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News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft

Unveiling New LSA at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006

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New LSA expected at EAA’s “Greatest Aviation Celebration” are only guesstimates at this time, what with Cessna and potential producers like Van’s Aircraft (image) still veiled. We’ll know more soon!

What fascinating new airplanes might we expect at AirVenture 2006 in only a few days? Excitement surrounds Cessna‘s “proof-of-concept” entry. The company has no final determination, but they’ll reveal their PoC LSA near AeroShell Square at 9:30 on opening Monday. *** Later may come an entry from Van’s Aircraft, supplier of the most popular kit aircraft. They report, “We are now in the earliest stages of building a ‘proof-of-concept’ airplane…the RV-12. It’s an all metal side-by-side airplane with a low wing. It uses a tricycle landing gear and has a 100 hp Rotax 912S for power.” Hmmm? Cessna is also rumored to be considering Rotax. What could this mean for Rotax‘s penetration into the GA world, what with the largest GA and kit producers looking at the brand? Decisions aren’t final, though. Van’s Aircraft added, “We’d welcome written or emailed thoughts on the concept. [But] we can’t answer questions about the RV-12, either on the phone or in any written format.” At AirVenture 2006, you might get some answers. Keep watching SPLOG.

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What fascinating new airplanes might we expect at AirVenture 2006 in only a few days? Excitement surrounds Cessna‘s “proof-of-concept” entry. The company has no final determination, but they’ll reveal their PoC LSA near AeroShell Square at 9:30 on opening Monday. *** Later may come an entry from Van’s Aircraft, supplier of the most popular kit aircraft. They report, “We are now in the earliest stages of building a ‘proof-of-concept’ airplane…the RV-12. It’s an all metal side-by-side airplane with a low wing. It uses a tricycle landing gear and has a 100 hp Rotax 912S for power.” Hmmm? Cessna is also rumored to be considering Rotax. What could this mean for Rotax‘s penetration into the GA world, what with the largest GA and kit producers looking at the brand? Decisions aren’t final, though. Van’s Aircraft added, “We’d welcome written or emailed thoughts on the concept.

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Cessna Unveils Their Light-Sport Aircraft POC

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Yes, it’s a Cessna. Yes, it’s a Light-Sport Aircraft. And yes, it’s now out for all to see. Many industry insiders gave the big producer credit for a solid entry…or proposed entry; Cessna officials remain in “study mode” for their newest creation.

Almost first thing on opening day at AirVenture, Cessna lifted the black covering that kept their Proof-of-Concept LSA a secret. The veil is off and now we all know what the world’s largest airplane builder has in mind. Top Cessna officials, including president Jack Pelton, still say they are studying the entry. They’ll make their decision in the first quarter of 2007. Several issues are still being investigated inside the company and they will be surveying visitors at AirVenture to see what they think. *** The big question is…”What’s it look like?” The photo explains much, but what you can’t see is mostly metal construction with limited composite, It has gull-wing doors and significantly, it’s powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912S. The Proof of Concept Cessna LSA had no interior or avionics. If they decide to proceed it will sell for under $100,000. *** Many industry leaders applauded the entry as credible and attractive and many I talked to enthusiastically welcomed Cessna, if for no other reason than the validation it offers to Light-Sport Aircraft.

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Almost first thing on opening day at AirVenture, Cessna lifted the black covering that kept their Proof-of-Concept LSA a secret. The veil is off and now we all know what the world’s largest airplane builder has in mind. Top Cessna officials, including president Jack Pelton, still say they are studying the entry. They’ll make their decision in the first quarter of 2007. Several issues are still being investigated inside the company and they will be surveying visitors at AirVenture to see what they think. *** The big question is…”What’s it look like?” The photo explains much, but what you can’t see is mostly metal construction with limited composite, It has gull-wing doors and significantly, it’s powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912S. The Proof of Concept Cessna LSA had no interior or avionics. If they decide to proceed it will sell for under $100,000. *** Many industry leaders applauded the entry as credible and attractive and many I talked to enthusiastically welcomed Cessna, if for no other reason than the validation it offers to Light-Sport Aircraft.

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Cessna LSA Flies, Prepares for Sebring, More…

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Now it flies! And you can see it up close and personal at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo on January 11-14, 2007. Sebring is “the only US event of its size, totally focused on LSA and Sport Pilot!”

Unless you were hiding out in Italian vineyards like I was, you know Cessna flew their LSA on Friday the 13th (no superstition in Wichita, evidently). EAA’s Sport Pilot website has more details (and in-flight photo proof). What you may not know is that the big company will make a marketing splash at Sebring’s LSA Expo. Oh, I’m sure the Cessna LSA entry will also display at the AOPA Palm Springs Expo on Nov. 9-11. But Sebring’s January 2007 Expo is the coming-out party for new and upgraded LSA. So Cessna’s purchase of a booth at the Florida event is significant. *** They are also rumored to be checking out a parachute installation, probably since so many LSA come similarly equipped but it would also gain an extra safety margin for their test pilots. *** I’ll be paying the world’s largest airplane producer a visit in late November. They declined make the LSA available for press flights until a go/no-go decision in early 2007. But I’ll have a further update after my visit

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Unless you were hiding out in Italian vineyards like I was, you know Cessna flew their LSA on Friday the 13th (no superstition in Wichita, evidently). EAA’s Sport Pilot website has more details (and in-flight photo proof). What you may not know is that the big company will make a marketing splash at Sebring’s LSA Expo. Oh, I’m sure the Cessna LSA entry will also display at the AOPA Palm Springs Expo on Nov. 9-11. But Sebring’s January 2007 Expo is the coming-out party for new and upgraded LSA. So Cessna’s purchase of a booth at the Florida event is significant. *** They are also rumored to be checking out a parachute installation, probably since so many LSA come similarly equipped but it would also gain an extra safety margin for their test pilots. *** I’ll be paying the world’s largest airplane producer a visit in late November.

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FK9 Now Imported with Folding, Shorter-Span Wings

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Here’s one of two newly received FK9 Mark IV B models imported by FK Lightplanes USA. The inset photo highlights a slot hiding a lever that allows a single person to fold the wings in minutes. You can read my pilot report on the FK9 to appear in the November 2006 EAA Sport Pilot (and later posted on ByDanJohnson.com).

The feature of folding wings is credited with the sale of many aircraft by brands such as Kitfox and Kolb (among numerous others). Promoting the Sport Pilot certificate, I’ve visited flight schools at busy airports where one of the obstacles to growth — and to adding a LSA as a trainer — has been a lack of more space to hangar their fleet. Now with FK Lightplanes USA bringing in their first two FK9 Mark IV B models, this could change. *** The Florida-based importer for the German design used in many of that country’s flight schools recently took delivery of its first two “B” versions configured as they will routinely import them. Their selection includes two-feet less span with the 100-hp Rotax 912S and folding wings as the standard model (though the 80-horse, non-folding wing models can be special ordered). The first customer, taking both aircraft, was the cooperative LetsFly.org that helps buyers share ownership of LSA and other aircraft.

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The feature of folding wings is credited with the sale of many aircraft by brands such as Kitfox and Kolb (among numerous others). Promoting the Sport Pilot certificate, I’ve visited flight schools at busy airports where one of the obstacles to growth — and to adding a LSA as a trainer — has been a lack of more space to hangar their fleet. Now with FK Lightplanes USA bringing in their first two FK9 Mark IV B models, this could change. *** The Florida-based importer for the German design used in many of that country’s flight schools recently took delivery of its first two “B” versions configured as they will routinely import them. Their selection includes two-feet less span with the 100-hp Rotax 912S and folding wings as the standard model (though the 80-horse, non-folding wing models can be special ordered). The first customer, taking both aircraft, was the cooperative LetsFly.org that helps buyers share ownership of LSA and other aircraft.

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Thorpedo Flying 8,000 Miles in Charity Fund Raiser

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IndUS Aviation president Ram Pattisapu offers a few last words of advice to Preston Bentley before he takes a company-donated Thorpedo on an 8,000-mile tour billed as the first LSA flight to land in 48 states in 30 days. Contact Preston.

Preston Bentley had a plan. He wanted to honor a good friend, raise money for a worthy charity, and do plenty of Light-Sport Aircraft flying. The 26-year-old Private Pilot is presently 12 days into an 8,000-mile flight. Preston is flying a Thorpedo donated by IndUS Aviation; he expects to touch down in each of the lower 48 states in 30 days. Bentley seeks to raise $500,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in the memory of his cousin Seth Bailey, who died in April 2004. The flight’s progress can be followed via an online blog. *** After my spring mishap my wife benefitted from the Quantum House in Florida where I was hospitalized. This was far better than other lodging alternatives as it offered a support group in addition to living quarters. Some 259 Ronald McDonald Houses do likewise and I understand how important these places are to families of those receiving medical care. Preston is a motivated young pilot who certainly picked a beautiful time of year to see the USA by LSA.

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Preston Bentley had a plan. He wanted to honor a good friend, raise money for a worthy charity, and do plenty of Light-Sport Aircraft flying. The 26-year-old Private Pilot is presently 12 days into an 8,000-mile flight. Preston is flying a Thorpedo donated by IndUS Aviation; he expects to touch down in each of the lower 48 states in 30 days. Bentley seeks to raise $500,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in the memory of his cousin Seth Bailey, who died in April 2004. The flight’s progress can be followed via an online blog. *** After my spring mishap my wife benefitted from the Quantum House in Florida where I was hospitalized. This was far better than other lodging alternatives as it offered a support group in addition to living quarters. Some 259 Ronald McDonald Houses do likewise and I understand how important these places are to families of those receiving medical care.

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Triple Play by Jabiru USA; Calypso SP Certified

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Calypso SP has a gross weight rating of 1,100, well under the common LSA figure of 1,320 pounds. But it’s so light (552 pounds) that it still has a useful load of 548 pounds and a full fuel payload of 446 pounds. The best news, though, may be the price: $63,900. Email for more info.

Pete and Ben Krotje and their team have done it again. They won an Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate for Calypso SP, their third and SLSA number 40 in the USA. Last November the Shelbyville, Tennessee company certified the roomy J-250 and flight school-oriented J-170. Pete said, “Calypso Sport is a Special-Light Sport certificated version of Jabiru’s proven UL with wheel pants, six-inch wheels, winglets, and other upgrades.” Calypso SP’s lower ventral fin has been reduced in size and the flaps have been extended by 72 inches. This resulted in a LSA that stalls at 35 knots, demonstrates a very short takeoff, and has near-motorglider performance at a reported 18:1 with the engine at idle. Jabiru USA says Calypso SP can cruise at 100 knots on less than four gallons an hour but when operated around 70 knots sips a mere two gallons per hour. The SLSA airworthiness was awarded on September 8th. But like many LSA suppliers, Jabiru USA is so busy that getting a photo took a bit longer.

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Pete and Ben Krotje and their team have done it again. They won an Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate for Calypso SP, their third and SLSA number 40 in the USA. Last November the Shelbyville, Tennessee company certified the roomy J-250 and flight school-oriented J-170. Pete said, “Calypso Sport is a Special-Light Sport certificated version of Jabiru’s proven UL with wheel pants, six-inch wheels, winglets, and other upgrades.” Calypso SP’s lower ventral fin has been reduced in size and the flaps have been extended by 72 inches. This resulted in a LSA that stalls at 35 knots, demonstrates a very short takeoff, and has near-motorglider performance at a reported 18:1 with the engine at idle. Jabiru USA says Calypso SP can cruise at 100 knots on less than four gallons an hour but when operated around 70 knots sips a mere two gallons per hour. The SLSA airworthiness was awarded on September 8th.

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CubCrafters Delivers First Two SLSA Sport Cubs

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Outside a hangar decked out with colorful balloons and company employees wearing “First Sport Cub Customer Delivery” tee shirts, two customers took delivery of their Cub Sport LSA powered by a Continental O-200 engine.

Their entry has taken longer than two preceding sellers of Cub replicas under the LSA rules, but CubCrafters has taken the time to get it just right. On Thursday September 21st, the Yakima, Washington-based builder of the Part 23-certified Top Cub delivered its first two CC11-100 Sport Cub SLSA to customers from opposite coasts and starkly different environments. One will go to Juneau, Alaska and the other to Brooklyn, New York. Company president Jim Richmond thanked customers and employees who “worked and waited with us so patiently while we completely redesigned the airplane.” The company announced that deliveries will now take place at the rate of one per week, increasing to two per week near the turn of the year. *** The other two suppliers of LSA Cub replicas are North American Sport Aviation and American Legend; the latter will host a homecoming for 100 customers and prospects in the third week of October.

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Their entry has taken longer than two preceding sellers of Cub replicas under the LSA rules, but CubCrafters has taken the time to get it just right. On Thursday September 21st, the Yakima, Washington-based builder of the Part 23-certified Top Cub delivered its first two CC11-100 Sport Cub SLSA to customers from opposite coasts and starkly different environments. One will go to Juneau, Alaska and the other to Brooklyn, New York. Company president Jim Richmond thanked customers and employees who “worked and waited with us so patiently while we completely redesigned the airplane.” The company announced that deliveries will now take place at the rate of one per week, increasing to two per week near the turn of the year. *** The other two suppliers of LSA Cub replicas are North American Sport Aviation and American Legend; the latter will host a homecoming for 100 customers and prospects in the third week of October.

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How Shall We Count New SLSA?

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Does it help to have your new SLSA blessed in the Hawaiian fashion? I don’t know but that and a parachute might save you one day. This traditional ceremony welcomed the island’s first SLSA, said Skykits.

Barely over a month ago, I reported that Skykits Corp won their first approval for the Savannah. In that SPLOG posting I said that the plane would be produced with three wings mated to the same fuselage. Now, proving the point, Skykits president Eric Giles announced his second SLSA approval…for a Savannah ADV. Eric also claimed the airplane delivered to Hawaii was the first SLSA to be registered in the state (photo). *** Savannah ADV has a tapered airfoil with full-span retractable leading edge slats and double-slotted flaps, both operated electrically with a mechanical backup. Skykits says, “The new wing increases cruise speed by 25 mph while maintaining the STOL capabilities. “As their company name implies, kits are also available. The questions arise, though: Is this a new model or a model variation? Do we count it as a new SLSA? We’re bound to have more such questions as the LSA evolution continues.

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Barely over a month ago, I reported that Skykits Corp won their first approval for the Savannah. In that SPLOG posting I said that the plane would be produced with three wings mated to the same fuselage. Now, proving the point, Skykits president Eric Giles announced his second SLSA approval…for a Savannah ADV. Eric also claimed the airplane delivered to Hawaii was the first SLSA to be registered in the state (photo). *** Savannah ADV has a tapered airfoil with full-span retractable leading edge slats and double-slotted flaps, both operated electrically with a mechanical backup. Skykits says, “The new wing increases cruise speed by 25 mph while maintaining the STOL capabilities. “As their company name implies, kits are also available. The questions arise, though: Is this a new model or a model variation? Do we count it as a new SLSA? We’re bound to have more such questions as the LSA evolution continues.

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Classy Resort LSA Fly-in at Sky Bryce, Virginia

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Fly-in organizer and flight school owner Jim Pellien (“Pull-lean”) speaks to several interested visitors about the 601 LSA he presently uses for flight training. For more info on his one-week Sport Pilot training program, email Jim or call 703-313-4818.

“It’s the only airport in the country,” stated organizer Jim Pellien, “where you can literally walk to a snow ski chair lift, or a golf course, a restaurant, or your condo.” Indeed Sky Bryce airport (VG18) at the Bryce resort in northwestern Virginia is a rare fly-in destination where a rental car isn’t needed. The airport itself is not one of those places you hope to depart quickly for greener pastures. In fact, it’s a beautiful location nestled in a valley. *** Jim organized the Mid-Atlantic Light Sport Aircraft Show for the weekend of September 16-17. Fall colors weren’t showing yet but the event generated a respectable turnout. Available for examination and demo flights: a Czech Aircraft Works 601, Sky Arrow, Allegro, and Airborne XT912. A few other interesting but privately-owned flying machines were also present and an Evektor and CT were expected after this SPLOG was posted. Jim runs an active “immersive” Sport Pilot flight school at Sky Bryce.

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“It’s the only airport in the country,” stated organizer Jim Pellien, “where you can literally walk to a snow ski chair lift, or a golf course, a restaurant, or your condo.” Indeed Sky Bryce airport (VG18) at the Bryce resort in northwestern Virginia is a rare fly-in destination where a rental car isn’t needed. The airport itself is not one of those places you hope to depart quickly for greener pastures. In fact, it’s a beautiful location nestled in a valley. *** Jim organized the Mid-Atlantic Light Sport Aircraft Show for the weekend of September 16-17. Fall colors weren’t showing yet but the event generated a respectable turnout. Available for examination and demo flights: a Czech Aircraft Works 601, Sky Arrow, Allegro, and Airborne XT912. A few other interesting but privately-owned flying machines were also present and an Evektor and CT were expected after this SPLOG was posted.

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Escape Pod Flies…and Wins, Big Time

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Seagull plans two or three derivatives of the Pod series. Escape Pod is powered as shown here. Pod Racer is unpowered for hang glider pilots who will be towed aloft (or wheel launched off a mountain ramp). Both have retractable gear and numerous other innovative features. Email Seagull Aerosports.

After four years of intense development (and more money than you might expect), the Seagull Aerosports Escape Pod made its flying debut at AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. Pilot Eric Rasmussen, proprietor of UFlyTrikes, a weight shift flight school and AirBorne dealership, took the sleek, retractable gear single place soaring trike aloft before a fascinated crowd at the big summer airshow. Designer Mike Riggs said, “People were running for the flight line to snap photos.” *** Those onlookers weren’t the only ones impressed. EAA judges showered the new rig with awards, giving Seagull’s Escape Pod both Innovative New Design and Grand Champion Ultralight. I’m not aware of a design snagging both honors in a single year before. (FYI: Escape Pod has been at AirVenture before but EAA judges don’t award any non-flying designs.) Hearty congratulations to Mike and right-hand man Jeremy! Now, those soaring enthusiasts — me included — are closer to deliveries of their own Pod.

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After four years of intense development (and more money than you might expect), the Seagull Aerosports Escape Pod made its flying debut at AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. Pilot Eric Rasmussen, proprietor of UFlyTrikes, a weight shift flight school and AirBorne dealership, took the sleek, retractable gear single place soaring trike aloft before a fascinated crowd at the big summer airshow. Designer Mike Riggs said, “People were running for the flight line to snap photos.” *** Those onlookers weren’t the only ones impressed. EAA judges showered the new rig with awards, giving Seagull’s Escape Pod both Innovative New Design and Grand Champion Ultralight. I’m not aware of a design snagging both honors in a single year before. (FYI: Escape Pod has been at AirVenture before but EAA judges don’t award any non-flying designs.) Hearty congratulations to Mike and right-hand man Jeremy! Now, those soaring enthusiasts — me included — are closer to deliveries of their own Pod.

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Back in the Saddle in a Flightstar Ultralight

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Who wouldn’t smile at the prospect of a smooth afternoon flight on a beautiful fall day via ultralight? Photo by Jeff Burnett

On a glorious fall day over the undulating hills of northeast Connecticut, I returned to flight after a five-month hiatus. Encouraged and accompanied by my old friend Tom Peghiny we enjoyed an hour sightseeing flight over the verdant countryside surrounding Tom’s Flightstar Sportplanes enterprise at the Woodstock airport. Gosh, it felt great to get back in the air! *** With the first revolution of the wheels I noticed how light the Flightstar seemed. I’ve done most of my flying in Light-Sport Aircraft lately and I guess I’d forgotten just how light ultralights can feel. We left the ground in a couple hundred feet lifted by a HKS 700E four stroke distributed by HPower. In an age of $100,000 LSA, this $25,000 Flightstar IISC certainly seems affordable to plenty of Americans. At 400 pounds less than LSA at gross, turns were pleasant low-gee maneuvers. No wonder pilots sell Cessnas to fly ultralights.

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On a glorious fall day over the undulating hills of northeast Connecticut, I returned to flight after a five-month hiatus. Encouraged and accompanied by my old friend Tom Peghiny we enjoyed an hour sightseeing flight over the verdant countryside surrounding Tom’s Flightstar Sportplanes enterprise at the Woodstock airport. Gosh, it felt great to get back in the air! *** With the first revolution of the wheels I noticed how light the Flightstar seemed. I’ve done most of my flying in Light-Sport Aircraft lately and I guess I’d forgotten just how light ultralights can feel. We left the ground in a couple hundred feet lifted by a HKS 700E four stroke distributed by HPower. In an age of $100,000 LSA, this $25,000 Flightstar IISC certainly seems affordable to plenty of Americans. At 400 pounds less than LSA at gross, turns were pleasant low-gee maneuvers.

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Boston Sport Pilot Tour Draws New England Crowd

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Two CTs plus a Sportstar, StingSport, Kappa KP5, SportCruiser, Dynamic, Allegro, and a Flightstar joined the three trikes present to make a well rounded showing in the New England version of the Sport Pilot Tour. Also present were BRS, Lockwood Aviation, and Terrafugia.

A dozen aircraft were available for a crowd numbering close to 500 people at the first and only east coast version of EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour. After being threatened by poor weather the week before due to Hurricane Ernesto, the Lawrence, Massachusetts stop 30 miles north of Boston enjoyed ideal weather. Weight shift trikes made their strongest appearance yet with three machines from companies that have won SLSA approval: AirBorne and Air Creation. *** One pleasant surprise was a visit from top FAA officials in the LSA office, Larry Clymer and Edsel Ford. Larry (inset photo, front seat) is the manager of FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch…but of keener interest to most Sport Pilot enthusiasts, he has now also logged 70 hours flying trikes. His predecessor, Marty Weaver, was a gyro pilot so Larry continues a theme of agency leaders who enjoy the activity as well as regulate it. EAA Chapter 106 hosted the event and provided food service.

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A dozen aircraft were available for a crowd numbering close to 500 people at the first and only east coast version of EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour. After being threatened by poor weather the week before due to Hurricane Ernesto, the Lawrence, Massachusetts stop 30 miles north of Boston enjoyed ideal weather. Weight shift trikes made their strongest appearance yet with three machines from companies that have won SLSA approval: AirBorne and Air Creation. *** One pleasant surprise was a visit from top FAA officials in the LSA office, Larry Clymer and Edsel Ford. Larry (inset photo, front seat) is the manager of FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch…but of keener interest to most Sport Pilot enthusiasts, he has now also logged 70 hours flying trikes. His predecessor, Marty Weaver, was a gyro pilot so Larry continues a theme of agency leaders who enjoy the activity as well as regulate it.

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Flight Design Surveys Sport Pilots; Offers Prizes

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Although we enjoy many great Light-Sport Aircraft, the CTsw is presently the best selling model. Now the manufacturer and their U.S. importer want to know what you want in an LSA. Read my review of this aircraft. (A newer CTsw article will be posted soon.)

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day holiday. Over this long weekend Randee and I headed to Boston for the EAA Sport Pilot Tour on Sept. 9th. At that event, visitors can complete a survey. Not only is it a chance to tell the leading seller of LSA what type of aircraft you want, but you can win some handsome prizes. Winners will be randomly chosen from those who participate in the survey. Your odds are very good to win First Prize which is a Garmin 396 worth $2,395. Second prize is a King Schools Sport Pilot Training Course and third prize is a Composiclean composite aircraft cleaning supply set. Taking the survey costs you nothing and you don’t have to go to Boston. Just click here and complete 9 multiple choice questions. (You can also add a comment.) *** But, you must act soon. At the end of the Boston Sport Pilot Tour on Sept. 9th, the survey closes.

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I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day holiday. Over this long weekend Randee and I headed to Boston for the EAA Sport Pilot Tour on Sept. 9th. At that event, visitors can complete a survey. Not only is it a chance to tell the leading seller of LSA what type of aircraft you want, but you can win some handsome prizes. Winners will be randomly chosen from those who participate in the survey. Your odds are very good to win First Prize which is a Garmin 396 worth $2,395. Second prize is a King Schools Sport Pilot Training Course and third prize is a Composiclean composite aircraft cleaning supply set. Taking the survey costs you nothing and you don’t have to go to Boston. Just click here and complete 9 multiple choice questions. (You can also add a comment.) *** But, you must act soon.

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RANS Plans for New SLSA to Go High & Low

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One Sport Pilot enthusiast who flew with Randy at the Sport Pilot Tour was my physical therapist, Blake Beutow (left). Blake and others have been helping me regain strength after my April accident; I’m happy to report excellent progress. So, it was a pleasure to reward Blake’s services by arranging a couple demo flights.

At the Minneapolis Sport Pilot Tour, RANS exhibited their S-6 and S-7LS. At a fly away price of $75,000 S-7LS Courier SLSA represents a strong value. Coyote S-6 remains a 51% kit, one of the most popular in the world. Either can be flown with a Sport Pilot Certificate. Earlier this year the Hays, Kansas company abbreviated their line to their best sellers (S-6, S-7 & S-12) *** New Light Sport Aircraft from RANS are still in development. Designer Randy Schlitter has already announced his low-wing S-19, but he told me of S-20, a high wing variation using many of the same components. This could smartly establish RANS against Euro designs like Italy’s Tecnam with their high wing Bravo and low wing Sierra, which also share components. Look at the entire RANS family of planes. (The RANS website has no info on S-20 yet.)

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At the Minneapolis Sport Pilot Tour, RANS exhibited their S-6 and S-7LS. At a fly away price of $75,000 S-7LS Courier SLSA represents a strong value. Coyote S-6 remains a 51% kit, one of the most popular in the world. Either can be flown with a Sport Pilot Certificate. Earlier this year the Hays, Kansas company abbreviated their line to their best sellers (S-6, S-7 & S-12) *** New Light Sport Aircraft from RANS are still in development. Designer Randy Schlitter has already announced his low-wing S-19, but he told me of S-20, a high wing variation using many of the same components. This could smartly establish RANS against Euro designs like Italy’s Tecnam with their high wing Bravo and low wing Sierra, which also share components. Look at the entire RANS family of planes. (The RANS website has no info on S-20 yet.)

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RANS Wins SLSA Certificate for S-7S Courier

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You’ll soon be able to purchase a fully equipped S-7S for about $75,000 with Garmin moving map GPS/COM and transponder. An S-7S ELSA kit should save money; the airframe kit starts at $18,900. Email RANS.

The race continues and yesterday it was joined by another American producer. The race is to obtain Special Light Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificates, allowing an airplane to be fully built and sold for instructional use or rental. A company with an SLSA approval can also elect to sell an ELSA kit. RANS plans to do both. Welcome to #17 in the list of shiny new SLSA. RANS will be bringing the model to the AOPA Expo in just a few days. Come see it — and most other SLSA — in the special LSA area of the AOPA Expo airport display. RANS is perhaps the largest producer of aircraft in the LSA general description and they passed a major milestone in June 2005 when they delivered their 4,000th model since that first S-4/5 Coyote Ultralight. “Most of the dozen models RANS builds [except S-16 Shekari]…fit into the light sport plane category,” says designer Randy Schlitter.

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The race continues and yesterday it was joined by another American producer. The race is to obtain Special Light Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificates, allowing an airplane to be fully built and sold for instructional use or rental. A company with an SLSA approval can also elect to sell an ELSA kit. RANS plans to do both. Welcome to #17 in the list of shiny new SLSA. RANS will be bringing the model to the AOPA Expo in just a few days. Come see it — and most other SLSA — in the special LSA area of the AOPA Expo airport display. RANS is perhaps the largest producer of aircraft in the LSA general description and they passed a major milestone in June 2005 when they delivered their 4,000th model since that first S-4/5 Coyote Ultralight. “Most of the dozen models RANS builds [except S-16 Shekari]…fit into the light sport plane category,” says designer Randy Schlitter.

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Gorgeous, Award-Winning Biplane from Duluth

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

For those seeking a different kind of LSA with a vintage quality, Mark Marino’s Hatz Bantam could make an attractive choice. You’ll have to build it but if it looks this good (photo), it will surely turn heads. Email Mark.

EAA’s Minneapolis Sport Pilot Tour, plagued at first with some logistical challenges, came off very well. More than 500 LSA-interested attendees showed up at Airlake airport south of the Twin Cities metro. The local Sport Pilot school, LSA North at the Aircraft Resource Center, exhibited their CTs along with the Sportstar, KP-5, RANS S-6 and S-7 and others. One of the charmers was the award-winnng Hatz Bantam from builder Mark Marino. The Bantam is an evolution of the original John Hatz biplane designed in the 1960s. Leap forward in time and the lighter Hatz can be flown by a Sport Pilot. Previously only plans were available but Marino is now working on Hatz Partz, components that represents elements of a full kit. The 1,320 pound Bantam is powered by a 120-hp Jabiru 3300 six cylinder four stroke. It can carry a couple two hundred pounders and fly 110 mph. Check all Hatz Bantam specs.

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EAA’s Minneapolis Sport Pilot Tour, plagued at first with some logistical challenges, came off very well. More than 500 LSA-interested attendees showed up at Airlake airport south of the Twin Cities metro. The local Sport Pilot school, LSA North at the Aircraft Resource Center, exhibited their CTs along with the Sportstar, KP-5, RANS S-6 and S-7 and others. One of the charmers was the award-winnng Hatz Bantam from builder Mark Marino. The Bantam is an evolution of the original John Hatz biplane designed in the 1960s. Leap forward in time and the lighter Hatz can be flown by a Sport Pilot. Previously only plans were available but Marino is now working on Hatz Partz, components that represents elements of a full kit. The 1,320 pound Bantam is powered by a 120-hp Jabiru 3300 six cylinder four stroke. It can carry a couple two hundred pounders and fly 110 mph.

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Two Top LSA Providers Join Forces…a New Trend?

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Welcome one and all to EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour in Nashville, Tennessee this Saturday (5/6/06) where you can see the SportCruiser. For more info on the Smyrna airport, visit Smyrna Air Center or get more details. Photo by Jim Raeder

Perhaps it’s the start of a new trend…early consolidation. Or maybe it’s simply a good fit between two top LSA providers. Either way, customers and sport pilots win in my opinion. Today, a joint announcement was issued by SportairUSA (national importer of the StingSport) and Czech Aircraft Works (builder of the Mermaid, Parrot, and SportCruiser). The two organizations said that SportairUSA will begin distribution of the Parrot high wing and SportCruiser low wing using their nationwide network of dealers. Czech Aircraft Works U.S. partner, Sport Aircraft Works, run by Danny Defelici welcomes the new arrangement saying, “To minimize our time to market, we required an established distributor that knows the sport aircraft market and possesses an extensive dealer network, so the logical choice was to team up with SportairUSA.” SportairUSA chief Bill Canino stated, “We are excited to represent the Parrot and SportCruiser in North America.” He added that bringing a high wing to their portfolio fills out their line and he views the SportCruiser as an exceptional trainer with a modest price tag. Both SportCruiser and StingSport can be viewed this weekend at EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour in Nashville, TN (Smyrna airport: MQY).

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Perhaps it’s the start of a new trend…early consolidation. Or maybe it’s simply a good fit between two top LSA providers. Either way, customers and sport pilots win in my opinion. Today, a joint announcement was issued by SportairUSA (national importer of the StingSport) and Czech Aircraft Works (builder of the Mermaid, Parrot, and SportCruiser). The two organizations said that SportairUSA will begin distribution of the Parrot high wing and SportCruiser low wing using their nationwide network of dealers. Czech Aircraft Works U.S. partner, Sport Aircraft Works, run by Danny Defelici welcomes the new arrangement saying, “To minimize our time to market, we required an established distributor that knows the sport aircraft market and possesses an extensive dealer network, so the logical choice was to team up with SportairUSA.” SportairUSA chief Bill Canino stated, “We are excited to represent the Parrot and SportCruiser in North America.” He added that bringing a high wing to their portfolio fills out their line and he views the SportCruiser as an exceptional trainer with a modest price tag.

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A Gaggle of Newly Approved SLSA Models

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

One of the newest recipients of a SLSA certificate is the Kappa KP-5 now manufactured by Jihlavan of the Czech Republic. It’s imported by Kappa Aircraft of Pennsylvania.

In the last couple weeks, the number of FAA-approved Special Light-Sport Aircraft grew to 13 models. EAA keeps a current list, proved by copies of the airworthiness certificate, but I’ll list them here as: Festival, Breezer, C42, Legend Cub, Kappa KP-5 (photo), Bravo, T-211 Thorpedo, StingSport, Echo Super, Sierra, Allegro 2000, the CT, and SportStar. (The list is presented in reverse order of approval.) In a fairly short time — the first approval was announced just over three months ago — customers have been presented with many Light-Sport Aircraft choices. I’ve flown ten of these planes. Watch for my pilot reports here on the website; a few are available now.

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In the last couple weeks, the number of FAA-approved Special Light-Sport Aircraft grew to 13 models. EAA keeps a current list, proved by copies of the airworthiness certificate, but I’ll list them here as: Festival, Breezer, C42, Legend Cub, Kappa KP-5 (photo), Bravo, T-211 Thorpedo, StingSport, Echo Super, Sierra, Allegro 2000, the CT, and SportStar. (The list is presented in reverse order of approval.) In a fairly short time — the first approval was announced just over three months ago — customers have been presented with many Light-Sport Aircraft choices. I’ve flown ten of these planes. Watch for my pilot reports here on the website; a few are available now.

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Canadian-Based Savannah Wins SLSA #39

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Savannah is an all metal, high wing, tricycle gear, STOL airplane with side-by-side seating. Eric Giles poses with his new Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A Savannah SLSA will sell for “under $60,000.” For more info click to send e-mail.

The first Canadian company to win SLSA approval was Summit and their powered parachute, itself the first (and still only) such to declare compliance with ASTM standards. Now comes the High River, Alberta-based Savannah (photo). Skykits Corporation president Eric Giles — whom I met at his display at the Arlington Fly-in — called to say he had gained approval for two Savannahs on August 15th, becoming the 39th SLSA. Savannah was created in Italy as a variation of the CH-701 though to many eyes it enjoys a more pleasing appearance. Savannah is available in three models all using the same fuselage but with different wings. The standard Savannah offers fixed, leading-edge slats while the VG model uses vortex generators to increase STOL capabilities. Savannah ADV has a tapered wing featuring electrically operated slats and electrically operated double-slotted flaps with separate ailerons. For those seeking a utility airplane with very short takeoff and landing, Savannah offers a new choice.

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The first Canadian company to win SLSA approval was Summit and their powered parachute, itself the first (and still only) such to declare compliance with ASTM standards. Now comes the High River, Alberta-based Savannah (photo). Skykits Corporation president Eric Giles — whom I met at his display at the Arlington Fly-in — called to say he had gained approval for two Savannahs on August 15th, becoming the 39th SLSA. Savannah was created in Italy as a variation of the CH-701 though to many eyes it enjoys a more pleasing appearance. Savannah is available in three models all using the same fuselage but with different wings. The standard Savannah offers fixed, leading-edge slats while the VG model uses vortex generators to increase STOL capabilities. Savannah ADV has a tapered wing featuring electrically operated slats and electrically operated double-slotted flaps with separate ailerons. For those seeking a utility airplane with very short takeoff and landing, Savannah offers a new choice.

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Handsome Floatplanes Are a Hit During Hot Summers

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Highlander is the award-winning SLSA from Just Aircraft — judges at AirVenture and Sun ‘n Fun seem to love it. The design is factory prepared for float fitting such as this lovely example from Cornell Aero Works.

Summer fly-ins are an institution in recreational aviation. I attended one last weekend at Don Zank’s field near Bloomer, Wisconsin (north of Eau Claire). Of 50 or more planes that flew in, one was a handsome Just Aircraft Highlander “Marine” decked out in sleek amphibious floats. This time of year, while plenty of outdoorsmen pursue hunting and fishing, the amphib floatplane is versatile and desirable. Just Aircraft earned its SLSA airworthiness for Highlander — one of only seven American producers out of the 30 supplying Special Light-Sport Aircraft using ASTM consensus standards. Some customers are attracted to Highlander for its bushplane qualities. Others like its high useful load. Just Aircraft reports the 100-hp R-912 model weighs only 600 pounds empty, leaving a useful load of more than 700 pounds. With 18 gallons of fuel, Highlander claims a payload of more than 600 pounds though optional extras will cut into its carrying capacity. Click for specifications on the basic Highlander.

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Summer fly-ins are an institution in recreational aviation. I attended one last weekend at Don Zank’s field near Bloomer, Wisconsin (north of Eau Claire). Of 50 or more planes that flew in, one was a handsome Just Aircraft Highlander “Marine” decked out in sleek amphibious floats. This time of year, while plenty of outdoorsmen pursue hunting and fishing, the amphib floatplane is versatile and desirable. Just Aircraft earned its SLSA airworthiness for Highlander — one of only seven American producers out of the 30 supplying Special Light-Sport Aircraft using ASTM consensus standards. Some customers are attracted to Highlander for its bushplane qualities. Others like its high useful load. Just Aircraft reports the 100-hp R-912 model weighs only 600 pounds empty, leaving a useful load of more than 700 pounds. With 18 gallons of fuel, Highlander claims a payload of more than 600 pounds though optional extras will cut into its carrying capacity.

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