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

Cool Electric Aircraft… Beginning the Future?

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

World Champ — Doing the flying in such a relaxed manner (video) is Manfred Ruhmer who holds the distance record in an unpowered hang glider at 701 kilometers (435 miles), both an athletic achievement as well as impressive piloting. Americans are also active. Read about the American Electra Flyer trike.

Electric is hot! Even in a dull economy with sluggish airplane sales, the spark of electric power is crackling with life. Numerous projects have been announced and organizations like EAA are making way for electric airplanes to showcase themselves at big shows like AirVenture. *** Now, from an Italian manufacturer comes the work of world champion hang glider pilot, Manfred Ruhmer, and his Icaro 2000 electric weight-shift trike. *** OK, you may be a pilot who wants structure around yourself and perhaps a glass cockpit with autopilot or the maximum speed permissible. But check out the video below. To me, it looks like a dream… very low noise (except for a whir from the prop blades — blades that fold back when you cut power); easy, one-handed flying; a low cost way to see the countryside on a pretty day. The video showed the electric-powered trike being flown by an expert but I can imagine the fun I could have with this. *** Read Icaro’s tech specs. And here’s more technical description from CAFE Foundation. *** Manfred’s trike is modestly priced (subject to change). Of course, just like an electric golf cart, batteries form a goodly chunk of the whole cost. More fairly, battery expense should be compared to fuel cost over time but you have to buy the batteries up front. An electric Icaro trike will run $11,000 to $15,000 plus shipping and you’ll still need a wing. Add it all up and it might run $16,000-22,000 but you’d have one nifty little aerial toy… assuming you don’t mind a breeze on your knees. *** Now, catch this fun video —

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Electric is hot! Even in a dull economy with sluggish airplane sales, the spark of electric power is crackling with life. Numerous projects have been announced and organizations like EAA are making way for electric airplanes to showcase themselves at big shows like AirVenture. *** Now, from an Italian manufacturer comes the work of world champion hang glider pilot, Manfred Ruhmer, and his Icaro 2000 electric weight-shift trike. *** OK, you may be a pilot who wants structure around yourself and perhaps a glass cockpit with autopilot or the maximum speed permissible. But check out the video below. To me, it looks like a dream… very low noise (except for a whir from the prop blades — blades that fold back when you cut power); easy, one-handed flying; a low cost way to see the countryside on a pretty day. The video showed the electric-powered trike being flown by an expert but I can imagine the fun I could have with this.

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Florida LSA Schools Coming On Line

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Cessna’s in the hunt for flight schools, like everybody else.  Word comes via a city blog that Orlando Flight Training is ramping up a Sport Pilot training program that will use four Cessna Skycatchers at its Kissimmee Gateway Airport facility. *** The piece claims OFT is the first to offer the C-162 in Florida, and plans to have them operational this summer. *** While we’re at it, let’s highlight a few more Sport Pilot ops in the Sunshine State: *** ^ Another Sport Pilot training program at Apopka is Grizzly Aviation Services.  It also uses a Gobosh 700S, which rents out at $97/hr. *** ^ Yet another Orlando-area operation is Orlando-Gateway Sport Pilot Training LLC, which gets things done out of Kissimmee Airport with a Remos GX and a SportCruiser. *** ^ Mike Z. Sport Aviation, soon to have two more German Breezers to train on, has been in operation for some time down in Plant City, between Lakeland and Tampa on I-4.  Mike Zidziunas does it all: training, maintenance, Rotax repair. *** ^ Lockwood Aviation in Sebring has been in the game for some time too.  They have several LSA: Tecnam P92 Echo Super and P2002 Sierra and Flight Design CTSW and CTLS, as well as a Cessna 152 and Cessna 172.  Parent company Lockwood Aviation Supply is the U.S. go-to location for anything and everything to do with Rotax engines.  *** ^ First Landings has an operational program at Orlando Apopka Airport that uses a Remos G3 and a Gobosh 700S for training.  Rates are $100/hr wet ($95 block) *** Know of other Sport Pilot training ops in Florida?  Let me know! *** —photos courtesy First Landings and Breezer Aircraft

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Cessna’s in the hunt for flight schools, like everybody else.  Word comes via a city blog that Orlando Flight Training is ramping up a Sport Pilot training program that will use four Cessna Skycatchers at its Kissimmee Gateway Airport facility. *** The piece claims OFT is the first to offer the C-162 in Florida, and plans to have them operational this summer. *** While we’re at it, let’s highlight a few more Sport Pilot ops in the Sunshine State: *** ^ Another Sport Pilot training program at Apopka is Grizzly Aviation Services.  It also uses a Gobosh 700S, which rents out at $97/hr. *** ^ Yet another Orlando-area operation is Orlando-Gateway Sport Pilot Training LLC, which gets things done out of Kissimmee Airport with a Remos GX and a SportCruiser. *** ^ Mike Z.

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New In-Cockpit HD Camera

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

I saw this bad boy at Sebring in January and was taken with its potential for flight schools, airplane dealers, insurance companies and plain old pilot fun. *** Dave Graham of Gobosh introduced me to the go-getter guys behind it.  They call themselves Light Sport Group. *** More details: *** It’s called the Contour HD A/V-ator Edition. *** It’s adapted from a popular HD helmet camera. *** It shoots in full High Definition (1080P – P is for progressive, which is the smoother-viewing of two specs, the other being I, for interlaced). *** My favorite feature (in addition to the HiDef) is the 135-degree lens that, if you mount the cam behind the pilot in a typical LSA, will show the entire cockpit, panel and what’s outside the windscreen. *** Here’s a video from the company’s website that speaks to the product’s merits all by itself: *** The system includes the camera, Light Sport Group’s proprietary noise-cancelling circuit, plug-and-play aviation headset adapters for clear cockpit audio, a Contour-specific suction cup mount, an 8GB SD memory card, and internal rechargeable battery. *** The view allows clear, sharp views of panel instrument readouts. *** It’s a handy way to do lots of things: review student flights, document personal or practice flights, and the unit records ATC com, intercom chatter and aircraft alerts – good for documentation after any incidents, much like an airliner “black box”.

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I saw this bad boy at Sebring in January and was taken with its potential for flight schools, airplane dealers, insurance companies and plain old pilot fun. *** Dave Graham of Gobosh introduced me to the go-getter guys behind it.  They call themselves Light Sport Group. *** More details: *** It’s called the Contour HD A/V-ator Edition. *** It’s adapted from a popular HD helmet camera. *** It shoots in full High Definition (1080P – P is for progressive, which is the smoother-viewing of two specs, the other being I, for interlaced). *** My favorite feature (in addition to the HiDef) is the 135-degree lens that, if you mount the cam behind the pilot in a typical LSA, will show the entire cockpit, panel and what’s outside the windscreen. *** Here’s a video from the company’s website that speaks to the product’s merits all by itself: *** The system includes the camera, Light Sport Group’s proprietary noise-cancelling circuit, plug-and-play aviation headset adapters for clear cockpit audio, a Contour-specific suction cup mount, an 8GB SD memory card, and internal rechargeable battery.

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Info from Engine Gurus; via Video or eLearning

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Rotax Gurus — Phil Lockwood (L) and Dean Vogel (R) may not look like “gurus,” but each of these fellows has enough knowledge to qualify. LSA owners and pilots may enjoy their Rotax courseware, but A&P mechanics really need to investigate. Phil will give a free seminar at Sun ‘n Fun in the FAA building at 10 AM on Sunday April 18.

Rotax gurus Phil Lockwood and Dean Vogel updated their “Rotax 912 Engine Introduction” DVD with a free nine-minute YouTube posting. On-camera, the dynamic duo covered the new AeroShell Sport Plus 4 engine oil, new oil pressure sender, 10% ethanol guidelines, details of the Rotax 912 2,000-hour TBO (Time Between Overhaul) plus a demonstration of how to get the updated Rotax information. See Rotax on BeASportPilot.com. *** Online and video entrepreneur Paul Hamilton published an on-line eLearning course for renters, students, pilots, owners and mechanics. Paul stated, “This is needed by FBOs, schools, instructors, and manufacturers to qualify operators for ‘basic’ operation of Rotax 912 engines. This is especially important for pilots and mechanics transitioning from classic aircraft engines (Continental/Lycoming).” *** The eLearning course provides video from Lockwood and Vogel plus classical text for the course covering the proper oils, fuels, coolants, starting and idling. Successful completion of a fifteen question quiz at the end provides a certificate. Here’s a good deal! Paul said his course is currently free but will be priced at $49.95 when the “trial is over.” Check out the course at Aviation-eLearning.com. *** This blog was prepared in cooperation with Paul Hamilton of Adventure Productions, BeASportPilot.com, and Aviation eLearning. Paul is one of my go-to guys on Sport Pilot issues and his websites are full of useful info and easy-to-watch videos. –Dan Johnson

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Rotax gurus Phil Lockwood and Dean Vogel updated their “Rotax 912 Engine Introduction” DVD with a free nine-minute YouTube posting. On-camera, the dynamic duo covered the new AeroShell Sport Plus 4 engine oil, new oil pressure sender, 10% ethanol guidelines, details of the Rotax 912 2,000-hour TBO (Time Between Overhaul) plus a demonstration of how to get the updated Rotax information. See Rotax on BeASportPilot.com. *** Online and video entrepreneur Paul Hamilton published an on-line eLearning course for renters, students, pilots, owners and mechanics. Paul stated, “This is needed by FBOs, schools, instructors, and manufacturers to qualify operators for ‘basic’ operation of Rotax 912 engines. This is especially important for pilots and mechanics transitioning from classic aircraft engines (Continental/Lycoming).” *** The eLearning course provides video from Lockwood and Vogel plus classical text for the course covering the proper oils, fuels, coolants, starting and idling.

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Sun ‘n Fun Countdown

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Two items today as we gin up for the 36th annual EAA Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In & Expo (that’s the official handle – it’s Sun ‘n Fun for short). *** The big show runs in Lakeland, FL from April 13-18. *** Like EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture, you can float your flyin’ boat with enough pure aviation overload to give you a hangover. Samples of everything that flies are there, so rock on, wing crazies! *** Piper wasn’t just blowing smoke when it said it would deliver PiperSports starting in April. The PiperSport Facebook photo page has pix of the first production models coming off the Czech factory assembly line, and U.S.-bound. *** I hope to fly or at least talk to new owners there to see if Piper’s made any mods yet. *** I’m happy to report the LSA Mall will set up again this year. *** Sun ‘n Fun, like AirVenture, can be overwhelming. Finding exhibitors, even if you walk your legs off searching, can be difficult. *** My pal Dan Johnson cooked up the LSA Mall idea back in 2006. He runs it with super gal-pal Randee. *** It’s an outside promenade, just past the entrance gate to the show. *** Having bunches of top LSAs all in the same area not only saves on shoe leather, but of course gives you great opportunities to compare airplanes you’re interested in. *** LSA reps have caught on too. They realize it’s better for LSA-hungry folks to find them in one central place. *** The Mall will again have a Rotax display with a rep to answer questions about the ubiquitous power plant. *** A Jabiru powerplant will also be on display. *** SeaMax and SeaRey amphibs, PiperSport, Flight Design, Arion Lightning and many others have already confirmed. *** Go by and say hello to Dan, Randee and other LAMA staff : they’re terrific folks. *** And Dan in particular knows more about LSA than the next ten people, no lie.

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Two items today as we gin up for the 36th annual EAA Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In & Expo (that’s the official handle – it’s Sun ‘n Fun for short). *** The big show runs in Lakeland, FL from April 13-18. *** Like EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture, you can float your flyin’ boat with enough pure aviation overload to give you a hangover. Samples of everything that flies are there, so rock on, wing crazies! *** Piper wasn’t just blowing smoke when it said it would deliver PiperSports starting in April. The PiperSport Facebook photo page has pix of the first production models coming off the Czech factory assembly line, and U.S.-bound. *** I hope to fly or at least talk to new owners there to see if Piper’s made any mods yet. *** I’m happy to report the LSA Mall will set up again this year.

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Canadian Bakin’

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Here’s something I hadn’t thought about since I’ve never flown an LSA into Canada: EAA reports that Transport Canada (aka TC) is doing what Canadians are famous for: acting friendly. *** TC is simplifying and cheapifying LSA flight from the US into Canada. *** TC has a new Standardized Validation form that bestows the same operating limitations on LSA that have been in place for American experimentally built aircraft. *** In the past, pilots here at home had to call up TC, receive permission to operate an LSA in Canada, get validation paperwork issued to keep in the plane, then pay a $100 fee. *** Now, all that our neighborly Olympic hockey champs require is a download of the Standardised Validation form, compliance with customs requirements, and LSA pilots are good to fly into maple leaf country. *** Best news? The $100 fee has been dropped. *** There is one catch, and it’s a potential deal breaker for many older pilots. *** U.S. pilots must have a private pilot certificate with a valid 3rd class or better medical. *** That means Sport Pilot license holders with only a driver’s license can’t legally fly into Canada. *** But wait – there’s more! According to Randy Hansen, EAA’s director of government relations, FAA and TC are working toward Canada allowing all U.S. Sport Pilot licensees the same privilege of operating in its airspace. *** You can oggle and download the Validation form here. *** And if you’re going to Oshkosh Airventure this year, there’s a Transport Canada booth in the Federal Pavilion where Hansen suggest pilots can go to learn more about the program…and while you’re at it, urge them to allow every flavor of Sport Pilot to fly LSA into the Great North. *** It’s good for Canadian business, and American business too, as it will increase exposure of LSA up thar. *** Fringe benefit: Canadians are a great and friendly people too, and fun to fly with. *** —composite image courtesy…me!

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Here’s something I hadn’t thought about since I’ve never flown an LSA into Canada: EAA reports that Transport Canada (aka TC) is doing what Canadians are famous for: acting friendly. *** TC is simplifying and cheapifying LSA flight from the US into Canada. *** TC has a new Standardized Validation form that bestows the same operating limitations on LSA that have been in place for American experimentally built aircraft. *** In the past, pilots here at home had to call up TC, receive permission to operate an LSA in Canada, get validation paperwork issued to keep in the plane, then pay a $100 fee. *** Now, all that our neighborly Olympic hockey champs require is a download of the Standardised Validation form, compliance with customs requirements, and LSA pilots are good to fly into maple leaf country. *** Best news? The $100 fee has been dropped. *** There is one catch, and it’s a potential deal breaker for many older pilots.

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Oh, Canada! LSA Finally Welcome… Sort Of

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Flying North? — You can now fly your LSA to Canada assuming you have a current FAA Medical and a Private ticket or better. But you’ll need a Transport Canada “Standardised Validation form,” available at TC’s website.

Snowbirds will soon be flying south for Sun ‘n Fun. But as winter thaws into spring and summer, some Yankees may wish to fly their Light-Sport Aircraft north into Canada. Now, thanks to our good friends at EAA, American pilots may finally do so, reported another good friend, Mary Grady, a journalist for AvWeb. After nearly a two-year negotiation America’s neighbor to the north finally views LSA to be as airworthy as a homebuilt experimental. Northbound pilots must still have an FAA Medical and a Private license or higher but at least prior authorization from Mother Canada and a $100 fee were dropped. *** The relaxation of some rules is the result of effort by folks like EAA’s government relations director, Randy Hansen. Earlier, Light-Sport pilots were required to call Transport Canada and receive authorization to operate a LSA in the country, obtain a validation form that had to remain in the aircraft, plus pay a $100 fee. “Now LSA owners simply have to download the form and follow customs requirements. The $100 fee has been eliminated,” said Hansen. “Discussions for making the change began at AirVenture 2008.” *** Transport Canada — roughly equivalent to FAA — continues to refuse entry to American Sport Pilot certificate holders using their state driver’s license as evidence of medical fitness. “But we’re working on that, too,” Hansen concluded. For more on this topic, see Jim Lawrence’s blog post below.

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Snowbirds will soon be flying south for Sun ‘n Fun. But as winter thaws into spring and summer, some Yankees may wish to fly their Light-Sport Aircraft north into Canada. Now, thanks to our good friends at EAA, American pilots may finally do so, reported another good friend, Mary Grady, a journalist for AvWeb. After nearly a two-year negotiation America’s neighbor to the north finally views LSA to be as airworthy as a homebuilt experimental. Northbound pilots must still have an FAA Medical and a Private license or higher but at least prior authorization from Mother Canada and a $100 fee were dropped. *** The relaxation of some rules is the result of effort by folks like EAA’s government relations director, Randy Hansen. Earlier, Light-Sport pilots were required to call Transport Canada and receive authorization to operate a LSA in the country, obtain a validation form that had to remain in the aircraft, plus pay a $100 fee.

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Spring Be A-coming!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Here’s a few quick hits since I’ve been so long winded the last couple posts. *** We hit almost 70 degrees yesterday here in upstate NY. Wow! Snow’s mostly gone. Flyin’ fever is setting in. *** From Texas comes news that Michael Combs has left on a last warm-up trip in his Remos GX before embarking next month on a 50-state tour. *** He’s dubbed the project, sponsored by Remos and other commercial and private donors, “Flight for the Human Spirit”. *** He intends for the project to serve as a “beacon” to remind us all of the need to never give up on our dreams. For background, here’s my blog piece from last Oct. *** The trip starts from Salina, Kansas on April 5: here’s a map of his route. *** Salina is where the late, great Steve Fossett took off for his successful solo, nonstop globe-girdler in 2005. *** The annual Sun ‘n Fun spring bash is ramping up. Check here for who’s coming at this always-fantastic airshow based in Lakeland, FL. *** My blogmate Dan Johnson looked at FAA’s crystal ball-gazing forecast of LSA growth on his his SPLOG recently, so I’ll send you there rather than duplicate his masterful summary. *** Short tell: FAA’s numbers are kinda strange, but the agency predicts steady growth ahead for LSA, and GA. *** Stay tuned! *** —photo courtesy Michael Combs

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Here’s a few quick hits since I’ve been so long winded the last couple posts. *** We hit almost 70 degrees yesterday here in upstate NY. Wow! Snow’s mostly gone. Flyin’ fever is setting in. *** From Texas comes news that Michael Combs has left on a last warm-up trip in his Remos GX before embarking next month on a 50-state tour. *** He’s dubbed the project, sponsored by Remos and other commercial and private donors, “Flight for the Human Spirit”. *** He intends for the project to serve as a “beacon” to remind us all of the need to never give up on our dreams. For background, here’s my blog piece from last Oct. *** The trip starts from Salina, Kansas on April 5: here’s a map of his route. *** Salina is where the late, great Steve Fossett took off for his successful solo, nonstop globe-girdler in 2005.

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Come Visit the LSA Mall at Sun ‘n Fun 2010

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Confirmed Participants at the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall include: Jabiru; Arion; X-Air; FPNA; SeaRey; SeaMax; Flight Design; Breezer; Remos; Paradise; 3xTrim; MySky; Piper; and, Hansen Air Group. A full slate is expected before the show opens.

After becoming a hit feature of AirVenture in 2006, LSA Malls have become a fixture at major U.S. airshows. Visitors to EAA’s big summer celebration of flight are now joined by crowds attending AOPA’s Summit as well as the season-opening Sun ‘n Fun “Spring Break for Pilots.” Folks attending these top-drawing aviation trade shows have shown great enthusiasm for the LSA Mall concept — derived from also-popular auto malls in major metro areas. *** They are appreciated because the LSA Malls gather a large group of the best-selling Light-Sport Aircraft for visitors to consider side-by-side. After perusing many of the top brands, visitors can then trek to a company’s primary display for additional detail. *** In addition to positioning as many as 20 LSA in close proximity, the LAMA tent houses other companies that can dispense information on financing, flight training, engines, instrument panel gear, other LSA events, and publications. The LSA Mall at Sun ‘n Fun 2010 will for the second year feature a professional display from Rotax helping customers inquire about service and details for the popular engine. A Jabiru powerplant will be on display in the LAMA tent. *** All this convenience for those intrigued by Light-Sport Aircraft is available just inside the entrance to the Sun ‘n Fun grounds. Slightly relocated to the Southeast Exhibit Area (graphic), some 70-80% of all airshow attendees are expected to stroll through the LSA Mall as they arrive or depart the April 13-18 event. *** LAMA staff will be on hand to help any visitor find any exhibitor on the sprawling Sun ‘n Fun grounds, so everyone is encouraged to stop in at the LSA Mall and see the latest and greatest before dispersing throughout all that Sun ‘n Fun 2010 has to offer.

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After becoming a hit feature of AirVenture in 2006, LSA Malls have become a fixture at major U.S. airshows. Visitors to EAA’s big summer celebration of flight are now joined by crowds attending AOPA’s Summit as well as the season-opening Sun ‘n Fun “Spring Break for Pilots.” Folks attending these top-drawing aviation trade shows have shown great enthusiasm for the LSA Mall concept — derived from also-popular auto malls in major metro areas. *** They are appreciated because the LSA Malls gather a large group of the best-selling Light-Sport Aircraft for visitors to consider side-by-side. After perusing many of the top brands, visitors can then trek to a company’s primary display for additional detail. *** In addition to positioning as many as 20 LSA in close proximity, the LAMA tent houses other companies that can dispense information on financing, flight training, engines, instrument panel gear, other LSA events, and publications.

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The Precursors Of Longevity

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Modern life, especially in our wonderful country, places a powerful premium on achieving top dog status. *** I’ve had a pet notion for many years that the Academy Awards should give over trying to pick one best picture/actor/actress/director etc. and just give the five or ten nominees Oscars for being the best of the year. *** ——- photo: Tom Peghiny (left) and Nat. Sales Mgr. John Gilmore *** I feel the same about LSA: achieving, then maintaining numero uno status is often a fruitless chase. One bad sales year and you’re number three. God a’mighty! Not number three! *** Of course, you could be clever like the AVIS rent-a-car CEO who made his company number one by extolling the virtues of a company always striving to be the best: (“We’re #2: We Try Harder!”) *** BTW, that CEO had the largest single-masted yacht in the world built for him. It towers 292 feet high and charters for $375,000 per week! You could hide a double-decker British bus inside its hull. *** BTW2: Somebody just built one that’s even bigger. That means former Mr. Avis’s boat is now…#2. *** Oh, the irony. *** Back to LSA: If you’re shopping for a light sport airplane, of course you’ll check out the market leaders. There’s always a sense of “safety” in numbers. *** Of course, sales numbers can lie. Look at one of the best sellers, the Zodiac 601XL and 650 models. They’ve had several fatal in-flight structural failures. *** Not to pick on them: AMD and Zenith Air, producers of the SLSA and kit versions of the Zodiac, have been working very responsibly at correcting the problems. *** My point is this: it takes a huge commitment to successfully build and market a safe and attractive airplane, then to support your customers through thick and thin. *** And even then there’s no guarantee you’ll achieve number one status, or stay there for long. *** Personally, I’m more interested in the actions a company takes to stay viable in the crowded, economically challenged, ever-changing market place. *** I want to know that a company takes care of its customers. *** To whit, my “one of the best” Oscars to Flight Design. Yes, it’s been the overall market leader for the last several years, though that status is challenged daily by 105 other competing designs. *** But it has endured for, I think, one primary reason: the company, both its German parent and the U.S. HQ, has never felt content to rest on its laurels. *** Of course, that concept begins and ends with quality airplanes. *** The CT line has been a worldwide and U.S. winner for years. *** And the new all-metal MC, (look for my flight report in the next issue of Plane & Pilot), looks to be another success. *** —— photo: Flight Design MC *** Flight Design airplanes are beautifully engineered and built. They perform well throughout the entire LSA speed regime and are comfortable and enjoyable to fly. *** But a company ultimately rises or falls on the dynamics of its leadership. *** Tom Peghiny, Flight Design USA’s Prez, is known in the industry as a dead-serious company leader who understands the key elements to staying at the top of the heap: marketing strategies that emphasize the strengths of your product, maintaining a lean, mean profile during tough economic times, and growing a nationwide training/service/repair infrastructure that supports customers once they’ve bought your airplane. *** Two recent news items make my case. I’ll summarize, and you can follow the links below: *** Flight Design’s new “Transition Syllabus”. Key Concept: five hour instruction aimed at thoroughly transitioning existing GA pilots to LSA flight; free to new CTLS buyers; available through CT-qualified flight instructors for all models of the CT line. *** The CTLS “Lite”, a new version of the top-performing mainstay of the company’s product line. Key phrases: $20,000 lower price; higher payload (through a reduction of more than 50 lbs. of non-structural airframe weight and slimmed-down avionics packages). *** Being Numero Uno is important. It takes great airplanes to lead the pack, and there are many exciting, well-built models out there from several companies such as Remos, American Legend, Cessna, Piper, Tecnam and many many more. *** So give me a good airplane, of course, but also give me a company that’s in it to win it: not top dog status alone, but an abiding respect from the marketplace that’s reflected in steady sales, year after year.

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Modern life, especially in our wonderful country, places a powerful premium on achieving top dog status. *** I’ve had a pet notion for many years that the Academy Awards should give over trying to pick one best picture/actor/actress/director etc. and just give the five or ten nominees Oscars for being the best of the year. *** ——- photo: Tom Peghiny (left) and Nat. Sales Mgr. John Gilmore *** I feel the same about LSA: achieving, then maintaining numero uno status is often a fruitless chase. One bad sales year and you’re number three. God a’mighty! Not number three! *** Of course, you could be clever like the AVIS rent-a-car CEO who made his company number one by extolling the virtues of a company always striving to be the best: (“We’re #2: We Try Harder!”) *** BTW, that CEO had the largest single-masted yacht in the world built for him. It towers 292 feet high and charters for $375,000 per week!

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Electric Wins Design Award

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

A couple quick items today to keep the props spinnin’ and the wings liftin’. *** A few weeks back I posted here about the Yuneec e430 all-electric LSA and its entry as a finalist in the Brit Insurance Design Museum Award. I know; sounds kind of doofy, but in fact is a very prestigious affair. *** Anyway, word comes today that Yuneec won the top prize for transportation, beating out, among others, Mercedes Benz, Honda and Nissan! *** Congratulations to Yuneec for this unexpected accolade, which can only help enhance LSA awareness around the world. *** Companion item: EAA posted some info on its upcoming AirVenture program and electric aircraft are going to play a key role. *** Guess where I’ll be at least part of the time? Hitting the electric showcase flights as well as display booths relating to the new technology. *** Here’s an excerpt from the release linked above for the show (July 26 to Aug 1): “The innovation and technology of the emerging era of electric-powered aircraft will be a major part of EAA AirVenture,” opens the blurb. Key words: “major part”. That’s strong language for a show that works so hard to cover the entire spectrum of aviation every year. *** In addition to afternoon showcase flights every day, there will be evening flight demos and displays and forums in AirVenture’s Aviation Learning Center. “Hosting the pioneering technology of electric aircraft is a natural for EAA AirVenture,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. *** Look for Yuneec to be back, along with Sonex Aircraft and it’s electric-powered homebuilt, Tom Peghiny’s eSpyder ultralight, at least one other electric ultralight I know of that’s still hush-hush, and projects like after-market hybrid/electric aircraft powerplants such as Bye Energy’s Green Flight project which is ramping up on Colorado’s Front Range. *** As we saw back in the early ’80s, when EAA gave the emerging ultralight aircraft concept its place in the spotlight, the organization will be solidly promoting “green” flight innovations. *** EAA petitioned FAA in 2008 to allow electric motors as powerplants for LSA, as there is no specific provision for same at this time. *** For those of you overseas or planning to go there, the big European aviation show, Aero Friedrichshafen, kicks off in Germany next month just before Sun ‘n Fun. The show always has lots of exciting new developments.

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A couple quick items today to keep the props spinnin’ and the wings liftin’. *** A few weeks back I posted here about the Yuneec e430 all-electric LSA and its entry as a finalist in the Brit Insurance Design Museum Award. I know; sounds kind of doofy, but in fact is a very prestigious affair. *** Anyway, word comes today that Yuneec won the top prize for transportation, beating out, among others, Mercedes Benz, Honda and Nissan! *** Congratulations to Yuneec for this unexpected accolade, which can only help enhance LSA awareness around the world. *** Companion item: EAA posted some info on its upcoming AirVenture program and electric aircraft are going to play a key role. *** Guess where I’ll be at least part of the time? Hitting the electric showcase flights as well as display booths relating to the new technology.

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NH:LSA Marketplace

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Welcome to the LSA Market Place ByDanJohnson. In this new sponsor area, we are pleased to show the support of leading suppliers to the Light-Sport Aircraft industry. Major sponsors are shown up high.

Click any company graphic below to read more about the company

We encourage ByDanJohnson.com visitors to patronize our sponsors as shown below and on the right column of most pages, where you see Featured Aircraft, representing the best Light-Sport Aircraft available.

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Welcome to the LSA Market Place ByDanJohnson. In this new sponsor area, we are pleased to show the support of leading suppliers to the Light-Sport Aircraft industry. Major sponsors are shown up high. Click any company graphic below to read more about the company We encourage ByDanJohnson.com visitors to patronize our sponsors as shown below and on the right column of most pages, where you see Featured Aircraft, representing the best Light-Sport Aircraft available.

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Remembering Howard Levy

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

One of the truly super guys in aviation has passed away, I’m sad to say. *** Howard Levy, whom I thought of as a permanent and indestructible fixture of aviation photography, is up doing air to air shooting with his own set of wings now. *** Howie left us at 88 last week, after a long and celebrated career of 72 years shooting the airplanes he *** loved so much. *** I first met him at Oshkosh a couple decades ago. He was a mainstay then at Kitplanes and Private Pilot. *** Over the many decades he aimed a camera at flying machines, he also sold to Smithsonian Magazine, Sport Pilot, Air Progress, Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft, AOPA Pilot and a hangar full of other publications. He was also a staff editor at Look magazine for 25 years, something I hadn’t known, and once mentored a young up-and-comer named Stanley Kubrick, who went on to become the legendary film director. *** Kitplanes gave him a Silver Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award, one of several accolades he earned. *** Howard was a founding member of the American Aviation Historical Society in 1956 and the Aviation/Space Writers Association. *** He shot for the Army Air Corps in WWII in Africa, Sicily and Italy and was still shooting last year at the airshows. *** I’ll remember his quick smile and exuberant good nature always. *** Thanks Howard for all the many many thousands of terrific images. You’ll be missed by everybody who had the good fortune to know you. *** —image of Howard courtesy his friend Glenn Stott. Airplanes…by Howard Levy, of course

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One of the truly super guys in aviation has passed away, I’m sad to say. *** Howard Levy, whom I thought of as a permanent and indestructible fixture of aviation photography, is up doing air to air shooting with his own set of wings now. *** Howie left us at 88 last week, after a long and celebrated career of 72 years shooting the airplanes he *** loved so much. *** I first met him at Oshkosh a couple decades ago. He was a mainstay then at Kitplanes and Private Pilot. *** Over the many decades he aimed a camera at flying machines, he also sold to Smithsonian Magazine, Sport Pilot, Air Progress, Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft, AOPA Pilot and a hangar full of other publications. He was also a staff editor at Look magazine for 25 years, something I hadn’t known, and once mentored a young up-and-comer named Stanley Kubrick, who went on to become the legendary film director.

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Phoenix Motorglider To Debut at Sun ‘n Fun 2010?

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Last year, I almost got to do a flight report on one of the most enjoyable airplanes I’ve ever flown: an Urban Air Lambada SLSA motorglider. *** Alas, before the magazine could schedule the story, two (not one, but two) Lambadas broke up in flight, both in very strong soaring conditions. *** The design was immediately suspect of course, though plenty of load tests on the Czech Republic design both before and after the incidents had failed to show any structural weakness. *** Both pilots used their onboard ballistic parachutes by the way, which saved both their lives. That’s yet another strong argument right there for onboard parachute systems: no way would they have survived otherwise. *** One breakup was evidently a case of pilot overspeeding – way overspeeding, and during 1500 fpm soaring conditions to boot. Yikes. The other is still under investigation but pilot error is suspect there too. *** But the sudden bad news and financial struggles made it look like curtains for the home company, although the picture is more promising now for the Lambada’s return. *** Meanwhile, the magazine story was postponed. *** Now comes news from Jim Lee, who reps the Lambada and the popular Evektor SportStar series of SLSA. *** Jim says a new motorglider, the Phoenix, (suitably named) is about to glide onto the scene. *** Also produced in Czech land, this new bird as you can see is a beauty. *** Jim, a soft spoken guy not given to sales hyperbole, emailed me with this: “The Phoenix will take the US by storm!” *** On his blog he’s put up some tasty pictures and talks a bit about the airplane, which he hopes to have here *** in time for Sun ‘n Fun April 13-18. *** He also promised me a flight on it for a story for the mag! *** Pardon me while I tremble slightly with joy. *** I won’t repeat everything on Jim’s blog, except this: *** You could call it a “souped up Lambada”. It is a two seat, 15 meter span aircraft which will be certified as an S-LSA. *** Sure is a looker, and Phoenix has better performance and ergonomics, is roomier and I better stop now before I get overexcited. *** —photos courtesy Jim Lee and Phoenix Air

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Last year, I almost got to do a flight report on one of the most enjoyable airplanes I’ve ever flown: an Urban Air Lambada SLSA motorglider. *** Alas, before the magazine could schedule the story, two (not one, but two) Lambadas broke up in flight, both in very strong soaring conditions. *** The design was immediately suspect of course, though plenty of load tests on the Czech Republic design both before and after the incidents had failed to show any structural weakness. *** Both pilots used their onboard ballistic parachutes by the way, which saved both their lives. That’s yet another strong argument right there for onboard parachute systems: no way would they have survived otherwise. *** One breakup was evidently a case of pilot overspeeding – way overspeeding, and during 1500 fpm soaring conditions to boot. Yikes. The other is still under investigation but pilot error is suspect there too.

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Phoenix Motorglider To Debut at Sun ‘n Fun 2010?

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Last year, I almost got to do a flight report on one of the most enjoyable airplanes I’ve ever flown: an Urban Air Lambada SLSA motorglider. *** Alas, before the magazine could schedule the story, two (not one, but two) Lambadas broke up in flight, both in very strong soaring conditions. *** The design was immediately suspect of course, though plenty of load tests on the Czech Republic design both before and after the incidents had failed to show any structural weakness. *** Both pilots used their onboard ballistic parachutes by the way, which saved both their lives. That’s yet another strong argument right there for onboard parachute systems: no way would they have survived otherwise. *** One breakup was evidently a case of pilot overspeeding – way overspeeding, and during 1500 fpm soaring conditions to boot. Yikes. The other is still under investigation but pilot error is suspect there too. *** But the sudden bad news and financial struggles made it look like curtains for the home company, although the picture is more promising now for the Lambada’s return. *** Meanwhile, the magazine story was postponed. *** Now comes news from Jim Lee, who reps the Lambada and the popular Evektor SportStar series of SLSA. *** Jim says a new motorglider, the Phoenix, (suitably named) is about to glide onto the scene. *** Also produced in Czech land, this new bird as you can see is a beauty. *** Jim, a soft spoken guy not given to sales hyperbole, emailed me with this: “The Phoenix will take the US by storm!” *** On his blog he’s put up some tasty pictures and talks a bit about the airplane, which he hopes to have here *** in time for Sun ‘n Fun April 13-18. *** He also promised me a flight on it for a story for the mag! *** Pardon me while I tremble slightly with joy. *** I won’t repeat everything on Jim’s blog, except this: *** You could call it a “souped up Lambada”. It is a two seat, 15 meter span aircraft which will be certified as an S-LSA. *** Sure is a looker, and Phoenix has better performance and ergonomics, is roomier and I better stop now before I get overexcited. *** —photos courtesy Jim Lee and Phoenix Air

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Last year, I almost got to do a flight report on one of the most enjoyable airplanes I’ve ever flown: an Urban Air Lambada SLSA motorglider. *** Alas, before the magazine could schedule the story, two (not one, but two) Lambadas broke up in flight, both in very strong soaring conditions. *** The design was immediately suspect of course, though plenty of load tests on the Czech Republic design both before and after the incidents had failed to show any structural weakness. *** Both pilots used their onboard ballistic parachutes by the way, which saved both their lives. That’s yet another strong argument right there for onboard parachute systems: no way would they have survived otherwise. *** One breakup was evidently a case of pilot overspeeding – way overspeeding, and during 1500 fpm soaring conditions to boot. Yikes. The other is still under investigation but pilot error is suspect there too.

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Post-Vacation Oopsie

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Just when I thought I was approaching perfection in human form, an anonymous reader wrote while I vacationed in the Caribbean (yes, it was sublime) to call attention to a goof I made a few posts back. *** Time to restart the truth engine and put things right. *** In that post I used the phrase “produced wholly in the U.S.” when I described the all metal Eagle EA-100 SLSA, a newly constructed version of which, as I reported, is being shipped soon to Great Barrington, MA up here in the thawing northeast. *** Or as we call it this time of year, Mudville. *** Guess my name’s mud now too. I was misinformed and didn’t doublecheck my facts. Time to strap me to a chopper blade and start ‘er up! *** Although the airplane is completely assembled here in the U.S., the major components are manufactured in Colombia, So. America. *** Here’s the blurb directly from Eagle’s website: *** The airplane was originally designed and built by IBIS Aircraft S.A. in Columbia (sic), South America. 100’s of aircraft have been produced by IBIS since then with no failures associated with the airplane. Eagle Aviation has successfully acquired the rights to produce the airplane and certify it in the US as the EA-100 S-LSA. Eagle Aviation is the manufacture (sic) and builder of the airplane for the US. Assembly, avionics, engine, gear, testing and certification are all completed here in Oshkosh. *** The important things to know are that the main components including welded chrome-moly steel frame, aluminum wing and fuselage skins and other major sub-assemblies are fabricated in South America. *** Once they arrive at Eagle’s factory in Oshkosh, WI., the airplane is actually constructed, avionics installed, and it’s test flown. *** The process is much more than a typical overseas-built SLSA which arrives completely or mostly finished, then reassembled here, custom outfitted for the customer, test flown and delivered. *** That takes a few hours instead of weeks as in Eagle’s case, because the factory is actually doing the majority of the construction, much like an experimental amateur built owner would with a kit airplane. *** As my reader diligently pointed out, it’s only fair to acknowledge those companies like American Legend and Rans among many others which are indeed wholly or substantially American-made and of course contribute directly to the economic recovery by employing U.S. citizens (as well as keeping prices down), so my apologies for clouding the issue.

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Just when I thought I was approaching perfection in human form, an anonymous reader wrote while I vacationed in the Caribbean (yes, it was sublime) to call attention to a goof I made a few posts back. *** Time to restart the truth engine and put things right. *** In that post I used the phrase “produced wholly in the U.S.” when I described the all metal Eagle EA-100 SLSA, a newly constructed version of which, as I reported, is being shipped soon to Great Barrington, MA up here in the thawing northeast. *** Or as we call it this time of year, Mudville. *** Guess my name’s mud now too. I was misinformed and didn’t doublecheck my facts. Time to strap me to a chopper blade and start ‘er up! *** Although the airplane is completely assembled here in the U.S., the major components are manufactured in Colombia, So.

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FAA Forecasts Robust LSA Growth… For A While

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Growth Potential — FAA wrote, “…new light sport aircraft could erode the replacement market for traditional piston aircraft.” In 2008 single-engine fixed-wing piston aircraft totaled 166,514 aircraft. Comparable (fully-built) SLSA numbered 1,785 by the end of 2009, or 1.07%. Photos above depict the top four best sellers

FAA issued a 20-year forecast for aviation to 2030. According the the agency Light-Sport Aircraft sales will grow by 825 per year through 2013 and then taper off to 335 per year. Hmmm? One wonders why it should fall so dramatically and so soon? Except in a lousy 2009, the LSA industry has generously exceeded 335 units per year — and this while the industry also had to build its entire infrastructure: a system of certification, distribution channels, service centers, parts inventory, trained flight instructors, and much more. *** The LSA industry’s best year was 2007 at 565 airplanes. Last year, the figure was only 234 units. In 2006, 491 units were registered and 2008 added 406 units… all numbers relate to new SLSA fixed wing airplanes; add 15-20% for other Light-Sport Aircraft categories as weight-shift, powered parachute, and glider. *** Given Cessna’s 1,000+ Skycatcher backlog, perhaps they’ll build 200-400 per year in 2011, ’12, and ’13. If the rest of the industry returns to 400-600 per year — approximately the track record so far — total production would be 600-1,000 SLSA per year. So, FAA’s figures appear in the ballpark… for the next three years. *** But then, what does the agency see happening to cause the industry to slide 60% to just over 300 units per year? Perhaps it’s because FAA assumes a net growth of just 6,099 general aviation airplanes over 20 years, or 305 per year. Yet GA manufacturers logged 2,119 single engine general aviation (SEGA) deliveries in 2008 and 965 even in the awful 2009, which is significantly more than FAA’s forecast 300 per year rate. It appears FAA envisions only modest growth for either GA or LSA in the next 20 years. Time will tell.

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FAA issued a 20-year forecast for aviation to 2030. According the the agency Light-Sport Aircraft sales will grow by 825 per year through 2013 and then taper off to 335 per year. Hmmm? One wonders why it should fall so dramatically and so soon? Except in a lousy 2009, the LSA industry has generously exceeded 335 units per year — and this while the industry also had to build its entire infrastructure: a system of certification, distribution channels, service centers, parts inventory, trained flight instructors, and much more. *** The LSA industry’s best year was 2007 at 565 airplanes. Last year, the figure was only 234 units. In 2006, 491 units were registered and 2008 added 406 units… all numbers relate to new SLSA fixed wing airplanes; add 15-20% for other Light-Sport Aircraft categories as weight-shift, powered parachute, and glider. *** Given Cessna’s 1,000+ Skycatcher backlog, perhaps they’ll build 200-400 per year in 2011, ’12, and ’13.

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Seaplane LSA Fun Flying… the Season Approaches

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Seaplane Envy — Don’t you wish this was your SeaMax awaiting your return to flight after lunch at the beach resort? Land, air, water… amphib seaplanes do it all.

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. The seaplane adds many tens of thousands of reasonable landing areas and can access interesting locations unavailable to land planes. Plus, when following a route like a long river, you can reasonably fly only a few hundred feet up for hours, enjoying a view of the planet few people on Earth will ever see. SeaMax USA partner, Malcolm Jones, gained such an experience last year as he flew home from AirVenture, following the mighty Mississippi River through several states. *** SeaMax is a performance-oriented seaplane that’s roomy and upscale inside. It takes a bit of training to fly confidently (honestly, like most LSA) but delivers a very satisfying experience of water flying.

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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.

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Able Flight Adds to Scholarships: L-S Repairman

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Very Able — Able Flight has put broad smiles on some young faces by giving scholarships to students with disabilities so they can learn to fly. Above are featured some of Able Flight’s success stories. Learn more about scholarships.

How can you do good for aviation and for a fellow American who wants to fly but has challenges? One organization shows the way. By any measure, Able Flight is doing good by enlarging the number of folks who learn to fly. That they do one better by helping people with disabilities learn to fly makes this a sure winner. If you agree, you can help with a donation. *** Able Flight says their mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance. I would hasten to add Able Flight also adds to the pilot population… nearly all aviators see this as a good thing. Yet becoming a pilot is only one way people can enter aviation to its benefit. *** “With Able Flight’s new Career Training Scholarship, it is now possible for a person with a physical disability to earn an FAA-issued Repairman Certificate for Light Sport Aircraft in only three weeks, and use that certificate to work at an existing maintenance facility or become an entrepreneur and create their own business,” stated Charles Stites, Executive Director. “From the time Able Flight was founded, we’ve been looking for opportunities to help people with disabilities find a career in aviation, a career that will allow them to become self-sufficient,” explained Stites. “Our new Career Training Scholarship is an outstanding way to make that possible. A Repairman Certificate with a Maintenance rating (LSR-M, or Light-Sport Repairman able to do Maintenance) allows a person to have a very rewarding career working with Light Sport Aircraft.”

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How can you do good for aviation and for a fellow American who wants to fly but has challenges? One organization shows the way. By any measure, Able Flight is doing good by enlarging the number of folks who learn to fly. That they do one better by helping people with disabilities learn to fly makes this a sure winner. If you agree, you can help with a donation. *** Able Flight says their mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance. I would hasten to add Able Flight also adds to the pilot population… nearly all aviators see this as a good thing. Yet becoming a pilot is only one way people can enter aviation to its benefit. *** “With Able Flight’s new Career Training Scholarship, it is now possible for a person with a physical disability to earn an FAA-issued Repairman Certificate for Light Sport Aircraft in only three weeks, and use that certificate to work at an existing maintenance facility or become an entrepreneur and create their own business,” stated Charles Stites, Executive Director.

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Breezer II, Part II, Act I… All-Metal LSA Redux

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

It didn’t work out the first time. Breezer I wasn’t quite mature for market. The import structure was unwieldy adding cost and distancing the customer from the source. As Breezer Aircraft took over manufacturing of the all-metal LSA, Breezer II arrived in 2008 joining new leadership in Europe with fresh representation in the USA. *** As of Sebring 2010, central Florida light aircraft guru Mike Zidziunas — or simply “Mike Z” — will become the point man for Breezer Aircraft USA. And he’ll handle things differently from most LSA sellers. His plan is more like that used successfully by Cirrus. The source of the airplanes handles the whole country using representatives in various areas as touch points. “I feel that the conventional dealer network is ponderous and it’s difficult to control the quality of service,” expressed Mike. “To address service after the sale, when we deliver the airplane we offer as part of the purchase of the airplane a 5-hour FITS-style pilot training program. Insurance companies love this. But we also train the customer’s maintenance person at their home airport.” *** So, recapping: you buy an airplane from Breezer Aircraft USA; Mike will assemble, register, and fly it to your home field. He’ll train you for five hours and he’ll train your maintenance person. If problems arise, he’ll come fix them. That may be too much service provided to sell a large number of airplanes but buyers are likely to feel pampered. Interestingly, this business model is used in the bizjet and exotic car markets as well. *** Read my upcoming full-length pilot report on Breezer II in the April 2010 edition of Light Sport and Ultralight Flying.

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It didn’t work out the first time. Breezer I wasn’t quite mature for market. The import structure was unwieldy adding cost and distancing the customer from the source. As Breezer Aircraft took over manufacturing of the all-metal LSA, Breezer II arrived in 2008 joining new leadership in Europe with fresh representation in the USA. *** As of Sebring 2010, central Florida light aircraft guru Mike Zidziunas — or simply “Mike Z” — will become the point man for Breezer Aircraft USA. And he’ll handle things differently from most LSA sellers. His plan is more like that used successfully by Cirrus. The source of the airplanes handles the whole country using representatives in various areas as touch points. “I feel that the conventional dealer network is ponderous and it’s difficult to control the quality of service,” expressed Mike. “To address service after the sale, when we deliver the airplane we offer as part of the purchase of the airplane a 5-hour FITS-style pilot training program.

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