Light-Sport Aircraft burst on the aviation scene in April 2005. By the end of that year, less than 50 had been registered with FAA. But in 2006, 2007, and so far in 2008, growth has been brisk…if somewhat erratic. *** It may seem a bit early to be blogging about an “historical perspective” on LSA, but looking at the trend line illustrates something I find fascinating. Sales of recreational-class flying machines closely track the major shows at which they’re exhibited: Sebring, Sun ‘n Fun, and Oshkosh. AOPA’s Expo also has an influence but it is less demonstrable than the other three. *** Also, you can easily see the effect of the 2008 U.S. economic slow-down that has afflicted general aviation as well as light sport aviation. (Even bizjets may begin to show this effect, according to experts, as their backlogs mean present-day strong deliveries were from orders placed in the economic high times of 2005.) *** Consumers of LSA buy them for fun flying as well as regional trips, so when the economy gets shaky, many pull back until they have a clearer view of what’s ahead.
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Finding New Pilots; Icon Takes a Novel Approach
Most aviation participants have been wringing their hands over the declining pilot population. FAA’s database of active pilots has dropped from 825,000 when I began flying to less than 600,000 today…all while the U.S. population has grown by 50 million. We are clearly doing something wrong, and have for too long had a too-inward focus. *** We have some worthy efforts of outreach. EAA has their fine Young Eagles program. AOPA has its Project Pilot. Companies like Cirrus rove from show to event with their mobile display. Yet we need to do much more. *** L.A.-based Icon Aircraft is one such company that is doing so, recently introducing their new Icon A5 LSA. While the company is presently focused on providing a fascinating new aircraft, they’re looking beyond the existing pilot market. According to their CEO Kirk Hawkins, “Icon’s mission is to bring the freedom, fun, and adventure of flying to the thousands of others who have always dreamed of it.
LSA Industry’s Fast Pace…Approaching Model #100
Despite an economic slowdown shared by all of aviation, the LSA industry is rich with entrepreneurs. Innovative new designs hit the market regularly. Consider this: In just over three years, the industry has certified an astounding 81 aircraft designs and several more are on the horizon. One hundred certified LSA might be available by 2009, in less than four years since the category was created by FAA. No one remembers anything close in FAA history. *** All Light-Sport Aircraft presently total about 1% of the U.S. piston engine fleet including all FAA registrations of all aircraft types and models. Yet three LSA years compare to 80+ Cessna years, so the new segment remains in its infancy. Consequently, the LSA industry may be acting precisely as needed — focusing on innovation and diversity as proven by the number of new models meeting ASTM standards. Big sales will follow, many experts believe.
Florida Aviation Expo Hosts Major LSA Mall
The LSA Mall concept is developing with good success. Last weekend this was proved at a regional airshow by the presence of 23 Light-Sport Aircraft filling a designated area. Coincidentally, LSA outnumbered all other airplane types. *** The Florida Aviation Expo near Punta Gorda at the Charlotte County Airport (PGD) was organized by EAA Chapter 565 led by Carlos Gray. The number of aircraft grew significantly from 2007. As with other smaller venues, the crowds weren’t as big as Sun ‘n Fun or AirVenture but the interest was highly focused. *** Next…coming up in only three weeks, the LSA Mall at Sun ‘n Fun will be hosted by LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. In a terrific location — immediately inside the main entry gate — the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall will feature 20 of the top selling Light-Sport Aircraft from all over the country.
Two Lovely Low Wings — Gobosh 700 & 800
Out of the blue in 2007. Now, they have two in 2008…SLSA models, that is. Gobosh is the interestingly named company (it’s a tech industry thing) that burst on the AirVenture Oshkosh scene with the Gobosh 700S, a rebadged upgrade of the Aero AT-3 from Poland. Just six months later at the Sebring LSA Expo 2008, Gobosh introduced the super sleek 800XP from the Czech Republic’s Aveko, builder of the speedy retractable VL-3 on which 800XP is based. Relying on their experience with the Symphony and other business ventures partners Dave Graham and Tim Baldwin (inset photo, left) are rapidly expanding their presence in light-sport aviation. *** Their two planes are an interesting contrast. Gobosh promotes the metal 700S as a “luxury sport aircraft,” though it seems well aimed at flight schools. The composite 800XP is the high performance model, “which had to be slowed down for LSA rules,” said Dave.
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