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

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!

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[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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Flight Design Out West

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

I was out in L.A. last week and had the distinct pleasure to hop a flight out of Santa Monica Airport, an old haunt of mine, with Flight Design USA‘s California sales rep, Karine Noel. *** Karine was a perfect hostess. She’s just set up shop to demo the company’s top-o’-market line of LSA. *** But she’s more than just another pretty face. *** Her GA chops include a stint flying for JetDirect Aviation and CFI/CFII, IFR and Commercial Multi ratings. *** That pedigree should prove a real asset when showing and translating the virtues and nuances of Light Sport flight to GA pilots, who often underestimate the sophisticated handling and performance of LSA. *** We launched in Karine’s CTLS demonstrator on a clear, cool morning, flew out over famed Malibu colony, then climbed to 5,000 ft over the wonderful Santa Monica Mts. to boat around at 120 knots for awhile. *** Now how much better does it get than zipping through butter-smooth skies with a lovely pilot in a new LSA? *** Karine operates out of long-time FBO Kreuger Aviation at Santa Monica. She’s part of Flight Design’s newest distributor, Flight Design West, a division of Lone Mountain Aircraft Sales which operates in Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Montana. *** Prospective buyers can contact her here for information and a demo flight. Karine can also arrange for LSA flight training in the area. *** Flight Design West has also set up repair centers in Santa Monica and Portland, OR to support the more than 300 CT aircraft already flying in the U.S. (There are 1400 operating worldwide).

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I was out in L.A. last week and had the distinct pleasure to hop a flight out of Santa Monica Airport, an old haunt of mine, with Flight Design USA‘s California sales rep, Karine Noel. *** Karine was a perfect hostess. She’s just set up shop to demo the company’s top-o’-market line of LSA. *** But she’s more than just another pretty face. *** Her GA chops include a stint flying for JetDirect Aviation and CFI/CFII, IFR and Commercial Multi ratings. *** That pedigree should prove a real asset when showing and translating the virtues and nuances of Light Sport flight to GA pilots, who often underestimate the sophisticated handling and performance of LSA. *** We launched in Karine’s CTLS demonstrator on a clear, cool morning, flew out over famed Malibu colony, then climbed to 5,000 ft over the wonderful Santa Monica Mts. to boat around at 120 knots for awhile.

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Yankee Price Buster!

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Rans Aircraft seems determined to reverse the trend in ever-higher SLSA prices with a new package for its long-popular (2000 flying worldwide), constantly refined bird: the S-6ELS Coyote II. *** The 26 year old Kansas company, highly successful purveyors of more than 4,500 kit and ready-to-fly aircraft (and a thriving bicycle builder as well) offers the turnkey Coyote II for $63,000. *** That’s half or less what many Euro-built SLSA are priced at. *** But the side-by-side two-seater is no mile-mannered local-patch ultralight: cruise with the 80hp Rotax 912 (100 hp power package also available) is 105 mph, with a 950 fpm climb and 41 mph stall. Landing Rollout is a scant 260 ft. *** The Coyote comes with a steam gauge (round analog dial) panel and you can have it in tricycle or taildragger gear flavors. *** Step up a few large, and you can buy the deluxe version for $69,995. That bumps you into a 100-hp Rotax 912S with a 3-blade prop, intercom and Icom radio, cabin heat and dual hydraulic brakes and larger tires to go with it. *** Lots more info here. (ck all the links on the green-type menu bar) *** A final note: I hope to take a very long XC flight with the Coyote this winter. Randy Schlitter, (founder and head honcho of Rans) says it’s heater is “a good one!” Sure hope so…I’ll post a full report on the trip.

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Rans Aircraft seems determined to reverse the trend in ever-higher SLSA prices with a new package for its long-popular (2000 flying worldwide), constantly refined bird: the S-6ELS Coyote II. *** The 26 year old Kansas company, highly successful purveyors of more than 4,500 kit and ready-to-fly aircraft (and a thriving bicycle builder as well) offers the turnkey Coyote II for $63,000. *** That’s half or less what many Euro-built SLSA are priced at. *** But the side-by-side two-seater is no mile-mannered local-patch ultralight: cruise with the 80hp Rotax 912 (100 hp power package also available) is 105 mph, with a 950 fpm climb and 41 mph stall. Landing Rollout is a scant 260 ft. *** The Coyote comes with a steam gauge (round analog dial) panel and you can have it in tricycle or taildragger gear flavors. *** Step up a few large, and you can buy the deluxe version for $69,995.

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Catching Up With The Legend

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

American Legend, makers of the popular fun flivver Legend Cub SLSA and Texas Sport kit version, aren’t letting any bad-economy moss grow under their Cub-yellow tennies. *** First, the top-selling American LSA maker received ASTM certification and has completed versions available as we speak for its Amphibious Float Cub. *** The web-footed little bear is based on a lightweight version of the Cub. Baumann Floats makes the water gear. *** A couple of FloatCub’s advantages over other Cubs and seaplanes are the both-side doors for ease of docking, and an electric starter – no more shaky dockside hand-propping ops! *** Cost complete is $159,000. *** Next, Legend’s “Cash For Junkers” rebate program is still going strong. The company kicks back $4,500 after purchase of a new Cub or kit. To get the rebate, just trade-in your old moth-eaten bird, flying or not. *** BTW, the “Junkers” reference pays homage to the German Junkers & Co. that built some infamous airplanes, including the JU-87 Stuka dive bomber. *** Finally, for Christmas Cubbie shopping fun, check out the online store. Lots of goodies there for Cub lovers, and who doesn’t love Cubs? *** —photo courtesy Legend Aero

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American Legend, makers of the popular fun flivver Legend Cub SLSA and Texas Sport kit version, aren’t letting any bad-economy moss grow under their Cub-yellow tennies. *** First, the top-selling American LSA maker received ASTM certification and has completed versions available as we speak for its Amphibious Float Cub. *** The web-footed little bear is based on a lightweight version of the Cub. Baumann Floats makes the water gear. *** A couple of FloatCub’s advantages over other Cubs and seaplanes are the both-side doors for ease of docking, and an electric starter – no more shaky dockside hand-propping ops! *** Cost complete is $159,000. *** Next, Legend’s “Cash For Junkers” rebate program is still going strong. The company kicks back $4,500 after purchase of a new Cub or kit. To get the rebate, just trade-in your old moth-eaten bird, flying or not.

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Sleekest Tecnam Light-Sport Aircraft Yet

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Composite Tecnam — This is the first not-all-metal Tecnam aircraft we’ve seen in the LSA community. I fell in love with her smooth lines at Germany’s Aero show in April 2009.

Tecnam can lay claim to being the “largest LSA manufacturer” by virtue of producing more than 3,000 ready-to-fly aircraft (with approximately 120 of them flying in the USA as “official LSA” — the U.S. is a relatively new market for the Italian company). In my travels to Europe and other countries, I’ve seen a lot of Tecnam models sold under the rules of those nations. And the company was formed back in 1948. *** But even with all those aircraft built and many interesting designs — such as the Echo Super, Sierra, Bravo, Eaglet, and even a new twin that isn’t a LSA — for my money, the P2008 is easily the prettiest two seater the company has ever designed. It resulted from a marriage of Tecnam, an all-metal airplane company, to Spain’s CAG or Composite Aeronautic Group. The latter, bought by Tecnam, was the short-time producer of the Toxo Sportster *, a handsome all-composite LSA. Tecnam won’t be producing the Toxo but P2008 pairs Tecnam’s prodigious design ability with CAG’s expertise in composite manufacturing. *** In America, Tecnam is represented by Tecnam North America, a talent-heavy group based in Richmond, Virginia. Among other interesting announcements (at least one of which I’m not at liberty to disclose) you’ll get your first chance to see the P2008 at Sebring 2010 …and maybe they’ll even add a friendly name to the number of this gorgeous airplane. * Only a single Toxo ever entered the USA.

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Tecnam can lay claim to being the “largest LSA manufacturer” by virtue of producing more than 3,000 ready-to-fly aircraft (with approximately 120 of them flying in the USA as “official LSA” — the U.S. is a relatively new market for the Italian company). In my travels to Europe and other countries, I’ve seen a lot of Tecnam models sold under the rules of those nations. And the company was formed back in 1948. *** But even with all those aircraft built and many interesting designs — such as the Echo Super, Sierra, Bravo, Eaglet, and even a new twin that isn’t a LSA — for my money, the P2008 is easily the prettiest two seater the company has ever designed. It resulted from a marriage of Tecnam, an all-metal airplane company, to Spain’s CAG or Composite Aeronautic Group. The latter, bought by Tecnam, was the short-time producer of the Toxo Sportster *, a handsome all-composite LSA.

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Minimally-Fueled “Eco” Flying Machines

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Here’s one of those great events that bring out garage geniuses and newtechies alike – and in time lead to entire new industries: the Eco-Marathon Ulm. *** Think of this event/competition as a call to young designers and engineers to craft minimally-fueled flying machines. Brings to mind the European aviation meets of a century ago, where passionate tinkerers and leading-edge technical thinkers gathered to show their flying machines and inspire each other to keep pushing all the envelopes. *** The happening invites everyone with prototypes or modified production models of European-standard microlight aircraft. *** The competition features a GPS-tracked course with measurement of fuel usage at the goal. The skimpiest sipper of fuel for the rectangular 2000 meter x 250 meter course, to be flown three times consecutively at Vichy, France, will be the winner. *** A plethora of energy sources is allowed for in the rules: Unleaded fuel, Liquefied petroleum, gas to liquid, hydrogen (!), pressurized air (!!), solar, battery, hybrid (gas engine/electric motor). Wot a hoot! *** The Eco Marathon Ulm Association is a “major educational project” aimed at fostering innovation in aviation fuel efficiency and helping young aeronautical whizbrains discover their career tracks. *** BTW: the aircraft pictured are the Woopy and the Pipistrel. *** —photos courtesy Eco Marathon ULM

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Here’s one of those great events that bring out garage geniuses and newtechies alike – and in time lead to entire new industries: the Eco-Marathon Ulm. *** Think of this event/competition as a call to young designers and engineers to craft minimally-fueled flying machines. Brings to mind the European aviation meets of a century ago, where passionate tinkerers and leading-edge technical thinkers gathered to show their flying machines and inspire each other to keep pushing all the envelopes. *** The happening invites everyone with prototypes or modified production models of European-standard microlight aircraft. *** The competition features a GPS-tracked course with measurement of fuel usage at the goal. The skimpiest sipper of fuel for the rectangular 2000 meter x 250 meter course, to be flown three times consecutively at Vichy, France, will be the winner. *** A plethora of energy sources is allowed for in the rules: Unleaded fuel, Liquefied petroleum, gas to liquid, hydrogen (!), pressurized air (!!), solar, battery, hybrid (gas engine/electric motor).

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Homebuilt Aircraft in China Begin to Take Off

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

This superlight (84 pound) pedal-powered aircraft is built using techniques common to RC aircraft builders. It represents one of several projects taking to Chinese skies in a Do-It-Yourself movement. Photos are courtesy of the designer, Mao Yiqing, as first reported on Wired magazine’s website.

“Chinese New Year” invokes images of fireworks but here’s another take. We hear little or no recreational flying occurs in China, but that turns out to be wrong. According to an article in Wired magazine by by Michele Travierso, the Do-It-Yourself spirit exists even in that highly controlled country. *** A Chinese DIYer named Mao Yiqing has built a human-powered aircraft, which he calls Mozi (after the 5th century inventor of the kite), using his skills running Oxai, a company that builds RC planes. Mozi was built using many of the same techniques and materials — balsa wood, styrofoam and carbon fiber — as his model planes. *** Wired reports, “His workshop is covered with pictures of Eric Raymond, an American pilot who flew his solar glider across the United States and, in June, over the Alps.” Yiqing is preparing his plane, which weighs 84 pounds and has a wingspan of 81 feet, for a 4-mile flight across Dianshan Lake near Shanghai. *** According to the Wired journalist, “Garage builders and innovators are, like their products, often called shanzhai. Literally translated, the term means “mountain strongholds,” but it has come to mean nonprofessional or clandestine manufacturers turning out products from the basic to the highly sophisticated. *** The Wired website also offers a short YouTube movie of another DIYer flying his gyroplane, which he built for the modest sum of $1,600. It makes a good New Year’s Eve read… go enjoy!

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“Chinese New Year” invokes images of fireworks but here’s another take. We hear little or no recreational flying occurs in China, but that turns out to be wrong. According to an article in Wired magazine by by Michele Travierso, the Do-It-Yourself spirit exists even in that highly controlled country. *** A Chinese DIYer named Mao Yiqing has built a human-powered aircraft, which he calls Mozi (after the 5th century inventor of the kite), using his skills running Oxai, a company that builds RC planes. Mozi was built using many of the same techniques and materials — balsa wood, styrofoam and carbon fiber — as his model planes. *** Wired reports, “His workshop is covered with pictures of Eric Raymond, an American pilot who flew his solar glider across the United States and, in June, over the Alps.” Yiqing is preparing his plane, which weighs 84 pounds and has a wingspan of 81 feet, for a 4-mile flight across Dianshan Lake near Shanghai.

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Ticket to Ride… er, Fly… Well, Both… Maybe

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

“Roadable LSA” — Flying cars of the past didn’t meet with much market success but this new-millennia edition using LSA rules, modern materials, and sharp young engineers using CAD software might reinvent the category. Terrafugia’s Transition has flown successfully.

You’ve surely seen news coverage of Terrafugia’s Transition, the “roadable” LSA from a brain trust of award-winning MIT engineers in Woburn, Massachusetts. This modern version of the well-worn flying car concept has attracted plenty of media attention, and deservedly so, I think. I have been reviewing all their materials and info for an article to appear in Light Sport and Ultralight Flying magazine and I’m impressed with the task’s complexities. *** Step one is the effort to create a powered-folding-wing, four-wheel aircraft that flies as the designers wish. That’s hardly a trivial project especially as the folding wing must work in such a way that you can then drive down the road without removing those wings. (In comparison, Icon’s A5 also has powered folding wings but they stay full length, sweeping back against the seaplane’s fuselage.) *** Step two is making a road-capable drive train using the same Rotax 912 powerplant. Now, others have accomplished such things, perhaps, but did those projects meet a set of rules called the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards? After reviewing what’s involved, my guess is they did not. The long list of required items includes such as airbags; roll cages; crumple zones; crash-capable bumpers; head restraints; highway-speed brake systems; pothole-tolerant suspension; plus features like rear-view mirrors; automotive lighting including turn signals; and windshield wipers. (Whew!) *** Step three… since all that hardware adds weight — and since none of those things are needed on a LSA — Terrafugia has petitioned FAA for a higher weight limit. No decision has yet been reached by the agency.

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You’ve surely seen news coverage of Terrafugia’s Transition, the “roadable” LSA from a brain trust of award-winning MIT engineers in Woburn, Massachusetts. This modern version of the well-worn flying car concept has attracted plenty of media attention, and deservedly so, I think. I have been reviewing all their materials and info for an article to appear in Light Sport and Ultralight Flying magazine and I’m impressed with the task’s complexities. *** Step one is the effort to create a powered-folding-wing, four-wheel aircraft that flies as the designers wish. That’s hardly a trivial project especially as the folding wing must work in such a way that you can then drive down the road without removing those wings. (In comparison, Icon’s A5 also has powered folding wings but they stay full length, sweeping back against the seaplane’s fuselage.) *** Step two is making a road-capable drive train using the same Rotax 912 powerplant.

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FK Lightplanes Opens Second Factory

By James Lawrence || Leave a Comment

Two decades of hard work, sharp design and marketing vision, and keeping a high bar for quality production recently brought FK Group, German makers of three European “ultralights”, an award from Aerokurier magazine for best manufacturer. FK beat out Remos and other top light sport builders. *** The latest good news from the FK 9 MK IV producer, (a lovely ASTM-approved LSA I’m eager to jump a hop in), is the newly completed second factory that will complete the company’s goal of producing 100% of its aircraft, from fab to outfitting to painting, all in-house. *** A company release praises FK’s association with Cirrus, (lamentably in suspension of its own low-wing Polaris LSA project – also manufactured by FK – to marshal efforts on its Vision jet), for the “huge production knowledge” in expanding its facilities. *** The company also grew its workforce by 40% this year – and that in a down economy! *** I encourage you to check out this company and the FK 9. More than 400 have shipped so far throughout the world – most impressive. *** I’m hoping the FK 9 will soon be joined in ASTM certification by its sister ships: the Polaris and the FK 12 Comet, a racy-looking biplane LSA that is back in production in Europe and moving toward ASTM approval. *** Keep your eye on these folks. Over 20 years they’ve built a solid reputation.

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Two decades of hard work, sharp design and marketing vision, and keeping a high bar for quality production recently brought FK Group, German makers of three European “ultralights”, an award from Aerokurier magazine for best manufacturer. FK beat out Remos and other top light sport builders. *** The latest good news from the FK 9 MK IV producer, (a lovely ASTM-approved LSA I’m eager to jump a hop in), is the newly completed second factory that will complete the company’s goal of producing 100% of its aircraft, from fab to outfitting to painting, all in-house. *** A company release praises FK’s association with Cirrus, (lamentably in suspension of its own low-wing Polaris LSA project – also manufactured by FK – to marshal efforts on its Vision jet), for the “huge production knowledge” in expanding its facilities.

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