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News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft

With Three You Get Dutch Roll

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Just kidding about the dutch roll. It’s a play on an old movie: With Six You Get Egg Roll, about complications that come with a blended family. *** But the “three” is legit, and refers to the three LSA training centers operated by Shawn Okun in Florida.  *** Shawn’s blended family is called FPNA (FPNA = Float Planes aNd Amphibians) and is worthy of mention as an LSA force in its own right. *** FPNA, as the acronym implies, imports, manufactures, sells and teaches in land and water-launched SLSA, (floaty-foot Capetown shown here) and also sells floats, Experimental LSA kits and generally has a good time with used aircraft, weight-shift trikes and powered parachutes.   ***  If you’re looking to get your land or water wings, don’t overlook this outfit: they have three locations – Clearwater, Sebastian and Palm Harbor in addition to the HQ in Sebring.  *** One — Clearwater — is even a FAA part 141-certified flight school with SEVIS credentials (allows foreign nationals to train in the U.S.)  Students can go from Light Sport to ATP (Airline Transport Pilot)!  Talk about one-stop shopping. *** Check out their website: Shawn’s a bright and enterprising guy who’s got a lot of ways for you to have fun in the air, whether you launch from the tarmac or use duck feet to get your air.

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Just kidding about the dutch roll. It’s a play on an old movie: With Six You Get Egg Roll, about complications that come with a blended family. *** But the “three” is legit, and refers to the three LSA training centers operated by Shawn Okun in Florida.  *** Shawn’s blended family is called FPNA (FPNA = Float Planes aNd Amphibians) and is worthy of mention as an LSA force in its own right. *** FPNA, as the acronym implies, imports, manufactures, sells and teaches in land and water-launched SLSA, (floaty-foot Capetown shown here) and also sells floats, Experimental LSA kits and generally has a good time with used aircraft, weight-shift trikes and powered parachutes.   ***  If you’re looking to get your land or water wings, don’t overlook this outfit: they have three locations – Clearwater, Sebastian and Palm Harbor in addition to the HQ in Sebring.  *** One — Clearwater — is even a FAA part 141-certified flight school with SEVIS credentials (allows foreign nationals to train in the U.S.)  Students can go from Light Sport to ATP (Airline Transport Pilot)!  Talk about one-stop shopping.

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Skycatcher Ramps Up Deliveries — Paradise Airbags

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Molly McMillin of the Wichita Eagle reports today that Cessna is speeding up its deliveries of the C-162 throughout 2010, after delays were announced early in the year. The announcement was made at the Aero Expo in Germany today. *** McMillin also writes that Cessna veep John Doman believes the piston-powered aircraft market may be stabilizing and could turn around soon to a growth profile, perhaps as early as mid-2011.   *** In a related story, Shenyang Aircraft of China, the state-owned manufacturer of the Skycatcher airframe for Cessna, plans to build a new factory to expand its production volume. *** An airport will also be built at the site — but original plans for a mid-2010 opening have been delayed to 2011. *** Future Skycatchers will still be outfitted and test-flown in Wichita. *** UPDATE on Michael Combs “Flight for the Human Spirit” odyssey: he’s off and flying!  The nasty Salina, KS weather that kept him on the ground for 3 days broke today and he promptly launched. *** It would be great if bunches of Light Sport pilots and fans came out to greet Michael when he lands near your town.  His raison d’etre for the trip and schedule of planned stops are posted on the website here. *** And this item just in: Paradise Aircraft will install seatbelt airbags on its popular P-1 model SLSA.  The system is dubbed the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag system. *** The P-1 flies in many countries — 130 have been produced since 2001. *** AmSafe’s airbag system has already made a big splash — the company says more than 80% of all new single-engine GA airplanes carry it.  *** The self-contained system is designed to protect pilot and passenger from serious head injury and “enhance one’s ability to exit the aircraft following an otherwise survivable accident.” *** Deployment is up and away from the wearer — just the opposite of automobile airbags. *** Overall weight?  Less than 3 lbs.  *** With this setup and a ballistic airframe parachute, you’ve got the safety angle pretty well covered.  *** —photos courtesy Cessna and AmSafe

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Molly McMillin of the Wichita Eagle reports today that Cessna is speeding up its deliveries of the C-162 throughout 2010, after delays were announced early in the year. The announcement was made at the Aero Expo in Germany today. *** McMillin also writes that Cessna veep John Doman believes the piston-powered aircraft market may be stabilizing and could turn around soon to a growth profile, perhaps as early as mid-2011.   *** In a related story, Shenyang Aircraft of China, the state-owned manufacturer of the Skycatcher airframe for Cessna, plans to build a new factory to expand its production volume. *** An airport will also be built at the site — but original plans for a mid-2010 opening have been delayed to 2011. *** Future Skycatchers will still be outfitted and test-flown in Wichita. *** UPDATE on Michael Combs “Flight for the Human Spirit” odyssey: he’s off and flying!  The nasty Salina, KS weather that kept him on the ground for 3 days broke today and he promptly launched.

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Catching Up with Cessna’s Skycatcher Plans

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Cessna’s next major program milestone will be when Chinese producer Shenyang completes their first Skycatcher followed by its first flight. First deliveries are still expected in the last half of 2009.

Everyone interested in Light-Sport Aircraft is aware of Cessna’s loss of prototype #1 when it entered an “unrecoverable spin.” After Cirrus Design announced a slowdown in the development of their SRS, people have been wondering if Cessna would alter their plans for Skycatcher. Short answer: No. All is proceeding according to schedule. *** At AOPA Expo 2008, the Wichita giant reported that the now-lost Skycatcher prototype accumulated 220 hours in flight testing. Cessna will enlist their first production model to complete these primary evaluations. A third Skycatcher airframe will undergo various static tests. *** The company remains dedicated to ASTM standards. However, as general aviation’s leading producer, Cessna prefers to go beyond industry consensus standards so they also plan ground vibration tests (which can check for flutter) and airframe fatigue testing. Both employ elaborate test equipment to evaluate an airframe’s integrity and response to repeated in-flight loads. Both are complex studies that Cessna’s large organization can accomplish. *** Cessna also reported that production assembly jigs and tooling have been completed at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the Chinese factory that will do the fabrication. They plan to ship Skycatcher’s engine, avionics, and raw materials from the USA while Cessna personnel on-site will provide ongoing quality assurance.

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Everyone interested in Light-Sport Aircraft is aware of Cessna’s loss of prototype #1 when it entered an “unrecoverable spin.” After Cirrus Design announced a slowdown in the development of their SRS, people have been wondering if Cessna would alter their plans for Skycatcher. Short answer: No. All is proceeding according to schedule. *** At AOPA Expo 2008, the Wichita giant reported that the now-lost Skycatcher prototype accumulated 220 hours in flight testing. Cessna will enlist their first production model to complete these primary evaluations. A third Skycatcher airframe will undergo various static tests. *** The company remains dedicated to ASTM standards. However, as general aviation’s leading producer, Cessna prefers to go beyond industry consensus standards so they also plan ground vibration tests (which can check for flutter) and airframe fatigue testing. Both employ elaborate test equipment to evaluate an airframe’s integrity and response to repeated in-flight loads.

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Here Comes Cessna Skycatcher…Right on Schedule

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Follow the leader? As Cessna enters full production in 2010 and beyond, the brand is likely to rise to the top of market share chart, given they have more than 1,000 on order. “Once these airplanes enter service, they will act as a catalyst for increased pilot starts,” said Cessna boss Jack Pelton. Photo — Final version with dual screen G300 avionics suite.

Through the years of design development, few expected Cessna would delay their release of the Skycatcher. Any naysayers were wrong. *** At several meetings with Cessna leaders at Oshkosh 2009, I consistently heard that a small number of Skycatchers would be built in 2009, which means the big producer is right on schedule. Even with the global aviation turmoil that also engulfed the company (employment is off more than 50% at present), Cessna is staying the course with their LSA entry. *** Notably, Skycatcher serial number one will go to Rose Pelton, the charming wife of Cessna President, CEO, and Chairman, Jack Pelton. As LAMA founder Larry Burke and I visited with Rose during AirVenture, she expressed great enthusiasm about pursuing her Sport Pilot certificate once the new bird arrives. *** Top management persons such as Piston Aircraft VP, John Doman, and Communications VP, Bob Stangerone, have recently had a chance to fly the new Light-Sport Aircraft from Cessna. “You can fly feet on the floor even during a full power takeoff,” exclaimed Bob, effectively setting to rest any doubts some may have harbored about tail volume and earlier spin trials. *** A handful of Skycatchers will be built by Shenyang Aircraft in China (under watchful eyes of Cessna engineers) and delivered to Wichita for final assembly. Additional locations will be used for assembly as production grows; the company has more than 1,000 orders so 2010 should be a solid year to observe the company’s progress. Shenyang will fabricate the fuselage and integrate the engine and avionics from the U.S.

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Through the years of design development, few expected Cessna would delay their release of the Skycatcher. Any naysayers were wrong. *** At several meetings with Cessna leaders at Oshkosh 2009, I consistently heard that a small number of Skycatchers would be built in 2009, which means the big producer is right on schedule. Even with the global aviation turmoil that also engulfed the company (employment is off more than 50% at present), Cessna is staying the course with their LSA entry. *** Notably, Skycatcher serial number one will go to Rose Pelton, the charming wife of Cessna President, CEO, and Chairman, Jack Pelton. As LAMA founder Larry Burke and I visited with Rose during AirVenture, she expressed great enthusiasm about pursuing her Sport Pilot certificate once the new bird arrives. *** Top management persons such as Piston Aircraft VP, John Doman, and Communications VP, Bob Stangerone, have recently had a chance to fly the new Light-Sport Aircraft from Cessna.

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One Production Skycatcher Here… 999+ to Follow

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Cessna’s first China-built Skycatcher arrives. The drawings reflect an earlier version (hint: note the tail volume in the drawing versus the photo). Also, curious…compare the size of a single engine nacelle on the Citation jet compared to the entire Skycatcher fuselage. More Skycatcher details.

It begins! The long awaited arrival of Cessna into the ranks of Special Light-Sport Aircraft has begun, with the first Shenyang-produced Skycatcher arriving in Wichita. The company reports taking more than 1,000 orders. At Oshkosh 2009, company officials said production would commence as originally planned in 2009 but that 2010 will be the year of substantial deliveries from their Chinese contract manufacturer. Soon, we’ll begin to see registered Skycatchers show up on our market share reports. *** Magazine reporters started to gain access for evaluation flights, though the first of those occurred on a slightly overweight prototype. Initial reports were positive, mirroring comments from Cessna managers who have gotten to fly the prototypes. Performance and payload are factors sure to be gauged by additional flight reviewers as production versions become available. So far, flights have occurred on the #2 prototype that was rebuilt after an incident following spin tests; that aircraft landed under parachute canopy and did not sustain major damage. *** As Cessna (along with most other producers) absorbs the punishment of a shriveled bizjet market, the Skycatcher is welcome bright spot. Cessna VP of Communications, Bob Stangerone — one of the lucky fellows who has flown Skycatcher — was reported as saying, “Modifications will need to be made to the first 10 or so Skycatchers after they arrive until design changes can be incorporated into the production line.” Design changes include increasing the size of the tail, adding a ventral fin, and lengthening the rudder.

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It begins! The long awaited arrival of Cessna into the ranks of Special Light-Sport Aircraft has begun, with the first Shenyang-produced Skycatcher arriving in Wichita. The company reports taking more than 1,000 orders. At Oshkosh 2009, company officials said production would commence as originally planned in 2009 but that 2010 will be the year of substantial deliveries from their Chinese contract manufacturer. Soon, we’ll begin to see registered Skycatchers show up on our market share reports. *** Magazine reporters started to gain access for evaluation flights, though the first of those occurred on a slightly overweight prototype. Initial reports were positive, mirroring comments from Cessna managers who have gotten to fly the prototypes. Performance and payload are factors sure to be gauged by additional flight reviewers as production versions become available. So far, flights have occurred on the #2 prototype that was rebuilt after an incident following spin tests; that aircraft landed under parachute canopy and did not sustain major damage.

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Cessna Debuts Its Skycatcher LSA at Oshkosh

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Skycatcher — like the new name? — is seen with the new nose cowl and straight (no longer swept forward wings). Gull wing doors remain but this mock-up has a full, painted interior. A generous baggage area is available behind seats that tilt forward (though I found them a bit short in the backrest). A single glass screen is standard.

In a major ceremony the day before AirVenture Oshkosh opened, Cessna debuted a “full-scale mock-up” of the Skycatcher. And indeed it showed some fresh ideas. But first, the answers to common questions. *** Bowing to the established A&P community the Wichita giant selected a Contintental O-200 100-hp engine. Later they hope the engine will trim 25-30 pounds, an important goal as empty weight came in at 830 pounds. Price was set at $109,500 though Skycatcher comes equipped with a slim, vertically-oriented Garmin G300 PFD/MFD (a second screen is optional); offered exlusively by Cessna. Cabin width is an adequate 44.25 inches, some five inches wider than a C-150 (though less generous than many LSA). *** Innovations include an excellent joystick that routes forward so the floor is unobstructed for entry. Rudder pedals, not seats, adjust (see big black knob at lower left). The flap handle is recessed in a center console. Cessna says the yet-to-fly Skycatcher will cruise up to 118 knots for 470 nm on 24 gallons of fuel. First production is slated for “2nd half 2009.” Cessna started taking deposits, launched by two orders from EAA.

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In a major ceremony the day before AirVenture Oshkosh opened, Cessna debuted a “full-scale mock-up” of the Skycatcher. And indeed it showed some fresh ideas. But first, the answers to common questions. *** Bowing to the established A&P community the Wichita giant selected a Contintental O-200 100-hp engine. Later they hope the engine will trim 25-30 pounds, an important goal as empty weight came in at 830 pounds. Price was set at $109,500 though Skycatcher comes equipped with a slim, vertically-oriented Garmin G300 PFD/MFD (a second screen is optional); offered exlusively by Cessna. Cabin width is an adequate 44.25 inches, some five inches wider than a C-150 (though less generous than many LSA). *** Innovations include an excellent joystick that routes forward so the floor is unobstructed for entry. Rudder pedals, not seats, adjust (see big black knob at lower left). The flap handle is recessed in a center console. Cessna says the yet-to-fly Skycatcher will cruise up to 118 knots for 470 nm on 24 gallons of fuel.

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Skycatcher Increases Orders; LSA Industry Adjusts

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Czech LAA official, Jan Fridrich (who compiles SLSA registration data used on ByDanJohnson.com), suggests Cessna’s Skycatcher orders may have caused a decrease in an otherwise steady rate of registrations. Look for an upcoming SPLOG with more details.

Cessna reported 920 orders for Skycatcher in the 10 weeks between EAA’s AirVenture and AOPA’s Expo. Curiously, FAA data for SLSA registered through September 2007 showed a slip in the pattern of steady monthly growth. Does it sound logical that Cessna’s $4.6 million of orders — the retail price value of 40 or 45 SLSA — account for this slump? Although refundable, those orders should eventually translate to more than $100 million worth of Skycatcher sales. Cessna said it expects to produce 700 a year at full production. *** Let’s compare that with the balance-of-the-industry performance. Three quarters of the way through 2007, the entire LSA industry has registered 609 airplanes. On an annualized basis this yields 812 units. So, if industry players other than Cessna can double sales in two years (a reasonably conservative estimate), Cessna would represent 30% of the total when they reach full production. Cirrus and their SRS must also be factored in and other entries could bring more changes. FAA registration does not precisely match airplane production or deliveries.

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Cessna reported 920 orders for Skycatcher in the 10 weeks between EAA’s AirVenture and AOPA’s Expo. Curiously, FAA data for SLSA registered through September 2007 showed a slip in the pattern of steady monthly growth. Does it sound logical that Cessna’s $4.6 million of orders — the retail price value of 40 or 45 SLSA — account for this slump? Although refundable, those orders should eventually translate to more than $100 million worth of Skycatcher sales. Cessna said it expects to produce 700 a year at full production. *** Let’s compare that with the balance-of-the-industry performance. Three quarters of the way through 2007, the entire LSA industry has registered 609 airplanes. On an annualized basis this yields 812 units. So, if industry players other than Cessna can double sales in two years (a reasonably conservative estimate), Cessna would represent 30% of the total when they reach full production.

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Cessna’s Skycatcher Will Be Built in China

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Made in China, with American engineering and support…that’s the plan for Cessna Skycatcher. Shenyang has 16,000 employees, builds airline components, and is a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I).

It’s rare for the Wall Street Journal to print a single word about Light-Sport Aircraft, but today’s edition has the Skycatcher at the top of the front page. Confirming earlier speculations, the Wichita airplane company has chosen to build its LSA in China. The difference from other ventures (Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier) is that Cessna will have Shenyang Aircraft build the entire airplane. Continental engines and Garmin avionics will be shipped to China *** Cessna says they can’t afford to build the Skycatcher in the U.S., quoting the CEO of Textron (Cessna’s parent) as saying Skycatcher would cost $71,000 more if built in America. Cessna is also hoping to establish a foothold in a country where private aviation is currently tiny (12,840 civilian pilots) but where the potential is large. *** Some are skeptical. State-owned companies in China are notorious for not protecting intellectual property. And, according to the president of Shenyang, his company will be the “sole source supplier of Skycatcher.” Many companies avoid single sources because it limits their options. Yet Cessna has a four-year relationship with Shenyang and is confident the airplane will be “world class.” Finally, Cessna went forward with buying Columbia Aircraft, calling the low wing a “good fit” with their other aircraft.

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It’s rare for the Wall Street Journal to print a single word about Light-Sport Aircraft, but today’s edition has the Skycatcher at the top of the front page. Confirming earlier speculations, the Wichita airplane company has chosen to build its LSA in China. The difference from other ventures (Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier) is that Cessna will have Shenyang Aircraft build the entire airplane. Continental engines and Garmin avionics will be shipped to China *** Cessna says they can’t afford to build the Skycatcher in the U.S., quoting the CEO of Textron (Cessna’s parent) as saying Skycatcher would cost $71,000 more if built in America. Cessna is also hoping to establish a foothold in a country where private aviation is currently tiny (12,840 civilian pilots) but where the potential is large. *** Some are skeptical. State-owned companies in China are notorious for not protecting intellectual property. And, according to the president of Shenyang, his company will be the “sole source supplier of Skycatcher.” Many companies avoid single sources because it limits their options.

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Fuel Cell Trike Wins At Aero

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

French hang glider pilot and light sport innovator and entrepreneur Gérard Thevenot has been a visionary all his life.  I’ve profiled him previously regarding his efforts to create alternative-powered sport aircraft.

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French hang glider pilot and light sport innovator and entrepreneur Gérard Thevenot has been a visionary all his life.  I’ve profiled him previously regarding his efforts to create alternative-powered sport aircraft.

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Fuel CellTrike Wins At Aero

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

French hang glider pilot and light sport innovator/entrepreneur G©rard Thevenot has been a visionary all his life.  I’ve profiled him previously re his efforts to create alternative-powered sport aircraft. *** He’s been testing electric trikes for Yuneec, the China company that’s developing several commercial sky-breaking electric aircraft designs.  *** And last fall he set an electric trike record for sustained power flight of 1 hour 16 min. *** Today comes word from Aero 2010 International Exhibition for General Aviation, the big European airshow, that Thevenot has been awarded the 2010 E-Flight Award for his hydrogen fuel cell-powered trike. *** His trike is one of three fuel-cell powered aircraft exhibiting at this year’s Aero show. *** A fuel cell is a power source that creates enough electricity to drive an electric motor, using, in Thevenot’s case, only hydrogen fuel and oxygen.  *** The exhaust components? Heat…and water vapor! *** Fuel cells operate at low temperatures too: under 200 degrees F. *** And there is no battery or accumulator, just the fuel cell itself. *** The 77 lb. wing’s wingspan is 39 feet.  The 7 kW-generating motor weighs just 121 lbs, including the 1.25 gallon hydrogen tank. *** Trike (hang glider plus three-wheeled buggy), fuel cell and the single pilot (Thevenot) all weigh less than 285 lbs.   “This allows it to fly,” Thevenot told Aero’s reporters, “powered only by the fuel cell and without the assistance of an auxiliary battery.” *** Boeing flew a fuel cell powered GA-style aircraft for 20 minutes in 2008.  Thevenot has flown his fuel cell trike more than an hour, including across the English Channel in 2009. *** I’ve not been able to find out yet whether that hour represents a full tank’s worth of hydrogen or just what he’stested so far…because in 2006, Thevenot’s fuel cell-powered car won the Shell Eco Marathon with a hydrogen supply corresponding to one quart of gasoline – which went a world record distance of almost 2500 miles!  You read right: that’s mileage equivalent to 10,000 miles per gallon! *** “Oh honey, did you remember to fill up the car last January?” *** Of course, hydrogen is ridiculously expensive.  This is R&D time, not almost-ready-for-prime time. Likewise, for those who think “Hindenberg!” whenever the word hydrogen pops up – which is all of us, right? – there are many technologies including solid state oxice forms of hydrogen and other fuels being explored, not just hydrogen gas. *** Meanwhile, congratulations to Monsieur Thevenot for his vision and execution so far. *** Two other ongoing fuel cell-powered electric projects to follow: Hydrogenius, from the University of Stuttgart and Skyspark, which flew a GA-style airplane at 150 knots recently. *** While a trike may seem more trivial stunt than practical application in our age of private jets, $500K GA cruisers and $100,000 LSA, that’s exactly the point: first, we show the vision, then we figure out how to upscale to the market.  *** For a good discussion of this topic as it relates to growing aviation in general, see Chris Finley’s excellent discourse here. *** This is what pioneer days look like: forward-thinking people doing their thing, and one day we all wake up and the world’s changed.  *** Remember Wozniak and Jobs (Apple Computer, started in a garage 30 years ago), Yuneec (which made its fortune making electric motors and accessories for model airplanes) and…well, the Wright Brothers, who quietly pursued their vision in the winds of Kitty Hawk, while the world went on it’s merry way convinced man would never fly. *** SIDE NOTE: A good site to keep track of: The E-Flight Expo, which shows at the Aero Expo and explores alternative power and solutions to the global challenge of internal combustion engines. *** isn’t this a great time to be alive? *** —photos courtesy Aero Expo and Willi Tacke

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French hang glider pilot and light sport innovator/entrepreneur G©rard Thevenot has been a visionary all his life.  I’ve profiled him previously re his efforts to create alternative-powered sport aircraft. *** He’s been testing electric trikes for Yuneec, the China company that’s developing several commercial sky-breaking electric aircraft designs.  *** And last fall he set an electric trike record for sustained power flight of 1 hour 16 min. *** Today comes word from Aero 2010 International Exhibition for General Aviation, the big European airshow, that Thevenot has been awarded the 2010 E-Flight Award for his hydrogen fuel cell-powered trike. *** His trike is one of three fuel-cell powered aircraft exhibiting at this year’s Aero show. *** A fuel cell is a power source that creates enough electricity to drive an electric motor, using, in Thevenot’s case, only hydrogen fuel and oxygen.  *** The exhaust components?

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Electric Take 2

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Alright, I’m succumbing to Electric Fever a bit more today, but a more-thorough reading of that excellent FlightGlobal piece I mentioned in the post below has a lengthy discussion about PC-Aero, a German firm that’s coming out with its own line of electric-powered aircraft…including a four-seater for General Aviation. *** The brains behind this effort live inside Mr. Calin Gologan, who predicts an all-electric four-seat GA airplane in the next ten years.   *** His company is debuting his first prototype, a single-seater electric dubbed Elektra One, at the European Aero show in Friedrichshafen this week. *** Apparently the tantalizing prospect of winning the $1.5 million in prize money offered by the CAFE Green Flight Challenge (in 2011) was the kicker to start Gologan down the E-Plane path. *** The Electra One will be followed by an Elektra Two (two seats) and Elektra Four (four) down the road. *** I don’t like to be pushy, but if you’re interested in what’s going on in electric flight technology, be sure and read the excellent story linked above.  It’s well-researched and has some very interesting things to share. *** And don’t forget to check out the Aero show…it’s always a playground where new technology debuts and this year will be no exception. *** Meanwhile, enjoy a couple teaser concept drawings of the Elektra One and Elektra Four, courtesy PC-Aero.

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Alright, I’m succumbing to Electric Fever a bit more today, but a more-thorough reading of that excellent FlightGlobal piece I mentioned in the post below has a lengthy discussion about PC-Aero, a German firm that’s coming out with its own line of electric-powered aircraft…including a four-seater for General Aviation. *** The brains behind this effort live inside Mr. Calin Gologan, who predicts an all-electric four-seat GA airplane in the next ten years.   *** His company is debuting his first prototype, a single-seater electric dubbed Elektra One, at the European Aero show in Friedrichshafen this week. *** Apparently the tantalizing prospect of winning the $1.5 million in prize money offered by the CAFE Green Flight Challenge (in 2011) was the kicker to start Gologan down the E-Plane path. *** The Electra One will be followed by an Elektra Two (two seats) and Elektra Four (four) down the road.

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Electric Aircraft, Take 2

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Alright, I’m succumbing to Electric Fever a bit more today, but a more-thorough reading of that excellent FlightGlobal piece I mentioned in the post below has a lengthy discussion about PC-Aero, a German firm that’s coming out with its own line of electric-powered aircraft…including a four-seater for General Aviation. *** The brains behind this effort live inside Mr. Calin Gologan, who predicts an all-electric four-seat GA airplane in the next ten years.   *** His company is debuting his first prototype, a single-seater electric dubbed Elektra One, at the European Aero show in Friedrichshafen this week. *** Apparently the tantalizing prospect of winning the $1.5 million in prize money offered by the CAFE Green Flight Challenge (in 2011) was the kicker to start Gologan down the E-Plane path. *** The Electra One will be followed by an Elektra Two (two seats) and Elektra Four (four) down the road. *** I don’t like to be pushy, but if you’re interested in what’s going on in electric flight technology, be sure and read the excellent story linked above.  It’s well-researched and has some very interesting things to share. *** And don’t forget to check out the Aero show…it’s always a playground where new technology debuts and this year will be no exception. *** Meanwhile, enjoy a couple teaser concept drawings of the Elektra One and Elektra Four, courtesy PC-Aero.

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Alright, I’m succumbing to Electric Fever a bit more today, but a more-thorough reading of that excellent FlightGlobal piece I mentioned in the post below has a lengthy discussion about PC-Aero, a German firm that’s coming out with its own line of electric-powered aircraft…including a four-seater for General Aviation. *** The brains behind this effort live inside Mr. Calin Gologan, who predicts an all-electric four-seat GA airplane in the next ten years.   *** His company is debuting his first prototype, a single-seater electric dubbed Elektra One, at the European Aero show in Friedrichshafen this week. *** Apparently the tantalizing prospect of winning the $1.5 million in prize money offered by the CAFE Green Flight Challenge (in 2011) was the kicker to start Gologan down the E-Plane path. *** The Electra One will be followed by an Elektra Two (two seats) and Elektra Four (four) down the road.

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Knocking Around The Sky

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Dan Johnson’s got a good piece today on his SPLOG (Sport Pilot Blog) about the rise of lower-cost LSA in a struggling economy — good reading and a good place to start for those of you heading to Sun ‘n Fun looking for a bargain — and who’s not looking for a bargain these days? *** Also comes word that Michael Combs is demonstrating what all pilots know: nothing’s suckier than sucky weather.  He’s stuck right at the beginning of his epic 50-state tour, meant to symbolize the power and importance of staying in touch with your dreams, in Salina, KS, courtesy bad Spring weather. *** Tough luck Michael but we’re following your adventure and know you’ll be on your way before long. *** His quest is called The Flight for the Human Spirit.   *** The goal is to fly into all 50 states, making stops in 135 cities and towns across America.  Total mile tally: 19,400 and 40 days.  Wishing you sunlight and tailwinds: Bon Sport Voyage, Michael! *** And for your electrified fans, here’s a nice bit on all-electric flight by FlightGlobal

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Dan Johnson’s got a good piece today on his SPLOG (Sport Pilot Blog) about the rise of lower-cost LSA in a struggling economy — good reading and a good place to start for those of you heading to Sun ‘n Fun looking for a bargain — and who’s not looking for a bargain these days? *** Also comes word that Michael Combs is demonstrating what all pilots know: nothing’s suckier than sucky weather.  He’s stuck right at the beginning of his epic 50-state tour, meant to symbolize the power and importance of staying in touch with your dreams, in Salina, KS, courtesy bad Spring weather. *** Tough luck Michael but we’re following your adventure and know you’ll be on your way before long. *** His quest is called The Flight for the Human Spirit.   *** The goal is to fly into all 50 states, making stops in 135 cities and towns across America.  Total mile tally: 19,400 and 40 days.  Wishing you sunlight and tailwinds: Bon Sport Voyage, Michael!

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Lower-Priced LSA Coming to Sun ‘n Fun

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Price Cuts! — Among good values being offered are great deals from Flight Design and Jabiru. Come to Sun ‘n Fun, find them in the LSA Mall, and see if you find your magic price.

After a tough winter in most parts of the USA, spring evidently arrived early with 80-degree temperatures as far north as Minnesota… all before Sun ‘n Fun. More good news: After its coldest winter since the early 1980s Florida is extremely pleasant now, warm with low humidity. *** Indications are the economy continues bearing down on Light-Sport aviation. Confronted with cautious customers, some aircraft producers have tightened their costs and are offering sharply lower prices in time for Sun ‘n Fun. *** Flight Design announced its CTLS Lite, which makes two impressive accomplishments. By slightly trimming the equipment list and making other adjustments, the market leader was able to slice $20,000 off the price, coming in at $119,800. They also cut a most impressive 50 pounds from the empty weight. *** Jabiru USA offers two models discounted for a short time. Taking $11,000 off the price of their J-170 brings the base to $85,900. With some nice equipment, it remains less than $95,000. The company’s more spacious J-230 is being offered for $97,900 base and pretty well equipped for $105,000. *** All these numbers can be made more affordable through partnering or finance, both of which have good support. *** Other observed bargains: SeaMax, a well-equipped, performance amphibian for $140,000 range; Aerotrek, still holding a line below $70,000 for their handsome A220/A240; the RANS S-6LS is a value at $63,000; SeaRey kits offer the lowest amphib cost among LSA; and a low-price leader is the X-Air LS for $59,995. *** I’m also sure I left out someone deserving, so come to Sun ‘n Fun and find the deal for you. I’ve not seen a better time to buy an LSA.

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After a tough winter in most parts of the USA, spring evidently arrived early with 80-degree temperatures as far north as Minnesota… all before Sun ‘n Fun. More good news: After its coldest winter since the early 1980s Florida is extremely pleasant now, warm with low humidity. *** Indications are the economy continues bearing down on Light-Sport aviation. Confronted with cautious customers, some aircraft producers have tightened their costs and are offering sharply lower prices in time for Sun ‘n Fun. *** Flight Design announced its CTLS Lite, which makes two impressive accomplishments. By slightly trimming the equipment list and making other adjustments, the market leader was able to slice $20,000 off the price, coming in at $119,800. They also cut a most impressive 50 pounds from the empty weight. *** Jabiru USA offers two models discounted for a short time. Taking $11,000 off the price of their J-170 brings the base to $85,900.

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The Second (Chantz) Around

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Just out of a 3-day stomach bug sick bed, I must still be a bit delirious ’cause that old Sinatra tune, “Love is wonderful, the second time around” keeps winding through my fuzzy brain. *** No doubt I’m subconsciously morphing into music the news I got yesterday from old hang gliding pal and ultralight/light sport entrepreneur John Dunham that he’s back, in the biz he made so successful in the ’80s – Second Chantz Aerial Survival Equipment.  *** His company sold more than 4,000 ballistic recovery systems when it was in operation, and has documented more than 70 saves worldwide. *** You can read all the gore-y details on John’s blog linked above but a brief bio must include his deep hang gliding/ultralight/LSA background as pilot, test pilot, instructor and savvy manufacturer/businessman from the early ’70s.  He’s an all-around talent, this guy! *** John’s Flight Design West biz in Nevada marketed several LSA including the Flight Design CT and the lovely (and we hope soon-to-be-resurrected) Lambada motorglider. *** So welcome back John! *** By email, he tells me the reinvigorated Second Chantz (which closed shop when he left mid-’90s) will: *** * make and sell recovery systems for most LSA in operation and coming onto the market. *** * repack, update and do scheduled service for ballistic recovery systems made by any manufacturer – including market leader BRS (More than 6,000 old systems require service, and new rockets!) Propellants do get “stale” over time…not good.  Can’t save your neck with a dead load. *** * market and sell Magnum ballistic recovery systems from Czech company Stratos 07, which makes several models for a variety of aircraft from hang gliders and trikes to LSA. *** Around 100 Magnum systems are installed around the U.S. so far, on models from Remos, Flight Design/Europe, Samba, Lambada and more. *** With his own Second Chantz line, John tells me “I’ll offer a rocket system, and update older systems with new rockets…and be price competitive with BRS.” *** He’s also resurrecting his compressed gas deployment propellant systems for all types of light aircraft. *** “I will be working with new pressure cylinders that give me up to 6000 psi…twice the power we worked with 15 years ago!” *** He hopes to develop 10,000 psi cylinders soon, which will  “do the job explosives do for bigger parachute systems, with cool nitrogen gas rockets.” *** John Dunham and Second Chantz look forward to giving BRS, and its “virtual monopoly” on the U.S. market, a friendly run for its money. *** But he’s in it for more than that: “It’s what I know and love…and hearing or reading the words “Thanks for saving my Life” becomes addictive.”

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Just out of a 3-day stomach bug sick bed, I must still be a bit delirious ’cause that old Sinatra tune, “Love is wonderful, the second time around” keeps winding through my fuzzy brain. *** No doubt I’m subconsciously morphing into music the news I got yesterday from old hang gliding pal and ultralight/light sport entrepreneur John Dunham that he’s back, in the biz he made so successful in the ’80s – Second Chantz Aerial Survival Equipment.  *** His company sold more than 4,000 ballistic recovery systems when it was in operation, and has documented more than 70 saves worldwide. *** You can read all the gore-y details on John’s blog linked above but a brief bio must include his deep hang gliding/ultralight/LSA background as pilot, test pilot, instructor and savvy manufacturer/businessman from the early ’70s.  He’s an all-around talent, this guy! *** John’s Flight Design West biz in Nevada marketed several LSA including the Flight Design CT and the lovely (and we hope soon-to-be-resurrected) Lambada motorglider.

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It’s B-A-C-K! Second Chantz Returnz to Chutz

By Dan Johnson || 2 Comments

Rocketing Back — While John Dunham gets his new website up, you can explore current offerings and read his historical blog. I predict a lot of underserved light aircraft customers will welcome the re-entrance of Second Chantz with enthusiasm. For more info: Call 775-315-0133 or email Second Chantz.

Once Upon a Time… Two companies competed vigorously for the airframe (ballistic) parachute market. One was BRS. The other was Second Chantz, run by longtime proprietor and system designer, John Dunham. In a deal back in 1995, John agreed to cease competing with BRS, which went on to fame and fortune with the parachute for Cirrus airplanes and LSA. *** Now, zap forward a decade and a half. BRS is working hard to be a military contractor, and — while still pursuing the airframe parachute business with a couple larger customers — their corporate focus is elsewhere. I say “good luck with that” but the light aircraft community badly needed another company to offer services: repacking, repairs and maintenance, and new systems for aircraft BRS had no time to assist. *** Why start a company now, after 15 years of being out of the business, and with the country in a deep recession? John answered simply, “It’s what I know and love.” *** Before selling out to the larger company, Dunham had started developing a compressed air rocket motor that had great promise fifteen years ago. The idea languished but today technical improvements make that concept much more viable thanks to much increased stored pressures. John will pursue his “A.I.R.” system as he rebuilds his former business (well, technically a different business but the mission is the same). *** John stated in a recent news release, “Second Chantz will distribute new ballistic recovery systems manufactured by the Czech Company, Stratos 07, known (to Americans) as ‘Magnum Parachute Systems’.” [UPDATE 6/10/10 — Second Chantz elected not to become the distributor for Magnum.] “And we will bring back [our] patented A.I.R. equipped recovery devices for hang gliding and paragliding pilots.” In addition, thousands of Second Chantz systems can now be serviced by the company that originally made them. And, the new company could establish service for BRS systems. *** In all, this is a significant gain for the light aircraft community.

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Once Upon a Time… Two companies competed vigorously for the airframe (ballistic) parachute market. One was BRS. The other was Second Chantz, run by longtime proprietor and system designer, John Dunham. In a deal back in 1995, John agreed to cease competing with BRS, which went on to fame and fortune with the parachute for Cirrus airplanes and LSA. *** Now, zap forward a decade and a half. BRS is working hard to be a military contractor, and — while still pursuing the airframe parachute business with a couple larger customers — their corporate focus is elsewhere. I say “good luck with that” but the light aircraft community badly needed another company to offer services: repacking, repairs and maintenance, and new systems for aircraft BRS had no time to assist. *** Why start a company now, after 15 years of being out of the business, and with the country in a deep recession?

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New EFIS for Light Sport

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

This week’s Dallas AEA (Aircraft Electronics Assoc.) Convention has tons of cool new electronics. Of note to sport pilots is the G3X system from Garmin. It’s a PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multi Function Display) system that’s built around Garmin’s GDU 370/375 displays. Intended for LSA and Experimental category aircraft, the non-certified system can display information across one, two or three screens. The single screen version with all capabilities lists at $3995. The full G3X system that will include ADAHRS (Attitude/Heading Reference System), EIS (Engine Information System), magnetometer and temperature probe, once available, will go at an estimated price of $9,995.00. *** Garmin will display the system at Sun’nFun in two weeks. Be there or be square!

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This week’s Dallas AEA (Aircraft Electronics Assoc.) Convention has tons of cool new electronics. Of note to sport pilots is the G3X system from Garmin. It’s a PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multi Function Display) system that’s built around Garmin’s GDU 370/375 displays. Intended for LSA and Experimental category aircraft, the non-certified system can display information across one, two or three screens. The single screen version with all capabilities lists at $3995. The full G3X system that will include ADAHRS (Attitude/Heading Reference System), EIS (Engine Information System), magnetometer and temperature probe, once available, will go at an estimated price of $9,995.00. *** Garmin will display the system at Sun’nFun in two weeks. Be there or be square!

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Meanwhile, Back At the Electric Ranch…

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

The Creative Solutions Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization, founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh, that just announced his creation of the Lindbergh Electric Aircraft Prize (LEAP). *** In stirring language as quoted to AOPA’s Alton K. Marsh, Lindbergh says, “We are literally teaching the next generation to imagine and create their future.” *** The idea, as we’ve seen in the past with similar contests such as the Orteig Prize (1st Atlantic crossing won by Lindbergh) Kremer Prize (human powered flight – Gossamer Condor), and the X-Prize (1st private suborbital space flight), is to “promote the practical development of electric aircraft by recognizing specific advances in this emerging cleantech (sic) industry.” *** Prizes will be awarded for: *** Best Electric Aircraft:  keyword in this category is practical, and it can be an Experimental, LSA or Certified aircraft. *** Best Electric Aircraft Sub-System: component systems that advance the field of electric aircraft *** Best Electric Aircraft Component Technology:  Individual components such as batteries, motors, power electronics etc. *** Public Choice Award: We get to vote on our favorite, flying or not, “practical or not”! *** The winners in each category will be announced at Oshkosh’s EAA Airventure this summer. *** Anybody want to take early odds on the Yuneec e430, already a design award winner? *** Or the ElectraFlyer X, shown at right? *** —images courtesy CSA and ElectraFlyer

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The Creative Solutions Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization, founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh, that just announced his creation of the Lindbergh Electric Aircraft Prize (LEAP). *** In stirring language as quoted to AOPA’s Alton K. Marsh, Lindbergh says, “We are literally teaching the next generation to imagine and create their future.” *** The idea, as we’ve seen in the past with similar contests such as the Orteig Prize (1st Atlantic crossing won by Lindbergh) Kremer Prize (human powered flight – Gossamer Condor), and the X-Prize (1st private suborbital space flight), is to “promote the practical development of electric aircraft by recognizing specific advances in this emerging cleantech (sic) industry.” *** Prizes will be awarded for: *** Best Electric Aircraft:  keyword in this category is practical, and it can be an Experimental, LSA or Certified aircraft. *** Best Electric Aircraft Sub-System: component systems that advance the field of electric aircraft *** Best Electric Aircraft Component Technology:  Individual components such as batteries, motors, power electronics etc.

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Meanwhile, Back At the Electric Ranch…

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

The Creative Solutions Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization, founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh, that just announced his creation of the Lindbergh Electric Aircraft Prize (LEAP). *** In stirring language as quoted to AOPA’s Alton K. Marsh, Lindbergh says, “We are literally teaching the next generation to imagine and create their future.” *** The idea, as we’ve seen in the past with similar contests such as the Orteig Prize (1st Atlantic crossing won by Lindbergh) Kremer Prize (human powered flight – Gossamer Condor), and the X-Prize (1st private suborbital space flight), is to “promote the practical development of electric aircraft by recognizing specific advances in this emerging cleantech (sic) industry.” *** Prizes will be awarded for: ** Best Electric Aircraft:  keyword in this category is practical, and it can be an Experimental, LSA or Certified aircraft. ** Best Electric Aircraft Sub-System: component systems that advance the field of electric aircraft ** Best Electric Aircraft Component Technology:  Individual components such as batteries, motors, power electronics, etc. ** Public Choice Award: We get to vote on our favorite, flying or not, “practical or not!” *** The winners in each category will be announced at Oshkosh’s EAA Airventure this summer. *** Anybody want to take early odds on the Yuneec e430, already a design award winner? *** Or the new ElectraFlyer X (photo)? *** —images courtesy CSA and ElectraFlyer

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The Creative Solutions Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization, founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh, that just announced his creation of the Lindbergh Electric Aircraft Prize (LEAP). *** In stirring language as quoted to AOPA’s Alton K. Marsh, Lindbergh says, “We are literally teaching the next generation to imagine and create their future.” *** The idea, as we’ve seen in the past with similar contests such as the Orteig Prize (1st Atlantic crossing won by Lindbergh) Kremer Prize (human powered flight – Gossamer Condor), and the X-Prize (1st private suborbital space flight), is to “promote the practical development of electric aircraft by recognizing specific advances in this emerging cleantech (sic) industry.” *** Prizes will be awarded for: ** Best Electric Aircraft:  keyword in this category is practical, and it can be an Experimental, LSA or Certified aircraft. ** Best Electric Aircraft Sub-System: component systems that advance the field of electric aircraft ** Best Electric Aircraft Component Technology:  Individual components such as batteries, motors, power electronics, etc.

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Spring Buzzzzz…

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Everybody laments the high cost of LSA ownership: here’s an alternative…especially if you like true bugs-in-teeth aviating like our winged forefathers…uh, and foremothers of course…er, forepersons?  Sheesh.  Staying PC is so last week. *** Manfred Ruhmer, the German hang glider world champion and one-time distance record holder of 435 miles (current record is 444 mi.!), has been working on his own electric-powered trike – named the Icaro 2000 Pit-Trike. *** Chalk up that curious name to translation from the Italian.  Maybe it grabs the air like a pit bull?  Icaro’s price page calls it Nano Trike – take your pick! *** BTW, a “trike” is a wheeled undercarriage, powered by a pusher-prop powerplant, that allows a conventional foot-launched (or aero-towed) hang glider to fly under its own power.    *** The trike unit without hang glider wing lists between $11,000 and $15,000 US, reports my pal Dan Johnson, before shipping, *** and you still have to add your own hang glider – another $3K to $6K. *** Still, here’s an electric-powered aircraft you can own for as little as $15,000 or so! *** Before we go further, check out this video.  And note when the pilot (it’s Ruhmer himself) shuts down the power while soaring in ridge lift over the trees.  The prop folds to streamline and the lightweight trike becomes a soaring machine.  Now we’re talking! *** Icaro produces the design as part of its Light Trike line.  It’s a long-respected maker of hang gliders. *** What’s encouraging is this is yet another electric-powered aircraft to come to market.  Electric powered vehicles of all types are the coming thing, believe it. *** Other notable electric projects we’ve talked about recently: *** — Several models from China’s Yuneec (all-electric award-winning E430 SLSA, “paramotors” for paragliders, and another hang glider trike still in development, being test flown by another big hang glider name – France’s Gerard Thevenot). *** — FlightStar’s e-Spyder, in advanced development at Yuneec with Tom Peghiny’s oversight (it’s a modified FlightStar which Tom produces) *** — Randall Fishman’s American-made ElectraFlyer Trike, ElectraFlyer C and ElectraFlyer X two-seat SLSA. *** But unlike many others still coming to market, you can buy Icaro’s trike now. *** Prayer to: God/Santa/Gaia/Buddha/Jahweh et al.: please please please let Icaro show up at Sun ‘n Fun so I can whangle a ride.  Or the newest eSpyder prototype.  Or the Yuneec e430 again.  Or all of them. *** Amen. *** —images and video courtesy Icaro

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Everybody laments the high cost of LSA ownership: here’s an alternative…especially if you like true bugs-in-teeth aviating like our winged forefathers…uh, and foremothers of course…er, forepersons?  Sheesh.  Staying PC is so last week. *** Manfred Ruhmer, the German hang glider world champion and one-time distance record holder of 435 miles (current record is 444 mi.!), has been working on his own electric-powered trike – named the Icaro 2000 Pit-Trike. *** Chalk up that curious name to translation from the Italian.  Maybe it grabs the air like a pit bull?  Icaro’s price page calls it Nano Trike – take your pick! *** BTW, a “trike” is a wheeled undercarriage, powered by a pusher-prop powerplant, that allows a conventional foot-launched (or aero-towed) hang glider to fly under its own power.    *** The trike unit without hang glider wing lists between $11,000 and $15,000 US, reports my pal Dan Johnson, before shipping, *** and you still have to add your own hang glider – another $3K to $6K.

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