ByDanJohnson.com

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

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

Not Your Father’s LSA; Icon A5 Grand Unveiling

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

The amphibious Icon A5 is full of seriously-cool features (think Apple computer) but one right out of James Bond films is the Automatic Wing Fold system that can open or close the wings with human effort limited to pushing a button…sounds mighty convenient while on the water. Watch the unveiling.

One glance at almost any view of the Icon A5 will tell you this isn’t like any Light-Sport Aircraft you’ve ever seen. Oh, the Nexaer was shapely and showed innovative thinking. And certainly, we have many fine LSA on the market. Yet nothing I’ve seen compares to the Wow! factor that comes when your eyes feast on A5. *** In a grand ceremony attended by 550 invited persons at company headquarters near LAX airport, Icon finally pulled the concealing drapery off their new LSA. Unless you’re a contractor assisting Icon, you’ve probably never heard about the project, a tightly-guarded secret. *** This idea was given birth at Stanford University by F-16 fighter jock, Kirk Hawkins. He’s enlisted as impressive a team as I’ve seen since Cirrus burst on the market exactly 10 years ago. For example, Icon’s engineering staff is composed of the top people from Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites. The group creating the A5 formerly put their brain power into SpaceShipOne and Global Flyer, among many other projects. Vern Raburn of Eclipse jet fame is on the Icon board of advisors. Marketing experts were hired away from Red Bull. The eye candy interior of A5 employed auto stylists from BMW, Porsche, and Nissan. This story is just getting started, but those who want to touch and feel this dreamy LSA need only show up at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, where A5 will make its public debut.

Compress Post ...

One glance at almost any view of the Icon A5 will tell you this isn’t like any Light-Sport Aircraft you’ve ever seen. Oh, the Nexaer was shapely and showed innovative thinking. And certainly, we have many fine LSA on the market. Yet nothing I’ve seen compares to the Wow! factor that comes when your eyes feast on A5. *** In a grand ceremony attended by 550 invited persons at company headquarters near LAX airport, Icon finally pulled the concealing drapery off their new LSA. Unless you’re a contractor assisting Icon, you’ve probably never heard about the project, a tightly-guarded secret. *** This idea was given birth at Stanford University by F-16 fighter jock, Kirk Hawkins. He’s enlisted as impressive a team as I’ve seen since Cirrus burst on the market exactly 10 years ago. For example, Icon’s engineering staff is composed of the top people from Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites.

Expand Post ...

Fixed Wing or Flexible…TampaBay Has Choices

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Monsoon 912 can be equipped with the American-made quick-fold Manta Ray topless wing. TampaBay reports they already have 18 orders for the new Monsoon (they are fast becoming one of the largest trike sellers in the USA). You have several wing choices best explained by contacting TampaBay. Apollo Fox also features a quick folding wing.

Our SLSA (Special Light-Sport Aircraft) List is popular with visitors and often generates a heads-up from alert readers about some new SLSA approval that snuck under my radar. This time the heads-up made me aware of new models in two forms. *** Please welcome TampaBay AeroSport’s Apollo Fox airplane and Monsoon weight-shift trike, to which I’ve assigned SLSA numbers 80 and 81. TampaBay, aka Apollo Aircraft, has been deeply involved with Light-Sport Aircraft for some time and previously won approval for the Delta Jet trike, which sells for a reasonable $38,000. Monsoon is a sleek, highly-engineered trike available with Rotax 582 or either 912-series engine for $45,000 to $58,500. *** In early 2008, the Florida Zephyrhills airport-based TampaBay also won an airworthiness certificate for their fixed wing Apollo Fox airplane. This European two seater is a variation of the popular design originated by Avid and Kitfox. With the 80-hp Rotax 912, Apollo Fox sells for a very modest $68,950 but…this includes an emergency airframe parachute. Many pilots will appreciate that TampaBay offers BRS parachutes as standard equipment on their SLSA with the not-inconsiderable cost built into the base price.

Compress Post ...

Our SLSA (Special Light-Sport Aircraft) List is popular with visitors and often generates a heads-up from alert readers about some new SLSA approval that snuck under my radar. This time the heads-up made me aware of new models in two forms. *** Please welcome TampaBay AeroSport’s Apollo Fox airplane and Monsoon weight-shift trike, to which I’ve assigned SLSA numbers 80 and 81. TampaBay, aka Apollo Aircraft, has been deeply involved with Light-Sport Aircraft for some time and previously won approval for the Delta Jet trike, which sells for a reasonable $38,000. Monsoon is a sleek, highly-engineered trike available with Rotax 582 or either 912-series engine for $45,000 to $58,500. *** In early 2008, the Florida Zephyrhills airport-based TampaBay also won an airworthiness certificate for their fixed wing Apollo Fox airplane. This European two seater is a variation of the popular design originated by Avid and Kitfox.

Expand Post ...

Atec Faeta Is Number 36 to Win SLSA Approval

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Common to many European LSA production facilities is a background in building highly efficient sailplanes. You can easily see this in the wonderful curves of the mostly carbon fiber Faeta.

You may know its sibling, the Zephyr, which was present at last year’s LSA Mall at AirVenture Oshkosh. Some 90 Zephyrs are flying, mostly around Europe. But the Czech producer’s U.S. importer, Atec Aircraft, went forward with certifying the Faeta (pronounced “Fay-eht-ah”) winning their approval in early June. Atec America’s Caleb Wood reported, “It was a challenging process because the documentation we had to use was in Czech language and had to be translated to English.” In addition, he said, the documents were in a different format with a different method of organization than FAA wanted. But ultimately the data was judged sufficient and now this very shapely design is available to Americans. Caleb and his Faeta will be at EAA’s LSA Mall if he can secure exhibit space elsewhere. *** SLSA number 35 for the Apollo Delta Jet trike represents the number 4 Weight-Shift Control LSA. Welcome to both new arrivals!

Compress Post ...

You may know its sibling, the Zephyr, which was present at last year’s LSA Mall at AirVenture Oshkosh. Some 90 Zephyrs are flying, mostly around Europe. But the Czech producer’s U.S. importer, Atec Aircraft, went forward with certifying the Faeta (pronounced “Fay-eht-ah”) winning their approval in early June. Atec America’s Caleb Wood reported, “It was a challenging process because the documentation we had to use was in Czech language and had to be translated to English.” In addition, he said, the documents were in a different format with a different method of organization than FAA wanted. But ultimately the data was judged sufficient and now this very shapely design is available to Americans. Caleb and his Faeta will be at EAA’s LSA Mall if he can secure exhibit space elsewhere. *** SLSA number 35 for the Apollo Delta Jet trike represents the number 4 Weight-Shift Control LSA.

Expand Post ...

Silvery LSA-8 Has a Great Tradition, Now Built New

By Dan Johnson || 2 Comments

Clyde Cessna. William Piper. Walter Beech. Al Mooney. William Boeing. You knew all that.

But do you recall the name Donald Luscombe? You probably should.

The Luscombe Aircraft Company built some 8,000 aircraft, 6,000 of them the Silvaire model alone. And they once pumped out as many as 23 per day, yes, per day! In 1948, Luscombe produced more than 2,700 aircraft in a calendar year. That’s more than twice as many as all LSA companies combined have sold in three years.

Fortunately, it isn’t just a history lesson. Thanks to John Dearden and staff at Flabob Airport in Southern California, the Luscombe was revived as the LSA-8 earning approval as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft.

Lucky me, I went flying in it with John and a pleasure it was. Great manners in a responsive, good performing, all-metal, Continental-powered LSA that is 100% Made in the USA. Selling for around $90,000 LSA-8 looks inexpensive compared to euro-denominated LSA now running to $130,000.

Since the European FAA, called EASA, is chugging through the process of accepting ASTM standards, LSA-8 could sell in Europe for 58,000 euros (before shipping or taxes). And with its vintage appeal in a modernized form (glass cockpit available), who knows what interest might follow?

Compress Post ...

Clyde Cessna. William Piper. Walter Beech. Al Mooney. William Boeing. You knew all that. But do you recall the name Donald Luscombe? You probably should. The Luscombe Aircraft Company built some 8,000 aircraft, 6,000 of them the Silvaire model alone. And they once pumped out as many as 23 per day, yes, per day! In 1948, Luscombe produced more than 2,700 aircraft in a calendar year. That’s more than twice as many as all LSA companies combined have sold in three years. Fortunately, it isn’t just a history lesson. Thanks to John Dearden and staff at Flabob Airport in Southern California, the Luscombe was revived as the LSA-8 earning approval as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Lucky me, I went flying in it with John and a pleasure it was. Great manners in a responsive, good performing, all-metal, Continental-powered LSA that is 100% Made in the USA. Selling for around $90,000 LSA-8 looks inexpensive compared to euro-denominated LSA now running to $130,000.

Expand Post ...

Avemco Investigates LSA; Continues Insurance

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Avemco advises LSA producers could help contain insurance premiums by… solving any design issues; doing better transition training of pilots not used to light wing loading; getting more shops ready to do repairs and assuring replacement parts are available; and, working with aviation experts to properly value used aircraft and those in salvage operations. Similar tasks are required for all new aviation market segments.

Does FAA control aviation? They regulate it (sometimes well). True control may be in the hands of insurance companies. Just try to operate your airplane, your airport, your aviation business without insurance coverage. Insurance companies help keep airports open and protect our investment in airplanes when we occasionally land a bit hard. *** One company addresses market needs differently. Avemco sells directly to pilots, not through middlemen. This may explain why Avemco is one of the country’s largest airplane insurers. *** Their top man, Avemco President Jim Lauerman, has been out doing his homework on LSA. In our conversation at Sebring 2008, Jim told me about all the LSA leaders he spoke to at the event. Following Sebring he went quite a few extra miles and paid in-person visits to AMD, American Legend, and IndUS Aviation. *** Since Lauerman is personally willing to look carefully at LSA, industry players are likely to heed his advice out of respect for his interest and thoroughness. The best news: Avemco fully intends to remain in the LSA insurance market. (See photo caption for Avemco’s advice.)

Compress Post ...

Does FAA control aviation? They regulate it (sometimes well). True control may be in the hands of insurance companies. Just try to operate your airplane, your airport, your aviation business without insurance coverage. Insurance companies help keep airports open and protect our investment in airplanes when we occasionally land a bit hard. *** One company addresses market needs differently. Avemco sells directly to pilots, not through middlemen. This may explain why Avemco is one of the country’s largest airplane insurers. *** Their top man, Avemco President Jim Lauerman, has been out doing his homework on LSA. In our conversation at Sebring 2008, Jim told me about all the LSA leaders he spoke to at the event. Following Sebring he went quite a few extra miles and paid in-person visits to AMD, American Legend, and IndUS Aviation. *** Since Lauerman is personally willing to look carefully at LSA, industry players are likely to heed his advice out of respect for his interest and thoroughness.

Expand Post ...

X-Air Captures SLSA (#78); A Low-Price Leader

By Dan Johnson || 2 Comments

A good basic flyer that can also be a good trainer, X-Air LS comes standard with flaps, trim, Icom radio, Dynon engine monitor, and basic flight instrumentation. Options include more fuel, Garmin GTX 327, Garmin GPS, and more.

Many pilots have complained about the high prices of Light-Sport Aircraft. Customers expected figures like $50,000 or $60,000 (and we had choices at that price in 2003). Now, double or more is common. Read why. But not always. X-Air LS comes in at a surprisingly modest $46,900. Yes, it has sewn Dacron wings (though that helps keep it lighter; no painting). No, it isn’t as sleek as the carbon fiber jobs. Others can fly a bit faster (cruise is 90 mph). Yet for $20,000 less than we thought they should be five years ago — and about one-third the cost of many LSA today — X-Air LS will find some buyers. Indeed, X-Air had a good start at the Flying magazine Parade of Pistons, selling a LSA to the high and fast crowd. X-Air comes standard with the 85-hp Jabiru 2200, giving it spirited performance at very low fuel usage. In response to demands for lower cost LSA, X-Air’s Justin Reimer said, “Now you have it with the X-Air LS…an entry level aircraft at an entry level price!” X-Air began pursuing SLSA status only six months ago and worked through the ASTM requirements quickly due to the thorough testing of the design by a seasoned team at X-Air.

Compress Post ...

Many pilots have complained about the high prices of Light-Sport Aircraft. Customers expected figures like $50,000 or $60,000 (and we had choices at that price in 2003). Now, double or more is common. Read why. But not always. X-Air LS comes in at a surprisingly modest $46,900. Yes, it has sewn Dacron wings (though that helps keep it lighter; no painting). No, it isn’t as sleek as the carbon fiber jobs. Others can fly a bit faster (cruise is 90 mph). Yet for $20,000 less than we thought they should be five years ago — and about one-third the cost of many LSA today — X-Air LS will find some buyers. Indeed, X-Air had a good start at the Flying magazine Parade of Pistons, selling a LSA to the high and fast crowd. X-Air comes standard with the 85-hp Jabiru 2200, giving it spirited performance at very low fuel usage.

Expand Post ...

Aircraft Sales through April ’08 Reflect Economy

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

In the first four months of the year, we’ve seen a few climbers: Czech Aircraft Works and Remos improved their rank the most: Highest 2008 sales were (in order): Flight Design, CZAW, Remos, Jabiru, Tecnam, and Legend.

I can identify four factors in the economy presently affecting airplane sales: Potential customers (often with plenty of assets or creditworthiness) see the value of their stock portfolio going up and down like a roller coaster; worry over their once-soaring real estate, now down markedly in some areas; witness the continuing rise of the euro-dollar exchange rate, bringing much higher prices for many LSA; and, fret over a climate of political uncertainty during another election cycle. *** Perhaps due to these factors GA single engine piston sales are off 28% compared to the same period last year, according to GAMA. LSA sales are off 30% compared to trends six months to a year ago. *** Jet and turbine aircraft sales are up, but 2008 deliveries of those aircraft stem from orders taken 2-3 years ago. Contrarily, personal and sport aircraft sales react quickly to the slightest perception of economic shakiness. *** Despite that we have some bright spots. Large ad expenditures paid off with a good advance for Remos. The Flight Design machine drives on as it always has and Czech Aircraft Works is experiencing healthy registrations. Jabiru continues to grow steadily and Urban Air‘s Lambada has made the top 20 for the first time. Hopefully, the last eight months of the year will offset the slow start in ’08.

Compress Post ...

I can identify four factors in the economy presently affecting airplane sales: Potential customers (often with plenty of assets or creditworthiness) see the value of their stock portfolio going up and down like a roller coaster; worry over their once-soaring real estate, now down markedly in some areas; witness the continuing rise of the euro-dollar exchange rate, bringing much higher prices for many LSA; and, fret over a climate of political uncertainty during another election cycle. *** Perhaps due to these factors GA single engine piston sales are off 28% compared to the same period last year, according to GAMA. LSA sales are off 30% compared to trends six months to a year ago. *** Jet and turbine aircraft sales are up, but 2008 deliveries of those aircraft stem from orders taken 2-3 years ago. Contrarily, personal and sport aircraft sales react quickly to the slightest perception of economic shakiness. *** Despite that we have some bright spots.

Expand Post ...

Floatplane Season Means Fun for LSA Enthusiasts

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

I am first a soaring enthusiast, but right afterward comes floatplane flying. It doesn’t get much better than zipping around five feet over the water, leaping over a tiny island and dropping down the other side. Photos courtesy of American Legend Aircraft Company, Jim Wilson Photography.

With summer just around the corner, floatplane flying regains its special appeal. In about a month, I’ll have an announcement of a very exciting, ultramodern new seaplane that will make your jaw drop. But today, you can get an incentive at the opposite end of the LSA technology spectrum. *** Legend Cub, which offers a float option for its replica Cub, is offering $2,000 of free options with the purchase of a Legend FloatCub, base priced at $121,000. If you’ve investigated floatplane or seaplane prices you should recognize a fair value, now with a couple grand of added goodies to clinch the deal. *** FloatCub comes with Baumann 1500 Floats and experiences minimal performance reductions in this configuration. FloatCub still manages a 92 mph top speed, only 10 percent below a non-float Legend Cub. And climb remains a respectable 500 fpm. *** Unlike the other two Cub lookalikes in the LSA fleet (Sport Cub and Savage) — and unlike the original Piper Cub — Legend offers doors on both sides. This is a major advantage when docking on floats as the pilot can exit either side. Having flown a number of floatplanes or boat hull seaplanes, I’ll say that flying on floats is one of aviation’s most fun activities.

Compress Post ...

With summer just around the corner, floatplane flying regains its special appeal. In about a month, I’ll have an announcement of a very exciting, ultramodern new seaplane that will make your jaw drop. But today, you can get an incentive at the opposite end of the LSA technology spectrum. *** Legend Cub, which offers a float option for its replica Cub, is offering $2,000 of free options with the purchase of a Legend FloatCub, base priced at $121,000. If you’ve investigated floatplane or seaplane prices you should recognize a fair value, now with a couple grand of added goodies to clinch the deal. *** FloatCub comes with Baumann 1500 Floats and experiences minimal performance reductions in this configuration. FloatCub still manages a 92 mph top speed, only 10 percent below a non-float Legend Cub. And climb remains a respectable 500 fpm. *** Unlike the other two Cub lookalikes in the LSA fleet (Sport Cub and Savage) — and unlike the original Piper Cub — Legend offers doors on both sides.

Expand Post ...

CGS Aviation’s Hawk Arrow II Wins SLSA Approval

By Dan Johnson || 1 Comment

The latest aircraft to earn Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness (SLSA #77) is one of America’s most familiar and best proven models. CGS Aviation first offered its Hawk model 26 years ago, in 1982.

Since then, many model variations have been brought to market…single seat versions, two seaters, tri-gear, taildragger. Regular evolutionary changes resulted from the continuous process of development and refinement.

These efforts have sold more than 1,750 Hawks to pilots who fly them across the USA and all over the globe. *** Many years after company owner and designer Chuck Slusarczyk first offered his “real airplane” ultralight, it is appropriate that he and his Hawk Arrow II join the SLSA parade. Customers have a major reason to rejoice. Read carefully: the first 10 Hawk SLSA will be sold for $39,995 ready-to-fly with the Rotax 582.

This is, by a wide margin, the lowest price yet for any certified LSA. Hawk fulfills the promise of a low-price LSA that beckoned to many when the rule first came out in July 2004. *** Chuck advises that he will also offer the Hawk SLSA with the Jabiru 2200, the HKS 700E, or the Rotax 912UL. And, he plans to offer a kit ELSA to allow owners to do much of their own maintenance.

Compress Post ...

The latest aircraft to earn Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness (SLSA #77) is one of America’s most familiar and best proven models. CGS Aviation first offered its Hawk model 26 years ago, in 1982. Since then, many model variations have been brought to market…single seat versions, two seaters, tri-gear, taildragger. Regular evolutionary changes resulted from the continuous process of development and refinement. These efforts have sold more than 1,750 Hawks to pilots who fly them across the USA and all over the globe. *** Many years after company owner and designer Chuck Slusarczyk first offered his “real airplane” ultralight, it is appropriate that he and his Hawk Arrow II join the SLSA parade. Customers have a major reason to rejoice. Read carefully: the first 10 Hawk SLSA will be sold for $39,995 ready-to-fly with the Rotax 582. This is, by a wide margin, the lowest price yet for any certified LSA.

Expand Post ...

Hansen Air Group Imports the German Peregrine

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

In addition to handsome flowing lines, the Peregrine has two outstanding features Hansen displayed at Sun ‘n Fun. Fowler flaps extend into two surfaces which makes for very smooth airflow. Flymap supplies an optional but gorgeous touch-screen map and primary flight display.

You probably know the Sky Arrow. This smooth tandem Light-Sport Aircraft from Italy uses exquisite construction and I found it to fly beautifully (read my report). Sky Arrow is imported by Jon Hansen and his family. Jon represented Tecnam aircraft (also of Italy) for several years, helping to launch that brand. Hansen Air Group and Tecnam ended their relationship a couple years back, and since then Jon and his team have been seeking another aircraft to represent. That search is over. *** At Sun ‘n Fun 2008, Hansen Air Group showed their new entry, the FA-04 Peregrine, built by Flaeming Air of Germany. The low wing beauty is mostly carbon fiber and was refashioned to be a Special LSA, following Flaeming’s success at winning VLA approval in Europe. Interesting Note: Hansen’s Sky Arrow also started with VLA approval, which helped it qualify as an SLSA. *** “The FA-04’s standard tricycle gear can easily be converted to a tail wheel by a certified mechanic,” reported Jon’s identical twin brother, Ron Hansen. Peregrine specs: span–31.5 ft; wing area–106 sq. ft; cabin width–44 in; empty weight–750 lbs; fuel capacity–26.4 gal; 75% power cruise–110 kts; climb rate–1,050 fpm.

Compress Post ...

You probably know the Sky Arrow. This smooth tandem Light-Sport Aircraft from Italy uses exquisite construction and I found it to fly beautifully (read my report). Sky Arrow is imported by Jon Hansen and his family. Jon represented Tecnam aircraft (also of Italy) for several years, helping to launch that brand. Hansen Air Group and Tecnam ended their relationship a couple years back, and since then Jon and his team have been seeking another aircraft to represent. That search is over. *** At Sun ‘n Fun 2008, Hansen Air Group showed their new entry, the FA-04 Peregrine, built by Flaeming Air of Germany. The low wing beauty is mostly carbon fiber and was refashioned to be a Special LSA, following Flaeming’s success at winning VLA approval in Europe. Interesting Note: Hansen’s Sky Arrow also started with VLA approval, which helped it qualify as an SLSA.

Expand Post ...

Rotary Power for M-Squared’s Part 103 Ultralight

By Dan Johnson || 2 Comments

At Sun ‘n Fun 2008, M-Squared showed their new Part 103 Breese SS with the Revolution rotary engine. The effort is a collaboration with the Canada-based company represented by CEO George Payne (second from right) and Sales & Marketing Manager, Ray Anderson (second from left). M-Squared founder, Paul Mather (at far right), has been appointed the southeast U.S. distributor.

In the late 1970s, Mazda popularized the rotary engine for their RX-7 sports car. Such engines are particularly known for their smooth running operation. Many aviators can appreciate low-vibration powerplants but especially those flying the lightest of recreational aircraft, namely Part 103 machines. *** Now, M-Squared has partnered to offer such a combination. Revolution Rotary Engines Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturing company located in Markham, Ontario connected with M-Squared‘s Paul Mather to exploit the possibilities of rotary power. At Sun ‘n Fun 2008, M-Squared showed a single place, strutted Breese with the R301A single cylinder rotary engine supplying 35 horsepower. Installed on M-Squared’s lightweight Breese SS (single seat), the aircraft is said to remain within 103’s tight parameters (assuming the buyer does not insist on options and accessories that would bump it over weight). *** The single rotor aircraft engine looks compact and weighs a reported 40 pounds. Paul found the 35-hp powerplant delivers good climb performance. *** The still unnamed model (Sun ‘n Fun visitors were invited to help name the new aircraft) is offered at a modest price of $14,995…and of course, it being a Part 103 machine, buyers need no pilot’s license, no medical, and the vehicle need not be registered with FAA. Sweet!

Compress Post ...

In the late 1970s, Mazda popularized the rotary engine for their RX-7 sports car. Such engines are particularly known for their smooth running operation. Many aviators can appreciate low-vibration powerplants but especially those flying the lightest of recreational aircraft, namely Part 103 machines. *** Now, M-Squared has partnered to offer such a combination. Revolution Rotary Engines Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturing company located in Markham, Ontario connected with M-Squared‘s Paul Mather to exploit the possibilities of rotary power. At Sun ‘n Fun 2008, M-Squared showed a single place, strutted Breese with the R301A single cylinder rotary engine supplying 35 horsepower. Installed on M-Squared’s lightweight Breese SS (single seat), the aircraft is said to remain within 103’s tight parameters (assuming the buyer does not insist on options and accessories that would bump it over weight). *** The single rotor aircraft engine looks compact and weighs a reported 40 pounds.

Expand Post ...

Europe Takes a Major Step to Adopt ASTM Standards

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

New European regulations could create a huge new market for U.S.-built aircraft like the IndUS Thorpedo (especially their new diesel!), Quicksilver GT500, AMD CH-601 XL, Legend Cub, CubCrafters Sport Cub, Rans S-7LS or S-19, Just Aircraft Highlander, and more. Plus, consider how inexpensive the re-exported X-Air LS would be…just 29,800 euros!

If that headline didn’t cause you to turn away in boredom, let me tell you why it’s important: American producers of LSA could find a golden opportunity. Broader acceptance of ASTM standards is good for the global LSA producer community. But the main impact may be for Light-Sport Airplanes made in the U.S. of A. *** Though the example applies to any U.S.-built airplane, let’s take a ready-to-fly Rans S-7LS, selling for $85,000 in America. Today’s exchange rate is 1.58 dollars to 1.00 euro. So, a European pilot who buys an S-7LS will pay 53,800 euros (plus shipping, taxes, etc.). For EU residents, spending one euro feels much the same as it does for an American to spend one dollar. Yet when they receive 53,800 euros for an S-7LS, Rans earns a similar profit as from an $85,000 sale in the USA. *** LAMA president Tom Gunnarson — in the Czech Republic today for a show and meetings with EASA (like FAA) officials — said that under European Light Aircraft (ELA) category 1, “EASA is proposing to create a Certification Specification for Light Sport Aeroplane (CS-LSA)…having a max takeoff weight of 600 kg, the same as an American LSA.” With LAMA board member and European representative, Jo Konrad, Gunnarson is attending EASA meetings to assure LAMA members are well represented.

Compress Post ...

If that headline didn’t cause you to turn away in boredom, let me tell you why it’s important: American producers of LSA could find a golden opportunity. Broader acceptance of ASTM standards is good for the global LSA producer community. But the main impact may be for Light-Sport Airplanes made in the U.S. of A. *** Though the example applies to any U.S.-built airplane, let’s take a ready-to-fly Rans S-7LS, selling for $85,000 in America. Today’s exchange rate is 1.58 dollars to 1.00 euro. So, a European pilot who buys an S-7LS will pay 53,800 euros (plus shipping, taxes, etc.). For EU residents, spending one euro feels much the same as it does for an American to spend one dollar. Yet when they receive 53,800 euros for an S-7LS, Rans earns a similar profit as from an $85,000 sale in the USA. *** LAMA president Tom Gunnarson — in the Czech Republic today for a show and meetings with EASA (like FAA) officials — said that under European Light Aircraft (ELA) category 1, “EASA is proposing to create a Certification Specification for Light Sport Aeroplane (CS-LSA)…having a max takeoff weight of 600 kg, the same as an American LSA.” With LAMA board member and European representative, Jo Konrad, Gunnarson is attending EASA meetings to assure LAMA members are well represented.

Expand Post ...

Big Crowds at the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

If you missed the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall in 2008, please accept an invitation for April 21-26, 2009.

Sun ‘n Fun 2008 is history, but planning is already underway for the 2009 event. Event boss John Burton confirmed we will again have the LAMA-hosted LSA Mall right at the front gate next April 21-26. A major success at this year’s Lakeland, Florida airshow, the industry Mall presentation featured 17 Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Weather prevented Fantasy Air’s Allegro from attending. Two days before the event, a tornado crushed a Sting S3 planned for display. And work at Quicksilver Manufacturing postponed the exhibit of the GT500 (they’re finishing SLSA approval, reports national sales manager, Todd Ellefson). *** The 17 who were in the ’08 LSA Mall enjoyed significant traffic all week and virtually every visitor to Sun ‘n Fun was at least exposed to Light-Sport Aircraft in a wide variety (although we were not able to enlist any trike or powered parachute companies). Aircraft shown were: Flight Design CTLS, AirMax SeaMax, Jabiru USA J-250, IndUS Thorpedo, CubCrafters Sport Cub, FP&A A-22 Valor, Sportsplanes.com Breezer II, Just Aircraft Highlander on floats, Lambada motorglider, Gobosh G-700S, Remos G-3, CZAW SportCruiser, Legend Cub, AMD Patriot and CH-601, Evektor SportStar, and Paradise P-1. *** Joining LAMA inside the big welcome tent were Rotax and Jabiru LSA engines, BRS emergency parachutes, AirFleet Capital (LSA financing), and ASA training resources featuring Paul Hamilton (who also made a special 30-minute DVD of LSA flying in scenic locations). LAMA plus tens of thousands of visitors thank all who participated!

Compress Post ...

Sun ‘n Fun 2008 is history, but planning is already underway for the 2009 event. Event boss John Burton confirmed we will again have the LAMA-hosted LSA Mall right at the front gate next April 21-26. A major success at this year’s Lakeland, Florida airshow, the industry Mall presentation featured 17 Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Weather prevented Fantasy Air’s Allegro from attending. Two days before the event, a tornado crushed a Sting S3 planned for display. And work at Quicksilver Manufacturing postponed the exhibit of the GT500 (they’re finishing SLSA approval, reports national sales manager, Todd Ellefson). *** The 17 who were in the ’08 LSA Mall enjoyed significant traffic all week and virtually every visitor to Sun ‘n Fun was at least exposed to Light-Sport Aircraft in a wide variety (although we were not able to enlist any trike or powered parachute companies).

Expand Post ...

IndUS Unveils the First-Ever LSA Diesel

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Rules for Light-Sport Aircraft allow plenty of room to experiment and IndUS took advantage with their new Thorpedo DP. The three cylinder engine is turbocharged and supercharged to produce 120 horsepower.

Sun ‘n Fun has been a rip-roaring success for Light-Sport Aircraft. The new LSA Mall right at the main entrance gate has been thick with traffic all week and even the weather cooperated after a day-before-opening deluge of rain (5+ inches in a few hours!). In the days ahead, I’ll have lots more LSA news for SPLOG readers. *** On Saturday, IndUS Aviation unveiled their first-in-the-industry diesel-powered Thorpedo DP. News media and interested parties turned out to hear IndUS leaders speak about the project. The Dallas, Texas-based company finally pulled back the curtain after months of work to reveal their WAM-120 three cylinder, two-stroke engine tucked neatly under their new shapely nose cowl. *** Turbocharged and supercharged, the 120-horsepower engine burns a mere 3 gallons of Jet A per hour. This fuel is widely available around the world (important to an international seller like IndUS) where 100LL is not. According to IndUS president Ram Pattisapu, “[The WAM-120 is] quiet and has unbelievable climb performance.” *** ASTM has a compression engine standard for diesel engines; IndUS is the first to use it and is presently pursuing certification of the Thorpedo DP. They expect to offer the aircraft for sale by AirVenture Oshkosh 2008.

Compress Post ...

Sun ‘n Fun has been a rip-roaring success for Light-Sport Aircraft. The new LSA Mall right at the main entrance gate has been thick with traffic all week and even the weather cooperated after a day-before-opening deluge of rain (5+ inches in a few hours!). In the days ahead, I’ll have lots more LSA news for SPLOG readers. *** On Saturday, IndUS Aviation unveiled their first-in-the-industry diesel-powered Thorpedo DP. News media and interested parties turned out to hear IndUS leaders speak about the project. The Dallas, Texas-based company finally pulled back the curtain after months of work to reveal their WAM-120 three cylinder, two-stroke engine tucked neatly under their new shapely nose cowl. *** Turbocharged and supercharged, the 120-horsepower engine burns a mere 3 gallons of Jet A per hour. This fuel is widely available around the world (important to an international seller like IndUS) where 100LL is not.

Expand Post ...

Waterbirds to Market the Colyaer Freedom Amphibian

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

If you can attend Sun ‘n Fun and want to examine Freedom, “We’ll be in the Southeast exhibit area, space SE 020,” says Larry Martin of Waterbirds. This location is very near the LSA Mall where 20 SLSA are exhibited for your comparison shopping. Come see them all April 8-13 in Lakeland, Florida!

In late 2006, the second amphibian to win SLSA approval was Colyaer’s Freedom, after CZAW’s Mermaid. Since these two, the SeaMax also joined the party, and at least two more are in development. Flying boat fans have some sweet choices. Even though we have three today, sales have been modest for a variety of reasons: manufacturing is more complex with retractable gear; marketing to a country the size and diversity of the USA is challenging; and cost of any LSA floatplane is greater than its equivalent landplane (though a fraction of the cost of a Part 23-certified airplane on floats). *** Now, welcome Waterbirds. From the people that bring you the Sting S3, availability will now be better as this new company struck a deal with LSA Aero, importer of the Freedom. Contact Larry Martin stated, “Waterbirds will manage the sales and marketing of Colyaer’s Freedom, while LSA Aero will continue to import the airplane and provide after-sales support.” *** With a wingspan greater than 40 feet, Freedom claims a glide of 20:1, an impressive figure, especially for an amphibian. Flying boats often weigh more — retractable gear alone adds pounds — but with an allowed gross weight of 1,430 pounds, useful load is a respectable 576 pounds.

Compress Post ...

In late 2006, the second amphibian to win SLSA approval was Colyaer’s Freedom, after CZAW’s Mermaid. Since these two, the SeaMax also joined the party, and at least two more are in development. Flying boat fans have some sweet choices. Even though we have three today, sales have been modest for a variety of reasons: manufacturing is more complex with retractable gear; marketing to a country the size and diversity of the USA is challenging; and cost of any LSA floatplane is greater than its equivalent landplane (though a fraction of the cost of a Part 23-certified airplane on floats). *** Now, welcome Waterbirds. From the people that bring you the Sting S3, availability will now be better as this new company struck a deal with LSA Aero, importer of the Freedom. Contact Larry Martin stated, “Waterbirds will manage the sales and marketing of Colyaer’s Freedom, while LSA Aero will continue to import the airplane and provide after-sales support.” *** With a wingspan greater than 40 feet, Freedom claims a glide of 20:1, an impressive figure, especially for an amphibian.

Expand Post ...

Spanish Toxo Sportster Wins SLSA Airworthiness

By Dan Johnson || 3 Comments

Toxo, named after a Spanish flowering plant, will be exhibited at Sun ‘n Fun 2008 in the company’s southeast exhibit area #23, which visitors will reach after passing through the LSA Mall hosted by LAMA. Come see Toxo and most Light-Sport Aircraft next week in Lakeland, Florida!

In development for years, Composite Aeronautic Group’s Toxo won SLSA airworthiness on March 28th from Mike Millard, FAA. The newest SLSA, number 76, hails from Spain — the second LSA entry from that European country (after the Colyaer Freedom amphib). When Toxo first arrived, Americans were attracted but found it rather small inside. After displaying at American airshows, CAG reengineered Toxo and returned with a variation better suited to Americans (about 45 inches wide, making it more than five inches wider than a Cessna 172). Toxo Aircraft North America representative Amy Christian adds, “Toxo offers easy access with gull-wing doors, great air flow throughout the interior, and cushy seats with just the right angle for optimal comfort. Our pedals are even adjustable for a custom fit.” Toxo wings and fuselage are built using prepreg fiberglass plus carbon fiber with structural honeycomb cores. *** The company is represented in the USA by two companies: Toxo Aircraft North America with the lion’s share of American states, and by ILS Aircraft Company, an operation handling Alabama, Georgia, and the vital Florida market. *** Before the SLSA-approved version, CAG sold a kit version of Toxo and reports 23 are flying. Among other changes, the SLSA model has more than two feet of additional span.

Compress Post ...

In development for years, Composite Aeronautic Group’s Toxo won SLSA airworthiness on March 28th from Mike Millard, FAA. The newest SLSA, number 76, hails from Spain — the second LSA entry from that European country (after the Colyaer Freedom amphib). When Toxo first arrived, Americans were attracted but found it rather small inside. After displaying at American airshows, CAG reengineered Toxo and returned with a variation better suited to Americans (about 45 inches wide, making it more than five inches wider than a Cessna 172). Toxo Aircraft North America representative Amy Christian adds, “Toxo offers easy access with gull-wing doors, great air flow throughout the interior, and cushy seats with just the right angle for optimal comfort. Our pedals are even adjustable for a custom fit.” Toxo wings and fuselage are built using prepreg fiberglass plus carbon fiber with structural honeycomb cores. *** The company is represented in the USA by two companies: Toxo Aircraft North America with the lion’s share of American states, and by ILS Aircraft Company, an operation handling Alabama, Georgia, and the vital Florida market.

Expand Post ...

In 35 Years Wills Wing Built 22,000 Hang Gliders!

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

A modern Wills Wing T2C (“C” for Carbon) is among the highest performing hang gliders, selling for $8,285 and weighing only 73 pounds. Many find hang gliding to be the purest form of flying that delivers a birdlike or Superman sensation, which pilots flying only powered, enclosed aircraft cannot truly imagine. More hang gliding information.

This year Wallaby Ranch proprietor Malcolm Jones conveniently scheduled the 11th annual Wills Wing Demo Days event about a week before Sun ‘n Fun. In remarks Saturday night to a jammed-full tent, Wills Wing hang glider company president Rob Kells declared, “This is the largest gathering of hang glider pilots on the planet!” The large crowd was an active group, too. Rob also announced 676 tows had been made (launching hang gliders) during four-plus days of excellent flying conditions. *** Demo Days is a marketing concept where Wills Wing sends out an over-sized trailer loaded with new hang gliders, dozens of them in various models. Qualified enthusiasts from far and near demo flew them for free. California-based Wills Wing, one of the world’s top producers, makes their biggest eastern outing at Wallaby. A fleet of tugs, southern hospitality, a safety-first attitude, and great winter weather makes Wallaby the choice location. Wills Wing management — a team of four — has been consistently at the helm for 30 of the company’s 35 years. Those four have performed their jobs so well for so long that the brand has produced 22,000 aircraft, a benchmark very few aviation manufacturers have reached.

Compress Post ...

This year Wallaby Ranch proprietor Malcolm Jones conveniently scheduled the 11th annual Wills Wing Demo Days event about a week before Sun ‘n Fun. In remarks Saturday night to a jammed-full tent, Wills Wing hang glider company president Rob Kells declared, “This is the largest gathering of hang glider pilots on the planet!” The large crowd was an active group, too. Rob also announced 676 tows had been made (launching hang gliders) during four-plus days of excellent flying conditions. *** Demo Days is a marketing concept where Wills Wing sends out an over-sized trailer loaded with new hang gliders, dozens of them in various models. Qualified enthusiasts from far and near demo flew them for free. California-based Wills Wing, one of the world’s top producers, makes their biggest eastern outing at Wallaby. A fleet of tugs, southern hospitality, a safety-first attitude, and great winter weather makes Wallaby the choice location.

Expand Post ...

2008 LSA Sales Reflect a Stalling U.S. Economy

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

The ranking order changes again even while the top three hold their leadership positions. Note the gain of CubCrafters now brings the sum of little yellow taildraggers (with American Legend and Zlin’s Savage) to an impressive 17.3% of all fixed wing registrations.

The U.S. economy is hardly crashing, but while slipping backwards in late 2007 and early 2008, it has been on a bumpy plateau. This unevenness causes trouble for many businesses. Even giant coffee seller, Starbucks, is rejiggering their business model to adjust for folks balking at $4 coffee while their stock portfolio lurches up and down. Light-Sport Aircraft sales also reflect that lack of consumer confidence. *** Figures for the first two months of 2008 show slightly more than 40 aircraft registrations per month. In 2007, the industry averaged 47 aircraft registrations per month. Of course, this 15% decrease also comes while many northern states have endured awful winter flying weather, partially explaining why sales are off the beat. Despite a cloudy overcast some bright spots emerge. *** CZAW‘s SportCruiser led the pack with more than 17% growth during January and February. AMD is close behind with 14% growth, and CubCrafters continues their climb with 7.5% growth. Newly ranked companies appearing on the list include Gobosh (G-700S) and U.S. producers Just Aircraft (Highlander) and Higher Class Aviation (Sport Hornet). Common in every industry, larger companies have difficulty maintaining high percentage growth as their overall numbers increase.

Compress Post ...

The U.S. economy is hardly crashing, but while slipping backwards in late 2007 and early 2008, it has been on a bumpy plateau. This unevenness causes trouble for many businesses. Even giant coffee seller, Starbucks, is rejiggering their business model to adjust for folks balking at $4 coffee while their stock portfolio lurches up and down. Light-Sport Aircraft sales also reflect that lack of consumer confidence. *** Figures for the first two months of 2008 show slightly more than 40 aircraft registrations per month. In 2007, the industry averaged 47 aircraft registrations per month. Of course, this 15% decrease also comes while many northern states have endured awful winter flying weather, partially explaining why sales are off the beat. Despite a cloudy overcast some bright spots emerge. *** CZAW‘s SportCruiser led the pack with more than 17% growth during January and February. AMD is close behind with 14% growth, and CubCrafters continues their climb with 7.5% growth.

Expand Post ...

Rotax 503 Launch…then, Silence is Golden

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Once aloft and catching thermals, Dave (left seat) and I removed our headsets, listening only to a bit of air flow and the chirping of the variometer that tells you if you’re in lift or sink. Sweet! With its center instrument panel, leg room is abundant. Taurus is flown with an Experimental–Air Race designation.

Some of you know the Pipistrel line. Americans have seen two of their models: the Sinus and Virus (yep, those awkward, even distasteful names…except representatives prefer to say SEEN-us and VEER-us). Fortunately Taurus is easier on the American tongue, thanks to Ford and its auto model by the same name. *** I discovered Taurus is also easy on the ears as I went for a two-hour soaring flight from Wallaby Ranch with my hang gliding friend, David Ledford. His side-by-side Taurus — roomy for a soaring machine — glides beyond 40:1 and manages a sink rate barely more than 100 fpm. Those numbers translate into plenty of soaring power as we proved on a day with modest convective lift. *** Taurus is a self-launched sailplane, rather than a motorglider like Urban Air’s Lambada or Pipistrel’s own Sinus. To get aloft, we were powered by a Rotax 503 two-stroke engine that fits neatly into a cavity aft of the cockpit. Taurus’ main landing gear retracts into the belly and once you’ve gotten 3,000 feet or so above the surface, you shut down the engine, straighten the prop, and electrically hide the noisemaker under doors that shut tight. Then, ahhh…the silence starts.

Compress Post ...

Some of you know the Pipistrel line. Americans have seen two of their models: the Sinus and Virus (yep, those awkward, even distasteful names…except representatives prefer to say SEEN-us and VEER-us). Fortunately Taurus is easier on the American tongue, thanks to Ford and its auto model by the same name. *** I discovered Taurus is also easy on the ears as I went for a two-hour soaring flight from Wallaby Ranch with my hang gliding friend, David Ledford. His side-by-side Taurus — roomy for a soaring machine — glides beyond 40:1 and manages a sink rate barely more than 100 fpm. Those numbers translate into plenty of soaring power as we proved on a day with modest convective lift. *** Taurus is a self-launched sailplane, rather than a motorglider like Urban Air’s Lambada or Pipistrel’s own Sinus. To get aloft, we were powered by a Rotax 503 two-stroke engine that fits neatly into a cavity aft of the cockpit.

Expand Post ...

Renewed Breezer II SLSA Ready for Delivery

By Dan Johnson || Leave a Comment

Come see the new Breezer II in the Sun ‘n Fun LSA Mall Hosted by LAMA. While you’re checking out this renewed German-designed and -built SLSA, you can have a look at 19 other top-selling airplanes including six not seen at Sun ‘n Fun before: Sting S3, Lambada, Gobosh G700S, Patriot, CTLS, and Paradise P-1.

They are lining up, literally, at Sportsplanes.com’s Plant City, Florida airport (PCM) assembly station. Michael Zidziunas — everyone calls him “Mike Z” — assembled three of the new Breezer II SLSA and arranged for DAR inspection. Mike Z is a well-known flight instructor and licensed mechanic working in the LSA arena. *** Last fall, at the AOPA Expo, Josh Foss of Sportsplanes.com unveiled the new Breezer II. The all-metal low wing was introduced more than a year earlier but disputes over the design rights and manufacturing put a halt to shipments. Since then, German designer Ralf Magnussen found a new investor, Dirk Ketelsen, a builder of windmills for electric power generation. They established a new 17,000 square foot plant near Husum, Germany (west of Hamburg at the North Sea coastline) where Josh reports they can build more than 100 aircraft a year. *** The Breezer II features a larger baggage compartment, an enlarged instrument panel, and heavy duty toe brakes replacing the handbrake in the earlier model. Sportsplanes.com said Breezer II “can be upgraded for night IFR, if flown by a private pilot or commercial pilot.” My experience with the Breezer I suggested the cross country cruiser could also do training duty thanks to very predictable handling.

Compress Post ...

They are lining up, literally, at Sportsplanes.com’s Plant City, Florida airport (PCM) assembly station. Michael Zidziunas — everyone calls him “Mike Z” — assembled three of the new Breezer II SLSA and arranged for DAR inspection. Mike Z is a well-known flight instructor and licensed mechanic working in the LSA arena. *** Last fall, at the AOPA Expo, Josh Foss of Sportsplanes.com unveiled the new Breezer II. The all-metal low wing was introduced more than a year earlier but disputes over the design rights and manufacturing put a halt to shipments. Since then, German designer Ralf Magnussen found a new investor, Dirk Ketelsen, a builder of windmills for electric power generation. They established a new 17,000 square foot plant near Husum, Germany (west of Hamburg at the North Sea coastline) where Josh reports they can build more than 100 aircraft a year.

Expand Post ...

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use