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A Legend Makes An Appearance

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Legend Cub First Flight

As a new season of flying for fun starts the Legend Cub from Sulphur Springs, Texas made its first flight. Company founders Tim Elliott and Darin Hart say their new Cub lookalike (it isn’t identical, for example, it’s got a wider cockpit) is for “recreational flyers of all ages around the world.” That’s a big statement but the popular design shape is certain to find good appeal. The Legend Cub makes its public debut at Sun ‘n Fun 2005. Look for a pilot report in an upcoming EAA Sport Pilot magazine.

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As a new season of flying for fun starts the Legend Cub from Sulphur Springs, Texas made its first flight. Company founders Tim Elliott and Darin Hart say their new Cub lookalike (it isn’t identical, for example, it’s got a wider cockpit) is for “recreational flyers of all ages around the world.” That’s a big statement but the popular design shape is certain to find good appeal. The Legend Cub makes its public debut at Sun ‘n Fun 2005. Look for a pilot report in an upcoming EAA Sport Pilot magazine.

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Legend is First Cub to Sport a Jabiru Engine

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The Legend Aircraft folks were kind enough to remove the cowling around their new Jabiru 3300-powered Cub so that I could photograph the installation for this SPLOG report. The third Cub-like SLSA, the Zlin Savage, is the only one to use a Rotax 912.

Legend Aircraft‘s Cub is one of the top selling SLSA, ranking up high with Flight Design’s CT, Fantasy Air’s Allegro, Evektor’s SportStar, and TL Ultralight’s StingSport. Both American-made Cub-like designs (Legend’s and CubCrafters‘) have been 100% Continental O-200 powered because that engine is close to what was used in the original Piper J-3 Cub, which has driven demand from customers attracted to the vintage aircraft. However, the Cubs have higher empty weights than many of their smaller metal or composite competitors — CT and StingSport, being primarily carbon fiber airframes, weigh in almost 200 pounds lighter, for example. So, when operating at higher elevations or on floats, reported Legend staffer Pat Bowers, some owners felt more power would be useful. For several weeks the Sulphur Springs, Texas factory worked to install the Jabiru 3300. The six cylinder engine is 35 pounds lighter and has 20 more horsepower, a combination said to provided spirited performance.

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Legend Aircraft‘s Cub is one of the top selling SLSA, ranking up high with Flight Design’s CT, Fantasy Air’s Allegro, Evektor’s SportStar, and TL Ultralight’s StingSport. Both American-made Cub-like designs (Legend’s and CubCrafters‘) have been 100% Continental O-200 powered because that engine is close to what was used in the original Piper J-3 Cub, which has driven demand from customers attracted to the vintage aircraft. However, the Cubs have higher empty weights than many of their smaller metal or composite competitors — CT and StingSport, being primarily carbon fiber airframes, weigh in almost 200 pounds lighter, for example. So, when operating at higher elevations or on floats, reported Legend staffer Pat Bowers, some owners felt more power would be useful. For several weeks the Sulphur Springs, Texas factory worked to install the Jabiru 3300. The six cylinder engine is 35 pounds lighter and has 20 more horsepower, a combination said to provided spirited performance.

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World-Traveling Trike Wins SLSA Approval (#38)

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Assembled in celebration, we see FAA Designated Airworthiness Rep, John Shablow (left), giving importer Matt Liknaitzky his coveted Airworthiness Certificate on July 15th. Congratulations to the whole team that worked hard on this achievement.

Matt Liknaitzky, the U.S. importer for the French-designed DTA weight-shift aircraft is the newest winner of an Airworthiness Certificate for this world-spanning trike. A DTA Voyageur was used in a spectacular 1999 flight from the tip of South America through the USA across the Atlantic and back down through Europe to South Africa. This immense 26,703-mile cross country trip was accomplished by Mike Blyth and Olivier Aubert and was beautifully documented on a DVD video called “South to South.” The very tough Rotax 912-powered DTA trike is distinguished by its structural mast that makes a forward support tube unnecessary, thereby improving visibility. *** Matt is also the importer of a line of electronic flight instruments under the brand name Stratomaster. I’ve flown with them and loved their clean, clear display. His business, Sport Flying Shop, also carries a wide variety of other flying gear, and is based at the Torrence, California airport.

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Matt Liknaitzky, the U.S. importer for the French-designed DTA weight-shift aircraft is the newest winner of an Airworthiness Certificate for this world-spanning trike. A DTA Voyageur was used in a spectacular 1999 flight from the tip of South America through the USA across the Atlantic and back down through Europe to South Africa. This immense 26,703-mile cross country trip was accomplished by Mike Blyth and Olivier Aubert and was beautifully documented on a DVD video called “South to South.” The very tough Rotax 912-powered DTA trike is distinguished by its structural mast that makes a forward support tube unnecessary, thereby improving visibility. *** Matt is also the importer of a line of electronic flight instruments under the brand name Stratomaster. I’ve flown with them and loved their clean, clear display. His business, Sport Flying Shop, also carries a wide variety of other flying gear, and is based at the Torrence, California airport.

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Lightweight Four-Stroke HKS Now Available for LSA

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Welcome to the 2-cylinder, 4-stroke HKS, now available for Light-Sport Aircraft. You can read my evaluation of the HKS engine as mounted by ASAP for their Chinook Plus 2.

After Rotax announced ASTM compliance for their lightweight 582 two-stroke engine, many American pilots celebrated. This lighter, simpler powerplant (compared to the 9-series engines) gave ultralight builders seeking SLSA certification more flexibility while significantly lowering cost for buyers. Now HKS enters the arena issuing a Statement of Compliance for the horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder, four-stroke, 60-hp 700E engine. HKS is lighter than four-cylinder engines and can save buyers several thousand dollars. American importer HPower has assisted at least 29 companies as they became HKS-powered, including such leading names as RANS, Quicksilver, Murphy, Earthstar, CGS, Titan, ASAP, and Flightstar. The Japanese company, HKS Aviation Co., Ltd., made their declaration on July 16, one month after the Rotax 582. Behind HKS Aviation is real depth in a 400-employee company active in high-performance auto components. I’ve flown a number of airplanes with this engine and have become converted to its smooth power.

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After Rotax announced ASTM compliance for their lightweight 582 two-stroke engine, many American pilots celebrated. This lighter, simpler powerplant (compared to the 9-series engines) gave ultralight builders seeking SLSA certification more flexibility while significantly lowering cost for buyers. Now HKS enters the arena issuing a Statement of Compliance for the horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder, four-stroke, 60-hp 700E engine. HKS is lighter than four-cylinder engines and can save buyers several thousand dollars. American importer HPower has assisted at least 29 companies as they became HKS-powered, including such leading names as RANS, Quicksilver, Murphy, Earthstar, CGS, Titan, ASAP, and Flightstar. The Japanese company, HKS Aviation Co., Ltd., made their declaration on July 16, one month after the Rotax 582. Behind HKS Aviation is real depth in a 400-employee company active in high-performance auto components. I’ve flown a number of airplanes with this engine and have become converted to its smooth power.

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CubCrafters Sport Cub Becomes SLSA #37

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CubCrafters’ Sport Cub represents only the seventh American-made Special Light-Sport Aircraft in the list of 37 ASTM-certified aircraft. The 26-year-old business is based in Yakima, Washington.

CubCrafters, builder of the Part 23 Top Cub, won their SLSA airworthiness today, becoming SLSA #37 to make their Statement of Compliance under ASTM consensus standards. The Washington state company brings the third J-3 Cub-like product to the market following Texas-based Legend Cub and the Zlin Savage from Italy. CubCrafters’ version follows their conventionally certified Top Cub and the company prides itself on building the Sport Cub CC11-100 on the same assembly line, which some buyers will value. AirFleet Capital, EAA’s official aircraft financing partner, is willing to finance a Sport Cub over a 20-year period (longer than other brands) because it is built on a Part 23 production line. Sport Cub is powered by the 100-hp O-200 Continental engine (as is the Legend Cub, though that company is also working with the Jabiru 3300) which allows the CubCrafters’ model to cruise at 105 mph (91 knots). If you’re attending AirVenture Oshkosh, you can check out the Sport Cub in person.

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CubCrafters, builder of the Part 23 Top Cub, won their SLSA airworthiness today, becoming SLSA #37 to make their Statement of Compliance under ASTM consensus standards. The Washington state company brings the third J-3 Cub-like product to the market following Texas-based Legend Cub and the Zlin Savage from Italy. CubCrafters’ version follows their conventionally certified Top Cub and the company prides itself on building the Sport Cub CC11-100 on the same assembly line, which some buyers will value. AirFleet Capital, EAA’s official aircraft financing partner, is willing to finance a Sport Cub over a 20-year period (longer than other brands) because it is built on a Part 23 production line. Sport Cub is powered by the 100-hp O-200 Continental engine (as is the Legend Cub, though that company is also working with the Jabiru 3300) which allows the CubCrafters’ model to cruise at 105 mph (91 knots).

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Arlington Fly-In…and LSA Mall — See You There?

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Among EAA Fly-Ins, Arlington is number three behind AirVenture Oshkosh and Sun ‘n Fun.

One of the most beautiful areas in the 48 states is Washington state, especially in summer. So, no wonder the third largest fly-in of the USA takes place north of Seattle in July. Some 50-60,000 visitors attend. With Boeing nearby, tons of seaplane activity, plus being relatively close to aviation-crazy Alaska, Arlington is the major western event. This year it will be even better as Arlington has its own LSA Mall, modeled after the same concept at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. *** Thankfully, I’m recovering well from my injuries in early April and will attend. If you can come to Arlington, look me up in the Mall on the 5-6-7th of July. Later in July, I’ll do duty in Oshkosh’s LSA Mall from July 23-30. I hope to see you at one of these or at a Sport Pilot Tour stop — Minneapolis (Aug. 19), Boston (Sep. 9), Riverside, CA (Dec. 2) San Diego (Dec. 9), and Houston (Feb. 17, 2007). It’s great to be back in the airshow circuit!

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One of the most beautiful areas in the 48 states is Washington state, especially in summer. So, no wonder the third largest fly-in of the USA takes place north of Seattle in July. Some 50-60,000 visitors attend. With Boeing nearby, tons of seaplane activity, plus being relatively close to aviation-crazy Alaska, Arlington is the major western event. This year it will be even better as Arlington has its own LSA Mall, modeled after the same concept at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. *** Thankfully, I’m recovering well from my injuries in early April and will attend. If you can come to Arlington, look me up in the Mall on the 5-6-7th of July. Later in July, I’ll do duty in Oshkosh’s LSA Mall from July 23-30. I hope to see you at one of these or at a Sport Pilot Tour stop — Minneapolis (Aug.

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First-Ever Powered Parachute SLSA Approval!

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Summit offers a single place and this two seat SLSA certified Summit II model. The Canadian company also offers a Part 103 legal powered parachute, giving them the widest offering of any powered parachute provider.

Summit Powered Parachutes beat a group of companies working toward the first Special Light-Sport Aircraft PPC. The Vernon, British Columbia, Canada-based powered parachute producer won their SLSA Airworthiness Certificate on Thursday, April 27, 2006. I flew and reported on the Summit II in the 11/03 edition of Ultralight Flying! Magazine. I found Summit II to be notably different than most other powered parachutes partly due the sliding rudder pedal-like foot controls used to steer the canopy that exhibited fluid action. Last November Summit won German certification in the only such approval by an American company with which I am familiar. This earlier certification may have helped Summit as they prepared for stating compliance to the quite different ASTM standards. Although the powered parachute standard has been done for many months, those producers have not rallied to the new regulation. All that may change now that Summit is out of the gate with their approval.

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Summit Powered Parachutes beat a group of companies working toward the first Special Light-Sport Aircraft PPC. The Vernon, British Columbia, Canada-based powered parachute producer won their SLSA Airworthiness Certificate on Thursday, April 27, 2006. I flew and reported on the Summit II in the 11/03 edition of Ultralight Flying! Magazine. I found Summit II to be notably different than most other powered parachutes partly due the sliding rudder pedal-like foot controls used to steer the canopy that exhibited fluid action. Last November Summit won German certification in the only such approval by an American company with which I am familiar. This earlier certification may have helped Summit as they prepared for stating compliance to the quite different ASTM standards. Although the powered parachute standard has been done for many months, those producers have not rallied to the new regulation. All that may change now that Summit is out of the gate with their approval.

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IndUS Aviation’s Hot Thorpedo

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IndUS Aviation’s Hot Thorpedo performs more energetically than the Continental-powered version. When you install a non-certified Jabiru 3300, six-cylinder engine into a 58-year-old certified light aircraft, you make one lively machine out of it. This relatively new company is doing things for this CAR 3-certified aircraft that legendary designer John Thorp could never do (for one, he didn’t have the Australian Jabiru powerplant). EAA’s Sport Pilot magazine (2/05) will have a full pilot report on Thorpedo. Look for it here 90+ days after publication.

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IndUS Aviation’s Hot Thorpedo performs more energetically than the Continental-powered version. When you install a non-certified Jabiru 3300, six-cylinder engine into a 58-year-old certified light aircraft, you make one lively machine out of it. This relatively new company is doing things for this CAR 3-certified aircraft that legendary designer John Thorp could never do (for one, he didn’t have the Australian Jabiru powerplant). EAA’s Sport Pilot magazine (2/05) will have a full pilot report on Thorpedo. Look for it here 90+ days after publication.

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Germany’s FK Lightplanes Gains a U.S. Distributor

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I photographed this gorgeous FK14 Polaris traildragger in the early morning at Germany’s Aero 2005 airshow. Actually a “B” model, this newest Polaris has enhanced features including the distinctive winglets. Read my 1999 Pilot Report on FK9.

For years, FK Lightplanes has been a leading supplier in Europe. Designs are created by Otto and Peter Funk, the father and son team that introduced the FK9 Mark IV (all-round use and trainer design), the FK12 Comet (enclosed, folding biwing), and the elegant FK14 Polaris, a modern LSA candidate available in tricycle gear or taildragger. FK planes appointed Wings of Paradise their American representative. Based in south Florida at North Perry Airport (HWO), Wings of Paradise is a longtime ultralight dealer and provider of lessons on Miami area beaches. FK Lightplanes sells models like the FK14 Polaris in 51% kit form, fast-build form, and it is available ready-to-fly. Wings of Paradise is working with the German producer to meet SLSA standards; the design is certified under Germany’s Microlight rules. E-mail contact.

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For years, FK Lightplanes has been a leading supplier in Europe. Designs are created by Otto and Peter Funk, the father and son team that introduced the FK9 Mark IV (all-round use and trainer design), the FK12 Comet (enclosed, folding biwing), and the elegant FK14 Polaris, a modern LSA candidate available in tricycle gear or taildragger. FK planes appointed Wings of Paradise their American representative. Based in south Florida at North Perry Airport (HWO), Wings of Paradise is a longtime ultralight dealer and provider of lessons on Miami area beaches. FK Lightplanes sells models like the FK14 Polaris in 51% kit form, fast-build form, and it is available ready-to-fly. Wings of Paradise is working with the German producer to meet SLSA standards; the design is certified under Germany’s Microlight rules. E-mail contact.

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FK9 Wins SLSA Certification

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Welcome to our newest Special Light-Sport Aircraft, the German FK9 Mk IV. This pleasant flying high wing is available either in tricycle gear or in taildragger. More info is available on the FK Lightplanes USA website.

FK Lightplanes FK9 Mk IV becomes our 21st SLSA since April 15 (a rate of 3 per month!). A longtime ultralight enthusiast with a list of FAA ratings, importer Tony Anderson has moved fast since securing distribution of Germany’s FK Lightplanes. Since my SPLOG two days ago, Tony was able to confirm by copy of his Airworthiness Certificate the SLSA approval for the FK9 Mk IV on November 17th. Here is a proven microlight design built very lightly (590 pounds empty) using fiberglass over steel construction. Powered by a Rotax 912 or 912S, FK9 cruises at 105 knots and climbs 1,500 fpm at gross (with 100 hp engine at 1,146 pounds gross weight). In service for many years in Germany, FK9 is quite popular with flight schools. It also has the slickest of wing folding mechanisms. A single person can unhook the wing — from the tip — and fold the wing.

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FK Lightplanes FK9 Mk IV becomes our 21st SLSA since April 15 (a rate of 3 per month!). A longtime ultralight enthusiast with a list of FAA ratings, importer Tony Anderson has moved fast since securing distribution of Germany’s FK Lightplanes. Since my SPLOG two days ago, Tony was able to confirm by copy of his Airworthiness Certificate the SLSA approval for the FK9 Mk IV on November 17th. Here is a proven microlight design built very lightly (590 pounds empty) using fiberglass over steel construction. Powered by a Rotax 912 or 912S, FK9 cruises at 105 knots and climbs 1,500 fpm at gross (with 100 hp engine at 1,146 pounds gross weight). In service for many years in Germany, FK9 is quite popular with flight schools. It also has the slickest of wing folding mechanisms. A single person can unhook the wing — from the tip — and fold the wing.

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Rotax Certifies 582; Good for American Designs?

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Once the largest selling engine in the Rotax line of engines, the Rotax 582 sold hot and heavy for powered parachutes but also to many fixed-wing ultralights. It’s approval may open the door to more American SLSA.

Perhaps a long time coming Austria-based Rotax recently certified the 65-horsepower R-582 two-stroke engine under ASTM standards. Now, some American designs may proceed with pursuing their Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval. One that pops into my mind immediately is Quicksilver‘s already-certified GT500 (under Primary Catetory from the mid-1990s) but many more could be close behind…for example, powered parachutes and other popular American ultralights. While most SLSA are hitting the gross weight limit of 1,320 pounds, LSA aren’t required to be that heavy so the 65-horse engine could be a most appropriate powerplant. One interesting note is that if A&Ps currently resist working on the 912 series what will they think of two-stroke engines? A swing factor could be Cessna, should the big company choose the lightweight 9-series Rotax over a Lycoming (part of Cessna’s corporate family). If Cessna goes Rotax, then the door may open to mechanic acceptance. As with so much in SP/LSA, time will tell.

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Perhaps a long time coming Austria-based Rotax recently certified the 65-horsepower R-582 two-stroke engine under ASTM standards. Now, some American designs may proceed with pursuing their Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval. One that pops into my mind immediately is Quicksilver‘s already-certified GT500 (under Primary Catetory from the mid-1990s) but many more could be close behind…for example, powered parachutes and other popular American ultralights. While most SLSA are hitting the gross weight limit of 1,320 pounds, LSA aren’t required to be that heavy so the 65-horse engine could be a most appropriate powerplant. One interesting note is that if A&Ps currently resist working on the 912 series what will they think of two-stroke engines? A swing factor could be Cessna, should the big company choose the lightweight 9-series Rotax over a Lycoming (part of Cessna’s corporate family). If Cessna goes Rotax, then the door may open to mechanic acceptance.

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Sport Pilot Tour Blows into the Windy City

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SLSA expected at Chicago — Remos G-3, EuroFox, Jabiru J-250 and J-170, Allegro, Thorpedo (photo), StingSport, Flight Design CTsw, Evektor SportStar, Zenith 601, Kappa KP-5. Come see them all!

The country’s third largest metro area will soon be visited by a collection of Light-Sport Aircraft plus hundreds of pilots and friends interested in Sport Pilot. On Saturday, June 17th get out and enjoy these activities — EAA experts will answer questions on the Sport Pilot license. You can sign up for a free Sport Pilot certificate if you’re an EAA member. You can close-up examine SLSA in a relaxed environment that will give you time to ask your questions and try on the aircraft for fit. The Sport Pilot Tour brings all this to an airport near you, this month on the outskirts of the Windy City. Food is available. The event is free. All Sport Pilot Tour stops are staged near areas with large general and pilot populations to insure the best results. Minneapolis will be next (Aug. 19), Boston (Sep. 9), Riverside CA (Dec. 2) San Diego (Dec. 9), and Houston (Feb. 17, 2007). When one comes to you, get out and see it.

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The country’s third largest metro area will soon be visited by a collection of Light-Sport Aircraft plus hundreds of pilots and friends interested in Sport Pilot. On Saturday, June 17th get out and enjoy these activities — EAA experts will answer questions on the Sport Pilot license. You can sign up for a free Sport Pilot certificate if you’re an EAA member. You can close-up examine SLSA in a relaxed environment that will give you time to ask your questions and try on the aircraft for fit. The Sport Pilot Tour brings all this to an airport near you, this month on the outskirts of the Windy City. Food is available. The event is free. All Sport Pilot Tour stops are staged near areas with large general and pilot populations to insure the best results. Minneapolis will be next (Aug. 19), Boston (Sep. 9), Riverside CA (Dec.

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Jabiru Hits a Double with Twin Approvals

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The first approval of two airplanes in one stroke awarded the first SLSA certificates for an Australian design (other than the Jabiru engines already approved). You can read my report on J250 in the December 2005 EAA Sport Pilot.

And then we had 20…SLSA approvals, that is. Jabiru’s Pete Krotje announced his company had received not one but two FAA airworthiness certificates for J250 and the new J170. The latter is aimed at the flight training market. Smaller than the J250 which has an enormous baggage area — being based on the the four-seat J400 — the J170 is based on the proven two-seat Jabiru, the Calypso. It will be powered with the company’s four cylinder, 80-hp 2200 engine. Smaller, yes, but J170 still has a broad 45-inch cabin with plenty of headroom. The J170 is big in other ways, too, with a 562 pound useful load and a whopping 35 gallons of fuel (which may not all be used in training applications). Meanwhile J250 is your cross country cruiser with room for all your gear and able to cruise easily at SP/LSA’s 120-knot speed limit.

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And then we had 20…SLSA approvals, that is. Jabiru’s Pete Krotje announced his company had received not one but two FAA airworthiness certificates for J250 and the new J170. The latter is aimed at the flight training market. Smaller than the J250 which has an enormous baggage area — being based on the the four-seat J400 — the J170 is based on the proven two-seat Jabiru, the Calypso. It will be powered with the company’s four cylinder, 80-hp 2200 engine. Smaller, yes, but J170 still has a broad 45-inch cabin with plenty of headroom. The J170 is big in other ways, too, with a 562 pound useful load and a whopping 35 gallons of fuel (which may not all be used in training applications). Meanwhile J250 is your cross country cruiser with room for all your gear and able to cruise easily at SP/LSA’s 120-knot speed limit.

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Cessna Studying Development of Their Own LSA!

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Assuming they go forward with an LSA, will Cessna emulate their familiar shape or create a clean-sheet design? Either way, this adds credibility to the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft segment.

Earlier this year at Sebring Cessna officials including boss Jack Pelton made a stealth visit to the LSA Expo (see SPLOG of January 14, 2006). Well, a bizjet hiding among Light-Sport Aircraft wasn’t particularly stealthy but they were apparently serious. Today the rumor mill kicked into overdrive with the big company’s formal announcement that it is “studying the feasibility of developing and producing a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).” Cessna said they’ll have have a mockup in the LSA Mall at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 and noted that LSA represents “the highest growth sector of general aviation.” This announcement is both exciting and more than a little scary for current LSA providers. Cessna jumped into the Very Light Jet (VLJ) market with their Mustang, and they are supposedly creating a “Cirrus Killer.” The storied brand is glancing over its shoulder in several aviation markets. Big companies are often less nimble than small players. Cessna indicated they will make their decision about a LSA early in 2007.

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Earlier this year at Sebring Cessna officials including boss Jack Pelton made a stealth visit to the LSA Expo (see SPLOG of January 14, 2006). Well, a bizjet hiding among Light-Sport Aircraft wasn’t particularly stealthy but they were apparently serious. Today the rumor mill kicked into overdrive with the big company’s formal announcement that it is “studying the feasibility of developing and producing a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).” Cessna said they’ll have have a mockup in the LSA Mall at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 and noted that LSA represents “the highest growth sector of general aviation.” This announcement is both exciting and more than a little scary for current LSA providers. Cessna jumped into the Very Light Jet (VLJ) market with their Mustang, and they are supposedly creating a “Cirrus Killer.” The storied brand is glancing over its shoulder in several aviation markets. Big companies are often less nimble than small players.

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ATI to Add Understanding of Rotax Engines?

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The ubiquitous Rotax 912 or 912S powers the majority of LSA (Jabiru and Continental have smaller slices of the market). But many general aviation mechanics and flight school operators have given the powerplant a bad rap. With education they may come to love the efficient engine as do many sport pilots.

As I’ve traveled for EAA approaching major flight schools to interest them in pursuing Sport Pilot training and using LSA, I’ve often heard one retort. These large general aviation schools — using Cessna, Piper, Diamond — say, “We’ve gotten poor reports about Rotax.” The problem appears to stem from Diamond’s original Katana powered by a 912 Rotax. While European A&P mechanics knew the engine, American maintenance people did not. Diamond didn’t fully train mechanics so they handled the engine incorrectly. Eventually, engine reliability suffered. Now, one of the country’s top sellers of Rotax engines aims to change that unfortunate perception through education. Former Cirrus executive, Dean Vogel, has teamed up with Phil Lockwood to form the Aero Technical Institute (ATI). They’ll start May 25-26 offering training sessions on Rotax powerplants. Courses will be at Lockwood‘s sprawling operation at the Sebring airport and perhaps ATI will travel to A&Ps later. As the GA community learns more about Rotax maintenance, I hope their attitude will change. Hopefully it’ll be ATI to the rescue!

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As I’ve traveled for EAA approaching major flight schools to interest them in pursuing Sport Pilot training and using LSA, I’ve often heard one retort. These large general aviation schools — using Cessna, Piper, Diamond — say, “We’ve gotten poor reports about Rotax.” The problem appears to stem from Diamond’s original Katana powered by a 912 Rotax. While European A&P mechanics knew the engine, American maintenance people did not. Diamond didn’t fully train mechanics so they handled the engine incorrectly. Eventually, engine reliability suffered. Now, one of the country’s top sellers of Rotax engines aims to change that unfortunate perception through education. Former Cirrus executive, Dean Vogel, has teamed up with Phil Lockwood to form the Aero Technical Institute (ATI). They’ll start May 25-26 offering training sessions on Rotax powerplants. Courses will be at Lockwood‘s sprawling operation at the Sebring airport and perhaps ATI will travel to A&Ps later.

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New Parrot from Czech Aircraft Works

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The new Parrot from CZAW looks like composite due to its smooth flowing lines but is actually all metal. The canopy hinges forward for entry and the wings have slight forward sweep.

Looking all shiny and smooth is the new Parrot from Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) — the Czech LSA company owned by former Wisconsin resident, Chip Erwin. Parrot adds to the amphibious Mermaid as distinct aircraft from CZAW. Some pilots know this company from its licensed production of Zenith 601 and 701 models, but they are using their engineering talent base to create their own designs. Both Parrot and Mermaid were developed very quickly and efficiently revealing an interesting marriage of American entrepreneurism and Czech airplane building skills. For more info, go to SkyShops website.

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Looking all shiny and smooth is the new Parrot from Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) — the Czech LSA company owned by former Wisconsin resident, Chip Erwin. Parrot adds to the amphibious Mermaid as distinct aircraft from CZAW. Some pilots know this company from its licensed production of Zenith 601 and 701 models, but they are using their engineering talent base to create their own designs. Both Parrot and Mermaid were developed very quickly and efficiently revealing an interesting marriage of American entrepreneurism and Czech airplane building skills. For more info, go to SkyShops website.

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Zenith CH601 Is Newest SLSA Approval

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Meet the newest SLSA. This Chris Heintz design has already earned a following as a kit airplane. Now you can buy it fully built. Read my report on Zenith CH601.

On October 5th, 2005 the Zenith CH601 became the newest — and 16th — aircraft in the fleet to win its Special Light Aircraft Approval. The news was announced by Josh Foss of Sportsplanes.com, a national network of regional centers where interested pilots and newcomers can find Sport Pilot training and/or LSA airplanes for sale. Sportsplanes represents several other aircraft including the CH701, Comco-Ikarus’ Breezer and C-42 (both already SLSA certified), and the Russian Sigma. The SLSA version of the CH601 is built by Czech Aircraft Works, while the U.S.-made Zenith CH601 is still sold as a 51% kit.

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On October 5th, 2005 the Zenith CH601 became the newest — and 16th — aircraft in the fleet to win its Special Light Aircraft Approval. The news was announced by Josh Foss of Sportsplanes.com, a national network of regional centers where interested pilots and newcomers can find Sport Pilot training and/or LSA airplanes for sale. Sportsplanes represents several other aircraft including the CH701, Comco-Ikarus’ Breezer and C-42 (both already SLSA certified), and the Russian Sigma. The SLSA version of the CH601 is built by Czech Aircraft Works, while the U.S.-made Zenith CH601 is still sold as a 51% kit.

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Parrot Talks Its Way through SLSA Approval

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

In the USA, Czech Aircraft Works is represented by Sport Aircraft Works, part of the “vertical integration” of the manufacturing and sales organization. Target price for the Parrot is “mid-$70,000s,” says U.S. rep’ Danny Defelici.

After certifying a CH-601 with Rotax powerplant as an SLSA, Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) recently won another Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval on November 18, 2005. Parrot represents the 22nd SLSA design that received FAA blessing. The shapely aircraft looks like composite construction, but is actually a work in aluminum. With stretch formed fuselage curves, cantilevered swept-forward wings, and a forward hinging bubble canopy concept on a high wing…Parrot has an appropriately distintive look as CZAW continues it new design phase. Earlier this American owned Czech company manufactured the designs of Chris Heintz (601 and 701) but Wisconsin-raised Chip Erwin lead his company to create the amphibious Mermaid and the Parrot land plane. Unlike some other companies in the LSA field, CZAW has already proven its production abilities. Customers have recognized this ordering some 200 units of both Mermaid and Parrot.

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After certifying a CH-601 with Rotax powerplant as an SLSA, Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) recently won another Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval on November 18, 2005. Parrot represents the 22nd SLSA design that received FAA blessing. The shapely aircraft looks like composite construction, but is actually a work in aluminum. With stretch formed fuselage curves, cantilevered swept-forward wings, and a forward hinging bubble canopy concept on a high wing…Parrot has an appropriately distintive look as CZAW continues it new design phase. Earlier this American owned Czech company manufactured the designs of Chris Heintz (601 and 701) but Wisconsin-raised Chip Erwin lead his company to create the amphibious Mermaid and the Parrot land plane. Unlike some other companies in the LSA field, CZAW has already proven its production abilities. Customers have recognized this ordering some 200 units of both Mermaid and Parrot.

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Interested In Amphibs? If Yes, Plan to Write FAA!

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Czech Aircraft Works has designed the Mermaid, seen here flying as prototype #2. They’ve enjoyed a very strong response to the bird. Their petition can help the whole industry get amphibs selling.

Many of you are aware of FAA’s confused state over “repositionable gear” for LSA floatplanes. At present the agency is stalled regarding the issue. I understand from highly placed officials that a solution could be to allow one gear movement per flight. That would fix the problem but changes move very slowly in the federal bureaucracy. To kick start action, one active producer of floats and flying boats — Czech Aircraft Works, and their U.S. partner, Sport Aircraft Works — has swiftly gotten the agency to release a “Petition for Exemption.” The usual dense federal language describes the petition, but Sport Aircraft Works has made responding much easier. Go to their website and follow the directions; they provide a link to the FAA submission site. Comments must be received by March 6, 2006, so if this matters to you (and it should!), then please take action quickly.

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Many of you are aware of FAA’s confused state over “repositionable gear” for LSA floatplanes. At present the agency is stalled regarding the issue. I understand from highly placed officials that a solution could be to allow one gear movement per flight. That would fix the problem but changes move very slowly in the federal bureaucracy. To kick start action, one active producer of floats and flying boats — Czech Aircraft Works, and their U.S. partner, Sport Aircraft Works — has swiftly gotten the agency to release a “Petition for Exemption.” The usual dense federal language describes the petition, but Sport Aircraft Works has made responding much easier. Go to their website and follow the directions; they provide a link to the FAA submission site. Comments must be received by March 6, 2006, so if this matters to you (and it should!), then please take action quickly.

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First Amphibian Wins SLSA; Welcome, Mermaid!

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

With good seaplane flying coming soon, Sport Aircraft Works can now start deliveries on the Mermaid amphib that has proved so popular at shows. For more info, call 772-223-8915 (in Florida).

With 191 Mermaid orders on the books, Sport Aircraft Works (SAW) is understandably anxious to start deliveries. The trouble is — or the advantage is, if you’re a willing buyer — that Mermaid is an amphibian. That means it has gear that moves, or…”repositions.” The repositionable gear dilemma remains unresolved, despite the petition for exemption by Czech Aircraft Works. So for now, says SAW’s Danny Defelici, “We’ll be placarding the Mermaid against moving the gear in flight.” He added that at the recent Sebring Expo, several top FAA officials looked for a reason that Mermaid could not be SLSA certified. “They found nothing to prevent it, so we went ahead and obtained our certificate,” Danny explained. Mermaid is #28 to win SLSA credentials. While the agency figures out its response, an exemption process could allow all floatplane or amphib producers to go forward with deliveries in time for the summer season.

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With 191 Mermaid orders on the books, Sport Aircraft Works (SAW) is understandably anxious to start deliveries. The trouble is — or the advantage is, if you’re a willing buyer — that Mermaid is an amphibian. That means it has gear that moves, or…”repositions.” The repositionable gear dilemma remains unresolved, despite the petition for exemption by Czech Aircraft Works. So for now, says SAW’s Danny Defelici, “We’ll be placarding the Mermaid against moving the gear in flight.” He added that at the recent Sebring Expo, several top FAA officials looked for a reason that Mermaid could not be SLSA certified. “They found nothing to prevent it, so we went ahead and obtained our certificate,” Danny explained. Mermaid is #28 to win SLSA credentials. While the agency figures out its response, an exemption process could allow all floatplane or amphib producers to go forward with deliveries in time for the summer season.

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