When I asked “Mosaic LSA?” in the lead image of this article, was I simply being provocative? Or, is the soon-to-be-debuted Montaer MC01 with Rotax 915iS a forecast of what is to come with Mosaic?
Hopefully the title did get your attention but it asks a legitimate question for buyers of new potentially-Mosaic-compliant Light-Sport Aircraft.
The reason I feel this way is not merely the 141-horsepower engine Montaer designer Bruno Oliveira installed on the nose of his three-door LSA (see earlier review, before 915).
A more significant reason is that this airplane is one of several that may be able to re-declare compliance and get a substantial weight increase. It will already have a powerful-enough engine to lift a heavier load.
So, buyers of this airplane (and I repeat, MC01 will not be the only such choice) may be able to acquire a present-day 1,320-pound LSA and later get it bumped to perhaps 1,600-1,700 pounds, maybe more.
This is me, not the designer, making such a prediction but from reviewing their specifications, I know many of these airplanes created for delivery to multiple countries are frequently designed for somewhat higher weight limits — one of the most anticipated changes coming with Mosaic.
Welcome Montaer
Part of the Aero Affinity Group
“After establishing a permanent presence in the USA thru Montaer Aircraft, LLC,” wrote American representative Shalom Confessor, “Brazilian manufacturer, Montaer Aeronaves LTDA, announced the unveiling of its highly-expected, Montaer MC01 with the new Rotax 915iS engine, which provides 141 horsepower to the LSA.”
“Our new model will debut and be on display at the Aero Showcase in DeLand, Florida on the 21st and 22nd of October — THIS weekend! — at DeLand Municipal Airport (KDED),” confirmed Shalom.
“The example to be displayed at Aero Showcase comes with the Premium Package including autopilot and featuring twin, large Garmin G3X Touchscreens with a Garmin G5 in the top-center of the panel for added backup. MC-01 915 comes with the high-end Garmin GMC 507 Auto-Pilot System.
Earlier this year, Montaer announced a 60-aircraft deal (article) with a major Brazilian flight school, including an electric-powered version of the MC01. Targeting the U.S. market, the company is betting on the latest Rotax 915iS engine version.
In the U.S., Montaer has partnered with Aero Affinity Holding, based at the DeLand airport, in order to provide support and training to its customers.
“We have been amazed at the interest the MC01 aircraft sparked among American customers,” noted Shalom. “This caused the company to devote its resources to develop and boost customized production in order to meet the U.S. market requirements by offering premium materials and superb finishing combined with advanced avionics.
For interested customers, Aero Affinity is offering demo flights out of DeLand Municipal Airport. Flights can be scheduled via email or by calling 386-345-AERO (2376). Montaer also has a dedicated website in the USA.
ARTICLE LINKS:
- Montaer Aeronaves, the Brazilian producer website
- Montaer Aircraft in the USA, the Aero Affinity website
- Montaer Aircraft (USA), dedicated website
- Montaer MC01 review on this website
- Montaer 60-aircraft order, article on this website
- Aero Showcase, the first-ever event, following on the 5-year Sport Aviation Showcase
- Rotax 915iS engine, numerous articles on this website
- Garmin International, company sponsor page contacts
- DeLand Airport, municipal website
Come Check Out
Aero Showcase 2022
…the Inaugural Event!
This image of Montaer with Rotax 912iS has a different nose cowl than needed with Rotax’s 915iS:
Very nice looking airplane. This remincent to the Paradise P1 which is also made in Brazil. I have a question somewhat related, I was recently in Budapest, Hungary and contacted the factory making the Apollo Fox which used to be sold in the USA but to my knowledge is not. You had a review of but it had been pulled and was no longer available. The factory is willing to sell me one plus shipping of 13,500 euros. It would still be less than an Aerotrek 220. Since it was in the USA before is there anything special I would have to do or get approved to fly it here and insure. I have not seen one in person, so I hope it size is ok for a 71yo 6’2”, 215# old man. I would really appreciate your insight and would love to see your review. Thanks
I recommend you contact SilverLight Aviation, the last company I know to have imported EuroFox.
Thanks very much Dan. I knew you would know where to start. Do you think the FAA will announce the NPRM regarding the LSA issue before the next AirVenture. Since the head of the FAA resigned is that going to delay things even more? Thanks, Gary
As you’ll see in this video, FAA has promised the NPRM by August 2023 (or about the time of AirVenture). We’ll see if that happens according to promise. Whoever is the administrator is unlikely to alter this timetable.
Can you later add variable pitch prop control to a 915 Rotax bought now with an LSA if Mosaic changes the LSA and Sport Pilot rules to allow the 915 type of switch-controlled variable pitch props?
That is a question best posed to Rotax and we need to see the final regulation language, but I believe that, yes, if you are willing to invest in the hardware needed for an adjustable prop (this may be costly), then you may be able to switch a ground-adjustable-prop 915 into a Single Lever Control adjustable prop.
Was Evektor represented at the show?
Evektor did not have a display at the event.
Dan;
Nice article.
I’m concerned about your statement “may be able to acquire a present-day 1,320-pound LSA and later get it bumped to perhaps 1,600-1,700 pounds”. Would like to hear if a DAR would agree to that (meaning explain how a DAR would do a MTOW increase).
Changing certified (LSA in this case) paperwork after the factory MTOW paperwork was filed is totally different than going from S-LSA to Experiment (E-LSA).
If it can be done, I would love to know how as there are other aircraft (pipistrel Sinus for one) that raised the MTOW on paper (550 Kg to 600 Kg {1320 lbs}) without structural changes and therefore would fall into the same category.
Tim, sorry if I was unclear, but that “bump” would possibly come with Mosaic. It would not be up to a DAR decision.
Nice looking aircraft with smooth lines.
One of the best valued planes offered, IMO, with or w/o the 915.
Hello, whether you are an engineer or not I find the documentation of said observations to be well-researched from one that has chosen longevity by means of credibility. Moreover, I hope that the powers that be can see with a vision coming from progression, not near-sightedness. Safety of course, however, we can certifiably calculate such concerns. We’re growing.