ByDanJohnson.com

Last weekend, under popcorn-cloud, clear blue skies, the Greater Boston EAA Chapter 106 put on a doozy of a local LSA air show that drew several hundred folks. *** By my count 11 LSA models represented the industry, including the FPNA Valor (left), Flight Design CTLS (cockpit, right, with a guest and FD rep John Lampson looking on), and the Terrafugia proof-of-concept Transition “roadable” aircraft, in it’s final public appearance as work has begun on the Beta version. BTW…it drove in. 😉 *** The show was held at the lovely Lawrence Muni airport (good name) in Andover, MA, just north of Boston. *** The chapter created an enthusiastic, well-attended event that will stand as a good model for how to make it happen on the local level: pilots talking to pilots, not a big splashy corporate thang. Some demo flights, a local biplane ride vendor, and terrific food (bkfst or lunch, all you could eat for $5 or $7 – now we’re talking!) *** In addition to those shown and mentioned here and below, LSA that flew in included the *** Vans RV12, Sport Cruiser, Aerotrek A240 and Highlander Sport. *** There were informative seminars too – a great idea for any gathering. Joe Monaco talked about LetsFly, a shared ownership program that I’ve written about for my Light Sport Chronicles column in dead tree Plane & Pilot (two issues from now). Carl Dietrich, CEO of the Terrafugia Transition roadable car project, updated us on that program. *** And Lou Mancuso of Mid Island Air Service gave a thorough talk on buying and flying LSA. His FBO on Long Island is actively engaged in training and rentals with several LSA models.

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Two “Lookie what we can do!” stories – one accomplished, one getting under way this week. *** Avweb reports two chommies (Afrikaans for friends) expect to fly their modified D6 Sling light sport airplane around the world! These adventurous lads modified their South Africa-produced, metal LSA (not ASTM certified in the US) to carry up to 118 gallons in each wing for long legs. Long, as in more than 2,000 nautical miles over water. Holy Lucky Lindy, Batman! And people think I’m nuts flying a hang glider. *** Mike Blyth and James Pitman are the pilots. They hope to launch from Johannesburg this Thursday and make a stop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. I’ll try to snag a shot of them. Bon voyage, guys! *** To follow the adventure Click here. *** NEXT UP in the Let’s Rock LSA Dept. comes from my next-issue column, Light Sport Chronicles. *** The short tell: Two enterprising pilots showed off the long-reach viability of LSA by flying from Florida to California – in one day! *** In June, Jessica Scharle and Matt Hansen flew a lovely Peregrine FA-04 (German-designed carbon fiber low-winger) 1,813 nautical miles, setting a transcontinental speed record in the process. Since The National Aeronautical Assn. doesn’t have a category for LSA records yet, the pair applied to Guinness World Records for recognition. *** Total time including five fuel stops was 19 hours 21 minutes. Average groundspeed: 110 knots. Purpose of the flight: demonstrate LSA’s long legs potential, and promote a nonprofit that gives free flight training to people with physical disabilities. *** Hansen Air Group supplied the FA-04. Able Flight sponsored the flight. It offers scholarships to disabled people who are new to flight, returning pilots, or want to fly but are not seeking a license.

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So what do you do for a break from your regular airline gig? Fly around the world, of course! *** These two airline pilots plan to circumnavigate old Terra in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Swiss pilot license holders. *** In April, 2010, Yannick Bovier and Francisco Agullo will launch in two, not one but two, Flight Design CTLSs from Switzerland, fly west down the coast of Africa and hop the Atlantic to Brazil. They’ve even named their planes: Dreamcatcher and Celine’ (for a daughter, not the singer.) *** The motivations are the “usual suspects” stuff of aerial adventure: to commemorate aviation milestones (Swiss) and inspire young people. *** What the hey, for me the inspiration is imagining making such a journey myself! And flying in formation for 25,200 miles? Now there’s a concept. *** The intrepid pioneers plan to visit 18 countries, span five continents and cross two oceans. That’s quite a challenge for any airplane, and will surely add boffo street cred to the image of LSA, eh? *** Bonne chance et bon voyage, mes amis! *** —photos courtesy Azimuth 270

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Sad news today that the father of hang gliding, Francis M. Rogallo, who I had the distinct pleasure to meet at Kitty Hawk a few years ago when I flew a competition on the dunes, has passed away at 97. *** That’s a nice old age for all to aspire to, but his passing will be marked by every “diver driver” who ever took foot-launched flight. *** “Rog” was universally beloved within the community, and stayed in touch with industry leaders and pilots who lauded him for his gentle good nature and indisputable place as the person who’s aerodynamic engineering creativity directly led to hang gliding, ultralights and todays light sport aircraft. *** Rog invented what came to be known as the Rogallo Wing as a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) project engineer in 1948. He got patents for the flexible v-shaped fabric/frame Parawing in 1951. *** NASA became highly interested in a capsule-deployable version in 1958 for bringing astronauts back home, but dropped the complexities of deploying the steerable design in favor of the round parachutes we know, which were deemed adequate for the mission. *** When photos and drawings of the Parawing hit the media, foot launched hang gliders were born, and the rest is history. *** Rest in peace, Rog. Your imagination brought personal, affordable flight to so many who would never have had it otherwise. *** —Photo Credit: NASA Langley Research Center

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P&P Newsroom FLASH UPDATE (okay, it’s just me): Dan Johnson reports on his website that the first production Skycatcher tabbed for delivery has arrived at Wichita. Dan reports that the delivery floodgates should open wide next year (2010). But having the first C-162 finally out there and flying is good news for Cessna – and the LSA industry in general. *** Back to our regular BlogCast… *** Cessna Aircraft partnered up with video flight training guru John King of King Schools for it’s new Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course. It’s a web-based system, available through Cessna Pilot Centers. *** A driver for the program is the imminent release to market of the C-162 Skycatcher SLSA later this year, part of the company’s stated goal of making flying more accessible and re-energizing its flight program. *** Cool thing about its webbiness is the flexibility it gives students and instructors. All aspects of the student’s training are tracked, and can be customized to reflect the student’s local conditions. All training materials are accessible at any time, such as videos, exam reviews, full-motion diagrams and more. There are 280 Cessna Pilot Centers across the country. *** —photo courtesy Cessna Aircraft

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Had a chat with Randy Schlitter of Rans Aircraft about his SLSA, the S-19, today. It’s new name is the Venterra, which, says Randy, means open over the earth. Kinda poetic and a fitting moniker for such a fun, responsive, open-view low winger like the S-19. *** Look for my article on Randy’s incredible 25 years as an aircraft manufacturer (more than 4,500 kits and ready-to-fly planes sold!) in the next issue of Pilot Journal magazine. Randy’s also been designing and building recumbent and other innovative bicycles for more than 35 years and his products are known and respected worldwide. I own two myself, they’re beautifully engineered and built and a lot more fun to ride than the traditional back-aching, hard seat prostate pounders the French tricked us into riding all those decades ago. *** Randy’s a fascinating, Gyro Gearloose kinda guy, that rare combination of brilliant innovator/designer and savvy businessman. He’s an honest-to-goodness throwback to that great tradition of American entrepreneurs who built empires from scratch.

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Greetings fellow LSA fans! *** Welcome to Hangar Flyin’ *** I’m Jim Lawrence, *** Light Sport Editor at Large *** We’re starting this blog so you’ll have a webby place for your questions, burning issues, rants (keep ’em clean) and for when you just feel like dropping by to stay in touch. We’re up, and we’re listening. *** Let us know how you feel about the LSA coverage in the magazine and here. Hope to see you in the skies this year. *** High and safe, *** Jim *** =================================================== *** To start things off right, here’s a couple shots of the bird I trained in: *** ——— the lovely Flight Design CTLS. *** It’s a wonderful example of the new wave of LSA machines: strong, responsive, comfortable, with great range, sturdy gear and real cross country legs with its 120 knot speed and 1000 mi range. *** Into the hangar before the next storm *** Sleek, pretty and sweet to fly… *** My flight instructor John Lampson. Who says CFIs don’t rock out? He’s got his own band, Stealing Jupiter. Link *** =================================================== *** In the LSA-themed April issue you’ll find: *** detailed coverage of LSA and Sport Pilot issues I’ll introduce you to one of the big players in the industry, Tom Peghiny of Flight Design – that’s in my regular column Light Sport Chronicles We’re also running the first of a three part article on my recently completed training for the Sport Pilot License called Ticket To Ride. *** =================================================== *** U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009 While you’re waiting for the April LSA issue, check in here for my coverage of the first big event this year: the Sebring LSA show. Link *** On inauguration day, I’m driving down with my hang glider to Florida for this important LSA-only convention. If you can get there, don’t miss the chance to see and try out all your dream ships side by side. *** I’ll be posting shots, video and commentary daily from the show on what’s hot, who’s there and what you can look forward to in the months leading into the flying season ahead. *** I know, it’s a tough job, but… *** =================================================== *** Labels: Welcome

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More Great Content — Professional aviation photographer James Lawrence (top left) coaches pilots on setting up a photo mission to capture the FPNA Cape Town amphibian. While aloft, I couldn’t resist taking a shot of him in reflection (in left seat).

The Internet has transformed life in countless ways. Running an e-commerce website involves providing useful services, most commonly at no cost to visitors. In keeping with this new paradigm, several of the most popular features on ByDanJohnson.com are free — PlaneFinder 2.0; LSA Videos; SLSA List; FIRM List; LSA Market Info, Industry database; many articles; and, of course, “SPLOG.” *** Call it our Christmas present to you… SPLOG now welcomes Plane & Pilot magazine LSA Editor James Lawrence and his “Hangar Flyin” blog. Jim and I write often about LSA topics and you will now be able to read all of our posts in this one location …all archived back to the beginning of LSA. You can expect to read 200 posts a year or one every other day, keeping you aware of the latest and greatest in Light-Sport Aircraft *** Jim is an extraordinarily talented fellow. If you’ve looked at beautiful photos gracing aviation magazine covers or the pilot reports inside, you’ve probably seen Jim’s work. He’s done more than 500 air-to-air shoots (a huge number, I know from personal experience). And he has a friendly and entertaining writing style I think you’ll love. *** Near the end of each of Jim’s blog posts we’ll provide a link to his complete blog at Plane & Pilot magazine’s website, which will further link you to their large body of work in aviation. (Plane & Pilot has the second-largest circulation of any non-membership aviation magazine worldwide).

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An important development in the globalization of sport flight was just announced by Flight Design, the German maker of the CT line of LSA that leads in sales here in the U.S. *** The parent company announced its CT line had received Type Design Approval TDA-LSA-0001A from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as well as a Chinese Production Certificate. *** That number is important: the CT will forever be the very first foreign LSA allowed to be sold in China. Although the Skycatcher is in fact manufactured for Cessna in China, it is not yet certified to be sold and flown in China, though that day can’t be too far down the road. *** The potential benefit to sport aviation is huge. *** Not only is China reportedly building general aviation airports all over the huge nation – a significant change from earlier domestic policy to help its exploding middle class enjoy the fruits of its labors – but its willingness to allow foreign manufacturers to sell their wares signals the first wave of what could prove to be a huge market worldwide. *** American manufacturers are surely going to want to be in on this potential boom as it unfolds. *** Flight Design’s CEO Matthias Betsch noted that the company underwent a full certification audit process for the approval. Chinese authorities, according to the news release, were complimentary of Flight Design for its high production quality, good flying track record and ongoing attention to improving the CT line. *** More than 1,500 Flight Design aircraft are now operational in 39 countries world wide. *** And with LAMA, EASA, ISO TUV Nord and now CAAC approval, the company’s global prestige can’t help but expand. *** We’re not just in Kansas any more, Toto.

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Remos, German makers of the popular Remos GX composite SLSA, has been the subject of a lot of wagging tongues the last few days. Rumors abound as to what it all means, with innuendo-slinging around the company’s alleged lack of timely disclosure surrounding its financial difficulties. *** The man who seems to have his finger on the pulse of the story and its nuances is LAMA President and Light Sport go-to dude Dan Johnson, who I talked with at length about the subject this morning. *** Dan’s ByDanJohnson.com jam-packed aviation info website has the scoop in his Splog (Sport pilot’s blog) so rather than do a thinly veiled rehash of what he told me, you can go here and get it straight from the old Pegasus’s mouth himself, and also read the company’s official release today right here. *** Short tell: word got out that Remos had a cash flow problem, was subsequently required under German finance law to file for insolvency status (not the same nor as dire a portent of financial ailment as a U.S. bankruptcy), then received another infusion of investor capital, and according to company spokesmen is sailing brightly once again into the future. *** We can all hope Remos turns the corner as the importance of its contributions to the LSA industry’s robustitude and image is undeniable. *** —photo courtesy Remos

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The newspaper Bay Of Plenty Times just posted a story bylined by Julia Proverbs that the popular Australian SLSA Jabiru has migrated to its down-under neighbor New Zealand. A flight school run by Euroflight International of Tauranga, (north island) just bought and flew two Jabiru LSA models to replace the school’s aging Cessna 150s. *** Pilots Tim Holland and Ross Crawford made the formation flight of around 1500 nm over the Tasman Sea in a new J230 and a slightly used J120 . *** Gutsy Call Dept: Holland reportedly doesn’t swim! Talk about confidence in your aircraft. (SAT phones, rafts and other survival gear were on board, so we know he’s not completely crazy). *** “Earlier this year , we decided to upgrade our fleet,” said Holland’s wife, *** Euroflight co-owner Anita Holland. “We were looking for something which would make flight training safe, affordable and fun…(and decided on a) composite aircraft …due to strength, durability and no risk of the dreaded corrosion. *** The delivery makes the Jabiru the first LSA to be registered in NZ, fresh on the heels of the Light Sport category just being officially adopted in Kiwi country. *** In the article, the Jabiru were praised, in the face of local fuel prices that have quadrupled, as higher-performing, cheaper-flying flight training alternatives to their fleet of Cessna 150s. *** Tim Holland was quoted as saying he looks forward to offering lessons at 1999 prices again. *** —photos courtesy Jabiru Aircraft and homeexchange.com

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SportairUSA, North American distributor for Sting and Sirius LSA models, just launched an interesting sales/service program for “pre-owned” LSA that should prove attractive for buyers and sellers alike. *** Here’s the pitch: *** SportairUSA will sell every pre-owned LSA that’s certified for the program with a six month, 50 hour warranty. *** Bonus: five hours of ground training and five hours of transition flight orientation will be included in the sale, including a biannual flight review. *** Bennies for the buyer: *** The flight training, and confidence that the bird has been “thoroughly inspected and maintained by experienced technicians.” That includes any repairs needed for certification in the program, using OEM parts. *** Bennies for the seller: *** Excellent market exposure to potential buyers, SportairUSA’s reputation and resources behind the sale, and free hangaring, maintainence and any needed repairs along the way – only with the seller’s approval, and at no cost until the airplane is sold. *** What I really like about the program: The inclusion of the flight training, a major concern of LSA insurers due to the high accident rate during first flights by new owners, including experienced GA pilots who tend to minimize the importance of thoroughly learning the LSA flight regime. By insisting on a standard for flight training at all stages of aircraft acquisition, SportairUSA is adding its vote for safer LSA flight, which portends lower costs for all in the long run. *** Programs like this also promise a maturing LSA infrastructure that will help the industry grow and gain respectability as we climb out of the economic doldrums. *** Contact for info on the program: 888-359-7572. *** —photo courtesy SportairUSA

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Holy Economics 101, Batman! *** X-Air LLC just sent out a release that caught my eye. *** X-Air is the Bend, Oregon-based LSA manufacturer that makes an ultralight-style flivver directly targeted at those recreational flyers and wingabees (flight-dreaming wannabes, get it?) on a tuna sandwich budget. *** The tube-and-fabric, fun-flying X-Air LS has a lot to offer for those less concerned with high-bucks style and more motivated by low-cost substance, in this case saving the Benjamins during flight training. *** A new X-Air LS goes for around $60,000 and burns 4 gal/hr! That translates into low-cost flight training, as well as dirt-cheap recreational-flight renting or club/shared ownership flying. *** The basic Sport Pilot license, with the minimum 20 in-flight training hour requirement, is already affordable when compared with a Private Pilot’s license. *** Now, students could find themselves spending 50 clams per hour instead of 200 in a Skyhawk. Cutting flight costs only increases the likelihood that students will fly more, or more often, making for better, safer pilots in the long run. *** I flew the X-Air a year ago but we haven’t run the pilot report in the mag yet…too many airplanes, too few pages. I’ll hope to hop a ride in the LS at Sebring in Jan. 2010 and bring you the report. *** The short tell is the X-Air does just fine working a good part of the LSA performance envelope, with a max cruise speed of 104 mph, 39 mph stall speed and a 574 lb. useful load. *** —photo courtesy X-Air

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AOPA kicked off its annual Aviation Summit, in Tampa, FL this year, with a pretty cool announcement: it’s annual Sweepstakes Giveaway aircraft will be an LSA: the Remos GX. *** The news here is this is the very first time the pilot’s membership organization has made their big prize a Light Sport airplane. *** Remos is serious about becoming top dog in the LSA sales race as it continues to heavily promote its aircraft and support services far and wide. Although still #4 in overall U.S. LSA sales, Remos aircraft have been selling at a faster clip than any other manufacturer the last year or so. *** Meanwhile, AOPA Prez Craig Fuller, Remos Mng. Dir. Corvin Huber, and our pal, LAMA Pres. Dan Johnson led the unveiling of the Remos before the attendees at Tampa’s Convention Center this morning. *** “Fun to Fly” is the theme of the sweepstakes. The winner will be announced at next year’s summit in Long Beach, CA and should be a happy puppy: the Remos GX will include a ballistic parachute and air bags, Dynon MFD and autopilot, a panel-mount Garmin 496, leather seats and other upgrades to be announced down the road. *** —photo courtesy Remos

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AMD, makers of the Chris Heinz-designed Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 light sport/experimental built aircraft, just got some bad news from the FAA. *** In its Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-10-08, FAA urged pilots and current builders not to fly either model until they make structural modifications to the aircraft. *** Yet another accident involving a CH601XL brings the number to five in the U.S. and several overseas, with numerous fatalities reported. Consistent reports of control surface flutter and in-flight structural failure have plagued descriptions of the accidents. *** FAA directed its recommendation at: “all serial numbers, including special light-sport category aircraft (S-LSA), experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), and experimental amateur-built aircraft” of the two models, citing “several areas of concern regarding the CH601XL…that may impact the overall safety of the design. Those causing the greatest concern are as follows: *** Wing structure: …the basic static strength of the CH601XL/CH650 does not appear to meet the intent of the ASTM standards… *** Structural Stability: …buckling in the wing structure, including in the center section. *** Flutter: …The FAA believes flutter may either be a first order root cause of in-flight structural failure or a secondary cause after some initial wing structural deformation or twisting. *** Airspeed calibration: Calibration procedures do not appear to adequately account for basic static pressure source error due to the location of the static port…The situation could lead to the potential of operating the airplane above the maneuver speed and/or the design cruise speed, potentially leading to structural failure. *** Stick force characteristics: Flight test data from foreign authorities indicates at aft center of gravity the stick forces become very light.” *** A Safety Directive/Safety Alert from AMD is expected soon. Recommendations will reportedly include structural changes to the airframe. *** —photo courtesy AMD

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Hungry for something new about electric flight, I swapped emails with Tom Peghiny yesterday. Tom’s the majordomo of Flight Design USA (top-selling CTLS LSA) and Flightstar (longtime maker of 3-axis control ultralights.) *** e-Spyder, the electric-powered single-seat ultralight he’s developing in congress with Yuneec, the powerhouse electric aircraft manufacturer that recently opened a 250,000 sq. ft. plant in China. *** Tom filled me in on the evolution of the production prototype. Denny Franklin, the Gyro Gearloose (i.e. intuitively brilliant) engineer and designer behind venerable designs such as the Drifter ultralight, is working up a longer wing with a sheared tip. *** Equally legendary hang glider sailmaker Steve Pearson of Wills Wing (top hang glider mfg.) is making a pattern for the new wing that will use a higher-camber airfoil than the first prototype. *** Wills will make the envelopes for the e-Spyder from a laminate covering material that’s 35% lighter than the 4 oz. Dacron sailcloth traditionally used for tube-and-fabric ultralights and hang gliders. *** Weight is the key in these early days of production electric flight, so lighter 7075-T6 aluminum tubing will be used for the wing frame. *** Cured Composites is tooling up to build a new, more aerodynamic front fairing and a carbon fiber motor mount and battery box. The Yuneec electric motor will be streamlined as well. *** Can’t wait to see this next iteration. 2009 should be a great year for electrics. *** To whit: Yuneec has ordered two prototypes and a two-seater airframe from Tom to train with in China. Could a two-seat electric ultralight be just over the horizon as well? *** Stay tuned… *** —photos courtesy Flightstar

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More haps on the electric flight front: At Yuneec Aircraft’s new 250K sq. foot factory airfield in Shanghai, China, Gerard Thevenot, the pioneering French hang glider designer and pilot who blazed foot-launched trails starting in the 1970s, set an electric-flight endurance record in a Yuneec-powered hang glider. *** Flying his own trike design, the go-juice came from a new “longer version” of Yuneec’s Power Drive 10Kw motor system. The flight lasted 1 hour 16 minutes. *** The news here for LSA followers is the ongoing commitment Yuneec has to powering all types of light sport aircraft, from hang gliders, paragliders and trikes like Thevenot’s to the ongoing development of the e-430 two-seat LSA we’ve talked about this year in Plane & Pilot. *** According to Yuneec’s website, Thevenot reportedly made just a couple test flights, then jumped up and set the record. He’s hoping to increase the duration to 1 1/2 hours any day now. *** I don’t know about you, but the thought of plugging in my airplane overnight, then flying around for an hour or so without all that mess and bother with fossil fuels has me counting battery sheep at night. *** —photos courtesy Yuneec Aircraft

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My former rock-and-rollin’ Sport Pilot flight instructor and flying buddy John Lampson and I took advantage of the gorgeous New England fall weather yesterday to sharpen up with a Flight Design CTSW thanks to another old flying pal, Flight Design USA prez Tom Peghiny. *** John and I revisited the spirited handling of the SW by jumping up to 3,000 feet and cruising through glass-smooth air over the lovely Connecticut and Massachusetts countryside, cloaked now in the gray wiskers of leafless trees. *** I also caught up with some of the latest developments for the company, including the new postage stamp released in China featuring the CTLS. *** The CT is the only LSA in the aviation stamp series, which also included GA aircraft from Cessna, Cirrus and Diamond. *** I wonder if President Obama is being made aware that private aviation is beginning to happen in China, as airstrips and infrastructure are being built all over the country for a burgeoning middle class that wants to fly. *** India is also growing a private aviation sector. The first two CTLS were just registered in India and will be used for flight training. *** Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Flight Design USA added three new flight schools to its Flight Design Pilot Center (FDPC) network. The company now numbers 19 flight schools using its LSA, and 38 flight instructors specifically trained to teach in the CT line. *** The latest additions are LSA New England, Hampton, NH, Copper City Aviation Services, Brisbee, AZ and Pilot’s Choice Aviation, Georgetown, Texas. *** Flight Design believes they’ve set up the largest LSA flight center program in the U.S. *** Finally, to counter those naysayers you come across now and then who suggest LSA are not up to the rigors of regular flight training, Flight Design offers this interesting rebuttal: a German-registered CT2K, the long-wing, first-gen model of the best-selling CT line, just logged its 13,268th landing! *** The milestone event went down at Jesenwang (say that three times fast) airfield in Germany, where it’s been in service as a flight school basic trainer since 2003. The plane has racked up almost 3,000 hours of flight time, is on its second Rotax engine and still operates daily at the 1,300-foot strip. *** In consideration of the global economic crisis, Tom P. notes in a recent release that “We have quite a few airplanes in daily revenue generating operations…It only takes about five active students to make this plane completely self funding.” *** FD Germany adds that the general word from the field is CTs spend very little time in the shop. That’s good news for any flight operation. *** Bringing it all home, I learned to fly in the CTLS but, as John L. and I rediscovered yesterday whilst hopping in and out of Rob Albright’s grass strip at Crow Island, MA, the CTSW remains one sweet, fun, fast, sporty LSA that really is fun to fly. *** —photos courtesy Flight Design. CTSW photo shot by John Dunham

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The hubbub continues to brew around airworthiness concerns for the AMD Zodiac 601 and it’s sibling 650 model. Scroll down this page for background on the story. *** Spicing up worries over Zodiac airworthiness comes news of a potential conflict between NTSB and FAA regarding what level of action the fedgov should have taken – months ago. *** Timeline… *** Thursday: For the first time ever, FAA ordered no new airworthiness certificates will be issued for the entire fleet of Zodiac CH-601XL series aircraft until safety mods are installed. *** Friday: NTSB, in an advisory news release, reported yet another Zodiac in-flight break-up – and fatality. The Board took the opportunity to remind us that it had urgently recommended to FAA – back in April 2009 – that it ground the design, after numerous crashes and fatalities, until the problem was effectively addressed by the manufacturers (AMD for SLSA, Zenith for kits). *** FAA had already implemented, last week in its Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB CE-10-08 – see blog entry below) a de facto grounding of those aircraft not in compliance with modifications put out by AMD, to resolve aerodynamic flutter and other related concerns. *** But: FAA’s action only addressed manufactured versions not in compliance with the mods. It did not include experimentally-built versions, of which there are hundreds out there flying or being built. Only voluntary grounding of homebuilts was advised by FAA and Zenith. *** The Kicker: this latest Zodiac crash was indeed a homebuilt version of the troubled design. NTSB in its release seems to be saying, “Told you so – now please do something about it!” *** FAA’s position in April was that there was insufficient justification to ground the entire fleet. *** Another Zodiac pilot is dead. The obvious question: Could that life have been saved by sterner FAA intervention last Spring? *** Meanwhile, Zenith , FAA and EAA now recommend – but still do not require – that all Zodiac CH-650 and CH-601XL aircraft remain grounded until mods are effected. *** If no stronger directive is forthcoming, “It can’t happen to me” types might not make the mods, keep flying, and pay the ultimate price. *** If ever there was a time for mandatory grounding, wouldn’t this be that time? *** My POV: *** Again I ask the question — what precisely is the rationale for not installing parachutes in every LSA — or GA aircraft for that matter — when available? *** How many of the dozen or so Zodiac deaths around the world this last year might have been prevented if ballistic ‘chutes had been aboard? *** No way to know. *** But when it comes time for you to make that call, picture this equation: *** the grieving faces of your loved ones vs. whatever small gain in performance you get by not carrying a chute. *** I rest my case. *** —photo of Zodiac courtesy of Zenith

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