ByDanJohnson.com

Hundreds of pilots and other interested persons attended the free EAA Sport Pilot Tour in McKinney, Texas near Dallas. LSA were present from ten companies. The touring show which brings LSA to an airport near you seems to be gathering momentum quickly. Click here for more info on the Sport Pilot Tour series.

The fourth of six Sport Pilot Tour “test” events proved the idea has great appeal as a means to reveal all the new Light-Sport Aircraft and to educate those who attend about FAA’s newest rule. The Dallas, Texas Sport Pilot Tour concluded with 11 models represented. Crowds were the strongest yet with 750 people attending; these are intended as focused, small-venue marketing efforts that only show LSA and offer expert forums on the topic. EAA is solidly behind the events using their national clout plus local EAA chapters in nearly every corner of the country. Many demo flights were taken, even expanding into Sunday following the Saturday event. All Sport Pilot Tours are free to visitors. The next one, scheduled for December 3rd in Camarillo, California (near Ventura) promises to be the biggest yet. “Join us,” says EAA and many aircraft exhibitors. “C’mon out and see the newest airplanes!”

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Easily the biggest “ultralight,” AirCam has become a favorite to all who’ve flown the design first created for used by National Geographic explorers of Africa. AirCam is a kit-built model with nearly 150 flying.

As mentioned in the SPLOG from Friday Oct. 21st, I have some big news in the world of recreational flying…literally big in the sense of involving the biggest “ultralight” of them all, the AirCam twin. This delightful flying machine, first created by Phil Lockwood and crew, has been languishing under the leadership of investor Antonio Leza who became full owner of the design a few years ago. That’s all about to change when Antonio and Shawn Okun, the ambitious head of Sebring-based Floatplanes & Amphibs, make a detailed announcement at the LAMA/LSA Marketing Group “hospitality tent” during AOPA’s Expo in Tampa November 3-4-5. They will announce that a group assembled by Okun has signed an agreement to take over ownership of Leza AirCam and its building and land lease on the Sebring, Florida airport. Come hear the details at the Peter O. Knight airport display of aircraft on Friday November 4th at 2 p.m.

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As a testament to their building abilities, FP&A won Sun ‘n Fun 2005’s Best Commercial Built Airplane in the Ultralight category for building a Drifter on floats similar to this one. Read one of my several Drifter pilot reports.

As a testament to their building abilities, FP&A won Sun ‘n Fun 2005’s Best Commercial Built Airplane in the Ultralight category for building a Drifter on floats similar to this one. Read one of my several Drifter pilot reports.

Sebring’s U.S. Sport Aviation Expo has been postponed due to complications related to Hurricane Wilma. The Expo has rescheduled for January 12-15, 2006. Despite the weather situation, another significant Sebring airport news announcement is imminent. SPLOG will have more on this story soon. Sebring is home to the Expo, to Lockwood Aviation’s successful enterprise, and to the new CubAir Academy. It’s also home to Floatplanes & Amphibs (FP&A), the outfit that burst on the scene a couple years ago and has rapidly gathered momentum. FP&A has already taken over the Ukrainian Aeroprakt distributorship (Spectrum Aircraft’s John Hunter now works with FP&A) and the company represents Quicksilver, AirBorne trikes, Powrachute PPCs, and the Drifter which they’ve played a role in redesigning. But what’s coming is much bigger and this exciting news will be announced as soon as a new venue can be selected.

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Zephyr’s beautiful shape used mixed construction to achieve very light empty weight (among LSA) coming in under 600 pounds with basic equipment. More Zephyr Info

Atec Zephyr is a modern-looking LSA that wraps a slick carbon fiber shell over multilaminate wood bulkheads. Zephyr’s shapely compound leading and trailing edge wing uses a wood spar, composite leading edge, and fabric aft covering. The T-tail is composite over wood. A backwards-opening bubble canopy tops off a roomy cockpit. This aircraft is available through the LetsFly.org group of over 100 cooperatives. The Zephyr, Faeta, R-80, C-42, Thorpedo, and several other aircraft are available in a partner-like program that is well established and proven. Cooperatives operate somewhat like clubs in allowing a share purchase for modest cost. They are operated by a local manager who earns a percentage of airplane sales and accessories. LetsFly.org boasts a broad line of new and pre-owned airplanes available. If the price of LSA puts them out of your reach, LetsFly.org might have a solution.

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This Martin 3 from Colyaer is among the three planes offered by LSA Aero. The lower part of the fuselage changes to a boat hull for the Gannet model and adds repositionable gear for an amphibious Freedom model. E-mail contact.

Another design has made its way to American shores and will be available for examination at the 2005 Sebring Expo (see the event link to the left of your screen). LSA Aero, an importer based in Tanner, Alabama, is introducing the Spanish designs of Colyaer. The design has three family members, a land plane — the Martin 3; plus two seaplanes, one boat hull and one amphibian — the Gannet and the Freedom. All feature wingspans over 40 feet which provide a strong 20+ glide ratio. They also offer exceptional visibility with a high wing aft of the cockpit.

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Bill Ferguson models his new FX-4-1 single seater for pilots uncertain of taildraggers. You can also build the 51% kit without the pod, windscreen or door if you live in warm climates. Click for more info.

At the successful Georgia Sport Light Expo in Calhoun (north of Atlanta), Ferguson Aircraft showed their new tricycle gear FX-4-1. The two Ferguson aircraft resemble some Kolb models, but with a nosewheel they certainly set themselves apart. This Amateur-Built 51% kit is known for techniques like their strong “X” control surface hinges. Prices start at only $8,475 for the airframe kit. Sport Light Expo also featured appearances by the Zenith CH-601, SportAir USA StingSport, Belle Aire Festival, RANS S-6 by local rep’ SportAir Inc., Sportsplanes Breezer, Jabiru J-250, Just Aircraft Escapade, a one-off tricycle-gear Hummelbird and more. Calhoun is also home to the Paris Jet which made several performances. (I took a flight in the latter…Hoo-Yah!)

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The newest Light-Sport Aircraft to earn its SLSA certificate is the SportRider from Italy, sold by AveoUSA, maker of instruments and headsets (also see at left of screen).

After a short lull in new approvals, the first to announce winning FAA’s blessing following AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 is AveoUSA’s SportRider. Designed by Jaro Dostal, the same man who created the comfortable SkyBoy, SportRider is built by Gryf Air of the Czech Republic and handled by FlyItalia. Sport Rider is sold in America by Texas-based AveoUSA. Once folks returned home from EAA’s big show this year, I got several emails from pilots asking about this handsome aircraft with its flowing lines and 46-inch-wide cockpit. You can see my early report in the August 2005 Kitplanes magazine and I hope to do a pilot report this fall, perhaps on one of the EAA Sport Pilot Tours where you can also go for a demo flight.

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This S-7 Courier served as RANS’ test bed for most of the certification changes to achieve Primary Category FAA approval. RANS factory aircraft have always had a superb finish quality.

Twenty years ago, RANS first introduced their S-7 Courier (named after one of designer, Randy Schlitter’s favorite airplanes, the STOL Helio Courier). The S-7C is one of only two aircraft to qualify for FAA’s Primary Category certification and now it is nearing approval as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA). While you can still buy any RANS model as a kit, the company says, “For $75,000 you will be able to purchase a fully equipped S-7S, with such amenities as Garmin moving map GPS/COM, and Transponder.” RANS is included in my report on popular American producers and their plans for Light-Sport Aircraft in the January 2006 issue of Kitplanes magazine.

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Lean and smooth, the Sinus offers genuine soaring performance from a Light-Sport Aircraft. Those lovely, compound-curved wings are almost 50 feet in span!

One aircraft I’d waited anxiously to fly is the Sinus from Pipistrel in Slovenia. Forget the weird-sounding name (they say to pronounce it “seen-us”) because this is one impressive flying machine. I first saw it in France four years ago and my pilot report will appear in the October 2005 issue of Ultralight FLYING!. You’ll want to read that article for lots more info but the operative performance parameter is a 28-to-1 glide! I had the good fortune to fly a tricycle-gear Sinus for 45 minutes with the engine off, as it’s designed to do. Wonderful! For more info on Sinus and their other oddly named Virus aircraft, click here.

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After flying many light-sport aircraft, one of those I loved the most was this Gull 2000. In the future you should be able to buy it fully built. Read my Gull 2000 report.

For years, many pilots have admired the Thunder Gull line of light aircraft from Earthstar Aircraft. However, obtaining one in a short time has been difficult because Earthstar remains a small company focused on groundbreaking developments by talented owner/designer, Mark Beierle. Avicom in Israel recently announced a venture to fully manufacture the Light-Sport Aircraft models Mark has elected to pursue. I know the fellows in Israel and this looks to be an excellent joining of aviation talents and enthusiasm. It should introduce more Earthstar aircraft to aviators in the U.S. and around the world.

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Sebring will again host the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo and a major event it will be with 130 aircraft on display. This central Florida airport is becoming a genuine hub of sport flying fun.

Last year the Sebring (FL) Airport broke new ground with their U.S. Sport Aviation Expo at the end of October. Expo is on again for 2005 and will have the largest collection of Light-Sport Aircraft anywhere. Organizer Bob Wood reports, “I expect over 130 aircraft on display.” By any measure, that deserves a “Wow!” Sebring was also named GA Airport of the Year and just signed a deal to be the home of the new Cub Air Academy. The latter is a well-funded effort to introduce more folks to flying LSA in a structured environment. I highly recommend the “Sebring Expo.” If you can come, look me up…

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The Prowler trike represents a sharp flying machine meeting Part 103 yet with features and an elegance typically found on trikes costing thousands more. Info: Concept Aviation

Don Cooney’s Prowler is one clean machine with a number of cleverly designed components that set this uncommon American trike apart from the rest, even Europe’s highly engineered brands. The small double-surfaced wing resembles Britain’s Chaser but has been subtly modified to improve the shape. The trike carriage has a elegantly simple rear structure and engine mount supporting a Rotax 447. Prowler’s nosewheel uses a single sturdy strut and hydraulic brake. A simple instrument panel has the right (few) gauges and a holder for a radio. On whole, the Part 103-legal Prowler is one of the most smartly designed trikes in the fleet. Sitting low and comfortable, I can’t wait to fly it. Watch for my article in the December 2005 Kitplanes magazine.

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Huge crowds surround SpaceShipOne and White Knight while the X-Prize winning aircraft was slowly tugged into position at AirVenture Oshkosh.

It was just too cool for a space buff like me…that is, me and hundreds of thousands more at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. I know this isn’t Sport Pilot or Light-Sport Aircraft stuff but I feel SpaceShipOne represents one of the great accomplishments of our age and I can’t resist showing you what it looked like on arrival for its one-and-only-EVER appearance in public. Folks who go to Oshkosh can see the enormous machine up close. Then, they can walk 100 yards south to the first-ever LSA Mall which features 35 light sport planes of every description. The area has proved a home-run hit and is drawing big crowds. This is a great year to visit Oshkosh; it runs through Sunday the 31st. If you come to the LSA Mall, look me up…

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Here come the Russians with their Sigma aircraft, seen here set up for float ops. Created by VVV-Avia, the unusual aircraft has a 48-inch wide cabin and exceptional visibility. Learn more from importer Sportsplanes.com

EAA’s great aviation celebration called AirVenture Oshkosh is about to begin (Monday, July 25th through Sunday, July 31st). Get more info at the AirVenture website, and if you can attend you’ll get to see the new Russian Sigma Light-Sport Aircraft. This unique light plane will be on display along with 35 others in EAA’s special “LSA Mall” and the entire collection is right next to AeroShell Square where SpaceShipOne will be seen with White Knight for their one-and-only-ever public appearance together. Watch for coverage of Sigma in Sport Pilot magazine.

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Fellow competitor, Martin Scheel, took this photo which was released by Associated Press (AP Photo/Keystone, Schweizerischer Haengegleiter-Verband, Martin Scheel)

According to news released by the Associated Press, dozens of paragliders (the unpowered sort) flew in competition above the picturesque Swiss Alps during the Swiss Paragliding Championships in late May this year. One of the competitors, Martin Scheel, snapped this impressive photo. It is not a doctored or “PhotoShopped” image but reveals the close-in flying done by these lightest-of-all aircraft. Paragliders fly from 25-40 mph and some claim glide angles of 7:1. Any of them can be carried in an oversized backpack. For more info on American paragliding, contact the U. S. Hang Gliding Association.

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The Thorpedo from IndUS Aviation is the newest airplane to receive its S-LSA (Special-Light Sport Aircraft) certificate from FAA.

IndUS Aviation of Dallas, Texas received FAA approval for their Thorpedo model as a Special-Light Sport Aircraft. IndUS is the first U.S.-based manufacturer to earn a S-LSA certificate; the company takes airframe components fabricated in India and assembles them at their Texas facility. IndUS can now sell fully built LSA that can be used for paid flight training or rentals. (My review of this aircraft is available here.) For more info go to the IndUS website. Two other companies have also received approvals recently. SportAir USA was issued a certificate for their StingSport just before Hansen Air Group got their approval for the Tecnam Sierra.

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Rob Rollison of Rollison LSA points out panel features of the Remos G-3 to AOPA president, Phil Boyer, while 12 LSAs visited the organization’s headquarters near Washington, DC. Read my report on the Remos G-3.

After concluding three strong events on the EAA Sport Pilot Tour, a dozen LSA traveled from Franklin, PA (north of Pittsburgh) to the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association headquarters in Frederick, MD. AOPA senior management took a chance to examine and fly in several of these aircraft, then adding coverage to their website. The meeting had been arranged in cooperation with LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. AOPA staff flew in the morning and evening and met in the afternoon with industry leaders to further AOPA’s understanding of LSA. A recent survey showed 30% of the organization’s 405,000 members see LSA as helping aviation to grow.

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Among ten manufacturers appearing at the kickoff of the Sport Pilot Tour was this Zenith Aircraft CH-601.

EAA’s Sport Pilot Tour got started at the Golden West Fly-in north of Sacramento, California over the first weekend in June. The Sport Pilot Tour intends to bring Light-Sport Aircraft from a variety of manufacturers together for pilots and newcomers to see, touch, and fly. Instead of you traveling across the country to a big airshow, the Tour will come to your location (as the schedule allows) to make it easier for you to check out the newest aircraft. Some 10-15 brands are expected at each location. You can follow the Sport Pilot Tour by checking EAA’s website for the updated calendar.

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The ASTM committee writing a LSA standard for weight shift aircraft, or “trikes,” succeeded with a final ballot. (Photo by Scott Johnson)

After a detailed review, ASTM’s Weight-Shift Control Sub Committee got their Design and Performance Standard through final ballot. This was reported at the mid-May ’05 ASTM Committee meeting for Light-Sport Aircraft. Once FAA issues their Notice of Availability trikes can be manufactured and sold as S-LSAs, joining fixed wing airplanes and powered parachutes. AirBorne trikes (photo) have Australian certification plus now that country plans to adopt the entire U.S. Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft regulation. To keep up with the growing list of aircraft that have received their certificates, one good source is EAA’s Sport Pilot website.

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Developer Erik Pederson poses by the Phantom he now manufacturers. This one is powered by a rotary engine that saves 20+ pounds compared to a Rotax 447. It will make Part 103 with four cycle operation.

How can a Part 103 use a four-stroke engine? Well, you can elect the half-VW from Hummel…or you might try a rotary engine as seen at the 2005 Mid-Atlantic Fly-in. This innovative racing cart engine is being developed for Part 103 ultralight use (yes, to make the weight, with electric starter!) by Erik Pederson, the new president of Phantom Aeronautics. Impressively educated, Eric has a BS in Aero Engineering plus an MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Watch for a test report when Erik is satisfied with the performance.

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