RV-12 Archives - ByDanJohnson.com

Van's Aircraft, Inc. RV-12

Phone: (503) 678-6545

Aurora, OR 97002 - USA

Reorganization Approved: Van’s Emerges From Chapter 11

By Marc Cook || May 16, 2024 3 Comments

While the world of LSAs is diverse enough that the trials of Van’s Aircraft, which put itself into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last year, aren’t quite the foundational matters they are among the homebuilt crowd, the fact that Van’s is represented with the popular RV-12 and companies that support it are also part of the LSA ecosystem suggests more than a little spillover. In the background, Van’s has been working hard to reset its business and emerge from Chapter 11. And on May 15 the company received good news in the form of an Oregon judge approving the company’s reorganization plan. While it seemed unlikely, there was always the possibility that the court would reject or modify the company’s proposal. In the proposal, Van’s has agreed to repay unsecured creditors 55% of the money they’re owed over three years on top of an “immediate” repayment of $3350 for those in the unsecured creditor class. It’s important to note that this class of creditor mainly includes customers who had deposits with the company when it began Chapter 11 protection and who also declined revised purchase agreements that came with an increase in kit and component costs of about 30%. According to filed documents, around 82% of those affected builders agreed to the new agreement, which dramatically reduced the pool of unsecured creditors. In the reorganization plan submitted to the court, Van’s said it “must show that it will have enough cash over the life of the Plan to make the required Plan payments and operate its business. Debtor’s [Van’s] primary revenue sources for the next three years will come from the sale of its eight different kit airplanes, one model of production ready-to-fly plane, and one future backcountry airplane kit.” The ready-to-fly airplane is the RV-12, of course, and the backcountry model is the RV-15, which the company also feels could make an excellent MOSAIC airplane down the road. Van’s has also committed to a corporate reorganization and implementation of a scalable MRP (material requirements planning) software suite that will give it much better visibility to real costs than it had before—all key requirements of a company projecting gross revenues of $69.5 million to $73.5 million per year between now and mid-2027. It’s interesting to note that Van’s had begun increasing the RV-12’s production rate through the 2021-23 time period (it filed for Chapter 11 in October 2023), fr https://youtu.be/vHt7duxQUzs?feature=sharedom 11 units in ‘21 to 20 aircraft in ‘22 to 28 in ‘23. Looking at registrations so far in 2024, the RV-12 has 25, trailing the Zenith CH 750 at 30 and ahead of the RANS S-21 at 24 and the Kitfox S-7 Sport at 17. https://youtu.be/vHt7duxQUzs?feature=shared

What I’m Flying — Pilot Report on Van’s RV-12

By Dan Johnson || December 29, 2021 4 Comments

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. Secondly, when you are shopping for an airplane, it may be helpful to hear lots of facts about an airplane but what I think personally isn't important. We aren't the same. We have different experience, different expectations, and different goals in our flying. That fact is why I created PlaneFinder 2.0 to help you find your best airplane.

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.

I will let the two videos below provide most of the nuts and bolts details that pilots crave. In the following words, I'll relate some of my experiences and discoveries after flying the -12 for more hours. To begin, I'm a high wing guy. Most pilots have a clear preference for high or low wing configurations. Some think low wings look "less awkward" and "more streamlined." They are entitled to that opinion, but for me, the number one reason to fly an aircraft with an engine is visibility… to observe a beautiful landscape unfold below. I've found aerial sightseeing is a common desire among aviators. If so, a low wing gets in the way. RV-12 places the wing sufficiently aft that from either seat you actually do have some downward visibility, but it is not as broad as a high wing design, especially one with cantilevered construction; no wing strut gets in your way.

High wing airplanes are usually much easier to enter, a factor for older, less flexible pilots. Yet among low wing designs, RV-12 is easier as you enter from the front of the wing (see step in a nearby photo). You can use structure to help climb up on the wing and once you get to that point you can simply step onto the floor. You don't have to step in the seat as on some low wing aircraft. Most folks don't like having to do that and some low wing owners have a towel to put on the seat to keep dirty shoes off of it.

A wing step is partially shown at lower left. You can step down onto the floor before sitting.

I'm ambivalent about whether the engine should be in the front or the back. On a weight-shift trike, I love having a wide-open view up front. I've also enjoyed the AirCam which puts twin engines in a pusher configuration and sticks the pilot way out in front of the wing, giving enormous visibility. Tractor-engine aircraft offer some efficiencies pushers lack, for example, better cooling, a very important design aspect. Speaking of engines, Van's chose the Rotax 912 series for their RV-12 LSA entry. I think it was the right choice although pilots have other great choices from Continental, Jabiru, UL Power, plus a number of auto conversion engines that can be used on kit-built aircraft. I'm very familiar with Rotax's 9-series so having one haul me around in RV-12 inspires confidence.

The RV series of several models from Van's Aircraft use a similar all-metal construction.

Since RV-12's wings can remove, designers put the fuel in the cabin. I've never noticed any fuel smell but you may have 20 gallons of avgas or premium mogas on board and it is directly behind the right seat. In a severe upset, this could be troublesome. On the other hand, RV-12 is one of the easiest landing LSA on the market so any upset is that much less likely. RV-12 is "Made in America" and factory service is readily available plus thousands of RV owners can probably help or consult on any problems you may have. The RV-12 I flew (above in front of hangar) was a 51%-owner-built aircraft. After purchasing it, Joe hired an RV expert go over it thoroughly, correcting some builder deficiencies.

RV-12 captured flying over Sebring Airport during the Expo by extraordinarily talented professional photographer, Jim Koepnick.

Joe's RV-12 has a single, large (10-inch) Dynon touch screen plus autopilot with all the usual benefits of those avionics. It was never fitted with an airframe parachute as I'd always prefer. All these attributes and more (a total of 25 choices) form the basis of PlaneFinder 2.0. That feature — one of the most popular destinations on ByDanJohnson.com — is almost completely made up of this-or-that choices. It couldn't be much easier to use and many find it kind of fun to see how an answer changes the "Matching Aircraft" list that results. What PlaneFinder 2.0 truly does is narrow your choices, eliminating aircraft that don't have the features you want, leaving you with a smaller list of aircraft you can evaluate to find your best airplane. Try it. I'll bet you like it (free of charge after you register with only your email).

That's enough about me and what I think of RV-12. Check out these two videos and learn more about Van's terrific RV-12. Happy flying! Tail winds, everyone! The nearby photo shows me on downwind for runway 6 at Spruce Creek Fly-In airport, a home to some 700 aircraft and hangar homes, 1,600 total homes, and around 4,000 residents.

In-flight review — from Sebring 2014… https://youtu.be/Z1Mi_DgqgVM Post-flight review — more details… https://youtu.be/Q5TWZk-YRGo

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.

Van’s Aircraft To Bring RV-12 Manufacturing Fully In-House; Here’s the Q&A…

By Dan Johnson || September 3, 2018 1 Comment

American producers were the kings of kits, an effort that calls for good assembly instructions and technical support plus groups that can help each other. These two activities represent night and day differences. However, in the years since the regulation arrived, American companies have significantly caught up. Indeed, as September and the 14th anniversary of the SP/LSA rule arrived, Van's released news of a major change. "Van’s Aircraft is excited to announce that it is establishing its own aircraft assembly facility and team at its company headquarters in Aurora, Oregon," the world's largest kit producer said. "Future RV-12iS and RV-12-iST SLSA aircraft models will be assembled and delivered at this new facility."

As many readers know, nearby Synergy Air was Van’s assembly partner for several years. "[They have] done a tremendous job for Van’s and our customers," stated Van's. Synergy Air will continue to work with Van's but will return to concentrate on builder-assist activities. Van's issued a series of questions and answers to address this fairly significant change.

What is happening and why?

RV-12 SLSA airplanes will now be built and delivered by Van’s Aircraft at its Aurora, Oregon facility. Several years ago, Van’s set out to implement a comprehensive SLSA program. Synergy and Van’s partnered to build the various components of the complete SLSA program. Synergy worked with Van’s from the onset of the program to apply their expertise related to the marketing and aircraft assembly portions of the program.

The natural evolution and success of both businesses has brought us to where we are today. Synergy has become even more focused on the business of assisting Van’s Aircraft’s customers in building their RV airplanes. As the SLSA program has matured, Van’s has expanded its workforce and capabilities to include marketing and aircraft construction. This change represents the next logical step in both companies’ successful business growth.

How does this affect Synergy?

Synergy will focus on its popular builder-assist program, which has become that company’s key area of business emphasis and expansion over the past couple years.

What about earlier SLSA purchases? Who will provide support?

All SLSA aircraft have been and will continue to be fully supported by Van’s Aircraft. That will not change. Van’s technical and business support teams remain ready to support every customer that owns and flies our airplanes. The Van’s support team serves as your point of contact for any support needs you may have related to the RV-12.

Will the price change? How do I communicate with Van's?

Van's does not anticipate or plan to make any price changes as a result of this business change. Just as before, you can contact Van’s Aircraft at 503-678-6545 or you can email the SLSA support team.

What should I expect?

You can and should expect excellent quality from a business that continuously strives to improve its products and services. Van's approach is to delivering the highest quality products. Our aircraft assembly and delivery department — a dedicated team focused on just that portion of our business — is staffed by experts with years of RV-12 building experience. Van's will, as always, strive to adopt and leverage new, innovative processes and technology to drive its ongoing quality program.

I have an airplane ordered already. How will this affect delivery?

As part of this change, Van's is staffing a dedicated SLSA build team that is co-located at our Oregon factory, the design of which will allow us to increase throughput and enable even quicker delivery of RV-12iS SLSA aircraft. Van's will leverage its existing people, experience and processes to optimize our future ability to deliver more efficiently, as well. We do not anticipate schedule delays as a result of the change in production staffing and location. Any RV-12iS currently in production with Synergy will be finished at Synergy’s Eugene facility. Any aircraft not yet started will be completed at and by Van's Aircraft. Van's anticipates delivering aircraft that are already on the schedule on or before the estimated delivery dates we’ve previously communicated to individual customers.

Was there a problem between the businesses?

No, not at all. This change is the result of mutual successes, and represents a natural and positive evolution of both businesses. It will enable both companies to deliver even more, both in partnership and separately.

What about builders assist at Synergy?

Just as it makes sense for Van's to take on SLSA assembly work at this time, it also makes sense for Synergy to focus on its growing and key business: builder-assist services for people who are building their RVs. In fact, Synergy is growing and recently expanded beyond its Eugene, Oregon facility when it opened a second builder-assist center in Georgia. The company concluded, "These changes are great for Van's Aircraft, great for Synergy Air, and good news for our mutual customers."

Building kits for homebuilders and assembling fully built aircraft are two very distinct business models. In the early days of Light-Sport Aircraft, European producers enjoyed a head start in fully-built aircraft as their regulations were more accommodating. American producers were the kings of kits, an effort that calls for good assembly instructions and technical support plus groups that can help each other. These two activities represent night and day differences. However, in the years since the regulation arrived, American companies have significantly caught up. Indeed, as September and the 14th anniversary of the SP/LSA rule arrived, Van’s released news of a major change. “Van’s Aircraft is excited to announce that it is establishing its own aircraft assembly facility and team at its company headquarters in Aurora, Oregon,” the world’s largest kit producer said. “Future RV-12iS and RV-12-iST SLSA aircraft models will be assembled and delivered at this new facility.” As many readers know, nearby Synergy Air was Van’s assembly partner for several years.

Van’s Aircraft — RV-12 (Video Pilot Report 2015 — Part 1 of 2)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Video Pilot Reports are some of the most popular of our hundreds of videos. They take more work and they have longer running time; this one on Van's Aircraft's very poplar RV-12 is presented in two parts. When you count RV-12 in both kit and SLSA fully manufactured versions, it is one of America's most popular LSA even though it entered the scene a later than some. In this pilot report, we'll try to tell you and show you why RV-12 is such a hit.

Video Pilot Reports are some of the most popular of our hundreds of videos. They take more work and they have longer running time; this one on Van’s Aircraft’s very poplar RV-12 is presented in two parts. When you count RV-12 in both kit and SLSA fully manufactured versions, it is one of America’s most popular LSA even though it entered the scene a later than some. In this pilot report, we’ll try to tell you and show you why RV-12 is such a hit.

Van’s Aircraft — RV-12 (Video Pilot Report 2015 — Part 2 of 2)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Here's Part 2 of our Video Pilot Report on Van's Aircraft's very poplar RV-12 is presented in two parts. In this second part, Dan Johnson recounts his experience flying Van's RV-12 filling in some details not presented during the in-flight portion of the evaluation. Although doing these VPRs is much more time consuming and take longer to watch, we hope you enjoy all the information they deliver.

Here’s Part 2 of our Video Pilot Report on Van’s Aircraft’s very poplar RV-12 is presented in two parts. In this second part, Dan Johnson recounts his experience flying Van’s RV-12 filling in some details not presented during the in-flight portion of the evaluation. Although doing these VPRs is much more time consuming and take longer to watch, we hope you enjoy all the information they deliver.

Van’s Aircraft — RV-12 SLSA (07/13)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Van's Aircraft needs no introduction to most aviators. The company has more than 8,000 aircraft flying. One of these is their RV-12 LSA models. Mostly that design, like all their models, has been built as a kit. Van's wasn't sure they'd make ready-to-fly models when they started. However, through a nearby company, Van's made arrangements to offer the RV-12 as a factory-built Special LSA. Here company rep' Gus Funnel updates us on the latest information about this popular airplane.

Van’s Aircraft needs no introduction to most aviators. The company has more than 8,000 aircraft flying. One of these is their RV-12 LSA models. Mostly that design, like all their models, has been built as a kit. Van’s wasn’t sure they’d make ready-to-fly models when they started. However, through a nearby company, Van’s made arrangements to offer the RV-12 as a factory-built Special LSA. Here company rep’ Gus Funnel updates us on the latest information about this popular airplane.

Van’s Aircraft — RV-12 (0912)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

MIDWEST LSA EXPO 2012 -- One of our series of many short videos from the fall show, this one on the Van's Aircraft RV-12. Most LSA are factory built SLSA but here is the clear-and-away winner of te Experimental LSA race of kit-assembled Light-Sports. More than 350 of the RV-12 kits have reportedly been sold and many are flying. Here we take a quick look at the RV-12 and place it in the family of RV models that have proven so popular.

MIDWEST LSA EXPO 2012 — One of our series of many short videos from the fall show, this one on the Van’s Aircraft RV-12. Most LSA are factory built SLSA but here is the clear-and-away winner of te Experimental LSA race of kit-assembled Light-Sports. More than 350 of the RV-12 kits have reportedly been sold and many are flying. Here we take a quick look at the RV-12 and place it in the family of RV models that have proven so popular.

Van’s Aircraft — RV-12 (0711)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

The biggest kit-aircraft builder of them all - Van's Aircraft and their incredibly line of RV airplanes - entered the Light-Sport Aircraft arena with their RV-12. Here we take a look at the kit and its costs while designer Dick VanGrunsven sits on the wing nearby talking to customers. No surprise to anyone, Van's is the biggest success story in Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft or ELSA.

The biggest kit-aircraft builder of them all – Van’s Aircraft and their incredibly line of RV airplanes – entered the Light-Sport Aircraft arena with their RV-12. Here we take a look at the kit and its costs while designer Dick VanGrunsven sits on the wing nearby talking to customers. No surprise to anyone, Van’s is the biggest success story in Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft or ELSA.

4 LSA Brands — Low Wing All-Metal

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

At the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo we did something new. We picked several aircraft of a similar description and pointed out their similarities and differences. This time we look at four all-metal high wing LSA: Rans Aircraft S-19 Venterra; Evektor Sportstar Max IFR, Van's Aircraft RV-12, and the Breezer Aircraft Breezer II. If you're searching for a high wing LSA, this video may help show your choices and help you make a purchase decision.

At the 2010 Midwest LSA Expo we did something new. We picked several aircraft of a similar description and pointed out their similarities and differences. This time we look at four all-metal high wing LSA: Rans Aircraft S-19 Venterra; Evektor Sportstar Max IFR, Van’s Aircraft RV-12, and the Breezer Aircraft Breezer II. If you’re searching for a high wing LSA, this video may help show your choices and help you make a purchase decision.

Van’s RV-12 Enter Rare Realm of Four Digits

By Dan Johnson || August 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

Washington State customer Richard Bangsund picks up his new RV-12 empennage kit from Van's Aircraft. RV-12 photos courtesy of Van's Aircraft

I've enjoyed a front row seat for all eleven years that Light-Sport Aircraft have been part of the aviation firmament. In those years of closely following this industry, I've only seen companies reach the four digit horizon three times. What does that mean and why might you find it meaningful? First came Cessna's Skycatcher. More recently it was (quite convincingly) Icon's A5. Now, welcome Van's Aircraft. Cessna once claimed more than 1,000 orders for their now-discontinued Skycatcher LSA. The company delivered 271 of them (according to our review of FAA's N-number database) but we won't see any more. Icon reports more than 1,300 orders, making them Top Gun in the LSA roost, though they have delivered only one, to EAA's Young Eagles program. Then, we have Van's ... the undisputed leader of kit aircraft deliveries. In fact, the latter is nearly ready to enter the aviation stratosphere of five digits. • "On August 27, 2015 the shipping department at Van's Aircraft Inc. had several orders to fill," started the story from the Oregon-based kit giant. "By the end of the day, they'd rolled the 937th RV-12 kit empennage package onto the shipping dock, where it was picked up by a customer from Washington State, Richard Bangsund (photo). "What's the significance of '937'," asked Van's on your behalf? "Well, combined with the SLSA 'fly-away' RV-12s the company has constructed," the company answered, "the total number of RV-12 empennage kits produced and sold now totals ... one thousand." I'll do the math for you and show that means Van's & Synergy have manufactured 63 RV-12 SLSA. Van's went on to observe that RV-12 is the sixth RV design to exceed 1,000 unit sales and they added that four of those designs have exceeded 1,000 completions. By any measure this is a very impressive performance. "The number of flying RVs listed on the company's website now totals 9,178," noted Van's. Four hundred and seven of those are RV-12s. If you review our SLSA market share chart — a new one of which, for the first half of 2015, is in early draft form now — you may be confused. Van's is moving up but is clearly not at the top of the chart. Why? Because most completed and flying RV-12s were built as Experimental Amateur Built aircraft and our popular chart counts only factory built Special LSA. The RV-12s emerging from Van's building partner, Synergy Air, are currently ranked 13th place with 50 registered to the end of 2014. "All of us at Van's have known that the RV-12 is an excellent little airplane," said company founder Dick (Van) VanGrunsven. It's nice to see the word spreading in the market place." The word has certainly spread in his immediate family, said Van's Aircraft. Van and two of his brothers have built and fly RV-12s. So have a pair of company employees. Nothing shows belief in a product more than company personnel using it, I'd add. "RV-12s have also been completed by several groups of young people participating in the Teenflight and Eagle's Nest programs," stated the company. They added that Special LSA RV-12s are now operated by several flight schools, who report that their students love the way it flies, and often request the RV-12 even when other airplanes are available. "We're looking forward to the next thousand..." said boss Ken Scott. • Some dismiss the performance and say it doesn't count because "they're just ultralights," but Quicksilver reached the ultra-rare five digit space first, delivering more than 15,000 of their aircraft kits since the early 1980s, nearly every one of which also got airborne. That company, now named Quicksilver Aeronautics after the last ownership change, has also entered the fully built Special LSA space.

I’ve enjoyed a front row seat for all eleven years that Light-Sport Aircraft have been part of the aviation firmament. In those years of closely following this industry, I’ve only seen companies reach the four digit horizon three times. What does that mean and why might you find it meaningful? First came Cessna’s Skycatcher. More recently it was (quite convincingly) Icon’s A5. Now, welcome Van’s Aircraft. Cessna once claimed more than 1,000 orders for their now-discontinued Skycatcher LSA. The company delivered 271 of them (according to our review of FAA’s N-number database) but we won’t see any more. Icon reports more than 1,300 orders, making them Top Gun in the LSA roost, though they have delivered only one, to EAA’s Young Eagles program. Then, we have Van’s … the undisputed leader of kit aircraft deliveries. In fact, the latter is nearly ready to enter the aviation stratosphere of five digits.

4 things to See at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015

By Dan Johnson || July 21, 2015 Leave a Comment

The "Big Show" is just days away, so of course, journalists and readers are asking what will be present? The question is worthwhile, but often the most interesting discoveries are not foretold either to maintain secrecy or due to the last minute scramble to make a new project showable. Here are four products attendees may want to investigate. Watch for more previews. "What a journey so far, wrote Jordan Denitz, spokesman for The Airplane Factory USA! Globetrotters Mike Blyth with Patrick Huang of The Airplane Factory Asia have completed their first three legs on their way around the world in a Sling powered by the Rotax 912iS. Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa, they traveled to Namibia, Ghana, and Cape Verde. On Monday they were taking a well deserved rest after 37 hours and more than 4,000 nautical miles logged so far. "They are gearing up for the biggest hop yet, crossing the Atlantic," added Jordan. This will be the third such round-the-world trips for the Sling LSA from The Airplane Factory. Directors Mike Blyth and James Pitman flew the Sling 2 prototype around the world in 2009. Mike did it again in a brand-new four seat Sling 4 in 2011 accompanied by Jean D'Assonville. Mike has previously accomplished numerous very long flights in trikes. The adventurous pair plan to arrive at Oshkosh on Monday, July 20th. Their LSA will be on display at TAF's booth located in the EAA's North Aircraft Display/Homebuilt area where you can also see the four seat kit TAF-USA is selling to Americans. With any luck, I hope to get up in the Sling 4. Earlier, I reported Sling 2 had many wonderful qualities. Chesapeake Sport Pilot flight school, based in Stevensville, Maryland, has earned the first Vans RV-12 dealership in the United States, reported CSP owner and Chief Flight Instructor, Helen Woods. "The RV-12 is the most popular aircraft we have ever put on the flight line at Chesapeake Sport Pilot," she explained. CSP can now offer RV-12 for sale or rental. Van's Aircraft representative Kaitlyn Tepe said, "Partnering with Chesapeake Sport Pilot will give customers a better opportunity to be introduced to the RV-12 locally. CSP offers the whole range of services for the RV-12 from flight training and rentals to maintenance and flight reviews." Chesapeake Sport Pilot was recognized by AOPA as one of the top flight schools in the country with the 2014 Outstanding Flight School award. The company described itself as "the nation's largest light sport flight school." CSP reported more than 20,000 hours of Light-Sport flight instruction over the past eight years. In LSA Seaplanes Icon may get lots of press for the first delivery of their attention-generating A5, but another company offers a well-proven and evolved design that you can get much more quickly. You'll also save a bundle. While it doesn't offer electric folding wings, Progressive Aerodyne's Searey does offer manually folding wings. AirVenture Oshkosh visitors can see the arrangement in detail. "One of the most frequently asked questions about the Searey LSA is, 'Can the wings fold?'," reported company officials. Indeed, folding wings are an option on the factory-built Searey SLSA Sport and Elite. "This is a great option for those interested in trailering the aircraft or storing it in a narrow space," said Progressive Aerodyne. "We will be displaying one of the folding-wing- equipped Searey Elites at our main booth." A few lucky souls — your faithful reporter hopefully among them — will get to take a flight in the A5. However, more importantly, YOU can take an evaluation flight in a Searey while you are visiting Oshkosh. Act soon! "To schedule a demo flight in the Searey Elite at Oshkosh send an email. They urge you to include "OSH DEMO REQUEST" in the subject line of your email. Then make your way to the seaplane base — EAA offers regular free bus transportation — and get ready to smile broadly. Belite entrepreneur James Weibe sounds the like the tech seller he formerly was, "The most affordable, easy-to-build, legal ultralight you've ever seen ... is coming to AirVenture 2015." He calls his goal a "Part 103 air adventure" and said, "We think we've nailed it!" A new strutless Belite design is the company's first low wing entry and quite a departure from the Kitfox Lite — since renamed and significantly evolved in various directions — that James started to offer. The new model-to-be uses trailing link suspension, free-castoring nosewheel, tricycle gear, and "nice coca-cola lines on the rear fuselage," said James. The new design will use carbon fiber fuselage/cabin construction over wood/foam core. It will have 28 feet of span, a broad 53-inch chord, and weigh 180 pounds without powerplant. If you want to help bring the new bird to market, you can join the fun. "We'll be funding the development of this project through KickStarter." He promises big savings on the kit to those who participate, "plus other fun rewards." Stay tuned ... more to come!

The “Big Show” is just days away, so of course, journalists and readers are asking what will be present? The question is worthwhile, but often the most interesting discoveries are not foretold either to maintain secrecy or due to the last minute scramble to make a new project showable. Here are four products attendees may want to investigate. Watch for more previews. “What a journey so far, wrote Jordan Denitz, spokesman for The Airplane Factory USA! Globetrotters Mike Blyth with Patrick Huang of The Airplane Factory Asia have completed their first three legs on their way around the world in a Sling powered by the Rotax 912iS. Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa, they traveled to Namibia, Ghana, and Cape Verde. On Monday they were taking a well deserved rest after 37 hours and more than 4,000 nautical miles logged so far. “They are gearing up for the biggest hop yet, crossing the Atlantic,” added Jordan.

LSA Market Shares — Fleet and Calendar 2014

By Dan Johnson || March 22, 2015 2 Comments

Image of Searey in flight by Searey Canada.

As spring approaches and with major airshows like Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany and Sun 'n Fun in Florida about to trigger a new season of recreational flying, it is time for an annual update of Light-Sport Aircraft market shares. Our well-known "fleet" chart appears nearby; this table refers to all Special LSA registered with FAA in the United States since the first aircraft was accepted by FAA almost ten years ago (on April 5, 2005). We again post our Calendar 2014 tally that shows the success only in that year as a means of drawing attention to those brands and models performing the best in the last twelve months. We remind you that these charts use as their source the FAA registration (N-number) database, that is then carefully studied and corrected to make the most reliable report possible. However, two points: (1) this report will still have some errors as the database on which we rely has some faulty information ... though we believe this to be modest and, as noted, we correct it where we can; and, (2) aircraft registrations are not likely to be perfectly in sync with company records of sales for a variety of reasons. Other organizations ask companies to report deliveries and this, too, can have weaknesses, but we stand by our chart and the text report as the most factual details we can locate. It is also worth noting that we only attempt to tally the Top-20 for ranking yet we draw your attention to the "All Other Producers" category that, by itself, represents the largest segment at 15.7% or about one in six aircraft. Further, we repeat the chart notes that these figures are only fixed-wing airplanes, which leaves out weight shift, powered parachutes, gliders, gyroplanes, and other worthy categories. We wish to include them but the information has proven too unreliable so in the interest of the most accuracy we can report, we regretfully omit these interesting aircraft. As you can see from the nearby Calendar Year 2014 Report, CubCrafters again lead the field. They have done well for several years, however, the most notable movement of the year was from worldwide kit airplane manufacturer, Van's Aircraft who works with Synergy Air to build ready-to-fly RV-12s. Seemingly overnight, Van's appeared on our fleet chart and rocketed up to the #13 spot. Given the Van's RV-series popularity and the existence of a large number of RV-12 kits, it seems clear Van's will overtake several other producers in the years ahead and rise to near the top of the chart. More on that below. Another up and comer, not even on last year's fleet chart, is Progressive Aerodyne's Seayrey amphibian SLSA. Over many years this company has delivered more than 600 kit versions of its amphib. They won FAA audit approval to make SLSA models in late 2013 and went right to work filling demand. They've also won Chinese TDA approval and may break into that market, which many expect to explode. Clearly, Searey is leading the charge on LSA seaplanes even while some other interesting designs go through design and production exercises. Regular top players such as Flight Design, Tecnam, Aerotrek, American Legend, Czech Sport Aircraft, and Pipistrel — some of the top and best-established brands — also fared well in 2014. Yet another appearing for the first time is Quicksilver Aeronautics. They won FAA audit approval to sell SLSA versions of their immensely popular kit aircraft in late 2014 and notched up their first Special LSA sales. The company can boast more than 15,000 kit aircraft flying. A couple other honorable mentions go to Bristell (BRM Aero), which though new, is seeing good interest; Sling, which is rising and has a four seater kit to offer as well; and deluxe motorglider Phoenix. Their numbers were not big but these companies are ones to watch, we believe. Others holding up their brands include Evektor with its sleeker Harmony, Aeroprakt, and Jabiru (the last went through a manufacturing evolution and can offer even better pricing). As we show an image of the handsome Van's RV-12, we want to bring your attention to the small print alongside the Van's rank. This company, known for their kit-making prowess — with more than 9,000 delivered and flying — has registered 314 kit versions of RV-12 for a total impact of 364 aircraft. Were we to combine these, they would vault to second place, ready to challenge longtime leader Flight Design for the largest LSA fleet in the country. You may also note that our chart this year, for the first time, incorporates a number for "identifiable" kits, either as Experimental LSA (ELSA) or Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) models. The figure we felt we could correctly identify amounted to 797 airplanes (again ... no weight shift, powered parachutes, or gyros), which represent an additional 29%. If we could gather reliable details on the WS, PPC, and gyro fleet, we might add another 25% or so. Based on the greater EAB community in the USA, kit LSA aircraft may begin to add significant numbers and if we can tally them accurately we will continue to reference them. As we consider Searey's strong performance in 2014, we again note that this is a company that cut its teeth with kit production. Over 600 have been sold and more than 500 are reportedly flying. Searey kit owners make a very strong and closeknit group of seaplane pilots with one of the largest amphibious populations anywhere. As most readers will know, we can expect several other interesting seaplanes in the years ahead, from companies like Icon, MVP, and Vickers plus others. We are also aware of several other landplane LSA designs in the works and then will come electric aircraft (assuming FAA can find a way to invite these aircraft into the LSA fleet, which unfortunately is far from certain at this time). Yet all we present above is only the American market. The USA may be the largest single market but the rest of the world invites comparison to the famous 80/20 rule. The USA has roughly 20% of all recreational aircraft but other countries are excellent markets for lower-cost, fuel efficient, and modern airplanes. When we add them all, using powerplant production as a measuring stick, we believe the total market for light aircraft exceeded 3,000 airplanes in 2014. With GAMA reporting 986 single engine piston general aviation aircraft for the same year, it is clear the light aircraft segment is substantially larger and for these aircraft, we believe the global future is bright.

As spring approaches and with major airshows like Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany and Sun ‘n Fun in Florida about to trigger a new season of recreational flying, it is time for an annual update of Light-Sport Aircraft market shares. Our well-known “fleet” chart appears nearby; this table refers to all Special LSA registered with FAA in the United States since the first aircraft was accepted by FAA almost ten years ago (on April 5, 2005). We again post our Calendar 2014 tally that shows the success only in that year as a means of drawing attention to those brands and models performing the best in the last twelve months. We remind you that these charts use as their source the FAA registration (N-number) database, that is then carefully studied and corrected to make the most reliable report possible. However, two points: (1) this report will still have some errors as the database on which we rely has some faulty information … though we believe this to be modest and, as noted, we correct it where we can; and, (2) aircraft registrations are not likely to be perfectly in sync with company records of sales for a variety of reasons.

Four Days of Sebring 2015

By Dan Johnson || January 21, 2015 Leave a Comment

SportairUSA's Outback wears its new name for the first time.

AutoGyro USA's Calidus is backdropped with color. |||| most photos supplied by the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation expo

RV-12 VIRBfest used eight of the company's new cameras.

Dynon's touch screen displays drew crowds as always.

Tecnam's handsome Astore had a stunning interior treatment.

Sebring is history, which says the aviation year is now underway. On whole it was a good show and a solid start to 2015. Sebring's weather was overcast and cool to start though even that didn't seem to dampen buying enthusiasm. About a dozen airplanes were sold plus numerous vendors reported finding many good prospects. By Friday afternoon the skies went to deep blue and the Sunshine State earned its nickname. "It was a great Saturday," wrote U.S. Sport Aviation Expo organizers. The 11th annual Expo nearly filled the auto parking lot and the transient aircraft parking area was hopping with activity, officials said. While I write about the good news of Sebring, I want to pay respect to two fallen aviators. Dennis Day and Jason Spinks of the Aero Adventures company lost their lives in an unfortunate accident during the event. I offer my sincerest regret for this loss to their families and to the DeLand Airport business team. As it has for several years, opening day of Expo wrapped up with the Light Aircraft Manufacturer's Association (LAMA) annual dinner in the big Aviators Hot Line Show Center tent. A full dinner was served to nearly 300 business people and LAMA members. All seemed to enjoy an evening among airshow buddies sponsored by electric car builder Tesla Motors, engine developer ULPower, and publisher Aviators Hot Line. LAMA kept secret the participation of Tesla Motors by referring to its "glass panel," "auto pilot," and electric propulsion but many folks seemed to enjoy examining the specialty auto. Music was provided by the Flying Musicians Association and one of several highlights was honoring the birthdays of Expo executive director Jana Filip and founding director Bob Wood. (Such exquisite timing makes one wonder if they deliberately scheduled their event so everyone could help them celebrate.) Taildraggers seemed in especially plentiful supply including the surprise showing of Bristell's new TDO model. Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL, Legend's SuperCub, Bearhawk, Rans' S-20 Raven, and SportairUSA's renamed Outback (photo) provided those looking for unimproved airstrip capability with great taildragging choices. Some of those taildraggers, including AirCam and SportCub, could be seen on four wheels as Mead Floats exhibited their 1430 and 2200 floats for light aircraft. Four wheels come from hydraulic amphibious operation. Mead joins Paradise of Brazil, Tecnam of Italy, and several all-American Lockwood enterprises as permanent residents of the Sebring airport, fulfilling the decade-long goal of leasing all available space to aviation businesses. Among winners were those who helped name the aircraft formerly known as Cub-S and iCub. First prize went to Antonio Speed of Titusville, Florida. He took home an iPad Air with Foreflight Mobile app software. Second prize went to David Bardwell who got an iPad Mini and third prize went to Rafael Cortes of Puerto Rico. My video partner and I scooped up another 25 or so videos to join more than 400 available on YouTube and this website. One of the most anticipated videos of all we did was a VPR or Video Pilot Report on the Van's Aircraft RV-12 by Synergy equipped with a single large Garmin G3X Touch screen. We flew and tried to report on this popular airplane last year but the video and audio capture was not what we wanted so we arranged to try again this year. Van's reports more than 800 RV-12 kits (of around 9,000 RV models delivered) have been sold with more than 300 flying. Fully built RV-12s assembled by Synergy now number around 50 aircraft. The king of kit aircraft is making great headway into the LSA space. The RV-12 filming experience was a total VIRBfest with our use of no less than eight Garmin Virb cameras, seven owned by our production effort and one supplied by Van's pilot, Chris. According to Garmin, we are probably the largest user of Virb cameras and surely fitting eight of them must be some kind of record usage. The cockpit was actually a bit crowded with cameras but we think we got good material this time. Watch for the video after editing has been completed. We also did a video first in our reporting of light aircraft. Watch for a video on a four-pound aircraft. OK, I'm teasing you. My Spruce Creek Fly-In airport neighbor and Legend Cub representative, Ron Bishop, is representing the DJI quadcopter fitted with an HD camera. At future airshows we may employ such an apparatus to capture aerial overviews of the event. As you can read in many places, these tiny drones have some impressive capability including being able to return to their takeoff spot autonomously should radio communication be lost. Even an RC novice like me can easily fly one of these gyro- and software-stabilized rigs. It was fun to experience; the video is in production. With Sebring in the can for another year, our focus turns to Aero in Germany (April 15-18) followed only a couple days later by Sun 'n Fun (April 21-26). Stay tuned for much more flying fun!

Sebring is history, which says the aviation year is now underway. On whole it was a good show and a solid start to 2015. Sebring’s weather was overcast and cool to start though even that didn’t seem to dampen buying enthusiasm. About a dozen airplanes were sold plus numerous vendors reported finding many good prospects. By Friday afternoon the skies went to deep blue and the Sunshine State earned its nickname. “It was a great Saturday,” wrote U.S. Sport Aviation Expo organizers. The 11th annual Expo nearly filled the auto parking lot and the transient aircraft parking area was hopping with activity, officials said. While I write about the good news of Sebring, I want to pay respect to two fallen aviators. Dennis Day and Jason Spinks of the Aero Adventures company lost their lives in an unfortunate accident during the event. I offer my sincerest regret for this loss to their families and to the DeLand Airport business team.

Van’s Aircraft Authorizes US Aviation of Texas

By Dan Johnson || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

An RV-12 owner departed from US Sport Planes after his first 25-hour service check. photo courtesy US Sport Planes

photo by Ed Hicks

Van's Aircraft has been creating highly successful designs for decades; more than 8,750 RV kits have been completed and are flying. Over 20,000 kits have been sold, cementing this Oregon company as the most successful kit aircraft company in history. In the last couple years, Van's has enlisted Synergy Air to fully build and deliver their RV-12 Light-Sport Entry. Before the ready-to-fly project began Van's had delivered more than 250 kit versions; the fleet of both kit and factory built RV-12s keeps growing. When that happens, many buyers — especially those who elected to purchase a factory-built '12 — need quality places to obtain services for their airplane. Recently a Texas aviation powerhouse, US Aviation and their US Sport Planes division, was approved as a Factory Authorized service center for the RV-12. Company executive Scott Severen, a longtime recreational aircraft enthusiast and businessman, has been very successful at securing similar approvals from many of the top LSA manufacturers. US Sport Planes has also been a Rotax Service Center for several years and has more than 20 A&P mechanics on staff. "Van's Aircraft has recognized US Sport Planes of Denton, Texas," reported the company. "We received good comments from our customers about US Aviation. We are pleased to have them assist our customers in the central U.S.," commented Scott Risan, President and General Manager of Van's Aircraft. RV-12 owners can expect services such as oil changes, conditional inspections, plus major structural repairs. US Sport Planes avionics shop is approved as a Dynon installation and service center. "This is a natural flow for us as we service the bigger RVs already, and have a depth of knowledge of the LSA world. We are fortunate to assist RV owners and we strive to make it very convenient to have reliable work performed," reported Severen who serves as Director of Business Development. US Aviation is based at the Denton Airport north of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. The business provides a full range for Light-Sport services as well as certified single, multiengine, and turboprop maintenance as FAA 145 Repair Station U9FR750K. Sport Pilots will appreciate that US Sport Planes is a LSA-friendly, full service FBO that offers exceptional amenities at Denton Airport (KDTO). The operation is open every day and sits outside the DFW Class B airspace. "We often provide return flights for customers bringing their aircraft in for service and your plane enjoys a complimentary wash with service," assured US Sport Planes. For more information on Van's Aircraft services (or many other LSA), contact Scott Severen by email, call 940-297-6446, or visit US Sport Planes' website.

Van’s Aircraft has been creating highly successful designs for decades; more than 8,750 RV kits have been completed and are flying. Over 20,000 kits have been sold, cementing this Oregon company as the most successful kit aircraft company in history. In the last couple years, Van’s has enlisted Synergy Air to fully build and deliver their RV-12 Light-Sport Entry. Before the ready-to-fly project began Van’s had delivered more than 250 kit versions; the fleet of both kit and factory built RV-12s keeps growing. When that happens, many buyers — especially those who elected to purchase a factory-built ’12 — need quality places to obtain services for their airplane. Recently a Texas aviation powerhouse, US Aviation and their US Sport Planes division, was approved as a Factory Authorized service center for the RV-12. Company executive Scott Severen, a longtime recreational aircraft enthusiast and businessman, has been very successful at securing similar approvals from many of the top LSA manufacturers.

Sonex Roars, Purrs, & Glides; Factory-Built Van’s

By Dan Johnson || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

The Sonex airplane and company is based in Oshkosh Wisconsin near EAA.

Want something different? Sonex probably has a model you'll like and they all have remarkably low prices.

Sonex Aircraft's AeroVee engine.

Dick VanGrusven created the extensive RV line with more than 8,000 flying. Read my flight review of the RV-12.

Two key members of AKIA stopped by the LSA Mall at the new & improved Paradise City last week. AKIA? The Aircraft Kit Industry Association is a new group formed in July last year seeking cooperation between kit aircraft builders. Leaders include Van's Aircraft and Sonex. Both have been making Light-Sport models, or what more correctly might be called "Sport Pilot eligible" or "Light-Sport-compliant aircraft." Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) aircraft are technically not LSA even if they meet all parameters. Sonex and Van's are upstanding producers of very popular aircraft and they have their eyes clearly on the light aircraft sector that is showing great resilience in a perpetually sluggish economy. Each company has too much info to fully cover here but a birds-eye view may encourage you to seek more. Sonex Aircraft is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, right across the field from EAA's headquarters. The company is so active on so many fronts that I will only provide a general view. However, their nicely-designed website is chock-full of information. One cool story involves a fellow, Michael Jackson, who is ambitiously building his Xenos Motorglider fuselage and wings in a Jersey City townhouse; I loved the photos of him hauling an aircraft out the front door. It takes considerable effort to keep a website up-to-date and the Sonex staff obviously takes great pride with their's. SonexAircraft.com is easy to navigate and I suspect you could spend hours viewing all that is available. Their aircraft (photos) include Sonex, Waiex, Xenos, or Onex. Every one can be built for remarkably little money, no doubt a major reason for their ongoing success in the kit aircraft business. I've gotten to know several of their staff and find them to be smart, honest folks, which adds to the appeal of doing business with them. Sonex has it all: a single place, folding wing machine called Onex ("one-ex"); two place models bearing the company name Sonex, a Y-tailed variation called Waiex, and a long winged motorglider called Xenos. They've experimented with electric-powered models along with a jet powered version — cleverly named SubSonex — and if that wasn't enough, they have their own engine line called AeroVee, which by the way, you also build as a kit. For all their kits, the Sonex team regular does builder workshops; they've trained more than 2,000 people this way. Sheesh! Have these Oshfolks left any stone unturned? It sure doesn't seem so. I've flown a couple of these models over the years though I profess to liking the Xenos motorglider as I love the ever-changing challenge of catching and riding thermals aloft. Van's Switches Gears — Leading the kit industry is Van's Aircraft with a remarkable 8,100+ RVs flying. Now the top dog is moving slowly into what they call a "trial production" phase of fully-built RV-12s. "We're kind of taking it gradually into this new arena," Dick VanGrunsven told our friends over at AVweb (listen to their podcast). Van's announced a deal to build ready-to-fly RV-12s at last year's AOPA Summit. AVweb reported Van's "almost instantly got the support ... needed to start its trial production run" in concert with partner Synergy Air of Eugene, Oregon. AVweb went on to observe the first dozen aircraft were sold the first day and several others were put on a waiting list. Now I understand the initial run is almost finished; deliveries are expected by summer 2013. I'm excited by Van's entry to fully build and their way to do it shows one of the many ways the LSA rule is unique. You can watch videos about the RV-12 here and here. • See a video with Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett where we look at their AeroVee engine plus several of their aircraft models. • Also check out more than 250 videos, all about light aircraft and every one free.

Final Newsbits Before AirVenture 2014 Starts

By Dan Johnson || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

Garmin's new 7-inch G3X Touch paired with their 10.6-inch display.

Wheel and brake developer Beringer introduced this 4-inch wheel for smaller aircraft along with other new products.

Van's Aircraft along with fully-built partner Synergy offers this new dual large screen Dynon panel.

Sam Aircraft is bringing this "X-ray view" Sam LS to AirVenture 2014 wherei it is sure to appear in many photos.

Garmin has a new smaller version of their very impressive G3X Touch. I examined this at Sun 'n Fun when it was debuted in the 10-inch screen and came away highly impressed after two reviews on videos. For a billion-dollar company Garmin remains passionately inventive and surprisingly nimble. They keep the heat on now introducing a 7-inch G3X Touch display, described as "a high-resolution infrared touchscreen display designed for experimental amateur-built and Light-Sport Aircraft to compliments their existing 10.6-inch G3X Touch system." Pilots and homebuilders concerned about instrument panel height and width constraints should be pleased to have the 7-inch option. All G3X Touch displays support Connext that allows wireless flight plan transfer between the company's Garmin Pilot app on an iOS or select Android mobile device. "A well-equipped 7-inch G3X Touch system, which includes SVX, video input, a built-in WAAS GPS receiver, ADAHRS, magnetometer, OAT probe, interactive mapping and more, starts at $4,599," said Garmin officials. Beringer is another company that simply won't slow down. Or, is that right? Honestly, Beringer people go to work every day literally trying to slow down, specifically to slow down your aircraft. The French wheel and brake maker with operations in the USA keeps its engineers working hard and has several new products ready for AirVenture 2014. One that caught my eye as it could work so well for smaller, lighter aircraft is their new 4-inch wheel. These small wheels that ought to work well for ultralights or in light LSA weigh only 39 ounces. Beringer said these are "powerful brakes with a single-piston caliper with sintered metal pads and floating disc." They say maintenance is easier thanks to sealed ball bearing and no tire tube. The 4-inch wheel is appropriate for aircraft weighing 330 to 770 pounds. All Beringer products carry higher price tags to cover the advanced state of their technology and their finely finished hardware. The new wheels are $459 each for wheel, brake, and disc. • The company also offers a new 6-inch wheel for STOL and Light-Sport Aircraft that use a robust 1.5-inch axle that supports tundra tires. Of course, this is the same company with the excellent anti-groundloop tailwheel as discussed here. Van's Aircraft, their SLSA-building partner Synergy Air, and Dynon Avionics announced availability for a dual screen SkyView Touch option for the factory-built RV-12, available starting September 1st this year. "An option for twin large screens of Dynon's touch-based system provides a larger view of mapping and the ability to share information across screens," said Van's Aircraft. "[This also offers] redundancy in the rare event that one of the screens fail." Van's added that the second large screen on the right side of the panel gives better access to flight information for passengers and copilots while improving the airplane as a platform for flight training. Van's advises the second large screen costs only $4,545. "The base price of an RV-12 S-LSA remains at $115,000 [and] the fully equipped model with all available options, including dual screens, is now $128,845. See more at one of the two RV-12 exhibits at Oshkosh. Van's and Synergy have aircraft at both the Van's booth and the 10th Year Anniversary LSA Exhibit at show center. For more, visit the official RV-12 SLSA website. Dynon also announced availability of their new SkyView 11 software with more than "60 new features and improvements." Video appearing on screen is one of these new upgrades. Sam Aircraft's Thierry Zibi seems to prepare well for airshows. He first used airshows to collect information from potential buyers so that he created an airplane with customer interest already developed. The result was a distinctive retro look that is unlike anything else in the LSA space, a sort of 1950s fighter appearance but with all the modern features. After getting Sam LS in the air this French Canadian entrepreneur made the rounds at all the top shows and succeeded at securing several good pilot reports including my article. To Oshkosh, he will bring a very distinctively decorated Sam LS that may remind alert observers of the similarly fetching exterior finish shown by the folks at Icon Aircraft at last year's AirVenture. Come see this unusual treatment at North Aircraft Display 626 where all the kit companies tend to cluster. Those not attending AirVenture (too bad, so sad) will surely see this airplane in many pictures taken by media people and passers by. AirVenture 2014 is "Disneyland for Airplanes" and we can hardy wait for the event to start. Stay tuned for more ... !

Garmin has a new smaller version of their very impressive G3X Touch. I examined this at Sun ‘n Fun when it was debuted in the 10-inch screen and came away highly impressed after two reviews on videos. For a billion-dollar company Garmin remains passionately inventive and surprisingly nimble. They keep the heat on now introducing a 7-inch G3X Touch display, described as “a high-resolution infrared touchscreen display designed for experimental amateur-built and Light-Sport Aircraft to compliments their existing 10.6-inch G3X Touch system.” Pilots and homebuilders concerned about instrument panel height and width constraints should be pleased to have the 7-inch option. All G3X Touch displays support Connext that allows wireless flight plan transfer between the company’s Garmin Pilot app on an iOS or select Android mobile device. “A well-equipped 7-inch G3X Touch system, which includes SVX, video input, a built-in WAAS GPS receiver, ADAHRS, magnetometer, OAT probe, interactive mapping and more, starts at $4,599,” said Garmin officials.

First Factory-Built Van’s RV-12 Delivered

By Dan Johnson || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

Note the Dick VansGrunsven "Signature Series" (arrow).

Forty years and more than 8,000 airplanes flying easily makes Van's Aircraft the most prolific kit aircraft supplier in the history of aviation. Does anyone in flying not know about the RV-series? What everyone may not know (or remember) is that Van's entered into a deal with Synergy Air to fully build an initial run of a dozen ready-to-fly RV-12s as they enter into the new and quite different realm of manufactured aircraft under the Light-Sport Aircraft rule. "We're kind of taking it gradually into this new arena," admitted company founder, Dick VanGrunsven as reported by our friends over at AVweb. Synergy Air is a well-established company providing instructional seminars, videos, and builder assistance to complete kit airplanes and is located at the Eugene, Oregon airport. Van's noted that, "A total of twelve Signature Series airplanes have been completed or are under construction. All have been sold and are expected to be delivered to their new owners before the end of the year." On May 31st 2013 the first fly-away RV-12 went to customer George Longino. He traveled to Van's Aircraft's Aurora, Oregon, facility and accepted the key to his new Signature Series RV-12 Special LSA from VanGrunsven (photo). George will receive training from RV expert Mike Seager. Van's provides training as part of the purchase price and Mike helped George get comfortable and proficient in his new airplane. Afterward the pair flew the airplane to its new home near Dallas, Texas. I flew with Mike three years ago and can attest to this man being at one with any RV. If you like, read my mini report on the Light-Sport RV. You can also check out a couple videos we've done on the RV-12 but it is genuinely exciting to see the SLSA version come to market. Another of the videos said Van's didn't expect to fully build but eventually they found a way. Of course, EAB or ELSA kit versions will also continue to be offered; Van's reported earlier that more than 200 kit RV-12s were flying. In another coup for Van's Aircraft, Sporty's Pilot Shop announced that they'll give away an RV-12 in their next year's Sweepstakes. The big mail order house announced that on May 17, 2014, a Sporty's customer will win an RV-12 equipped with two-axis autopilot, Dynon Skyview glass panel including ADS-B, custom interior lighting, and wheel fairings. So, if you need some pilot gear and don't want to buy your own SLSA, you can get more info about a chance to win a free RV-12 in the company's Sweepstakes contest. Although Sporty's warmed up slowly to the Light-Sport Aircraft category, they've taken quite a shine to them for prizes. In 2013, the Batavia, Ohio outfit gave away a Legend Cub and in 2010 Sporty's awarded a Skycatcher to a lucky customer. In addition EAA and AOPA have used LSA as sweepstakes airplanes. When the RV-12 was announced at AOPA in Palm Springs last year, Van's offered a base introductory price of $105,000 including a carbureted Rotax 912ULS engine, Dynon Skyview, Garmin SL-40 radio, Flightcom stereo intercom, 406Mhz ELT, Flightline interior, and LED lighting for night flight. The first 12 RV-12s are all "Signature Edition" models and include a fuller option set including wheelpants, ADS-B equipment, a two-axis autopilot, premium paint finishes, and Oregon Aero seats and interior for an introductory price of $115,000.

Forty years and more than 8,000 airplanes flying easily makes Van’s Aircraft the most prolific kit aircraft supplier in the history of aviation. Does anyone in flying not know about the RV-series? What everyone may not know (or remember) is that Van’s entered into a deal with Synergy Air to fully build an initial run of a dozen ready-to-fly RV-12s as they enter into the new and quite different realm of manufactured aircraft under the Light-Sport Aircraft rule. “We’re kind of taking it gradually into this new arena,” admitted company founder, Dick VanGrunsven as reported by our friends over at AVweb. Synergy Air is a well-established company providing instructional seminars, videos, and builder assistance to complete kit airplanes and is located at the Eugene, Oregon airport. Van’s noted that, “A total of twelve Signature Series airplanes have been completed or are under construction. All have been sold and are expected to be delivered to their new owners before the end of the year.” On May 31st 2013 the first fly-away RV-12 went to customer George Longino.

RV-12s, Hot Off The Griddle!

By James Lawrence || August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

The lovely Vans RV-12. photo courtesy Vans Aircraft

Imagine one of these in your hangar.

Clean, tidy panel, a mainstay of RV designs.

Dawn patrol!

Put on them bibs, pardners, if you’ve got an appetite for one of the tastiest SLSA out there. Last year, Van's Aircraft came out with its Signature Series, an even dozen fully built SLSA. They were assembled by Van's kit builder support company Synergy Air of Eugene, Oregon. Now I’m not trying to set you up for a fall, but even though the company did just announce another 12 RV-12 batch, priced at $123,000 each (loaded), the odds are reasonable that by the time you read this, they’ll be gone too. My apologies for bringing good, then potentially bad news. My pessimism derives from the last batch. See, they were snapped up so quick that the next 50 or so eager customers on the list — with checks in hand — were turned away. By the way, that $123,000 sticker includes ADS-B, two-axis autopilot, wheel pants, and premium paint schemes with pinstripe. The base model goes for $115,000. Don’t mope around just yet though: just in case there are some left, and you want one of the most spiffy, beautifully handling, comfortable low wing sport planes out there, don’t hesitate to contact Van's ... and have a $5,000 deposit ready to go just in case so nobody cuts ahead of you in line. The Signature models came with all the available options Van's carries installed, and in only one paint scheme. The new batch has seven paint schemes and buyers can choose whatever options they want, including Dynon SkyView avionics, LED lighting, and more. Van's says its small batch approach is their plan for maintaining good service and providing accurate — and short — delivery dates — a major challenge of just about every aviation company that’s ever existed. Synergy Air meanwhile is a powerhouse company in its own right. The RV kit builder training center was formed by a band of successful previous builders and offers all kinds of video help online too, along with personal hands-on support for kit buyers who can come to Eugene. I used to live in Eugene, a fun college town. Synergy Air-built aircraft have won a lot of major awards at airshows. Sounds like a good time for builders. If I had the bucks I’d be there in a hot second. I started an early Kitfox kit in 1984. But while I had help from friends old and new who would drop by the hangar intermittently, I had my fair share of problems, chief of which was my out-of-control perfectionism! A couple parts were out of spec too, which needed factory help to correct. End of story: that 400-hour kit became a 1,750-hour experience. Of course, those first kits back in the mid-80s have come a long, long way. I hasten to add in the intervening 25 years, Kitfox in particular has really gotten its act together. I hear the kits today are fabulous and a lot easier to build than mine was. If I’d had a place like Synergy to go to, I’m sure I would’ve whipped that puppy out in six months or less. Nonetheless, building an airplane is an unforgettable experience. I recommend it to anyone who likes to work with their hands. Synergy Air is quick to let people know that builders who go there shouldn’t expect to have a kit built for them. Their operating philosophy is “to help builders learn strategies, techniques and skills” so they can build their own aircraft with confidence while having a lot of fun, and of course avoiding a lot of the pitfalls to which first-timers inevitably fall prey.

Put on them bibs, pardners, if you’ve got an appetite for one of the tastiest SLSA out there. Last year, Van’s Aircraft came out with its Signature Series, an even dozen fully built SLSA. They were assembled by Van’s kit builder support company Synergy Air of Eugene, Oregon. Now I’m not trying to set you up for a fall, but even though the company did just announce another 12 RV-12 batch, priced at $123,000 each (loaded), the odds are reasonable that by the time you read this, they’ll be gone too. My apologies for bringing good, then potentially bad news. My pessimism derives from the last batch. See, they were snapped up so quick that the next 50 or so eager customers on the list — with checks in hand — were turned away. By the way, that $123,000 sticker includes ADS-B, two-axis autopilot, wheel pants, and premium paint schemes with pinstripe.

First Wrap-Up of Sebring 2014; Aircraft Debuts

By Dan Johnson || January 21, 2014 Leave a Comment

Rans' S-20 Raven flies over the Sebring LSA Expo. photos by Jim Koepnick provided courtesy of Sebring U.S. Sport Aircraft Expo

The Van's Aircraft / Synergy Air RV-12 flies above the Expo.

Photographer extraordinaire, Jim Koepnick and his big lens.

It was cool but abundant sunshine provided good conditions for an excellent event at the tenth Sebring. Morning winds died down and allowed plenty of demo flying opportunities and even for those who didn't go aloft, the Manufacturer's Showcase allowed visitors to see numerous aircraft doing low fly-bys. The combination of readily available demo flights that could be conducted with a minimum of hassle thanks to great support from contract tower personnel and the display of most LSA or light kits in recreational aviation offered ample opportunity for buyers to step up ... and sales action appeared quite strong, a sure sign of improving conditions after years of sluggishness. Many exhibitors reported multiple sales, proven by deposits changing hands and orders being written. Ken Scott of Van's Aircraft — which works closely with Synergy Air, builder of the ready-to-fly RV-12 SLSA — said it was the best show ever for his company. "We brought two aircraft to the show and I'm estimating we gave at least 50 demo flights," Scott said. "That's the beauty of this event; they make it easy to get our airplanes out to give demo flights and that helps sell airplanes." A wide variety of aircraft flew most of the day each of the four days. Obviously some very talented photographers were present as seen in Jim Koepnick's superb images presented with this article. He was joined by other professional journalists from several news organizations. Expo public relations people noted, "Four aircraft debuted at Expo [including] Ran's Aircraft's S-20 Raven, Tecnam Aircraft's new Sea Sky on floats, the only such model in the U.S., the Zigolo Ultralight Motorglider from Aeromarine-LSA, and the Super Petrel LS from Florida Light Sport Aviation." In addition, we saw the first public appearance of Progressive Aerodyne's Searey Elite powered by the 115-horsepower Rotax 914 turbo. Although Sonex staffers have attended with an inside display in prior years, the 2014 event saw the Wisconsin company that makes such affordable Sport Pilot eligible kits mount an aircraft display (photo). Bill Canino, President of SportairUSA, also called the event a successful one for his company. "We talked with many serious prospects and have a long list of folks who were willing to give us their information, indicating a serious interest in buying an aircraft. Our list from this event is longer than we gathered at other major air shows last year." Canino also had kind words for the helpfulness of some 240 volunteers. "They bend over backwards to help you with anything you need." Airport manager Mike Willingham and key man Gary Filip also praised the work of Air Boss, Inc., which managed air traffic operations. "All the pilots spoke very highly of how Air Boss managed air traffic flow and how cooperative they were, and we will definitely be bringing them back next year," Filip said. "George Cline and his team did a great job." Expo Director Jana Filip announced the theme for Expo 2015 as "The Next Ten for the Next Gen," referencing that next year will kick off the Expo's second 10-year run now that the event completed its first ten years and has firmly established itself in the aviation calendar of events. The 2015 dates are January 15-18. A primary original goal of the Expo — which like most airshows works hard to pay its bills — was to attract attention to the airport and its capability as a potential base of operations. This tenth year may have seen the success of that goal as Willingham also hinted at a big announcement that Sebring Regional Airport will be making soon about a new major tenant. Stay tuned for more on that and other news from Sebring 2014. This article was prepared and uploaded from Bimini island in the Bahamas where I am attending the fourth Bahamas LSA fly-out arranged by Aviators Hot Line and AHL's Light Aviation Edition. Another flock of Light-Sport Aircraft flew over the Atlantic to the only other country that accepts pilots using the Sport Pilot certificate.

Van’s Confirms 2014 Production of RV-12 SLSA

By Dan Johnson || January 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

all photos courtesy Van's Aircraft

We've seen "legacy" general aviation builders depart the Light-Sport Aircraft scene. The reasons are varied but certainly this is highly competitive space with frequent innovations applied and clean-sheet designs emerging like clockwork (more than one per month for ten straight years!). Once a company becomes accustomed to the profits turbines and jets can generate, small piston aircraft looks like a lean market. However, as one major name exits another arrives. A year and a half ago at AOPA's last Palm Springs, California Summit, Van's Aircraft announced their entry to Special LSA through an arrangement with Synergy Air. It was something of a toe in the water for the large kit builder. To no one's surprise, they sold out immediately. After spinning up operations to build and deliver the first batch, Van's and Synergy evaluated and chose to continue onward with building ready-to-fly airplanes. Dick VanGrunsven, founder of Van's Aircraft, Inc., and Wally Anderson, head of Synergy Air, recently announced that production of the RV-12 SLSA will continue in 2014. Well over 200 RV-12 kits have been shipped making it the most successful kit in the LSA sector. Many are already in the air. Yet some RV-12 pilots prefer a professionally built airplane. Although more than 8,500 RV kits have been completed the job is involved and time consuming. A homebuilder that selects the QuickBuild option, chooses a simple paint job, and installs basic instruments can create a flying aircraft faster than one that is highly customized but it's still many hours of work. The first batch of fly-away RVs was built in Synergy Air's Eugene, Oregon facility during 2013. By the start of 2014, fourteen aircraft had been delivered, including two to Lane Community College's aviation program where they proved very popular with students and instructors. "We were interested to see where the market for an SLSA RV-12 might be," VanGrunsven said, "and we were delighted to find that that there were several. We delivered airplanes to private owners, flight schools and even one to Sporty's, who used it for their famous Sweepstakes airplane (video). With this success behind us, we've committed to another batch of airplanes for 2014 delivery." The Oregon company indicated new RV-12s may be ordered in several colors (photo). Buyers may also choose from range of options, including ADS-B for free weather and traffic, wheel fairings, and a two-axis autopilot. Prices start at $115,000 (approximately the price where Cessna took orders for a thousand Skycatchers before raising it to $150,000). Standard equipment includes: Dynon SkyView EFIS; Rotax 912 ULS; day/night LED lighting; durable matte interior paint; ergonomically designed seats; upholstered interior; and, auxiliary input and 12-volt power outlet. For $123,000, Van's will add three-color premium paint, autopilot, ADS-B, and wheelpants. Another RV-12 is scheduled to be delivered to its new owner at the Sebring LSA Expo on January 16, 2014. Before the customer flies it home, the newest RV-12 will be on display in Van's booth at Sebring throughout the show. Van's demonstrator airplane will also be on hand and we have arranged a video pilot report that you can view after editing. Representatives from both Synergy Air and Van's will be on hand and demo rides may be arranged, the company said. Get more RV-12 info direct from Van's or call 503-678-6545.

We’ve seen “legacy” general aviation builders depart the Light-Sport Aircraft scene. The reasons are varied but certainly this is highly competitive space with frequent innovations applied and clean-sheet designs emerging like clockwork (more than one per month for ten straight years!). Once a company becomes accustomed to the profits turbines and jets can generate, small piston aircraft looks like a lean market. However, as one major name exits another arrives. A year and a half ago at AOPA’s last Palm Springs, California Summit, Van’s Aircraft announced their entry to Special LSA through an arrangement with Synergy Air. It was something of a toe in the water for the large kit builder. To no one’s surprise, they sold out immediately. After spinning up operations to build and deliver the first batch, Van’s and Synergy evaluated and chose to continue onward with building ready-to-fly airplanes. Dick VanGrunsven, founder of Van’s Aircraft, Inc., and Wally Anderson, head of Synergy Air, recently announced that production of the RV-12 SLSA will continue in 2014.