ByDanJohnson.com

Affordable and Capable: Merlin Lite
sponsored by Aeromarine-LSA.com

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

Sebring Starts Tomorrow

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

I’m down at Sebring, Florida, waiting for the LSA Expo to begin tomorrow, and the weather is smiling: it’s lots warmer than the crop-freezing temps of a week or so ago. *** Out at the field, many exhibitors are setting up as I write this, hoping to start the year off right by scooping their share of the buzz and making some sales and strong leads. It’s been a tough year for almost everybody. *** I know of at least one big announcement on Thursday. I’m sworn to secrecy until then so let’s just say it should have a strong and positive effect on the entire LSA industry. *** Meanwhile, AvWeb reports this morning that deliveries of the Cessna Skycatcher will be delayed half a year or more, due to design changes after two spin accidents during the exhaustive flight test program. *** Discouraging no doubt to the 1,000 eager ticket holders who’ve bought delivery positions, but Cessna states its intention that Skycatchers, like all its other models, stick around in service for a long, long time. Can’t argue with that kind of integrity. *** The first production model, owned by CEO Jack Pelton’s wife Rose, will be on display at the show.

Compress Post ...

I’m down at Sebring, Florida, waiting for the LSA Expo to begin tomorrow, and the weather is smiling: it’s lots warmer than the crop-freezing temps of a week or so ago. *** Out at the field, many exhibitors are setting up as I write this, hoping to start the year off right by scooping their share of the buzz and making some sales and strong leads. It’s been a tough year for almost everybody. *** I know of at least one big announcement on Thursday. I’m sworn to secrecy until then so let’s just say it should have a strong and positive effect on the entire LSA industry. *** Meanwhile, AvWeb reports this morning that deliveries of the Cessna Skycatcher will be delayed half a year or more, due to design changes after two spin accidents during the exhaustive flight test program. *** Discouraging no doubt to the 1,000 eager ticket holders who’ve bought delivery positions, but Cessna states its intention that Skycatchers, like all its other models, stick around in service for a long, long time.

Expand Post ...

E430 Electric Design Award Finalist

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

One of my favorite designs of 2009 for sheer mouth-watering beauty was the Yuneec E430 Electric two-seat LSA. *** Now, Brit Insurance Designs of the Year, based at its internationally-renowned Design Museum in London, has given LSA recognition a fresh charge by nominating the design for its top award. *** The org looks worldwide for “the most innovative, interesting and forward-looking new work in design”. *** It’s hard not to argue the E430 is one of the most graceful pieces of winged eye-candy to come along in many years. *** The exhibition presents around 100 projects, nominated by a group of *** internationally respected design experts, curators, critics, practitioners and enthusiasts. *** The nominated designs fall into seven categories – architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport. *** A winner for each category will be selected by an international jury and one overall winner will be awarded the Brit Insurance Design of the Year 2010 at an awards dinner in March. *** Go Yuneec! *** —photo courtesy Yuneec International

Compress Post ...

One of my favorite designs of 2009 for sheer mouth-watering beauty was the Yuneec E430 Electric two-seat LSA. *** Now, Brit Insurance Designs of the Year, based at its internationally-renowned Design Museum in London, has given LSA recognition a fresh charge by nominating the design for its top award. *** The org looks worldwide for “the most innovative, interesting and forward-looking new work in design”. *** It’s hard not to argue the E430 is one of the most graceful pieces of winged eye-candy to come along in many years. *** The exhibition presents around 100 projects, nominated by a group of *** internationally respected design experts, curators, critics, practitioners and enthusiasts. *** The nominated designs fall into seven categories – architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport. *** A winner for each category will be selected by an international jury and one overall winner will be awarded the Brit Insurance Design of the Year 2010 at an awards dinner in March.

Expand Post ...

Light-Sport Aircraft Market Shares through 2009

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Better Times Ahead? — Along with the rest of the U.S. and global economy, we expect much improved results for light aviation in 2010. Numerous indications appear to suggest good trends but questions remain, for example, FAA actions based on their 2008/2009 Assessment Project.

If you refer back to our earlier reports, you can easily see 2009 was a down year (no surprise, right?). General aviation was off more than 50% and Light-Sport was down badly as well, with 42% less registrations than in 2008. *** With this post, we present our now-somewhat-famous chart. We hear from some who say they prefer the info to be broken out for the last year only and I will give a summary of those figures below. We realize the limitations of such a brief portrayal of the market situation. But to maintain consistency from chart to chart, we continue to present the relative market shares since the first registrations were filed back in April 2005. *** However, I did omit two listings as they recorded no new entries for more than two years. Interplane and Jihlavan technically rank in the top 20 but their inactivity resulted in a drop from the chart. I also dropped Sky Arrow as its producer is under court management. Fantasy Air ceased operations in the Czech Republic but Allegro USA is working to restart production in America, so we continue to show their strong initial performance. Urban Air, which remains on the chart, has stopped manufacturing. If I omitted the Lambada builder, Paradise would make the top 20. *** My excellent associate, Jan Fridrich — who compiles this info from FAA’s registration database — works hard to determine which aircraft are truly SLSA (and not ELSA or other categories) and it remains a struggle due to FAA’s data entry procedures. This is why we cannot show trikes or powered parachutes, with regrets. Given the preceding statements, we believe this to be an accurate list. Many hours go into this effort and Jan deserves a hearty thanks. *** FOR 2009… it was a lousy year and I will not present the same chart detail. But here are the top 10 brands with the most FAA registrations for the year: Remos (32); Czech Aircraft Works/Czech Sport Aircraft (31); CubCrafters (24); Flight Design and Tecnam (tied at 20); RANS (18); Jabiru US (11); American Legend, Aerotrek (Aeropro), and Skykits (tied at 7). *** REMEMBER — All numbers are FAA registrations and not sales. Each company may have slightly different data to report.

Compress Post ...

If you refer back to our earlier reports, you can easily see 2009 was a down year (no surprise, right?). General aviation was off more than 50% and Light-Sport was down badly as well, with 42% less registrations than in 2008. *** With this post, we present our now-somewhat-famous chart. We hear from some who say they prefer the info to be broken out for the last year only and I will give a summary of those figures below. We realize the limitations of such a brief portrayal of the market situation. But to maintain consistency from chart to chart, we continue to present the relative market shares since the first registrations were filed back in April 2005. *** However, I did omit two listings as they recorded no new entries for more than two years. Interplane and Jihlavan technically rank in the top 20 but their inactivity resulted in a drop from the chart.

Expand Post ...

Sebring LSA Expo Next Week!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Anybody who’s got an LSA bee in their bonnet knows that “Sebring”, like Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh, has become synonymous with Light Sport aviation’s very own special show. *** Sebring: home of the famous endurance car race. Sebring: the first big aviation show of the year, and it’s all LSA! I can’t wait! *** LSA doyen Dan Johnson has a great laundry list of highlights on his LSA website so I’ll briefly reprise and add a couple tidbits of my own. *** First off, it’s the sixth year for the show, officially dubbed Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. Last year was an attendance record-setter. This year who can say with the economy? But Sebring should be notable for some key developments in the exciting expansion of the Sport Pilot/Light Sport phenomenon that’s revitalizing GA almost singlehandedly. *** First, who’s coming? *** Lots of major players, and none is generating more buzz than Piper Aircraft. *** The Big Question: Will Piper announce an LSA program, (SportCruiser or another?) *** More highlights: Tecnam’s beautiful new P2008 high-wingerThe first production Cessna SkycatcherFlight Design’s MC all metal trainerAOPA’s Fun-to-Fly Sweepstakes Remos GXMySky MS-1Legend Aero’s AmphibCub Arion Lightning low-wing composite LSA (see Dan Johnson’s flight report coming in May issue of Plane&Pilot)Aerotrek‘s fabric-covered flivversThe prototype Aveo Phantom from the Slovakian design house Aveo EngineeringPowraChute and other powered parachutes should be buzzing around thick as flies like last yearOpus Aircraft Super2 shoulder wing LSA *** And in the avionics dept.: *** Garmin’s Aera GPS Dynon SkyViewZAON collision avoidance systems *** And I just heard from SportairUSA’s Bill Canino who tells me that, alas, the new TL-3000 won’t be at Sebring as they’re selling too well in Europe — they can’t spare any! *** That’s the kind of problem the whole industry needs.

Compress Post ...

Anybody who’s got an LSA bee in their bonnet knows that “Sebring”, like Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh, has become synonymous with Light Sport aviation’s very own special show. *** Sebring: home of the famous endurance car race. Sebring: the first big aviation show of the year, and it’s all LSA! I can’t wait! *** LSA doyen Dan Johnson has a great laundry list of highlights on his LSA website so I’ll briefly reprise and add a couple tidbits of my own. *** First off, it’s the sixth year for the show, officially dubbed Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. Last year was an attendance record-setter. This year who can say with the economy? But Sebring should be notable for some key developments in the exciting expansion of the Sport Pilot/Light Sport phenomenon that’s revitalizing GA almost singlehandedly. *** First, who’s coming? *** Lots of major players, and none is generating more buzz than Piper Aircraft.

Expand Post ...

Sebring — Light-Sport Aviation’s Season Opener

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

LSA Season Starter — For enthusiasts of LSA, Sebring is a Must-Go event that is all LSA and nothing but LSA. C’mon down to warm & sunny Florida and see the latest and greatest.

If you like LSA or if you are following the development of this newest sector in worldwide aviation, you pretty much have to go to Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. The sixth annual event opens in less than a week and it looks to be yet-another blockbuster affair. Here I’ll provide a few highlights, but I also expect to be surprised by some new presentations. *** The first airshow of a new decade may show a new hope for recovery in aviation. One of the biggest buzzes has to do with Piper Aircraft and their possible entry to LSA (as has been been widely reported). This matter is not settled yet but Piper will have an exhibit at Sebring (itself something new). *** We’ll also see the tandem high-performance MySky MS-1, a U.S. design that is moving closer to production; the new and beautiful P2008, the first to employ composite construction from Tecnam; and attendees can have a look at Rose Pelton‘s own Skycatcher, which will be on display in Cessna‘s space. This is conforming example #1 of the Skycatcher. *** We should also see the TL-3000 Sirius [UPDATE 1/16/10 — Sirius will not appear as all arriving models are already sold]; Legend said they are bringing their now-for-sale AmphibCub, and a closer-to-production version of the Flight Design MC. Sebring ’10 will also be the chance for LSA fans to see AOPA’s Fun-to-Fly Sweepstakes Remos GX; this is the big member organization’s first appearance with an exhibit at Sebring. *** Sebring will be Garmin‘s first unveiling to the LSA community of their impressive new touch-screen Aera GPS and Dynon will be showing their gorgeous new SkyView digital instrument series. *** In other (boring but important) news, I am heading an ASTM Task Group to prepare an official ASTM Audit Standard. The Task Group hopes to have this “nearly ready for ballot” at Sebring as a means of showing FAA that this industry is truly moving with its oversight programs. Cessna and FAA have appointed persons to assist this Task Group, showing the seriousness with which this effort is being taken. *** In equally dull but vital news, FAA will be gathering with selected builders in at least two sessions. And finally, FAA’s Light-Sport Joint Safety Committee will be meeting at the close of the ASTM meetings just before Sebring begins. In all… WHEW!

Compress Post ...

If you like LSA or if you are following the development of this newest sector in worldwide aviation, you pretty much have to go to Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. The sixth annual event opens in less than a week and it looks to be yet-another blockbuster affair. Here I’ll provide a few highlights, but I also expect to be surprised by some new presentations. *** The first airshow of a new decade may show a new hope for recovery in aviation. One of the biggest buzzes has to do with Piper Aircraft and their possible entry to LSA (as has been been widely reported). This matter is not settled yet but Piper will have an exhibit at Sebring (itself something new). *** We’ll also see the tandem high-performance MySky MS-1, a U.S. design that is moving closer to production; the new and beautiful P2008, the first to employ composite construction from Tecnam; and attendees can have a look at Rose Pelton‘s own Skycatcher, which will be on display in Cessna‘s space.

Expand Post ...

Flight Testing Light-Sport Aircraft; How It’s Done

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Testing, testing… This series shows views of Flight Design flight testing their new all-metal MC. From bottom right clockwise — joystick measuring device; sensor on rudder; wingtip probe; test pilot and video host, Tim-Peter Voss; MC in flight (probe circled).

Much has been written about Cessna’s Skycatcher incidents, those spin investigations that caused the loss of one airplane and a parachute deployment from another. Of course, the giant producer knows well the design of light aircraft so it was only a matter of time before all problems were solved. In doing these spin tests, Cessna said they went beyond the ASTM standards, which also call for spin evaluation. (That’s fine. ASTM specifications are intended to be minimum standards; going beyond them is the decision of each company.) *** A new video from Flight Design does a professional job of showing viewers around the aircraft and its test equipment. Check out the YouTube version. Produced by Flight Design test pilot Tim-Peter Voss and his brother Ben, the videographer, we learn that the process no longer depends on a test pilot manually recording results because electronic devices measure more accurately and in real time. After downloading the data from a flash drive to a laptop, engineers evaluate the results. While the facts and explanation are interesting, the video also takes us through a few maneuvers. *** Some folks believe ASTM standards are simplistic specifications to certify an aircraft. But that shortchanges those industry consensus requirements. As the draft author of the standard for airframe parachutes I can assure you that ASTM requirements go beyond FAA’s Special Conditions for installing a ‘chute on Type Certified aircraft. Get more info on ASTM standards.

Compress Post ...

Much has been written about Cessna’s Skycatcher incidents, those spin investigations that caused the loss of one airplane and a parachute deployment from another. Of course, the giant producer knows well the design of light aircraft so it was only a matter of time before all problems were solved. In doing these spin tests, Cessna said they went beyond the ASTM standards, which also call for spin evaluation. (That’s fine. ASTM specifications are intended to be minimum standards; going beyond them is the decision of each company.) *** A new video from Flight Design does a professional job of showing viewers around the aircraft and its test equipment. Check out the YouTube version. Produced by Flight Design test pilot Tim-Peter Voss and his brother Ben, the videographer, we learn that the process no longer depends on a test pilot manually recording results because electronic devices measure more accurately and in real time.

Expand Post ...

New 2-Stroke Oil From Shell

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Just got off the horn with Phil Lockwood of Lockwood Aviation today about Shell‘s announcement, which kicks off at the Sebring LSA Expo next week, about its newest lubricant, AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2. *** Phil is the go-to guy for anything Rotax. He built his company from scratch into the Mecca for engines, parts, service, maintenance, training and a lot more. He also produces the AirCam and Drifter sport aircraft, sells LSA and I could go on for pages. Super guy too. *** Anyway, here’s Phil’s take on this new 2-stroke engine oil: *** “It’s actually a big deal for people who use 2-strokes — that’s about 10,000 aircraft. We used Pennzoil, (now owned by Shell), before that, but the formulation constantly changed due to chemicals in it becoming unavailable.” *** One problem was severe carbon packing around high performance rings, requiring regular decarbonizing. *** “When Pennzoil came up with a formula in the ’90s that allowed us to go to TBO without decarbonizing, that was a big deal. But that formula eventually wasn’t producible either.” *** Recently, Shell came to Lockwood to test the new formulation — PLUS 2 — on five new Rotax 582 engines. *** “We ran them for 300 hours, picked the best one, did a 50 hour flight-test, tore down the engines and signed off on the formula.” *** “Shell told us they’d guarantee it will be a constant formula from now on.” *** That’s real good news for all those Kitfoxes, Quicksilvers, Drifters and other ultralight and experimental planes that run Rotax two-strokes such as the 447, 503, 582 engines and discontinued models (parts still available) 277, 377, 532 and 618. *** Phil signed off with an eye toward a resurgent ultralight market. *** “We all started with ultralights in the late ’70s and early ’80s and saw them evolve into LSA, and the ultralight market disappeared.” *** “Now, prices of many LSA are out of reach to a whole new generation of would-be pilots who would love ultralights, but don’t know much about them.” *** “I can see a return to ultralights, including electric-powered models like the E-Spyder. Think about it: No video game or outdoor sports vehicle comes close to giving the pleasure of flying through the air.” *** —Photos courtesy Kitfox Aircraft and Flightstar Sportplanes

Compress Post ...

Just got off the horn with Phil Lockwood of Lockwood Aviation today about Shell‘s announcement, which kicks off at the Sebring LSA Expo next week, about its newest lubricant, AeroShell Oil Sport PLUS 2. *** Phil is the go-to guy for anything Rotax. He built his company from scratch into the Mecca for engines, parts, service, maintenance, training and a lot more. He also produces the AirCam and Drifter sport aircraft, sells LSA and I could go on for pages. Super guy too. *** Anyway, here’s Phil’s take on this new 2-stroke engine oil: *** “It’s actually a big deal for people who use 2-strokes — that’s about 10,000 aircraft. We used Pennzoil, (now owned by Shell), before that, but the formulation constantly changed due to chemicals in it becoming unavailable.” *** One problem was severe carbon packing around high performance rings, requiring regular decarbonizing.

Expand Post ...

Legendary “Van” Flies His Own RV-12… to Work!

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

RV-12 N912VA, known as “New Blue,” is based in Maryland and was built and flown by Van’s East
Coast rep, Mitch Lock. Look for New Blue at Sebring and Sun ‘n Fun.  “Ole Blue” is the original
prototype RV-6A, still soldiering along with 5,000+ hours on the airframe, said spokesman Ken Scott. Click for RV-12 specs and info.

Yes, Cessna’s Light-Sport Aircraft entry helps to validate the concept of industry consensus standards in lieu of government certification. They’ll populate airports with their C-162 Skycatcher as shipments ramp up in 2010. Yes, other big companies are looking at LSA — as most LSA enthusiasts know Cirrus offered an entry though work has stalled, and late 2009 rumors hint at entry by another legacy brand. *** While it’s good to see big boys coming into the game, the biggest-of-all kit builder is also playing. And, in their characteristic way, Van’s Aircraft is quietly racking up sales. According to Ken Scott, “We’ve sold 315 [starter kits] for RV-12. Fifteen are flying and judging from the number of powerplant kits we’ve shipped they should start sprouting like mushrooms pretty quick.” *** The company founder likes RV-12, too. Ken added, “Dick VanGrunsven and his brother Jerry recently completed and flew their personal RV-12 and Van often uses it to commute from his home to [the factory in] Aurora. *** Scott also reported that the first Australian RV-12 has flown and that several more are under construction in countries from Brazil to South Africa. *** Van’s recently released an interior package for the airplane, as well as a 2-axis autopilot option. Additional options — including dual EFIS, lighting, and wheel fairing packages — are under development. Wiring and switching for these has been provided in all kits, so they should install easily, even into finished airplanes.

Compress Post ...

Yes, Cessna’s Light-Sport Aircraft entry helps to validate the concept of industry consensus standards in lieu of government certification. They’ll populate airports with their C-162 Skycatcher as shipments ramp up in 2010. Yes, other big companies are looking at LSA — as most LSA enthusiasts know Cirrus offered an entry though work has stalled, and late 2009 rumors hint at entry by another legacy brand. *** While it’s good to see big boys coming into the game, the biggest-of-all kit builder is also playing. And, in their characteristic way, Van’s Aircraft is quietly racking up sales. According to Ken Scott, “We’ve sold 315 [starter kits] for RV-12. Fifteen are flying and judging from the number of powerplant kits we’ve shipped they should start sprouting like mushrooms pretty quick.” *** The company founder likes RV-12, too. Ken added, “Dick VanGrunsven and his brother Jerry recently completed and flew their personal RV-12 and Van often uses it to commute from his home to [the factory in] Aurora.

Expand Post ...

Piper to Jump Into LSA?

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

[UPDATE: 1/13/09 at 1 PM Eastern — Following reports by AOPA Online, Flight International’s Flight Global, and Jim Lawrence below… Piper stated that — contrary to reports in Czech newspapers and radio — they have not signed an agreement with Czech Sport Aircraft. Thus reports about the amount allegedly invested much less forecasts of building hundreds of aircraft, are only speculation at this time. I expect to have more info when, and if, any news is officially released. Now on to Jim’s blog…] *** My tin can and string spyphone is vibrating with news that the quiet little rumor circulating for months is about to become reality: Piper Aircraft appears to have inked a deal with Czech Sport Aircraft (CSA), which successfully took control of the former Czech Aircraft Works, and will import and distribute the beautiful SportCruiser SLSA to the American market! *** This on the heels of Piper’s thorough hands–on evaluation of the airplane last summer. *** If it pans out, this is huge news, not only for Piper, which gives it a matching ace in the hole to Cessna’s C-162 Skycatcher, just now hitting the market, but also for Sport Pilots who have anxiously waited to see how the bitter SportCruiser flap would finally settle out. *** Briefly, there was a power struggle, CSA won out, but lately there have been more innuendos of slack maintenance issues around landing gear wearing out and other complaints from SportCruiser owners. *** With Piper’s imprimatur backing the U.S. play, those worries should vanish. *** Word is the venerable U.S. manufacturer ponied up $30 Mil for 49% of CSA. The merger would make it the largest light aircraft maker in the world. *** The story was reportedly picked up by European news sources today, although I haven’t yet to dig up verifying links. Stay tuned. *** But this piece from Flight International names sources saying the deal is done and details may be released by Piper at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo next week — or sooner!. *** Meanwhile, the piece serves up some tasty commentary on the shift in vision at Piper after the departure of CEO Jim Bass last year. It’s a good read, have at it. *** I’ll be flying a SportCruiser locally on Thursday, frigid weather permitting, for dead tree Plane and Pilot and will update with the Piper news both here from the field and for the article, as it comes. *** Let’s hope Piper’s picked the right LSA company to get in bed with. *** Sweet dreams!

Compress Post ...

[UPDATE: 1/13/09 at 1 PM Eastern — Following reports by AOPA Online, Flight International’s Flight Global, and Jim Lawrence below… Piper stated that — contrary to reports in Czech newspapers and radio — they have not signed an agreement with Czech Sport Aircraft. Thus reports about the amount allegedly invested much less forecasts of building hundreds of aircraft, are only speculation at this time. I expect to have more info when, and if, any news is officially released. Now on to Jim’s blog…] *** My tin can and string spyphone is vibrating with news that the quiet little rumor circulating for months is about to become reality: Piper Aircraft appears to have inked a deal with Czech Sport Aircraft (CSA), which successfully took control of the former Czech Aircraft Works, and will import and distribute the beautiful SportCruiser SLSA to the American market!

Expand Post ...

LAMA: FAA Survey Does Not An FAA Endorsement Make

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

LAMA President Dan Johnson released the manufacturer organization’s first newsletter of 2010 with some interesting news. There’s lots in there: I’ll endeavor to summarize: *** In the beginning, there was FAA, and FAA created Light Sport, and saw that it was good. *** And FAA decided it could rest, but first it said, “We shall smile down and only monitoreth thee…so long as thou provideth third-party oversight.” *** “Forsooth, thou shalt police thine own to maintain compliance with The Rule, lest fedgov lightning bolts shall rain down in the form of aggressive compliance auditing and other regulatory interferences.” *** To forestall FAA’s wrath, third-party oversight is offered by LAMA through extensive audits of LSA company procedures and documentation. *** An initial LAMA audit costs roughly $7,000, depending on services needed. Several — but not nearly all — manufacturers have signed up for LAMA audits. *** Evektor, European producer of the SportStar, was one of the first companies to successfully complete a LAMA audit. *** Meanwhile, FAA conducted a spot survey of 30 manufacturers and importers, (U.S. only). Purpose? To provide a snapshot of industry compliance. Result? Not bad…but the industry needs to do better…much better. *** The LAMA newsletter summarizes FAA’s survey report, as analyzed by FAA Evaluations and Special Projects Manager Brian Cable, who notes: “SLSA manufacturers and importers are trying hard to follow requirements…but many companies are falling short.” *** Relax, Chicken Littles. Light sport flivvers will not fall from the sky. Cable says much of the discrepancies have to do with paperwork. Specifically, incomplete or improperly done paperwork. *** Some details: *** In general, Cable highlights shortcomings in airworthiness documentation, maintenance procedures and documentation, assembly procedures and documentation, and compliance with design standards. *** One key observation: Although LAMA audits are intended to help members resolve problems before they become issues for the FAA, it appears companies were under the impression that they had done well on the (FAA) survey — which didn’t cost anything — and therefore wouldn’t need an independent audit. *** Not true. The one-day survey, by design, could only hit the highlights. Yet, although 22 LAMA members signed up for audits before the survey, most subsequently declined to follow through. *** Wrong conclusion. *** LAMA’s caveat: a reasonably good survey result does not an FAA endorsement make. *** LAMA enjoins manufacturers not to cavort too long before the golden idol (shirking audits to save money) lest fire and brimstone (mandatory — and vastly more expensive — oversight by the almighty FAA itself) descend down upon the land. *** Okay, I know this is a lot of dry stuff, but here’s what to take from this: the LSA experiment is meant to find out whether aviation can keep its own sandbox clean. It’s not guaranteed to go on forever, especially if airplanes do start falling out of the sky for lack of proper compliance with the rule. *** So when you see that LAMA sticker on the LSA you’re thinking of flying or buying, think “Good Housekeeping Seal”: it means that manufacturer is doing everything it can to make sure you fly safe, legal, and with minimal government intrusion. *** Ask your LSA sales rep if his/her company plans on getting an LAMA audit. If the answer comes back “No,” ask why not. If you don’t like the answer, consider looking elsewhere.

Compress Post ...

LAMA President Dan Johnson released the manufacturer organization’s first newsletter of 2010 with some interesting news. There’s lots in there: I’ll endeavor to summarize: *** In the beginning, there was FAA, and FAA created Light Sport, and saw that it was good. *** And FAA decided it could rest, but first it said, “We shall smile down and only monitoreth thee…so long as thou provideth third-party oversight.” *** “Forsooth, thou shalt police thine own to maintain compliance with The Rule, lest fedgov lightning bolts shall rain down in the form of aggressive compliance auditing and other regulatory interferences.” *** To forestall FAA’s wrath, third-party oversight is offered by LAMA through extensive audits of LSA company procedures and documentation. *** An initial LAMA audit costs roughly $7,000, depending on services needed. Several — but not nearly all — manufacturers have signed up for LAMA audits. *** Evektor, European producer of the SportStar, was one of the first companies to successfully complete a LAMA audit.

Expand Post ...

Super SportCub Rocking Out

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Just talked with CubCrafter’s PR head Jon Bliss to check out the haps on the left coast – Yakima, WA to be exact – with the company’s Super SportCub and other Cubalike models. *** “We’re doing as well as we’ve done in a long time,” says Jon. “We’ve even got a backlog of orders.” *** As I said some months ago: *** Bad economy – bah! *** CubCrafters expects to move 50 LSA total out the door next year (2010), with the ASTM-certified (spring of ’09) Super garnering most of the orders. *** If you’ve got a Cub in your dreams, it’s worth checking out the Super, especially if eye-popping takeoff/climb performance is on your wish list. *** The airplane sports the company’s own CC340, high-compression, electronic-ignition engine. News here is, and it’s allowed for in the ASTM spec, that the engine can be run at 180hp for as long as five minutes, then must be throttled back to 80 hp for cruise (around 5 gal/hr fuel burn) to keep it in the LSA-legal performance envelope. *** The real-world effect of 180 ponies in a 1320-lb. gross weight LSA? Liftoff from a standing start in four to five fuselage lengths, and around 2,100 feet per minute climb! *** Time to get me a ride on this rocket… *** —photos courtesy CubCrafters

Compress Post ...

Just talked with CubCrafter’s PR head Jon Bliss to check out the haps on the left coast – Yakima, WA to be exact – with the company’s Super SportCub and other Cubalike models. *** “We’re doing as well as we’ve done in a long time,” says Jon. “We’ve even got a backlog of orders.” *** As I said some months ago: *** Bad economy – bah! *** CubCrafters expects to move 50 LSA total out the door next year (2010), with the ASTM-certified (spring of ’09) Super garnering most of the orders. *** If you’ve got a Cub in your dreams, it’s worth checking out the Super, especially if eye-popping takeoff/climb performance is on your wish list. *** The airplane sports the company’s own CC340, high-compression, electronic-ignition engine. News here is, and it’s allowed for in the ASTM spec, that the engine can be run at 180hp for as long as five minutes, then must be throttled back to 80 hp for cruise (around 5 gal/hr fuel burn) to keep it in the LSA-legal performance envelope.

Expand Post ...

Neiman Marcus: “Icon A5 Is Top Gift!”

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Right in line with Icon’s high-viz marketing push for its A5 amphib LSA comes the announcement that iconic big-ticket shopping purveyor Nieman Marcus has the futuristic waterplane as the number one (and priciest) fantasy gift in its 2009 Christmas Book. *** The Icon is currently in extensive flight testing at Tehachapi, Ca, one of the soaring meccas of the west but also near Lake Isabella, so both the land and water chops of the A5 can be thoroughly wrung out. *** An interesting sidenote mentioned in the piece: Matthew Gionta, ICON’s chief technical officer, is quoted as saying 33% of the A5’s current customer base has “never flown before.” *** That’s a testimony to the vision of the company’s founder, Kirk Hawkins, who believes the ICON will bring new pilots to aviation with its glossy marketing of the A5 as a kind of flying jet-ski you can easily trailer to your holiday getaways. *** The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book package that Icon created includes the airplane with exterior and interior luxury upgrades, custom trailer and FAA-certified sport pilot licensing for two. Just pony up $250,000 and its yours. *** BTW, it’s the priciest gift in the entire catalog. *** North Pole scuttlebutt has it that Santa himself is considering the package. The question remaining is whether Old St. Nick can fit his rotunditude into any LSA cockpit. Stay tuned for further updates. *** Meanwhile, ICON reports 466 sales to date! Most impressive for a ship that won’t be delivered until at least late 2011. *** Here’s a couple more links to the catalog announcement: Luxist and Dallas Business Journal. *** —web page copy courtesy Neiman Marcus

Compress Post ...

Right in line with Icon’s high-viz marketing push for its A5 amphib LSA comes the announcement that iconic big-ticket shopping purveyor Nieman Marcus has the futuristic waterplane as the number one (and priciest) fantasy gift in its 2009 Christmas Book. *** The Icon is currently in extensive flight testing at Tehachapi, Ca, one of the soaring meccas of the west but also near Lake Isabella, so both the land and water chops of the A5 can be thoroughly wrung out. *** An interesting sidenote mentioned in the piece: Matthew Gionta, ICON’s chief technical officer, is quoted as saying 33% of the A5’s current customer base has “never flown before.” *** That’s a testimony to the vision of the company’s founder, Kirk Hawkins, who believes the ICON will bring new pilots to aviation with its glossy marketing of the A5 as a kind of flying jet-ski you can easily trailer to your holiday getaways.

Expand Post ...

Pre-Christmas Roundabout

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Ramping up to the big day when that jolly red-flightsuited Sport Pilot in his original LSA -a two-place, roof-landing, 8 RP (reindeer power) flivver – will fly all those XC legs to good little pilot’s chimneys, herewith some stocking stuffer newsies and tidbits to help wind down 2009. *** Kennedy Aircraft Service & Repair serves up a blog with tasty tidbiti about the SeaRey amphibian which is (forgive me) making a splash on the water-fly-sport scene. *** An interesting info site called The FAA Buzz (not affiliated with FAA) has a blurb about Virginia Aviation, provider of FAA-approved E-LSA inspection courses. V.A. is now cleared by the fedgov to conduct an LSA repairman’s course (LSRM) on weight shift control aircraft. *** Speaking of bugs-in-teeth flight, Precision Windsports has a quick-read page on the relative merits of E-LSA vs. Amateur-Built kits. Browse around the site, they’ve got lots of good trike info and pix (as seen here). *** —trike photo courtesy Precision Windsports *** Public awareness of the Icon A5 watersport amphib is beginning to find its way into the web and blogosphere. Some fun and cogent reader comments here and a blog item with video here. *** Care to brush up on The Rule? Read Roger Tunsley’s basic primer on learning to fly under FAA’s Sport Pilot rule. *** LSA in the NEWS dept: Gaudy British tabloid The Sun reports on the exploits of Martin Bromage, who’ll fly his QuikR trike 12,000 miles to Australia. His goal: to raise £150,000, almost $300,000, for injured UK soldiers, through the Help The Heroes charity. The Sun is sponsoring the trip. Godspeed, Martin! *** Talk about tasty tidbits, if you’re a web-video freak, (and who isn’t at least part-time?), Lightsport Aircraft Videos is the place to slake your thirst for short, tasty intros to the galaxy of LSA and other sport aircraft out there. Our favorite guru Dan Johnson does topnotch duty as your friendly LSA video host on several segments. *** Speaking of Dan, head over to his SPLOG for other breaking stories, including Rotax‘s increase in TBO (Time Before Overhaul) of its LSA-ubiquitous 912 engine to 2,000 hours, raising it to the same endurance league with general aviation powerplants. (The spec includes 80 and 100 hp versions and the 914 mill too). *** This should further help dispel the “gotta have a spam can engine” safety bias that still pops up now and then against the tried and proven Rotax brand. *** Speaking of brands, also on Dan’s Splog is an item about the folding of EAA’s Sport Pilot magazine into EAA’s Sport Aviation. A new e-letter/online newsletter called Light Plane World will take up the slack. We wish its new editor Dan Grunloh all the best in the new year. *** And a special thanks! to Mary Jones for all her good work running Sport Pilot and other pubs over at EAA for 25 years. *** Snack time, more later!

Compress Post ...

Ramping up to the big day when that jolly red-flightsuited Sport Pilot in his original LSA -a two-place, roof-landing, 8 RP (reindeer power) flivver – will fly all those XC legs to good little pilot’s chimneys, herewith some stocking stuffer newsies and tidbits to help wind down 2009. *** Kennedy Aircraft Service & Repair serves up a blog with tasty tidbiti about the SeaRey amphibian which is (forgive me) making a splash on the water-fly-sport scene. *** An interesting info site called The FAA Buzz (not affiliated with FAA) has a blurb about Virginia Aviation, provider of FAA-approved E-LSA inspection courses. V.A. is now cleared by the fedgov to conduct an LSA repairman’s course (LSRM) on weight shift control aircraft. *** Speaking of bugs-in-teeth flight, Precision Windsports has a quick-read page on the relative merits of E-LSA vs. Amateur-Built kits. Browse around the site, they’ve got lots of good trike info and pix (as seen here).

Expand Post ...

Whatever Works!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Never Say Die Dept: A St. Louis, MO. dealer calling itself the Renegade Light Sport Mall offers several LSA for sale, and the company’s not shy about finding the market wherever it’s hiding. *** I stumbled across this listing on Ebay for the FALCON Light Sport Aircraft, which Renegade champions in the auction as THE BEST LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT ON THE PLANET. *** We’re glad to see the Falcon hanging in there. It’s a very attractive U.S.-made airplane with a Lycoming engine. We’ve had our eye on it for some time but haven’t been able to get a flight in yet…maybe at Sebring.

Compress Post ...

Never Say Die Dept: A St. Louis, MO. dealer calling itself the Renegade Light Sport Mall offers several LSA for sale, and the company’s not shy about finding the market wherever it’s hiding. *** I stumbled across this listing on Ebay for the FALCON Light Sport Aircraft, which Renegade champions in the auction as THE BEST LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT ON THE PLANET. *** We’re glad to see the Falcon hanging in there. It’s a very attractive U.S.-made airplane with a Lycoming engine. We’ve had our eye on it for some time but haven’t been able to get a flight in yet…maybe at Sebring.

Expand Post ...

ELSA Trainer Owners – 1/31 Deadline!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

January 31st (about 3 weeks away) is an important date for anybody who owns an E-LSA aircraft that’s used for training, whether or not they actually use it for training operations. *** If owners don’t apply for the amended certificate by the 1/31/2010 deadline, their current airworthiness certificate will expire, and another will not be issued! *** Kinda serious stuff. *** Not sure your ELSA falls under this category? Check your airworthiness certificate. On the right side under the serial number and model is the word “expiry.” If the box has “unlimited” in it, you’re golden. But if it has the date “January 31, 2010”, it was originally given the operating limitations for flight training, and you must renew it! *** The fedgov rationale in play here: you cannot amend a certificate if it’s expired. After Jan. 31, you’re toast. *** Quick background: Apparently the ruleworks involved in permitting flight training in ELSA to continue in general is bogged down at FAA. But ELSA owners who think that will allow them to coast, beware: you won’t have a legal airplane if you procrastinate past Jan. 31. *** After the deadline, only SLSA and certificated GA planes will be allowed to conduct training, unless the FAA does ultimately craft training provisions into the ELSA category. *** Note: this does not mean people who own Experimental or ELSA aircraft can’t be trained – but it must be in their own airplanes. The caveat is only about the for hire use of those types of aircraft. Savvy? *** The deadline is part of the transition process that has been systematically moving ultralights and their pilots under the Sport Pilot umbrella since the rule became law in 2004. It affects for example aircraft like the Experimental Light Sport Quicksilver Sport 2s, an evolution of the original Quick ultralight. *** Contact your local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) if you have any doubt about your ELSA. *** Thanks to Carol at Rainbow Aviation, an ultralight-style LSA dealer/school in Corning, CA. *** —photos courtesy Rainbow Aviation

Compress Post ...

January 31st (about 3 weeks away) is an important date for anybody who owns an E-LSA aircraft that’s used for training, whether or not they actually use it for training operations. *** If owners don’t apply for the amended certificate by the 1/31/2010 deadline, their current airworthiness certificate will expire, and another will not be issued! *** Kinda serious stuff. *** Not sure your ELSA falls under this category? Check your airworthiness certificate. On the right side under the serial number and model is the word “expiry.” If the box has “unlimited” in it, you’re golden. But if it has the date “January 31, 2010”, it was originally given the operating limitations for flight training, and you must renew it! *** The fedgov rationale in play here: you cannot amend a certificate if it’s expired. After Jan. 31, you’re toast. *** Quick background: Apparently the ruleworks involved in permitting flight training in ELSA to continue in general is bogged down at FAA.

Expand Post ...

In A Sling – And Happy!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

The more I look into the story about those two wild and crazy South African dudes (post below) who flew around the world in the LSA of their own design and manufacture, the more interesting it gets. *** Just heard back from James Pitman who offered this: *** “We’re just getting into production at this instant here in SA and will deliver the first 20 planes to local buyers. We absolutely intend to be in the US thereafter – hopefully commencing in the second half of this year. We have an established close friendship with Matt Liknaitsky, who is the distributor for MGL Instruments in the States, and we’ll be getting help and advice from him on how to best serve the US market…Thanks for the good wishes for the year – we’ve got a hang of a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re excited about the prospects and are having a good time, both working and flying.” *** Can’t do much better than that, eh? Here’s a few more details about Sling 002’s globe-circling flight, which are available in depth on this page: ** The standard inner leading edge tanks (19.8 gal. each on the production version) were augmented by outer leading edge and behind-spar tanks, to increase capacity for the trip to 118.9 gal. ** BTW: that gave a 24-hour endurance per fillup! ** 15 extra layers of fiberglass were used to beef up the main gear for the extra weight ** seats were modified to lie flat (kids, don’t try this at home) ** powerplant was a 912 ULS Rotax (100hp) ** two MGL Avionics Voyager MFDs made up the ‘glass cockpit’ *** Other instruments: Garmin SL30 navcom radioInsight Strikefinder lightning detector Zaon TCASTrio Avionics Autopilot (two axis)PS Engineering PM1000 II intercom *** handheld Avmap GeoPilot II GPSNow the only question is, what’s next for these guys…a flight to Mars?

Compress Post ...

The more I look into the story about those two wild and crazy South African dudes (post below) who flew around the world in the LSA of their own design and manufacture, the more interesting it gets. *** Just heard back from James Pitman who offered this: *** “We’re just getting into production at this instant here in SA and will deliver the first 20 planes to local buyers. We absolutely intend to be in the US thereafter – hopefully commencing in the second half of this year. We have an established close friendship with Matt Liknaitsky, who is the distributor for MGL Instruments in the States, and we’ll be getting help and advice from him on how to best serve the US market…Thanks for the good wishes for the year – we’ve got a hang of a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re excited about the prospects and are having a good time, both working and flying.” *** Can’t do much better than that, eh?

Expand Post ...

Around The World In 40 LSA Days

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Last July I ran an item on the grand LSA adventure of two South Afrikaaners, James Pitman and Mike Blyth, who set out to fly around the world — in an LSA! *** Happy to report the boys finished the epic flight, all 45,150 km (27,090 miles) with a stop at EAA Airventure 2009 to boot – in 40 days! *** One memorable highlight: two friends of the pilots greeted the return landing in Full Monty mode: they waved large South African flags, wearing boots…and nothing else! (check out those merry buffsters in the photo). *** The story was just carried on the official Johannesburg, S.A. website, written by Makoena Pabale. *** Anybody who doubts the durability and utility of LSA, take note: the chariot of choice was the Sling, built by The Airplane Factory right in Joburg. *** BTW: the company is their own startup, and the Sling is their first design. Now that’s confidence for you. *** The attractive metal low-winger can be built from a kit or bought ready-to-fly. It’s not certified for the U.S. — yet — but does conform to ASTM standards with a 1320 lb. max weight and a clean stall of 44 kts. It’s also powered by the ubiquitous Rotax engine (two 912 models and the 914). *** James Pitman is quoted in the story as saying, “The experience was just amazing.” *** The westward odyssey included stops in Hawaii, Brazil, New Guinea and 10 other countries. *** One thing that stood out to me (until I did the math): the story reports the dynamic duo reached Oshkosh in just 10 days and five stops from South Africa, then went on to complete the circumnavigation in only nine more stops! *** These boys either have sturdy bladders or kit-built relief tubes. *** Meanwhile, the math: that’s an impossible range per tankful, almost 2000 miles…naw, can’t be right — company specs call for 800 nm. Well, author Pabale, nobody’s perfect. *** Meanwhile…Well done, lads! *** —photos courtesy The Airplane Factory *** [UPDATE…ByDanJohnson] — No, Jim, the South African LSA really can fly a couple thousand miles non-stop. Well, a production Sling can’t fly so far, but the round-the-world version carries 118 gallons of fuel. See more details in my earlier SPLOG. But, yup, those boys got some bladders!

Compress Post ...

Last July I ran an item on the grand LSA adventure of two South Afrikaaners, James Pitman and Mike Blyth, who set out to fly around the world — in an LSA! *** Happy to report the boys finished the epic flight, all 45,150 km (27,090 miles) with a stop at EAA Airventure 2009 to boot – in 40 days! *** One memorable highlight: two friends of the pilots greeted the return landing in Full Monty mode: they waved large South African flags, wearing boots…and nothing else! (check out those merry buffsters in the photo). *** The story was just carried on the official Johannesburg, S.A. website, written by Makoena Pabale. *** Anybody who doubts the durability and utility of LSA, take note: the chariot of choice was the Sling, built by The Airplane Factory right in Joburg. *** BTW: the company is their own startup, and the Sling is their first design.

Expand Post ...

Hangin’ In The Mall — A Fable For 2010

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Once upon a time, there was a purveyor of flying machines and a trainer of pilots in the great kingdom of Texas that wondered why more people hadn’t come to fly the Planes of Sport. *** “I have an idea,” said the Duke of U.S. Aviation Group. “Let us sally forth to the local market mall at the waxing of the moon, and offer Flights of Discovery for one full moon cycle. Only then, if we still have unsatisfactory student numbers, shall we moaneth our dire and hopeless fate.” *** And so his loyal band of sky serfs and flight vassals transported a Remos GX to a busy mallway, manned the booth with eager promoters night and day, and lo and behold, one moonth later, the Duke was happy to report that 170 Flights of Discovery had been sold, along with 130 leads on partnerships as well as several potential solo purchasers. *** The Duke was surprised to learn, after reviewing the comments left by the many good people of the kingdom, that many thought the license to be a Pilot of Sport cost $12,000, rather than the truer number of $4,000. *** “We learned…that many people think about aviation, but fail to act on the impulse,” said the Duke (aka Justin Shelley, Director of Aircraft Sales). “By putting an aircraft in their line of sight, they stopped by and engaged in a discussion about licensing or ownership.” *** The moral of the tale for the New Year is simple: there is no lack of interest or willingness in the desire to gaze upon the kingdom from lofty heights — only a lack of imagination in how to bring that vision to the people. *** Happy New Year to all, and may the vision of flight inspire you to new heights in 2010! *** —photo courtesy Sir James, Knight of Olde Chatham

Compress Post ...

Once upon a time, there was a purveyor of flying machines and a trainer of pilots in the great kingdom of Texas that wondered why more people hadn’t come to fly the Planes of Sport. *** “I have an idea,” said the Duke of U.S. Aviation Group. “Let us sally forth to the local market mall at the waxing of the moon, and offer Flights of Discovery for one full moon cycle. Only then, if we still have unsatisfactory student numbers, shall we moaneth our dire and hopeless fate.” *** And so his loyal band of sky serfs and flight vassals transported a Remos GX to a busy mallway, manned the booth with eager promoters night and day, and lo and behold, one moonth later, the Duke was happy to report that 170 Flights of Discovery had been sold, along with 130 leads on partnerships as well as several potential solo purchasers.

Expand Post ...

Winter Ops

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

I’m sitting at my desk, gloom and doom outside the window as the snow flakes fall, wishing I had one of these: a Legend SkiCub. *** I confess I succumbed to a nostalgic moment, remembering the wonderful trip I had with Darrin Hart and the boys from the Legend factory in Texas down to Sun ‘n Fun in Florida a couple years back. Wish I had a Cub nearby on skis, because right now, that’s a stylin’ way to go. *** Glad to see Legend’s hanging in there through the tough economy.

Compress Post ...

I’m sitting at my desk, gloom and doom outside the window as the snow flakes fall, wishing I had one of these: a Legend SkiCub. *** I confess I succumbed to a nostalgic moment, remembering the wonderful trip I had with Darrin Hart and the boys from the Legend factory in Texas down to Sun ‘n Fun in Florida a couple years back. Wish I had a Cub nearby on skis, because right now, that’s a stylin’ way to go. *** Glad to see Legend’s hanging in there through the tough economy.

Expand Post ...

No Trouble In Paradise

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Paradise USA just marked the 10th Anniversary of its P1 design with some positive and encouraging signs for the industry: *** The Paradise P1, which I did a story on this year, is now certified in the U.S., Brazil (it’s home company has a new 75,000 sq. ft. factory there), Australia and South Africa. My story in the mag focused on Dylan Redd, who flies a specially-modified P1 with hand controls for paraplegic pilots. *** The Sebring-based U.S. arm of the company markets the P1, an excellent SLSA that’s based on a four-seat design, so for one thing it’s got a lot of room behind the seats for baggage, something that’s not that common for the industry. *** Paradise has designed and marketed eight different aircraft since 1985. *** Here’s a big congrats to Chris and crew and best wishes for another 10 years of successful LSA design and marketing. —photo courtesy Paradise USA

Compress Post ...

Paradise USA just marked the 10th Anniversary of its P1 design with some positive and encouraging signs for the industry: *** The Paradise P1, which I did a story on this year, is now certified in the U.S., Brazil (it’s home company has a new 75,000 sq. ft. factory there), Australia and South Africa. My story in the mag focused on Dylan Redd, who flies a specially-modified P1 with hand controls for paraplegic pilots. *** The Sebring-based U.S. arm of the company markets the P1, an excellent SLSA that’s based on a four-seat design, so for one thing it’s got a lot of room behind the seats for baggage, something that’s not that common for the industry. *** Paradise has designed and marketed eight different aircraft since 1985. *** Here’s a big congrats to Chris and crew and best wishes for another 10 years of successful LSA design and marketing.

Expand Post ...

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use