“WE DID IT!” boasted the team from down under!
“We are thrilled to announce that this afternoon we achieved a World Endurance Record for an electric aircraft, breaking the previous mark set in Germany last year.” (Note: Official recognition always takes more time.)
Pipistrel distributor Michael Coates, wrote, “South Australian-based Eyre to There Aviation … Flying a Pipistrel Alpha Electro plane, arrived in Port Augusta late yesterday (Friday June 25) after breaking the previous mark of 750 kilometers on the leg between Shoalwater Point Station and Whyalla.”
Lead by Eyre to There Aviation Managing Director, Barrie Rogers, the team will continue to Adelaide aiming to fly 1,350 kilometers by the end of the journey.
More than Distance
“Along the way, the team has also broken other world records for electric aircraft,” Coates reported, “including longest over-water flight (30.8 kilometers); furthest distance in a 24-hour period (330 kilometers); and fastest speed between waypoints (177 kilometers per hour ground speed).”
Barrie reported he and his team battled strong winds and rain as well as below zero morning temperatures to achieve the record.Electric Record UPDATE — Record Set, Trek Continues…
“WE DID IT!” boasted the team from down under!
“We are thrilled to announce that this afternoon we achieved a World Endurance Record for an electric aircraft, breaking the previous mark set in Germany last year.” (Note: Official recognition always takes more time.)
Pipistrel distributor Michael Coates, wrote, “South Australian-based Eyre to There Aviation … Flying a Pipistrel Alpha Electro plane, arrived in Port Augusta late yesterday (Friday June 25) after breaking the previous mark of 750 kilometers on the leg between Shoalwater Point Station and Whyalla.”
Lead by Eyre to There Aviation Managing Director, Barrie Rogers, the team will continue to Adelaide aiming to fly 1,350 kilometers by the end of the journey.
More than Distance
“Along the way, the team has also broken other world records for electric aircraft,” Coates reported, “including longest over-water flight (30.8 kilometers); furthest distance in a 24-hour period (330 kilometers); and fastest speed between waypoints (177 kilometers per hour ground speed).”
Barrie reported he and his team battled strong winds and rain as well as below zero morning temperatures to achieve the record. (Australian’s seasons are roughly reversed from America’s; this is not summer in Australia.)
“It’s been a mammoth effort by everyone involved to achieve this incredible feat,” Barrie said. “The weather hasn’t exactly been on our side. We had ice on the wings one morning and were grounded in Port Lincoln due to an intense low pressure system.” One of the criticisms leveled at battery power is a loss of energy in cold conditions so the Eyre to There has been doing additional proving of the propulsion concept.
“On the plus side, the aircraft and the recharging systems have held up incredibly well, said Barrie. “It has gone a long way to proving the endurance and reliability of the Pipistrel Alpha Electro plane.”
“Because we can only fly about 125 kilometers (78 miles) before having to recharge, we’ve been landing in some pretty remote locations.”
As reported earlier, Barrie said Pipistrel Alpha Electro is the first and only serially-produced electric aircraft currently approved in Australia for flight training by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia’s FAA counterpart).
Showing off some of the sponsors that supported the flight, lead by AvPlan EFB and Aerometrex.
“This record attempt will further demonstrate the overall viability of this aircraft,” Barrie added. “Electric aircraft are cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, significantly quieter and don’t rely on fossil fuels. They are ideally suited for short range flight training activities.”
Eyre to There Aviation anticipates one day setting up an assembly line of Alpha Electros in Adelaide producing up to 40 aircraft per year, Barrie said.
The team will continue but from here forward, with one record claim in its logbook, Electro will be adding to its achievements.
You can follow the flight on Eyre to There Aviation’s Facebook page.
“WE DID IT!” boasted the team from down under!
“We are thrilled to announce that this afternoon we achieved a World Endurance Record for an electric aircraft, breaking the previous mark set in Germany last year.” (Note: Official recognition always takes more time.)
Pipistrel distributor Michael Coates, wrote, “South Australian-based Eyre to There Aviation … Flying a Pipistrel Alpha Electro plane, arrived in Port Augusta late yesterday (Friday June 25) after breaking the previous mark of 750 kilometers on the leg between Shoalwater Point Station and Whyalla.”
Lead by Eyre to There Aviation Managing Director, Barrie Rogers, the team will continue to Adelaide aiming to fly 1,350 kilometers by the end of the journey.
More than Distance
“Along the way, the team has also broken other world records for electric aircraft,” Coates reported, “including longest over-water flight (30.8 kilometers); furthest distance in a 24-hour period (330 kilometers); and fastest speed between waypoints (177 kilometers per hour ground speed).”
Barrie reported he and his team battled strong winds and rain as well as below zero morning temperatures to achieve the record.
Most of us, however, are not Alberto. Apparently, this man does not care to sit idly and admire his past achievements.
It’s worth noting several countries that accept ASTM standards do not limit speed. That’s why ASTM created standards for retracts, adjustable props, and other developments that are not presently permitted in America. (The organization is now called ASTM International for that precise reason.)
“Risen powered with the Rotax 914 turbo for the first time passed the barrier of 400 kph (249 mph) on a 15 kilometer straight course and 379 kph (235 mph) on a 50-kilometer triangle. Truly spectacular especially with a 115 horsepower engine. Just imagine what would happen with a 915iS?” asked Commercial Director, Stéphan D’haene in the fall of 2020.
“We performed stalls and saw a 10 kilometer per hour or 6 knot increase compared to the normal Risen,” observed Stéphan. “This is great news as it confirms the computer simulations and allows us to stay within European Microlight regulations, too.”
Article 
photo from 
Let’s be fair: Electric airplanes are relatively new and they will only get better. It is not reasonable to expect them to perform equally with fossil-fuel-powered aircraft that have been developed over many decades and with billions of dollars invested to help them achieve the high state-of-the-art they possess today.
How long will the aircraft fly at cruise/cross-country? — Answer: “45 minutes at 18kW (reduced power) and 75 knots indicated airspeed”
A little over a year ago, the engine builder from Gunskirchen, Austria celebrated their 100th anniversary. 
Once we descended below 300 feet, that gusty air made final approach feel like a roller coaster ride. Woo-hoo!
Summer is fast approaching and for much of the northern hemisphere, that means seaplane flying. For all pilots, covid fear is dissipating and summer skies beckon.
A new enterprise bought all rights and assests from bankruptcy estate of Atol Avion Oy, which filed for bankruptcy on February 2, 2021.
Aurora, a two-seat amphibian, has been under development for nine years. Scandinavian Seaplanes forecasts serial production will start by the end of Q2 2022. A core team familiar with Atol Avion has been hired to work for company and this will enable the official transfer of the nearly finished type certification project with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency, the Union’s counterpart to FAA).
The Polish company’s top-of-the-line 
Get factory 
Here’s the simple response: light aircraft with modern (read: powerful and efficient) engines tend to perform admirably well in high elevations, higher heat, and high humidity. If you fly almost any of these aircraft in high density conditions you already know they perform sprightly.
“I was very impressed with the performance of the CTLS GT with the Rotax 914 Turbo,” said Flight Design test pilot Nico Stambula. “CTLS GT Turbo climbs like a rocket and easily reaches 140 knots at altitude.” Stambula added that the 914 intercooled engine maintains consistent temperatures. In addition, this is a very smooth flying package.”
Someone was bound to ask why engineers didn’t use the newest 141-horsepower Rotax 915 iS, so I queried the company on this question.
Don’t feel too conspicuous. It’s happening to me, too, along with nearly everyone else. [
ScaleWings reported, “Aircraft serial number #001 took off at 11:37 am into a light cloudy sky.” The all-important first flight went without problems.
The ScaleWings SW-51 Mustang is a true-to-scale high performance replica modeled precisely upon the original North American P-51 Mustang aircraft dimension but fully built from carbon fiber.
With first flight in its logbook, ScaleWings said, “We will produce and deliver 5 aircraft in 2021 and 12 aircraft in 2022.”
“SW-51 Mustang costs less than 10% to acquire, less than 1% to maintain and it burns less than 15% of the fuel of an original North American P-51 Mustang aircraft. That’s a big savings but this is not an inexpensive kit.
Look out, Icon A5! Here comes Wave and it should be quite exciting.
In one image you notice the Rotax 915iS hiding inside its shapely engine nacelle.
First flight is ahead — though this is one of those nailing-jello-to-a-wall stories. First flight is something a designer never wishes to rush. Yet after all the time spent working on this design, the desire to see Wave go aloft must be tremendous — not even considering what pressure those waiting for the design may be exerting.
Wave also planned to use a novel arrangement of main gear — called “CrossOver” gear — such that it could handle the expected duties without needing to be retracted. Until the company gets first flight in their logbook, they’re concentrating on the essentials so it’s too early for confirmation of specific features.
Here in early summer 2021, new information was discovered that shines additional light on what is ahead.
LAMA, represented by myself and Roy Beisswenger, had numerous fruitful discussions with FAA. We went to many meetings and made several trips to FAA headquarters in Washington, DC. In most of these meetings we found FAA people interested to advance LSA in the aviation world and interested to hear what changes we wanted. LAMA was satisfied with those discussions and, indeed, FAA incorporated into the proposal every LAMA request. All LAMA’s “asks” are captioned in 
Lots of other avenues are available. For example, EAA has an endowment from the late-aviation philanthropist James Ray that allows the Oshkosh organization to give scholarships for around 100 pilots per year. LAMA is working with EAA right now to add more scholarships; these will be specific to Sport Pilot and must occur in Light-Sport Aircraft. EAA chapters around the country can participate.
Setting up the LSA Mall takes some extra hands, so LAMA has used various great volunteers over the years. One young fellow joined us a few years back. His name is Jatniel Acevedo and he is the subject of this article, but not because he’s a volunteer, helpful as that has been.
We continue with further coverage from the first major airshow in almost two years… THANKS to 
Counting all types, the “alternative aircraft” sector may account for a quarter or more of all LSA sales. Alternative aircraft have attributes that drive customer inquiries: better affordability and unique flying qualities.
Powrachute Powerhouse
Those older American gyroplanes — think: Bensen Gyrocopter — were nearly all single seaters. Maybe that was best then, when stability was different than today. Then I discovered the VX1 at the Midwest LSA Expo. Hmmm, a modern gyroplane with all the present-day knowledge but in single seat form. Intriguing. It doesn’t look like other modern gyros and the video below will explain.
Levil Aviation greatly empowered the role of tablets in the cockpit today by pioneering the first iPad-compatible wireless avionics suite in 2009. Today’s 
Duc Prop Success Story
Of course, he is a sales and service outlet for Duc Hélices. Manufacturing occurs in Frontenas, France. According to Gaetan, the French enterprise is humming at its still-new 
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Then, he described a plan to go slowly at a return to manufacturing the vintage aircraft as a Special, fully-built LSA. Another bravo, including for taking the time to get it right. Readers should understand getting semi-tractor trailer loads of inventory, tooling, jigs and more will take some time to get set up properly.
Early LSA enthusiasts knew this aircraft as the Jhilivan (or Kappa) KP-5. It was 
Once up on the wing, you can simply stand on the floor in front of the seat and sit down. Unlike its predecessor from Kappa, Skyleader 600 has both seats side-by-side; KP-5 had a slimmer cockpit width and staggered the right seat aft a few inches to give more room and a wider view. While the current configuration is more commonplace and will probably please more buyers, I rather liked the staggered seating; it gave the pilot in command great visibility out both sides.
Evolution Aircraft enjoyed a banner year in 2020, despite all the covid anxiety.
Just today, I learned that 
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—The 
—The much-beloved Rotax 503 will not be returning to the market. The Austrian company discontinued the popular two-stroke engine years ago, meaning many who still want one must search among used engines. The good news: many have only a few hundred (or less) hours on them; a good used engine is both a bargain and a worthy powerplant for your light aircraft kit. Now, though, a very similar engine is coming from Russia, of all places. It’s called the 
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Before longtime proprietor John Williams began producing his own design, he manufactured components and sub-asssemblies for another hot ultralight of the day, 
To make harder-working wings, John did something rather unusual at the time. He built a cantilevered wing with conventional aluminum structure. The result: that single place aircraft worked great with a 20-foot wing span. When I flew it, the wings seemed so short that I felt I could reach out with my arms and almost touch the tips.
Titan went further on their website. “Combined with Titan Aircraft’s renowned reputation for high quality products, superior aircraft performance, and outstanding customer support, Tornado is sure to provide the pilot and kit builder a very pleasurable experience and a fantastic resale value.”
“Our kit has an estimated build time of 150-300 hours and includes all required materials, components, and fasteners,” said John. Kits do not include engine, propeller, and instruments leaving that to customer preferences. “Our completion rate is around 90% because the build is fairly quick and easy — and because customers are motivated to get flying,” John added.
The Tornado SS comes with a longer & taller fuselage, a 33% larger back door, a full-sized rear seat, and has four more inches of headroom over a standard Tornado II. Most use the 
Montaer’s MC01 starts with 4130 molybdenum steel tube “to provide greater safety to the crew.” MC01 is skinned with an aluminum fuselage and wings. These materials are popular with American pilots who are aware they can achieve repairs almost anywhere.
MC01 has dual control yokes with a steerable nose wheel and dual toe brakes. Although many Sport Pilots say they prefer — or at least have adjusted to — joystick control, many pilots find control yokes preferable. No joystick option is presently available.
Elevator trim controls are provided on both yokes. At the base of the instrument panel pilots will find all circuit breakers and other switches. Throughout this design, you see a layout that most pilots will find familiar and comfortable. All these common controls may help pilots quickly adapt to flying Light-Sport.
Although 
The subjects of today’s post from Lakeland, Florida, VL3 from JMB Aircraft plus Tarragon Aircraft — along with a handful of other designs (see this 
Of course, such high-tech construction also pushes up the price. Neither of these airplanes are in the range of what I’d call “affordable” for readers of this website. In fact Tarragon is carving out a space near the very top of where LSA are priced. In their booth, I heard staff quote numbers north of $300,000. It’s a breathtaking aircraft with a breathtaking price to match.
On a beautiful evening, almost 200 light aircraft businesspeople attended the DeLand Showcase annual reception. Smiles were plentiful as these vendors enjoyed a return to normalcy and an airshow routine that fuels their enterprise so they can better serve their pilot customers.
G1 certainly resembles the CH-750 but it has its own design history. I interviewed the developer in Europe some years ago but G1 now has representation in North America. A Canadian representative could not get to Sun ‘n Fun so some American associates were able to convince authorities to let them transport this aircraft so you can examine it. Videoman Dave has 