Tecnam US Inc. Archives - Page 3 of 5

Tecnam US Inc.

Website: http://www.Tecnam.com

Email: tecnamus@tecnam.com

Phone: (863) 655-2400

Sebring, FL 33870 - USA

Aero: Lycoming Coming to More Light-Sport Aircraft

By Dan Johnson || April 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

Tecnam's Lycoming O-233-powered Eaglet.

Lycoming under Eaglet's cowling. Some will see a gutsy look.

Rotax under Eaglet's cowling. Liquid cooling allows a narrower nose.

Eaglet has a fresh interior that will please occupants.

While the Continental O-200 engine — used in several Light-Sport Aircraft — attains Chinese ownership, Lycoming appears to be making a stronger push to enlist LSA manufacturers. *** One example at Aero 2011 was the upgraded Tecnam Eaglet, which airshow visitors could compare with either Rotax or Lycoming O-233 power. The appearance difference was significant and may test the market for preference for the European Rotax engine that powers 75% or so of all LSA versus the standard bearer Lycoming that has hauled generations of Americans through the skies. *** A major difference is the air-cooled Lycoming versus the liquid-cooled Rotax. Those big fins to cool the Lyc' demand what one Tecnam rep' called "power bulges." The effect on the nose cowl surrounding the engine is dramatic and I'll bet pilots like one or the other better... which is exactly the point. Tecnam will continue building both so you can — as Burger King puts it — "have it your way." *** The company has also upgraded the interior of the Eaglet, launched at Sebring 2009, with a highly finished interior complete with new interior door treatments (photo). In sharp contrast to the bare bones Cessna Skycatcher (but on par with some other LSA models), the Italian company's work results in a handsome cockpit that is much more user friendly. *** Tecnam mounted what I perceived to be the largest display of all Aero 2011's 630 exhibitors. They filled a large, very professional exhibit with a dozen aircraft running from the Eaglet to the new four-place P2010, a military version of their Twin, and a mockup of their 11-seat regional airliner (more on these and other larger aircraft from LSA producers in a future SPLOG post). Tecnam had so much to talk about, they held three press conferences; their work represents a huge amount of development in the last few months. In their press announcements, Tecnam reported selling 210 single engine aircraft plus 55 of their dual-Rotax Twin... all during 2010, which as every knows was a miserable year for aviation and most other industries. In a word, IMPRESSIVE! *** I need more time to report all the news and photos I gathered at Aero but intermittent Internet connections will have these following as I can get online. Please keep returning for more news from another fantastic and fun Aero 2011. Also, thanks to all the European readers of ByDanJohnson.com — I got many positive comments and discovered that many overseas readers are regular visitors.

Sebring Day Two: Tecnam Throws Down The Gauntlet

By James Lawrence || February 2, 2010 Leave a Comment

61-year-old Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has a whole fleet of LSA and general category aircraft at the show, serving notice they're here to stay. *** At a reception tonight, U.S. Distributor Heart of Virginia and the Tecnam executive team, lead by CEO Phil Solomon, made a bold prediction: they intend the company to be the top-selling LSA maker by 2014. *** Everybody was drooling over the P2008 LSA so I asked Phil to educate me on the gorgeous high winger. *** "It blends a metal wing and Tecnam's traditional expertise in building metal aircraft with a composite fuselage. The idea was to make the best possible plane they could along with the strength and lightness of carbon fiber. It's also clear that people are getting larger around the world, so there's definitely a premium on a wider aircraft. People wanted more luggage space too, and more luxury." *** "That's really what Tecnam is trying to address with the P2008: a top-of-the-range, ultimate LSA. The principal market we're addressing is those who've maybe stepped down from a Bonanza or similar, and are simply looking for the best, and willing to pay for it." *** Price point with the "preferred package" is "just under $170,000". That includes all the equipment you'll ever need: Advanced flight Systems twin glass panel, autopilot with altitude hold, XM weather, backup GPS, and more. The idea being there isn't a lot else an owner is going to want." *** Call it the Mercedes of LSA. Congratulations are in order: for a stunning airplane, and for its first sale, made here at the show. First deliveries are expected in April or May."

61-year-old Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has a whole fleet of LSA and general category aircraft at the show, serving notice they’re here to stay. *** At a reception tonight, U.S. Distributor Heart of Virginia and the Tecnam executive team, lead by CEO Phil Solomon, made a bold prediction: they intend the company to be the top-selling LSA maker by 2014. *** Everybody was drooling over the P2008 LSA so I asked Phil to educate me on the gorgeous high winger. *** “It blends a metal wing and Tecnam’s traditional expertise in building metal aircraft with a composite fuselage. The idea was to make the best possible plane they could along with the strength and lightness of carbon fiber. It’s also clear that people are getting larger around the world, so there’s definitely a premium on a wider aircraft. People wanted more luggage space too, and more luxury.” *** “That’s really what Tecnam is trying to address with the P2008: a top-of-the-range, ultimate LSA.

Sleekest Tecnam Light-Sport Aircraft Yet

By Dan Johnson || December 31, 2009 Leave a Comment

Composite Tecnam -- This is the first not-all-metal Tecnam aircraft we've seen in the LSA community. I fell in love with her smooth lines at Germany's Aero show in April 2009.

Tecnam can lay claim to being the "largest LSA manufacturer" by virtue of producing more than 3,000 ready-to-fly aircraft (with approximately 120 of them flying in the USA as "official LSA" -- the U.S. is a relatively new market for the Italian company). In my travels to Europe and other countries, I've seen a lot of Tecnam models sold under the rules of those nations. And the company was formed back in 1948. *** But even with all those aircraft built and many interesting designs -- such as the Echo Super, Sierra, Bravo, Eaglet, and even a new twin that isn't a LSA -- for my money, the P2008 is easily the prettiest two seater the company has ever designed. It resulted from a marriage of Tecnam, an all-metal airplane company, to Spain's CAG or Composite Aeronautic Group. The latter, bought by Tecnam, was the short-time producer of the Toxo Sportster *, a handsome all-composite LSA. Tecnam won't be producing the Toxo but P2008 pairs Tecnam's prodigious design ability with CAG's expertise in composite manufacturing. *** In America, Tecnam is represented by Tecnam North America, a talent-heavy group based in Richmond, Virginia. Among other interesting announcements (at least one of which I'm not at liberty to disclose) you'll get your first chance to see the P2008 at Sebring 2010 ...and maybe they'll even add a friendly name to the number of this gorgeous airplane. * Only a single Toxo ever entered the USA.

Tecnam can lay claim to being the “largest LSA manufacturer” by virtue of producing more than 3,000 ready-to-fly aircraft (with approximately 120 of them flying in the USA as “official LSA” — the U.S. is a relatively new market for the Italian company). In my travels to Europe and other countries, I’ve seen a lot of Tecnam models sold under the rules of those nations. And the company was formed back in 1948. *** But even with all those aircraft built and many interesting designs — such as the Echo Super, Sierra, Bravo, Eaglet, and even a new twin that isn’t a LSA — for my money, the P2008 is easily the prettiest two seater the company has ever designed. It resulted from a marriage of Tecnam, an all-metal airplane company, to Spain’s CAG or Composite Aeronautic Group. The latter, bought by Tecnam, was the short-time producer of the Toxo Sportster *, a handsome all-composite LSA.

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.

Tecnam Unveils New P2008; a Genuine Composite

By Dan Johnson || April 3, 2009 Leave a Comment

AERO 2009 NEWS -- What's not to love in this gorgeous and curvaceous Tecnam Light-Sport Aircraft? P2008 specs: cabin width 47 inches; wing area 124 square feet; span 28.9 feet; fuel 29 gallons; climb 1,150 fpm; stall 39 knots. Plus, look at that panel (optional equipment shown).

Tecnam has long been known for building handsome, well-flying, all-metal Light-Sport Aircraft. The company has certified four models of SLSA (Echo Super, Sierra, Bravo, and Eaglet) tying them for the most. That will soon change and the 61-year-old Italian company formed in 1948 -- once the producer of the Partenavia twin-engine aircraft -- will soon climb to the top with five approved LSA models. *** The newest, unveiled at the German Aero show, is the P2008. The sleek and beautiful aircraft was conceived after the company bought Composite Aircraft Group, the designer and builder of the Toxo. When Tecnam took possession of this Spanish company, they acquired CAG's composite technology and the P2008 is the first full airframe to show the results of this purchase. *** P2008 has metal wings like all Tecnam LSA, but it now features a smoothly contoured fuselage. Tecnam Managing Director Paolo Pascale Langer noted that the composite construction allows aerodynamic lines that permit a wider cockpit than any previous model (see photo text). His company holds a the number three position in U.S. market rank and it seems to me this pretty new bird will help retain or increase that position. Paolo confirmed P2008 would be coming to America soon.

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%).

FAA Begins “Assessment” of LSA Industry

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

FAA wants to know about each company's Continued Airworthiness System, a part of the ASTM standards which assures owners get the safety info they need. Other topics include quality systems, maintenance manuals, and product conformity to standards and regulations. A final report will be issued about a year from now.

At Oshkosh, FAA held a meeting to announce their LSA Assessment Project. The agency that gave birth to Light-Sport Aircraft in the summer of 2004 is now embarking on a fact-finding tour they say will judge the "health of the industry," part of their "aviation safety oversight." Sounds rather ominous, doesn't it? However, officials also stated clearly and repeatedly, "What this assessment and evaluation is not is an individual Light-Sport manufacturer's compliance audit." *** Indeed, Terry Chasteen, the new head LSA man in the Small Aircraft Directorate characterized the day-long visits by two teams of two inspectors as benign. He'll be joined by Tom Gunnarson, former president of LAMA now with the LSA office. The visits started this week at Tecnam's U.S. quarters; AMD, Aircraft Manufacturing and Design; Fantasy Air USA / LSA America; and P&M Aviation USA. *** LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, sent letters to the community regarding the topics and has offered to counsel any companies being visited. FAA randomly chose 29 businesses to visit, starting in the USA though they didn't rule out using the agency's European office to make calls overseas.

At Oshkosh, FAA held a meeting to announce their LSA Assessment Project. The agency that gave birth to Light-Sport Aircraft in the summer of 2004 is now embarking on a fact-finding tour they say will judge the “health of the industry,” part of their “aviation safety oversight.” Sounds rather ominous, doesn’t it? However, officials also stated clearly and repeatedly, “What this assessment and evaluation is not is an individual Light-Sport manufacturer’s compliance audit.” *** Indeed, Terry Chasteen, the new head LSA man in the Small Aircraft Directorate characterized the day-long visits by two teams of two inspectors as benign. He’ll be joined by Tom Gunnarson, former president of LAMA now with the LSA office. The visits started this week at Tecnam’s U.S. quarters; AMD, Aircraft Manufacturing and Design; Fantasy Air USA / LSA America; and P&M Aviation USA.

Strong Survive 2008; LSA Market Share Adjustments

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

Every month my Czech friend, Jan Friedrich, compiles FAA registration data. These data are available to anyone but it takes a several hours to comb through the database while applying industry knowledge because the information, while accurate, is not straightforwardly presented. Welcome to Just Aircraft, who qualified for the Top 20.

Through the first six months of 2008, Light-Sport Aircraft deliveries have reflected the same challenges afflicting the rest of general or sport aviation...and for that matter, the overall U.S. economy. In fact, LSA registrations aren't off as badly as are GA deliveries, perhaps due to significantly better fuel economy in an LSA. These FAA registrations can be analyzed to show trends. *** In the first half of 2008, the LSA industry registered 248 aircraft, which is 22% of all registrations from April 2005 through December 2007 (1,118). Many find it interesting to observe how market leaders compare. If a supplier registered less than 22% of their fleet in 2008, they slipped in market share (even if they registered more total airplanes). If they exceeded that figure, they gained market share. In the first half of 2008 gainers included: Remos up 62%; Czech Aircraft Works 47%; FPNA 45%; Gobosh 38%; Tecnam 35%; Aeropro 32%; and AMD 28%. All brands named above had a smaller total number of previously-registered aircraft than the leading sellers, so the percentage value isn't particularly meaningful other than to rank the increases by brand. *** By the number of aircraft registered, Flight Design stayed out in front adding 33; Tecnam 24; CZAW and Remos 21 each; American Legend 18; AMD 13; and CubCrafters 10.

Through the first six months of 2008, Light-Sport Aircraft deliveries have reflected the same challenges afflicting the rest of general or sport aviation…and for that matter, the overall U.S. economy. In fact, LSA registrations aren’t off as badly as are GA deliveries, perhaps due to significantly better fuel economy in an LSA. These FAA registrations can be analyzed to show trends. *** In the first half of 2008, the LSA industry registered 248 aircraft, which is 22% of all registrations from April 2005 through December 2007 (1,118). Many find it interesting to observe how market leaders compare. If a supplier registered less than 22% of their fleet in 2008, they slipped in market share (even if they registered more total airplanes). If they exceeded that figure, they gained market share. In the first half of 2008 gainers included: Remos up 62%; Czech Aircraft Works 47%; FPNA 45%; Gobosh 38%; Tecnam 35%; Aeropro 32%; and AMD 28%.

Italy’s Tecnam Buys Producer of Spain’s Toxo LSA

By Dan Johnson || June 14, 2008 Leave a Comment

With 2,500 aircraft flying, Tecnam is one of the most prolific light aircraft builders. (See their Fleet Chart with a couple clicks.) Now their focus turns to the twin engine four seater P2006T. Since 2004, Tecnam has churned out a new model every other year or faster. Recently they bought the low wing composite Toxo.

Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam, simply "Tecnam" to Americans, manufactures the Sierra, Bravo, Echo Super, and Eaglet SLSA. On June 10th the Italian company completed its purchase of Composite Aeronautic Group (CAG). U.S. pilots became aware of CAG's Toxo after it won SLSA airworthiness in March 2008. *** Tecnam CEO Paolo Pascale Langer explained, "Although Tecnam is expanding capacity due to significant growth we still require more space along with enhanced access to additional technologies. CAG provided both." *** Tecnam plans to use CAG's Zaragoza, Spain facility to double their current production of two seat aircraft. They claim annual output of 300 light single engine aircraft per year. The company hopes to boost that figure to 600 aircraft per year by the end of 2009. *** Tecnam has been focused on their dual Rotax engine airplane, the P2006T. Langer indicated, "[Using CAG facilities will] also release production space to meet the sizeable order book for the P2006T, a four-place twin currently in final certification with EASA and the FAA." The acquisition comes as the design for another new aircraft is being completed by Tecnam's engineering group. The new model is expected to debut at Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany and at Sun n Fun in the USA in 2009.

Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam, simply “Tecnam” to Americans, manufactures the Sierra, Bravo, Echo Super, and Eaglet SLSA. On June 10th the Italian company completed its purchase of Composite Aeronautic Group (CAG). U.S. pilots became aware of CAG’s Toxo after it won SLSA airworthiness in March 2008. *** Tecnam CEO Paolo Pascale Langer explained, “Although Tecnam is expanding capacity due to significant growth we still require more space along with enhanced access to additional technologies. CAG provided both.” *** Tecnam plans to use CAG’s Zaragoza, Spain facility to double their current production of two seat aircraft. They claim annual output of 300 light single engine aircraft per year. The company hopes to boost that figure to 600 aircraft per year by the end of 2009. *** Tecnam has been focused on their dual Rotax engine airplane, the P2006T.

Tecnam’s New Eaglet Lands at Sebring 2008

By Dan Johnson || January 17, 2008 Leave a Comment

Tecnam's LSA line -- now four deep -- has long impressed pilots with highly predictable handling and conventional construction. Read my Sierra report.

SEBRING 2008 UPDATE -- U.S. rep' Lynne Birmingham beamed, "The Eaglet has landed!" She referred to the newest Tecnam model to win SLSA approval -- the fourth model from the Italian manufacturer. Eaglet makes its worldwide debut at Sebring 2008, which opens today. Tecnam has achieved an enviable #4 rank in the U.S. Light-Sport Aircraft fleet. And around the world, Tecnam, a six-decade-old Italian company, has more than 2,100 aircraft flying making it arguably the largest producer of this class of airplane. *** Mike Birmingham reports the new Eaglet is a blend of the best qualities of the strutted Echo Super and the cantilevered Bravo; Eaglet is strutted. It has a new look with resculpted wing root and larger door windows to allow better lateral visibility plus longer, more comfortable seat cushions. The new model sports a redesigned instrument panel that will appear in other models later. The nose cowl was lenthened which enhances handling, says Mike. *** Tecnam has been busy. Besides changes coming to the Echo Super and low-wing Sierra, Tecnam will offer a twin Rotax 912S aircraft that bears a great (and complimentary) resemblence to the Partenavia built by this company years ago. *** Finally, welcome to SLSA #72 and 73, respectively the Skykits Rampage and Gobosh G-800. I'll have more on these in the days ahead.

SEBRING 2008 UPDATE — U.S. rep’ Lynne Birmingham beamed, “The Eaglet has landed!” She referred to the newest Tecnam model to win SLSA approval — the fourth model from the Italian manufacturer. Eaglet makes its worldwide debut at Sebring 2008, which opens today. Tecnam has achieved an enviable #4 rank in the U.S. Light-Sport Aircraft fleet. And around the world, Tecnam, a six-decade-old Italian company, has more than 2,100 aircraft flying making it arguably the largest producer of this class of airplane. *** Mike Birmingham reports the new Eaglet is a blend of the best qualities of the strutted Echo Super and the cantilevered Bravo; Eaglet is strutted. It has a new look with resculpted wing root and larger door windows to allow better lateral visibility plus longer, more comfortable seat cushions. The new model sports a redesigned instrument panel that will appear in other models later.

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.

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).