What’s going on out in the marketplace? More than any time since the launch of Light-Sport Aircraft in 2004, I have not observed such a frenzy of activity for a particular niche, this time for LSA seaplanes. Next season, in 2013, we could see no less than nine entries; three brand new and that count does not include any LSA equipped with floats, possibly adding several more. Yet some major potholes appear in the runway… or perhaps that should be waves sloshing over the bow.
One entry is a return of a LSA seaplane previously seen in the USA as the Freedom S100 (SLSA List #44) yet can it reenter the market without a full FAA audit? See Update at end. A new agency directive with the catchy name 8130.2G CHG 1 may require a FAA visit to Spain but who knows when that might occur, given the likelihood of an FAA budget cut through the political process known as sequestration, part of the so-called “fiscal cliff” the mainstream media drones on about endlessly.
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Seaplane LSA Fun Flying… the Season Approaches
Winter will soon yield to spring and summer, that time of year when flying from water becomes the delight of many pilots who have sampled this pleasure. Competing for their purchase in the LSA space, we have the FK Lightplanes Floatplane, FPNA A-22 Cape Town, and Legend AmphibCub. Other entries include SeaRey (close to declaring ASTM compliance); Mermaid (production plans uncertain), Icon (still in development), Colyaer Freedom (no U.S. representative), plus two trike amphibs with SLSA status (the Krucker Cygnet and Ramphos Trident). *** All this leaves out the SeaMax, which may actually be the strongest player among present SLSA amphibians. Logging its 10th year in 2009 AirMax has produced 98 SeaMaxes for worldwide sale. At $140,000, SeaMax once seemed rather expensive though today, many high-end SLSA command such prices. *** Consider the general appeal of the seaplane or floatplane compared to a land-only flyer.
Spanish Toxo Sportster Wins SLSA Airworthiness
In development for years, Composite Aeronautic Group’s Toxo won SLSA airworthiness on March 28th from Mike Millard, FAA. The newest SLSA, number 76, hails from Spain — the second LSA entry from that European country (after the Colyaer Freedom amphib). When Toxo first arrived, Americans were attracted but found it rather small inside. After displaying at American airshows, CAG reengineered Toxo and returned with a variation better suited to Americans (about 45 inches wide, making it more than five inches wider than a Cessna 172). Toxo Aircraft North America representative Amy Christian adds, “Toxo offers easy access with gull-wing doors, great air flow throughout the interior, and cushy seats with just the right angle for optimal comfort. Our pedals are even adjustable for a custom fit.” Toxo wings and fuselage are built using prepreg fiberglass plus carbon fiber with structural honeycomb cores. *** The company is represented in the USA by two companies: Toxo Aircraft North America with the lion’s share of American states, and by ILS Aircraft Company, an operation handling Alabama, Georgia, and the vital Florida market.
Christmas Gift: SeaMax Amphibian Is SLSA #63
The “night before Christmas” was special as we logged what may be the final approval of 2007. Carlos Bessa of SeaMax USA called to say his efforts over the year paid off with a fresh airworthiness certificate. How’s that for a Christmas gift!? SeaMax completes a trio of flying boat LSA. *** The first amphibian certified was the CZAW Mermaid in February 2006. Second was the Colyaer Freedom on January 2007. SeaMax makes three but could be the first to log customer sales. My previous SPLOG on SeaMax was followed with several more hours logged on this beautiful amphibian. She’s a light weight high performer that takes some familiarization but is deluxe in many ways and has achieved notable market success with 33 SeaMax aircraft delivered in 2007 and 72 presently flying worldwide. Carlos reports 12 will be delivered to the USA in 2008, so interested pilots ought to pony up a deposit soon.
LSA Aero Wins #2 FAA Amphib Exemption
Perhaps it’s a little ironic that Freedom wins its freedom. When I spoke with importer Don Langford at the Sebring LSA Expo he sounded somewhat unsure about the future for his Spanish amphibian. He’d submitted information for an exemption but had no reply. Yet shortly after Expo ended FAA granted LSA Aero‘s request for the Colyaer Freedom S100. The exclusive club now includes Czech Aircraft Works’ Mermaid and the Freedom. *** Each person exercising Sport Pilot privileges is required to obtain additional ground and flight instruction — on landing gear inspection, operation, and emergency procedures to include six takeoffs and landings and three in-flight gear movements. After a logbook endorsement and with appropriate placards on the aircraft, a Sport Pilot is allowed to move the gear as designed. Congratulations to Don and LSA Aero. This may help crack the door open wider for other amphibious LSA.