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Skycatcher: To Be or to Be, Not

By James Lawrence || October 24, 2013 Leave a Comment

The last ride into the sunset for the C-162

*** A story posted by Daniel McCoy, a reporter for the Wichita Business Journal, claims the star-crossed Cessna 162 Skycatcher will likely not enjoy the longevity and success of other notable Cessna icons such as the C-172 and C-150/152. *** The Skycatcher was one of the first SLSA out of the gate for the new category created by FAA in 2004. But troubles with manufacturing and two highly publicized airframe parachute deployments during flight testing, including an airframe redesign after the first one, contributed to the dark cloud that seemed to follow the once-bright promise of Cessna’s entry. *** The market-perceived lackluster specifications sheet and barebones/industrial interior finish relative to many other LSA entries also contributed to the steady attrition in the once-1000-plus order sheet for the Skycatcher. *** The news came yesterday at the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) confab in Las Vegas. Company CEO Scott Ernest made the remark that Skycatcher had difficulty attracting market share and had lost a sizable percentage of its multi-year back orders. Ernest said he saw “no future” for the aircraft. *** Cessna’s prop aircraft division jumped into the discussion soon after by stating that there are still Skycatchers available for delivery in the aviation giant’s inventory and that the C-162 is still officially in the company’s product line. *** McCoy goes on to cite GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) data that shows no deliveries of the troubled LSA through the second quarter of 2013. Just 19 were delivered in 2012. Although there was a surge in deliveries, once production wrinkles were finally ironed out at the main assembly factory in China, it now seems likely Cessna will not overtake Flight Design as the top-selling LSA manufacturer. *** Skycatcher was the brainchild of former Cessna top dog Jack Pelton, who moved on rather abruptly in 2011 to take over the reins at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) after a reported $38 million dollar loss at the Wichita-based company. *** Originally targeted by Pelton to cost under $100,000, once the design was stabilized, it debuted at $109,000. Still, more than 1,000 would-be owners signed on. The general consensus for the surge credited Cessna’s proud history at producing quality aircraft for the strong initial market support. *** Then came setbacks – years of them – and the gradual attrition from the order book rank and file. When the price skyrocketed to $149,900 in 2011, the airplane likely lost whatever enthusiasm remained. *** Perhaps some hard bargainers will be wrangle a lower price for those Skycatchers in inventory. We can assume Cessna will continue to support the fleet, which will in time likely number around 300 delivered. *** Meanwhile, perhaps the best lesson from all this for industry watchers is best attributed to AvWeb’s Paul Bertorelli, who put forth the notion that if Cessna can’t successfully build a cheap LSA, perhaps we should stop complaining about what is clearly impossible. *** Indeed, I’ve long urged us to instead celebrate the variety, sophistication, reliability and entry-level affordability the current fleet brings us today. Remember, a new Cessna 172, the mainstay of entry level flight training for decades, now costs north of $400,000. *** Although LSA registrations in general were down a bit in 2012 for a variety of reasons that had more to do with delivering existing inventory and conservatively slower production rates than lack of support for the industry, 132 SLSA models have been accredited to date thanks to the successful ASTM/FAA partnership program. *** Meanwhile, rest in peace, Skycatcher: we hardly knew ye.

Building a Quicksilver Wing — In “Fast Time”

By Dan Johnson || March 28, 2013 Leave a Comment

Boeing's gigantic assembly plant in Arlington, Washington. The 747 building (not pictured) is a cavernous clear-span structure.

Quicksilver's Sport 2S in flight. photo by James Lawrence

Quicksilver kits can be built in well under 100 hours, much faster by someone with experience, thanks to some of the kit industry's finest assembly manuals. photo by James Lawrence

I once saw Boeing employees racing around furiously to build an entire 747 in just seven minutes. Pretty amazing, huh? I'll bet you didn't know they were so efficient. OK, fine ... spoil my fun by telling me that is baloney and simply a "Hollywood effect." Yes, the truth is, all I refer to is a video watched by every visitor to the Washington State 747 assembly building (by the way, not far from the Arlington airshow every July and a most worthwhile visit). I thought the professionally produced video was terribly cool, as was a tour of Boeing's astoundingly-enormous building ... so immense that several 747s could be assembled at once in a clear-span structure. So, how about the same idea down here in the world of airplane the rest of us can buy and fly ... at least after we build the airplane? I was recently sent such a video from the new owners of Quicksilver Aeronautics. The short — less than three minute — video shows a small team of Quicksilver folks building a Quicksilver Sport 2S wing in preparation for their testing as the company moves from selling kits to offering fully built Special Light-Sport Aircraft. The company will hold a press conference at Sun 'n Fun in a couple weeks and will update reporters on their progress to this goal. After shipping an amazing 15,000 kits over the years (twice as many as Van's Aircraft!), two SLSA models will be their first fully-built offerings since the Primary Category GT500 in the early 1990s. For those decrying the high cost of SLSA, here comes one everyman can afford though no pricing been announced by the Southern California company. In the following fast-time video, you see lots of fun things: builders referring to the manual (for which Quicksilver has long gotten high marks), measuring carefully before mounting parts, taking the process step-by-step as the sun can be seen moving across the floor. Slow motion films are fun but so is something like this. If you're anything like me, you should find the video below very enjoyable. Thanks to Quicksilver Aeronautics and engineer/budding film producer, Inés Hernández for sending the video along. Of course, it's also available to YouTube website fans. You can see lots more about Quicksilver Aeronautics products on their redesigned website. (Note that this is not a professional video and the company promised more and better in the future.)

I once saw Boeing employees racing around furiously to build an entire 747 in just seven minutes. Pretty amazing, huh? I’ll bet you didn’t know they were so efficient. OK, fine … spoil my fun by telling me that is baloney and simply a “Hollywood effect.” Yes, the truth is, all I refer to is a video watched by every visitor to the Washington State 747 assembly building (by the way, not far from the Arlington airshow every July and a most worthwhile visit). I thought the professionally produced video was terribly cool, as was a tour of Boeing’s astoundingly-enormous building … so immense that several 747s could be assembled at once in a clear-span structure. So, how about the same idea down here in the world of airplane the rest of us can buy and fly … at least after we build the airplane? I was recently sent such a video from the new owners of Quicksilver Aeronautics.

Sebring Day Two…and our National Treasure (initials P.W.)

By James Lawrence || January 28, 2013 Leave a Comment

Patty Wagstaff, certainly the preeminent woman pilot in the world, spun her spell over a full hangar at the Heartland EAA Chapter 1240 "Dinner with Patty Wagstaff". As knockout lovely as ever, she's as hot an aerobat as ever too. Her tales of growing up in Alaska, learning to fly, and not letting anything get in the way of her determination to become a top airshow pilot held the audience in thrall. More on her comments to come, she's quite a charming and down-to-earth speaker.

Old pal Randy Schlitter and my secret crush, his adorable gal Friday Michelle Miller celebrate the 30th year of Rans Aircraft. Randy has turned out thousands of quality, fun flying aircraft in those years and shows no signs of letting up.

Adam Yang, new partner and CEO of Progressive Aerodyne, showed off the company's newly certified SeaRey amphibian SLSA. He'll be flying it over to the Bahamas as part of the LSA flyout at the end of the show on Sunday. We'll be getting together for some flying and photography for an upcoming article I'm doing on water flying in the islands...stay tuned.

At the Pipistrel booth, Greg Lawrence, a hearing-challenged flight instructor who has worked hard for a long time to bring flight instruction to deaf students, took me through a demonstration of his belief that the same tenets of Taoist Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art practiced for both defense training and health benefits, can be applied to flight instruction. "There are so many parallels between Tai Chi and learning to fly. I've developed lesson plans to teach the deaf student pilot without oral communication in the cockpit. Tai Chi is taught the same way, by demonstration, then repetition by the student , then correcting errors." There's a lot more to this than I've got room for here but it's an intriguing thought and I'll bring you more on it soon...it's worth thinking about and not only for deaf students.

Dealers had steady if light attendance all day long.

Rick Matthews, left and Len Assante, President and VP Communications respectively of Aviation Access gave a detailed briefing on their shared ownership program that draws from other fractional programs including NetJets but blends in a social experience not unlike the European Club concept which is highly popular over the pond. I'm doing a column on this because it hits right in the wheelhouse of one of my pet themes: we need to get real about the high costs of flying even LSA and realize we need to form community to keep aviation alive. The core of the Aviation Access Project is to bring 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 share ownership that includes management, hangaring, insurance, maintenance, engine replacement and more to partner/owners as part of an LLC corporation structure. Maximum hours per year vary according to the size of the share, from 35 to 150 hours per year. Share purchases run from $11,600 to $42,300 and monthly maintenance fees range from $110 to $310. And that's all inclusive. Much more about this new program in my column soon, but it's a compelling and appealing concept (and not just for LSA either) that might blend that just could be the missing link in getting people back into an ownership role with aircraft.

More airplanes made it through the winter weather blanketing much of the midwest and east. *** Pipistrel’s much-awaited Alpha Trainer arrived at 8 last night thanks to its much-fatigued pilot Don Sharp who soldiered on through the crud all the way from Indiana. *** Highlights? Too many to list, but in the wee hours meself we’ll go the photo/caption route. *** Personal fave: Patty Wagstaff’s always-amazing airshow…in the near-dark twilight, followed by the largest demonstration team in aviation , Team AeroDynamix. The 12-aircraft team is made up exclusively of Van’s RV aircraft, including RV-4s and RV-6s, two of the most popular kit planes ever. The complex and highly entertaining show lit up the darkening, overcast skies with great moves and lots of bright lights. *** Attendance seemed light today, disappointing especially with all the effort Jana Filip and crew have put in this last year to promote the show and bring in acts like Patty and the RV team. It was cold, for Florida (below 60 in the morning) and windy all day, but beautiful. Many dealers made demo flights (great way to show how your plane handles crosswinds, right guys?) and those that came were treated to LSA’s top show. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Sebring Expo Day One

By James Lawrence || January 28, 2013 Leave a Comment

Beautiful skies and 80 degrees greeted the sparse attendance for the first day of the four-day Sebring Sport Aviation Expo. Bigger crowds expected tomorrow and Saturday, along with strong winds and sunny skies.The Breezer flight team: left to right, Randy Wildman, Angel Castellanos, Mike Zidziunas and Philip Herrington. Castellanos and Herrington are pilots who earned their ratings under Mike Z's tutelage at his Breezer Aircraft USA flight school, now located at Lakeland Linder Airport, home of the Sun 'n Fun airshow every spring. The team will also kick off twi-night flying the next two nights, featuring airshow aerobatic legend Patty Wagstaff and other top acts.

The new Golden Avia F-30, still in the process of ASTM certification, made its Sebring debut.

The jam-packed analog-centric panel of the Golden Avia F-30.

Mike Z leads the formation flight of Breezer LSA to officially open the Expo.

Dan Johnson, right, introduces former FAA head Randy Babbitt, who impressed the crowd with a speech highly appreciative of the LSA industry and its progress so far. "I'm fascinated by the technology and enthusiasm of your industry. You deserve more credit than you get for your inspiration to General Aviation and I don't say that lightly. You've also shown your willingness to take risks in marketing and have demonstrated the importance of self-governance and safety since day one. FAA (during his term) was enthusiastic about the great safety record of LSA. " He urged the members to continue their efforts to consider the NBAA model of training independent auditors for monitoring compliance to ASTM standards and adopting SMS , Safety Management System oversight to minimize the chance of human error, even as technology improves the safety of the aircraft themselves. A rousing talk and kudos to Dan Johnson for bringing his welcome and supportive perspective to the Expo.

The Breezer flight team: left to right, Randy Wildman, Angel Castellanos, Mike Zidziunas and Philip Herrington. Castellanos and Herrington are pilots who earned their ratings under Mike Z's tutelage at his Breezer Aircraft USA flight school, now located at Lakeland Linder Airport, home of the Sun 'n Fun airshow every spring. The team will also kick off twi-night flying the next two nights, featuring airshow aerobatic legend Patty Wagstaff and other top acts.

LAMA's Prez Dan Johnson had several bits of news before introducing former FAA chief Randy Babbitt. Highlights: "In the beginning of LSA, not losing your medical was considered the best reason for buying an LSA. Now we're got 20 of them." He'll present those arguments in prominent slide show displays throughout Oshkosh. Some changes to his LSA Mall exhibits at Sun 'n Fun and Oshkosh Airventure this year include moving the mall to Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun 2013, where show visitors will be able to talk to dealers and also get demo flights all in the same place, at the 1400', much improved sport flying airstrip on the southeast end of the field. This a welcome improvement and something Dan has tirelessly worked to bring about. The Mall, less well supported at Oshkosh, "didn't work out" says Dan, will be modified to include presences within the main exhibitor buildings.

Jan Fridrich, head of LAMA Europe, laid some good statistics on us during the annual LAMA Exhibitors dinner at the airfield tonight. Highlights: Since the LSA rules became effective in April 2005, 2471 SLSA have been registered with FAA. The numbers for 2012 were 258 - down 8% from last year. Yet LSA remains one of the strongest sectors in all of General Aviation and has weathered the recession reasonably well.

Sebring is off and running! The day in pix and captions… *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Sebring Day Two…and our National Treasure (initials P.W.)

By James Lawrence || January 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

Dealers had steady if light attendance all day long.

More airplanes made it through the winter weather blanketing much of the midwest and east. Pipistrel’s much-awaited Alpha Trainer arrived at 8 last night thanks to its much-fatigued pilot Don Sharp who soldiered on through the crud all the way from Indiana. Highlights? Too many to list, but in the wee hours meself we’ll go the photo/caption route. Personal fave: Patty Wagstaff’s always-amazing airshow…in the near-dark twilight, followed by the largest demonstration team in aviation, Team AeroDynamix. The 12-aircraft team is made up exclusively of Van’s RV aircraft, including RV-4s and RV-6s, two of the most popular kit planes ever. The complex and highly entertaining show lit up the darkening, overcast skies with great moves and lots of bright lights. Attendance seemed light today, disappointing especially with all the effort Jana Filip and crew have put in this last year to promote the show and bring in acts like Patty and the RV team. It was cold, for Florida (below 60 in the morning) and windy all day, but beautiful. Many dealers made demo flights (great way to show how your plane handles crosswinds, right guys?) and those that came were treated to LSA’s top show.

Sebring Expo Day One

By James Lawrence || January 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

The new Golden Avia F-30, still in the process of ASTM certification, made its Sebring debut.

The jam-packed analog-centric panel of the Golden Avia F-30.

Mike Z leads the formation flight of Breezer LSA to officially open the Expo.

Dan Johnson, right, introduces former FAA head Randy Babbitt, who impressed the crowd with a speech highly appreciative of the LSA industry and its progress so far. "I'm fascinated by the technology and enthusiasm of your industry. You deserve more credit than you get for your inspiration to General Aviation and I don't say that lightly. You've also shown your willingness to take risks in marketing and have demonstrated the importance of self-governance and safety since day one. FAA (during his term) was enthusiastic about the great safety record of LSA." He urged the members to continue their efforts to consider the NBAA model of training independent auditors for monitoring compliance to ASTM standards and adopting SMS, Safety Management System oversight to minimize the chance of human error, even as technology improves the safety of the aircraft themselves. A rousing talk and kudos to Dan Johnson for bringing his welcome and supportive perspective to the Expo.

LAMA's Prez Dan Johnson had several bits of news before introducing former FAA chief Randy Babbitt. Highlights: "In the beginning of LSA, not losing your medical was considered the best reason for buying an LSA. Now we've got 20 of them." He'll present those arguments in prominent slide show displays throughout Oshkosh. Some changes to his LSA Mall exhibits at Sun 'n Fun and Oshkosh AirVenture this year include moving the mall to Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun 2013, where show visitors will be able to talk to dealers and also get demo flights all in the same place, at the 1400-foot, much improved sport flying airstrip on the southeast end of the field. This a welcome improvement and something Dan has tirelessly worked to bring about. The Mall, less well supported at Oshkosh, "didn't work as we hoped," says Dan, will be modified to include presences within the main exhibitor buildings.

Jan Fridrich, head of LAMA Europe, laid some good statistics on us during the annual LAMA Exhibitors dinner at the airfield tonight. Highlights: Since the LSA rules became effective in April 2005, 2471 SLSA have been registered with FAA. The numbers for 2012 were 258 — down 8% from last year. Yet LSA remains one of the strongest sectors in all of General Aviation and has weathered the recession reasonably well.

Sebring is off and running! The day in pix and captions…

Wheels-DOWN Water Landing!

By James Lawrence || October 18, 2012 Leave a Comment

I posted this in a comment to my *** SeaMax story yesterday after finding it on an Aussie website. One of the big no-no’s in traditional floatplanes and perhaps (I honestly don’t know) traditional amphibs like the Lake Amphibian and others is landing with the wheels down. On a float plane, it can cause a disastrous nose-over. *** This test was done, guessing from the language, in Brazil during the SeaMax‘s development or perhaps it was a production model. *** Anyway, I thought this was very cool and wanted to share it with you. ***

Popular RV-12 Kit Now An SLSA!

By James Lawrence || October 15, 2012 Leave a Comment

Fresh from 200 kit sales, the new SLSA on the block: RV-12

We’ve been wondering when/if the highly popular *** Van’s RV-12 E-LSA kit airplane would ever be produced as an SLSA. That question is now answered with the newly announced SLSA version, and at a very attractive price: $105,000. *** In addition, 12 “Signature Edition” models with all options at $115,000. The purpose, says Van’s, is to “define and codify the production process.” *** Why is this important news? Van’s has been around the patch more than once. It’s built nearly 8,000 kits and builders are fanatic about them. Flying communities across the country have held building parties to construct numerous kits at the same time, a kind of flying cottage industry. *** More significant to the Light Sport community is the 200 RV-12 kits that have been built and flown to date, as both ELSA and EAB (Experimental Amateur Built), from the quality kits Van’s is famous for putting out. *** Now, through a working agreement with Synergy Air, the SLSA version could benefit from good market timing. Many manufacturers and distributors have struggled mightily through five years of stubborn economic recovery. With indicators pointing to modest but steady growth in the coming months, Van’s announcement could be prescient of a better time ahead for the entire industry. Let us all hope so. Let’s pay attention to that other info bit too: they’ve managed to sell those 200 kits in this crummy economy. That’s a testimony to having an affordable LSA as well as a kudo for the RV series that is so well known for well-appointed kits. *** *** Meanwhile, this is a beautiful plane. We’ll want to get a flight report on it soon as possible. We’ve held off covering it to this point because it’s difficult to report on the flying characteristics of a kit built aircraft with any confidence since builder skills can and do vary widely.Still, the ones we’ve seen at airshows pay off on the vaunted manufacturer’s previous all-metal models. If it flies anything like its siblings, you can expect a lively and enjoyable sport flying experience. Can’t wait to get my hands on one m’self. *** The company announces the following standard equipment: *** Rotax 912ULS engine, Dynon Skyview EFIS (with Mode S transponder and GPS), Garmin SL-40 comm radio, Flightcom stereo intercom, 406Mhz ELT, Flightline interior, and LED lighting for night flight (expect many Private Pilots to fly it beyond the Sport Pilot restrictions). *** Options: wheelpants, ADS-B, two-axis autopilot, premium paint and Oregon Aero seats and interior. *** As the company avers, and I’d say it’s far from idle boasting, “production S-LSA RV-12s will include the benefits of this real-world flight experience (the 200 flying kit versions), rather than just factory testing done by professional pilots.” *** As we’ve seen with Rans Aircraft as well, you can’t help but feel a sense of confidence in overall quality and flyability from companies that have produced so many thousands of popular airplanes. *** Van’s also announces a network of Service Centers for maintenance and repair of the RV-12. *** Get your check-writing pens ready, folks: orders will be taken starting sometime in November, with initial deliveries beginning in early 2013. No five-year wait for these babies!By the way, in case you hadn’t heard of Synergy Air (I hadn’t), the company has put out instructional seminars, videos, and offered builder assistance for RV buyers to complete their kits for years now. They’re located at the Eugene, Oregon airport…my old stomping ground from the ‘70s *** .

My Blog Has Moved!

By James Lawrence || June 29, 2012 Leave a Comment

Hi All who didn't know that the magazine wanted to create a new blog presence on the main website (there's a BLOGS tab at the top of the main screen).If you've been wondering whether I'd moved on to bluer sky pastures, nope, just changed my blog landing strip. You can find the blog page by going here also.See you there!

Hi All who didn’t know that the magazine wanted to create a new blog presence on the main website (there’s a BLOGS tab at the top of the main screen).If you’ve been wondering whether I’d moved on to bluer sky pastures, nope, just changed my blog landing strip. You can find the blog page by going here also.See you there!

Pipistrel Comes Through Again

By James Lawrence || May 20, 2012 Leave a Comment

Pipistrel's ALPHA Trainer. all photos courtesy Pipistrel

Beefed up gear, lower nose angle, shorter prop to minimize prop strikes.

Three-point belts, headrest, durable fabric upholstery.

Flaperon handle actuates 25° of travel

High-leverage center console handle for hydraulic brakes

Just a few short months ago I posted an announcement from Pipistrel about its upcoming, mid-$80K ALPHA Trainer, targeted for flight schools and already bought in significant quantities by the Indian Air Force as a military primary trainer. *** ALPHA was promised for April, and Pipistrel nailed it – how often do we see that in manufacturing?Pipistrel is the same progressive Slovenian company that won the CAFE electric flight competition last year with the Taurus Electro G4 and has gained a growing reputation in the sport aviation industry for innovative, high-performing, highly efficient aircraft such as the Virus and Sinus S-LSA.After keeping its promise to debut the ALPHA in April at the European AERO show, word comes from Ivo Boscarol and company of the successful conclusion of flight testing. The ALPHA is now in production. *** The original concept was to create a do-it-all trainer that would garner substantial orders, enabling mass production economies of scale that would keep costs affordable for everyone. *** Due to the wide variance in regulations country to country, Pipistrel realized that goal was not feasible and instead offers two versions of the ALPHA. *** For countries in support of FAA-LSA (or ASTM-certified) standards, the company offers a 1212 lb. (550 kg) MTOW version. In places where the UL LTF standard is adopted, the European Ultralight/Microlight model, with a MTOW of 1047 lb. (472.5 kg), takes center stage. *** Even though the price is dramatically lower than comparable composite LSA, the ALPHA Trainer is no stripped-down, bare bones bird. *** Some of many appealing features for this latest in a line of low-drag, light-weight LSA: • Strong and easy to fly for entry-level students • Ballistic parachute system • Benign stall and overall handling • Affordable and easy to operate, maintain and repair • Built for endurance (takeoff/landing circuits) and extremes of weather: good ventilation and cabin heating • Approved strobes and lighting • Quiet cockpit for easy communication between instructor and student • Readily available access to spare parts for quick repair turnaround – vital for flight schools • Good cross-country training range (390 nm) • Easy daily service and refueling, • Durable finish for outdoor storage • Good brakes for ground handling emergencies • Dual flight controls with quick/easy adjustment for a variety of body types • Long operating life • Tricycle configuration with steerable nose wheel • Easy cockpit ingress, even for older students • Affordable and cost-effective to operate *** Some other features: robust composite undercarriage, including a shorter, stronger nose strut which improves visibility during taxi. *** The 15-gallon, easy-fill fuel tank is fuselage mounted and gives 5 hours endurance. And that fuel burn estimate factors in multiple takeoff/landing circuits too. Pipistrel is known for its superbly clean aerodynamics: though power comes from the tried-and-true Rotax 912, 80 hp engine, the ALPHA is no performance slouch with a cruise speed of 108 knots (same as a Cessna 172), “very short” take-off distance and a climb rate listed at more than 1000 fpm. *** The ALPHA Trainer uses the basic fuselage shape from its other successful designs but the wing, from the Pipistrel Virus SW (Short Wing), is significantly redesigned to eliminate air brakes (wing top spoilers) and incorporates redesigned flaperons with 25° of flap travel. *** Also new is a wooden propeller, designed and CNC-carved in house, then covered with a durable coating. *** Lots more to appreciate here and congratulations to Pipistrel for another dramatic entry into the field. *** My big question is, will the market recognize this as the breakthrough design I believe it to be and order in sufficient quantities to make it another Pipistrel success story? We’ll see.

Corrections to Falcon Post

By James Lawrence || February 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

Here's correx on a couple mistakes in the last post on the Renegade Falcon and FK 12 Comet LSA biplane: *** The gentleman who bought the Falcon at Sebring is from Switzerland, not Sweden. *** The Comet with the Lycoming 233 LSA engine, which is rated for aerobatics unlike the Rotax-powered version, will be marketed by both Renegade and Hansen Air Group. *** Mike Hansen told me not everyone who is interested in the Comet wants to do aerobatics in it. Some folks just love bipes, so the Hansens will also continue to sell the Rotax-powered version.

Here’s correx on a couple mistakes in the last post on the Renegade Falcon and FK 12 Comet LSA biplane: *** The gentleman who bought the Falcon at Sebring is from Switzerland, not Sweden. *** The Comet with the Lycoming 233 LSA engine, which is rated for aerobatics unlike the Rotax-powered version, will be marketed by both Renegade and Hansen Air Group. *** Mike Hansen told me not everyone who is interested in the Comet wants to do aerobatics in it. Some folks just love bipes, so the Hansens will also continue to sell the Rotax-powered version.

End-‘O-Year Registration Numbers

By James Lawrence || February 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

Cessna Skycatcher

Randy Lervold and the Carbon Cub SS

2011 FAA registrations *** Click to enlarge

Overall market share *** Click to enlarge

Arion LS-1 Lightning - photo courtesy Arion

Aerotrek A240 - photo courtesy Aerotrek Aircraft

The much-anticipated LSA Market Share numbers as compiled by LAMA Europe's head dude Jan Fridrich are up on Dan Johnson's blog this week. They expand on some anticipated, surprising and overall encouraging themes. Sales were up at Sebring and many companies are posting strong numbers. *** First, in the No Brainer Dept: Cessna and CubCrafters won the year hands down. *** Big Cessna, as the charts Dan and Jan compile clearly show, had the largest number of registrations in 2011 with 134, a record for the LSA industry and fully 48% of all listings for the year. The numbers reflect Cessna playing catchup on its 1,000 order glut back at the beginning of the LSA movement. *** As Dan is always quick to clarify and I like to remind you, these are not sales numbers, but actual registrations and thus will lag sales numbers somewhat or, in Cessna's case with their long initial production delays, quite a bit. *** The salient point here is that sales numbers can reflect a lot of "The buyer is just about to sign!" enthusiasm from dealers, whereas registrations are hard numbers and that's why Dan prefers to shoot that way, i.e., straight. *** One success story I know of gives a good example of just how to regard these registration numbers: Jim Lee of Phoenix Air USA has racked up 15 sales of his fab Phoenix motorglider in a little over a year, but initially slow production means he's only been able to deliver a handful so far, although the factory is hustling to catch up. *** If the beautiful motorglider's sales numbers were factored in, Phoenix Air would be number five on the Calendar Year 2011 list's top 10. *** Another case in point: CubCrafters, which holds number 2 position on both the Total Market Share list and the Calendar Year 2011 final tally, notched 34 aircraft registered through the end of the year, and 184 all time total. *** Meanwhile, Randy Lervold, Cubcrafter's General Manager (see our next issue of Plane & Pilot, which features my story on the Carbon Cub SS) announced just before Sebring that the company expected to deliver its 200th aircraft by this month, along with sales continuing at a strong enough pace to justify the new production facility the company built recently. *** Some other notes, and check out Dan's Splog for more of his industry-savvy insights: • SportCruiser: US Sport Aircraft is doing well filling the gap left by Piper's sudden departure from the LSA world with 20 registrations last year. • Flight Design USA with its sophisticated aircraft models and ever-expanding sales/service centers across the country, continues to hold sway over the U.S. market with 341 total registrations. FD came in third for 2011 with 21, just edging out U.S. Sport Aircraft. *** The company continues to find innovative ways of generating enthusiasm for their top-quality CT line of aircraft. Two additions this year drew the limelight: the CTLE Law Enforcement aircraft (see my Sebring post in January) that's catching on with officialdom, and the CT4 four-seat General Aviation entry in development. • Jabiru USA and Arion: Both companies, producers of the J230 *** and LS-1 Lightning respectively, tied for 2011 registrations with 7 each. Arion has pushed up into the 20th all time position with 18 total registrations for its sleek and lovely low-winger. Jabiru has registered 104 U.S. aircraft (and many more overseas for the Australian parent company) and continues to be a solid contender with its large cargo space and stable, long-distance-cruising personality. • Aerotrek: Here's another company that's hung in there through the tough economy by virtue of the enduring popularity of its tube 'n fabric, tricycle/taildragger option, folding-wing mainstay models (A220 and A240). *** Attractive pricing and quality fun-flying airplanes are the secret recipe. Company head Rob Rollison told me at Sebring he'd sold two aircraft at the show and two the previous two weeks, and production is booked for the next several months. 2011 was a good year too, with eight registrations but even more sales. *** Thanks again to Dan Johnson and Jan Fridrich for their excellent work in bringing to light trends in the LSA industry.

The much-anticipated LSA Market Share numbers as compiled by LAMA Europe’s head dude Jan Fridrich are up on Dan Johnson’s blog this week. They expand on some anticipated, surprising and overall encouraging themes. Sales were up at Sebring and many companies are posting strong numbers. *** First, in the No Brainer Dept: Cessna and CubCrafters won the year hands down. *** Big Cessna, as the charts Dan and Jan compile clearly show, had the largest number of registrations in 2011 with 134, a record for the LSA industry and fully 48% of all listings for the year. The numbers reflect Cessna playing catchup on its 1,000 order glut back at the beginning of the LSA movement. *** As Dan is always quick to clarify and I like to remind you, these are not sales numbers, but actual registrations and thus will lag sales numbers somewhat or, in Cessna’s case with their long initial production delays, quite a bit.

SEBRING EXPO Kicks Off Next Week!

By James Lawrence || January 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

The new Bristell will be at Expo next week. Photo courtesy BristellUSA

Dynon's SkyView

EAA's Rod Hightower to speak

The show I look forward to the most every winter is the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, the premier gathering of Light Sport industry vendors in America. *** This is the fifth go round for the expo; each year it offers more pure fun for LSA pilots present and future. *** This year sports a noticeably upscale look, with new management (show founder Robert Woods remains very active in the show) and a stronger promotional flavor. *** Major sponsors this year include our own Plane&Pilot! *** The four-day gathering, which kicks off next Thursday, Jan. 19, promises to be the biggest show yet. *** Lots of return and new LSA exhibitors, display booths with the latest hot gear, and symposiums, including the new Bristell low wing monoplane and Pipistrel Sinus 50-foot span motorglider, both of which I hope to fly for future reports.Avionics leader Dynon will hold full on classes to teach the many ins and outs of its powerhouse SkyView EFIS display... for free! EAA's new head honcho Rod Hightower will speak at the annual LAMA dinner Thursday night.There's a ton more things to talk about, check it out right here for all the details. *** If you've got a hankering for early Spring- style LSA tire-kickin' and demo flying, program Sebring into your GPS and get on down thar!

The show I look forward to the most every winter is the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, the premier gathering of Light Sport industry vendors in America. *** This is the fifth go round for the expo; each year it offers more pure fun for LSA pilots present and future. *** This year sports a noticeably upscale look, with new management (show founder Robert Woods remains very active in the show) and a stronger promotional flavor. *** Major sponsors this year include our own Plane&Pilot! *** The four-day gathering, which kicks off next Thursday, Jan. 19, promises to be the biggest show yet. *** Lots of return and new LSA exhibitors, display booths with the latest hot gear, and symposiums, including the new Bristell low wing monoplane and Pipistrel Sinus 50-foot span motorglider, both of which I hope to fly for future reports.Avionics leader Dynon will hold full on classes to teach the many ins and outs of its powerhouse SkyView EFIS display… for free! EAA‘s new head honcho Rod Hightower will speak at the annual LAMA dinner Thursday night.There’s a ton more things to talk about, check it out right here for all the details.

New Tecnam Float Plane; Impossible Turn 2

By James Lawrence || January 10, 2012 Leave a Comment

Floats always add sex appeal to land planes, don't they? photo courtesy Tecnam

Jim Lee finishing the NASA speed run. photo courtesy NASA.

Pretty Phoenix. photo courtesy Jim Lee

A couple fun things before I lose the day entirely.Just got word from Tecnam today, via our publisher Mike McMann, that the Italian aircraft producer has adapted one of my favorite LSA, the P92 Echo and Eaglet (trainer version), for water operations. *** Dubbed the P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane, this waterbird should prove to be yet another fun entry into the SLSA sweepstakes. *** My impression of the Eaglet remains: a lively, forgiving, fun-to-fly all metal trainer that I expect will appeal even more with web feet, for those of aquatic inclinations. *** Some details: *** The Hydroplane is the 6th generation model of the successful P92. *** Takeoff run is spec'd at under 200 meters, along with "an impressive climb rate" from its 100 hp Rotax engine. And I wonder how the Eaglet's landing performance, for example (26 kts., full flaps, no power) will translate to the water and extra weight. *** The Hydro will be produced at Tecnam’s new composites production facility, home to both the Tecnam P2008 and Tecnam P2010 four-seat GA up-and-comer, in Capua, Italy. *** There's nothing much online about it yet; I'm hoping it will make it to Sebring mid-month, or Sun 'n Fun in April. *** Gliders and the Impossible Turn *** Also just heard from friend and soaring pilot/instructor/longwing trendsetter Jim Lee, last heard from when he flew the only conventionally-powered aircraft in the NASA Green Flight Challenge last fall that won Pipistrel's Taurus Electro G4 a cool $1.35 million prize. *** Jim acquitted himself admirably with the Phoenix motorglider at that event. *** He dropped me an e-note to add his glider-centric take on my Impossible Turn post here of a couple days ago. *** Take it away James: *** "For one, in any aircraft, don't follow the centerline of the runway (after) take off unless required by parallel runways or tower ops. Veer downwind of the runway on climb out, then if the engine quits, you only have to make a 180, not a 270. Glider pilots are required to practice, and perform on the checkride, a turn back to the runway from 200'. It is easy in a glider. I can do 100', and I have seen 50' done in a real emergency when the towplane flew into a hangar. 500' is easy in a small Cessna with practice. [Even] 400' is easy, and 300' is doable in an LSA with practice." *** Jim heads up PhoenixUSA out of Melbourne, Florida. I've flown and reported on the Phoenix and it is one wonderful all-around dreamship.

Electric Whirlybird Flies!

By James Lawrence || September 24, 2011 Leave a Comment

Historic hovering flight lasted 2 minutes 10 seconds. All photos courtesy Gizmag

Weight shift control!

Detail: power controller and battery pack (upper left)

Anyone still in doubt that we're in the midst of the birth of electric flight need look no further than this story, just posted today on the online tech zine Gizmag.Pascal Chretien, an enterprising electrical/aerospace engineer and chopper pilot, made the world's first fully electric helicopter flight in the prototype he designed and built almost entirely by himself...in just 12 months! Hang glider and ultralight trike pilots will delight in hearing a weight shift control system is involved. *** For me, the big story here is once again we see that innovation lives, not just in megabuck corporate and government R&D departments but in the garages of individual megabrains as well...as it always has and we can expect always will.Chretien, in making his 2 minute, 10 second test eggbeater flight, threw whipped eggs in Sikorsky's face since that aviation giant's well-funded electric project, in development for some time now, has yet to fly. *** Gizmag quotes Chretien as he acknowledged the risks of his flight: "In case of crash I stand good chances to end up in kebab form."Pascal, from case of your success, we pops cork of champagne pour vous! *** The article goes on to rightly point out that the electric chopper concept faces a huge hurdle when compared to winged electric aircraft because the latter doesn't need to constantly run at higher power drain settings like helicopters do. *** Practical electric helicopters will only come to pass when batterytechnologies advance to a much higher power-to-weight storage capacity(i.e., higher energy density) than we have now, precisely because choppers do require high power for hovering, takeoff and for descent, unlike airplanes. *** Winged birds use max power for takeoff or high speed cruising, but can lope along at significantly reduced level flight power, enabling longer duration flights. That's why we've seen so many motorglider-style electrics; once airborne, their highly efficient wings make possible extended flight times without much power burn. *** Still, that takes nothing away from Pascal Chretien's achievement, (funded by the French car racing company Solution F), which is nothing short of magnificent. His super-light, super-simple chopper serves notice that electric flight as a whole is gaining global momentum across a broad range of projects. *** And once again we get a lesson in an ancient truth: the soul of invention is alive and well and knows no boundaries.

Anyone still in doubt that we’re in the midst of the birth of electric flight need look no further than this story, just posted today on the online tech zine Gizmag.Pascal Chretien, an enterprising electrical/aerospace engineer and chopper pilot, made the world’s first fully electric helicopter flight in the prototype he designed and built almost entirely by himself…in just 12 months! Hang glider and ultralight trike pilots will delight in hearing a weight shift control system is involved. *** For me, the big story here is once again we see that innovation lives, not just in megabuck corporate and government R&D departments but in the garages of individual megabrains as well…as it always has and we can expect always will.Chretien, in making his 2 minute, 10 second test eggbeater flight, threw whipped eggs in Sikorsky’s face since that aviation giant’s well-funded electric project, in development for some time now, has yet to fly.

GLIDER and WHEELS are sold, Z5 HARNESS still available

By James Lawrence || August 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

Please click on archive list lower right of this page, or go here for harness details, and thanks for checking in.

Another Roadable Aircraft Project!

By James Lawrence || July 19, 2011 Leave a Comment

BiPod lifts off (sans props) for initial test flights. All images courtesy Aviation Week & Space Technology

The Scaled Composites crew. Burt Rutan is seen 4th from left

Okay, so no way this is ever going to be a Light Sport aircraft, but this is just too much fun and I had to pass it along. *** Famed aircraft designer Burt Rutan has been at it again, this time with his eclectic take on a flying car that began life as an electric-powered flying testbed. *** Aviation Week's online blog (also picked up by Wired magazine) shared information released exclusively to it by Rutan's Scaled Composites company known in recent years for many fantastic projects including Spaceship One and White Knight. *** Called BiPod, the flying car became a crash program, completed in just four months and already in test flight mode. Rutan himself retired in April of this year. *** Model 367 BiPod is characteristically, wonderfully unconventional as have been all of Rutan's many designs. *** The two-seat, hybrid-electric "roadable" aircraft (mini-rant: I sure hope that term doesn't replace flying car, which flows off the tongue much more agreeably, don't you think?), originally conceived as a fast, inexpensive electric aircraft, morphed into a flying car. The program was hurried along, says Aviation Week, to allow Rutan to shepherd it through to completion before he hung up his cad cam computer's mouse. He was in the shop cutting, fabricating and sanding many nights long after the rest of the team went home. *** First "flight" was last March 30. The unusual-looking carplane has made several short hops at Scaled's Mojave, California airport location. *** And the hops were just that: speed, built up from battery-powered driving wheels, was translated into short glides above the runway. Fun stuff! *** The fully operational BiPod will carry two 450cc gas engines, one per fuselage, which will drive generators feeding an electric power system. In land mode, the system will drive motors in the driving wheels at the aft location of each fuselage pod. The forward wheels are steerable. *** During flight, the power grid will drive four 15kW motor-driven props: one on each nose, two on the horizontal stabilizer. *** Good old Burt: you can never count out his sheer design originality. *** Lithium batteries fill the nose of both pods. They are inflight-rechargeable and will augment takeoff power from the two engines. *** Think of the advantages for driving with disagreeable companions (mothers-in-law?) too. They can ride in the right hand pod, leaving the driver in the left pod, in blissful silence. *** Interestingly, only the throttle is common to both...cockpits? Car interiors? Carpits? Your choice: driving is exclusively from the left pod, and flying is done from the right. Hmmm...that means mischief could still be done from the other pod by a cranky passenger. *** Span is almost 32 feet. Wings detach for driving. Cruise speed in flight: 200mph with max range of 750 miles at 100 mph. *** Driving, BiPod can go at freeway speeds for 820 miles on a tank of gas or 35 miles on batteries alone. *** It'll be fascinating to watch what happens with this project. It's a bit challenging to imagine this project ever coming to the market. Taking a road trip with the fam separated into two compartments seems strange...although anyone with surly teenagers (or those poor, traditionally maligned mothers-in-law) will easily see some potential benefits.

LSA in the News

By James Lawrence || May 19, 2011 Leave a Comment

Cessna is on track to ship 150 Skycatchers this year

In this post there's both good news and bad news. *** First up: blog reader Pete Zaitcev commented on my blog yesterday that the Front Range Airport (FTG) visit, on May 14, by the LSA Tour #3 will coincide with the Rocky Mountain LSA Expo. *** FTG is about 25 miles east of Denver at Watkins, CO. The event is sponsored by the Colorado Pilots Assoc. *** Looks like a fun time and a smart call for the Tour to plan a stop there. Thanks Pete!More good news: Cessna Aircraft delivered 106 aircraft in the first quarter, up from 80 a year ago, and much of the increase comes from deliveries of the 19 Skycatchers. Cessna's Bob Stangarone has told me the company expects to have delivered 150 by year's end. *** The unhappy news concerns two LSA crashes. *** A PiperSport crash cost a young CFI his life in Florida. Various news reports citing eyewitnesses indicated a possible in-flight fire, flat spin, loss of a wing in flight and the crash, with subsequent fire and secondary explosion. *** The pilot's body was found 3/4 miles from the crash. That and personal effects strewn between the crash site and the pilot's body indicate he either bailed out of the airplane without a parachute, or was ejected during flight — horrific to contemplate either way. The pilot was reportedly a skydiver. *** Since all PiperSports during their brief manufacture under the Piper banner were delivered with airframe parachutes, inflight fire remains a compelling possibility for the crash. *** Sad and sobering: condolences to the surviving family of the 24-year-old pilot. *** A happier ending to another crash involves a Flight Design CT that struck a telephone guy-wire during an emergency landing on a country road in the South...and lost the entire right wing! *** The good news is the pilot survived, as reported by Steven Jones for WSPA-TV (CBS) in northwestern South Carolina, after the plane ended up nosing into a ditch. The plane is owned by Major Dude's Flying Circus of Wilmington, DE. *** Jones writes that no one was injured. "After the plane," the web story says, "a Flight Design CT model, took off...the pilot called Augusta Control and reported a 'rough running' engine. *** Later, the pilot called and said he was experiencing engine failure and going down. *** Two people were on board when the plane made it’s crash landing. A wing snapped off on a guy line of a nearby utility pole." *** The CT is an all-composite airplane and, clearly, its cabin offers reassuring crash protection.

In this post there’s both good news and bad news. *** First up: blog reader Pete Zaitcev commented on my blog yesterday that the Front Range Airport (FTG) visit, on May 14, by the LSA Tour #3 will coincide with the Rocky Mountain LSA Expo. *** FTG is about 25 miles east of Denver at Watkins, CO. The event is sponsored by the Colorado Pilots Assoc. *** Looks like a fun time and a smart call for the Tour to plan a stop there. Thanks Pete!More good news: Cessna Aircraft delivered 106 aircraft in the first quarter, up from 80 a year ago, and much of the increase comes from deliveries of the 19 Skycatchers. Cessna’s Bob Stangarone has told me the company expects to have delivered 150 by year’s end. *** The unhappy news concerns two LSA crashes. *** A PiperSport crash cost a young CFI his life in Florida.

Sun ‘n Fun 2011 Takes Off Tomorrow

By James Lawrence || March 29, 2011 Leave a Comment

photo courtesy Harvey Reidel and Sun 'n Fun

SUN 'n FUN 2011 kicks off, even as scores of planes — yours truly included — remain scattered around at airports up to hundreds of miles away, trying to beat the storm system that’s prevented them from making it to Lakeland, FL so far. *** The big airshow’s big boss, John Burton, promises an impressive line up: *** * Blue Angels performances four different days, highlighting the celebration of the 100th anniversary of naval aviation *** * a 20-year retrospective on Desert Storm *** * a 10-year commemoration of September 11, 2001 *** * the formal opening of the new Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) on the SUN ’n FUN campus. *** * F-22 Raptor flight three different days *** * AvBid Airplane Auctions *** * Hot Air Balloon Launch at dawn, Saturday, April 2 *** * Daily and nightly airshows with fireworks *** * AOPA "Rally GA" Day *** * Lindbergh Foundation Awards for electric-powered flight advances *** * "Green Space” Exhibit of environmentally friendly, aviation-related products and services, anchored by Lindbergh Foundation. *** * 75th Anniversary Cub Convoy mass arrival to SUN ’n FUN, Monday, March 28. *** And of course all the mix of colorful booths, new aircraft (including new LSA) and a whole lot more.Be there or be square! *** Speaking of square, I may have to pull the plug, rent a car and drive the last 500 miles from Sparta, TN...but I'm hanging in until the last minute because it would sure feel a lot better to land in the same Dakota Cub I started out in.

SUN ‘n FUN 2011 kicks off, even as scores of planes — yours truly included — remain scattered around at airports up to hundreds of miles away, trying to beat the storm system that’s prevented them from making it to Lakeland, FL so far. *** The big airshow’s big boss, John Burton, promises an impressive line up: *** * Blue Angels performances four different days, highlighting the celebration of the 100th anniversary of naval aviation *** * a 20-year retrospective on Desert Storm *** * a 10-year commemoration of September 11, 2001 *** * the formal opening of the new Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) on the SUN ’n FUN campus. *** * F-22 Raptor flight three different days *** * AvBid Airplane Auctions *** * Hot Air Balloon Launch at dawn, Saturday, April 2 *** * Daily and nightly airshows with fireworks *** * AOPA “Rally GA” Day *** * Lindbergh Foundation Awards for electric-powered flight advances *** * “Green Space” Exhibit of environmentally friendly, aviation-related products and services, anchored by Lindbergh Foundation.

Stranded in Sparta

By James Lawrence || March 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

Half way to Sun 'n Fun, thumb typing on my iPhone, we're sitting in the same place we've been in — the comfy lounge at friendly FBO, Sparta Aero Services — since 8 this morning. *** It's 3:30 now. *** Allow me one small comic book growl of anguish: aarghh. *** Thanks, that feels better. *** Our erstwhile Cub Crew, ably led by aviation Whiz Kid Amy Getsch who's interning in marketing at Dakota Cub, the Super Cub replica kit and certified maker, flew down this far yesterday, landed right around sunset after a lovely, mottled-sun trek at a leisurely 90 mph all the way at an average 3000 feet. *** 400 miles down, we stopped for a late lunch and picked up some reinforcements: two gents also en route to Florida, each flying their J3's. *** Dick Pattschull of Iowa City and George Armstrong of Omaha, Nebraska launched, just after we got back from lunch, from Fulton Co., Mo.'s Hensley Airport. *** We hurried along, Amy and I, in the Dakota Super 18 LT she calls Little Airplane, and the identically painted Super 18 she calls Big Airplane (it has a 180 hp engine; the LT has a C90 that puts out 113 hp). *** Big Airplane is being flown by Dave "Speedy" Richardson, AKA the Resident Gypsy, a conundrum that describes his rooted history in Sioux Falls and his love of long XC flights. *** Amy talks to "her" — Little Airplane — as if she were a beloved horse — there's even a little stuffed panda bear riding along in the wing root with a great bird's eye view of the tandem cockpit and what's a comin' too. *** Half an hour later we slowly overtook the pokier J3s and pressed on toward Sparta. *** Clouds to the east spread a long gray somber note to the end of the days flying *** Dick, after a comm miscue, landed several miles south of Sparta. We looped back trying to find Speedy, who could transmit but not receive. *** We finally touched down in a murky dusk. I was impressed with how easy the big 26" bush tires and stout tailwheel soaked up my landing imperfections *** Up at 6 the next morning, we ate and headed to the field. Eight hours later, still here. More bad weather en route. I may have to hop a winged beer can from nearby St Louis if we get stuck. *** And I say again: arrgh.

Half way to Sun ‘n Fun, thumb typing on my iPhone, we’re sitting in the same place we’ve been in — the comfy lounge at friendly FBO, Sparta Aero Services — since 8 this morning. *** It’s 3:30 now. *** Allow me one small comic book growl of anguish: aarghh. *** Thanks, that feels better. *** Our erstwhile Cub Crew, ably led by aviation Whiz Kid Amy Getsch who’s interning in marketing at Dakota Cub, the Super Cub replica kit and certified maker, flew down this far yesterday, landed right around sunset after a lovely, mottled-sun trek at a leisurely 90 mph all the way at an average 3000 feet. *** 400 miles down, we stopped for a late lunch and picked up some reinforcements: two gents also en route to Florida, each flying their J3’s. *** Dick Pattschull of Iowa City and George Armstrong of Omaha, Nebraska launched, just after we got back from lunch, from Fulton Co., Mo.’s Hensley Airport.