general aviation leaders -- CEOs of top general aviation companies and presidents of leading membership organizations. All have been kind to me with their time and generous with their support for the Sport Pilot concept, but I sensed they didn't yet accept LSA deep down. Minor questions remained. Today that seems convincingly gone. The same not-100%-certain leaders now chorus, "LSA is here to stay." *** Evidence of that is again marshaling for AOPA's season-ending event for general aviation. The D.C.-based organization now counts more than 413,000 members, more than two-thirds of all pilots on the FAA register. The traveling Expo show typically draws well from a region's pilot population. Action starts October 4-6, 2007 at the Hartford-Brainard Airport (HFD). *** For the third year running AOPA is providing a grouped location for Light-Sport Aircraft right where you enter the airplane display area (SLSA exhibitor list under photo). Last year at AOPA's event in Palm Springs, California, the densest crowds among all aircraft displays were around the LSA fleet.

At Oshkosh I took the chance to speak with several general aviation leaders — CEOs of top general aviation companies and presidents of leading membership organizations. All have been kind to me with their time and generous with their support for the Sport Pilot concept, but I sensed they didn’t yet accept LSA deep down. Minor questions remained. Today that seems convincingly gone. The same not-100%-certain leaders now chorus, “LSA is here to stay.” *** Evidence of that is again marshaling for AOPA’s season-ending event for general aviation. The D.C.-based organization now counts more than 413,000 members, more than two-thirds of all pilots on the FAA register. The traveling Expo show typically draws well from a region’s pilot population. Action starts October 4-6, 2007 at the Hartford-Brainard Airport (HFD). *** For the third year running AOPA is providing a grouped location for Light-Sport Aircraft right where you enter the airplane display area (SLSA exhibitor list under photo).

SportairUSA to Unveil Sirius High-Wing LSA

By Dan Johnson || July 11, 2007 Leave a Comment

If you can attend AirVenture Oshkosh, come look at the TL 3000 Sirius display in the SportairUSA exhibit in SportairUSA's usual place (booths #6, 7, 13 & 14) immediately south of Cirrus, which is just to your right inside the main entry gate.

With events like Sebring and Sun 'n Fun, AirVenture Oshkosh is a grand venue to introduce something new...or something coming soon. The mockup of the Cessna Sport won't be the only new model. SportairUSA has represented the low-wing, all-carbon-fiber StingSport since LSA arrived on the scene and it has earned a spot in the top five list of best sellers. *** At Oshkosh 2007, SportairUSA will preview a "cabin model" of the TL 3000 Sirius. The company says, "Flight testing is expected to be completed in the fall, with aircraft ready for USA delivery in 2008." They elaborate on the sleek high wing saying, "Sirius will be constructed of the same carbon fiber composite materials as the StingSport and powered by the Rotax 912 engine series with a generous, 48-inch-wide cabin and room for golf clubs in the back. Folks who saw the full size mockup at Germany's Aero show were impressed. You can take a further look at this airplane in late development.

With events like Sebring and Sun ‘n Fun, AirVenture Oshkosh is a grand venue to introduce something new…or something coming soon. The mockup of the Cessna Sport won’t be the only new model. SportairUSA has represented the low-wing, all-carbon-fiber StingSport since LSA arrived on the scene and it has earned a spot in the top five list of best sellers. *** At Oshkosh 2007, SportairUSA will preview a “cabin model” of the TL 3000 Sirius. The company says, “Flight testing is expected to be completed in the fall, with aircraft ready for USA delivery in 2008.” They elaborate on the sleek high wing saying, “Sirius will be constructed of the same carbon fiber composite materials as the StingSport and powered by the Rotax 912 engine series with a generous, 48-inch-wide cabin and room for golf clubs in the back. Folks who saw the full size mockup at Germany’s Aero show were impressed.

Sun ‘n Fun Ran Simultaneously with Germany’s Aero

By Dan Johnson || April 24, 2007 Leave a Comment

The fourth best selling LSA model is the StingSport sold in America through SportairUSA. Early next year, the TL-3000 Sirius should start arriving in the U.S. At the German Aero show, the Czech producer debuted this new high wing LSA.

Talk about your transatlantic jet set...a number of exhibitors attended the first few days of Sun 'n Fun and then blasted off for the south of Germany, to Aero -- an every-other-year airshow that has become a focus for light-sport airplanes. EAA Sport Pilot editor, Mary Jones posted news including, "To the delight of most European manufacturers, Alain Leroy, who heads certification in the safety branch of [European authority] EASA, committed to the release of a notice of proposed amendment (similar to a U.S. NPRM) by June of 2007 that would outline rules under which a new light-sport aircraft category might operate." Leroy had said earlier at Aero that EASA was also looking to the ASTM standards as the certification method for a European LSA. *** A major aircraft announcement was the new high wing design from TL Ultralight, manufacturer of the StingSport sold by SportairUSA. TL introduced their TL-3000 Sirius adding that they hoped to start production by January 2008.

Talk about your transatlantic jet set…a number of exhibitors attended the first few days of Sun ‘n Fun and then blasted off for the south of Germany, to Aero — an every-other-year airshow that has become a focus for light-sport airplanes. EAA Sport Pilot editor, Mary Jones posted news including, “To the delight of most European manufacturers, Alain Leroy, who heads certification in the safety branch of [European authority] EASA, committed to the release of a notice of proposed amendment (similar to a U.S. NPRM) by June of 2007 that would outline rules under which a new light-sport aircraft category might operate.” Leroy had said earlier at Aero that EASA was also looking to the ASTM standards as the certification method for a European LSA. *** A major aircraft announcement was the new high wing design from TL Ultralight, manufacturer of the StingSport sold by SportairUSA.

Sting at St. Louis Sport Pilot Tour

By Dan Johnson || April 24, 2007 Leave a Comment

Challenging weather prevented some airplanes from attending the St. Louis Sport Pilot Tour, but it also made for good photo opportunities. Six aircraft made it and some 300 attendees got a good look at the new LSAs.

At the second EAA Sport Pilot Tour SportAir USA and their local rep, Wicks Aircraft, brough a pair of their sharp Sting aircraft. Also known as the Carbon Sting or StingSport, the handsome low wing comes from the fifth of six companies to earn their Special-Light Sport Aircraft certificate. An estimated 300+ visitors got to examine this bubble-canopied aircraft and several attendees took flights. You can see my pilot report from EAA's 11/04 Sport Pilot magazine right here. The carbon fiber Sting is sold with many optional items as standard; get more info at SportAir USA's website

At the second EAA Sport Pilot Tour SportAir USA and their local rep, Wicks Aircraft, brough a pair of their sharp Sting aircraft. Also known as the Carbon Sting or StingSport, the handsome low wing comes from the fifth of six companies to earn their Special-Light Sport Aircraft certificate. An estimated 300+ visitors got to examine this bubble-canopied aircraft and several attendees took flights. You can see my pilot report from EAA’s 11/04 Sport Pilot magazine right here. The carbon fiber Sting is sold with many optional items as standard; get more info at SportAir USA’s website