Search Results for : electric

When the going gets tough, goes the old motivational phrase, the tough get going. *** The LSA industry had a hard year in 2009, as did all of General Aviation…not to mention the economy. *** And although news pops up here and there indicating better times are – eventually – coming, the most resilient companies keep looking for ways to stimulate their markets rather than simply holding on for better sales numbers. *** Cases in point from Day 1 of Sun ‘n Fun:  *** 1.  Piper Aircraft CEO Kevin J Gould addressed a morning press gathering to paint a thumbs-up picture for Piper and General Aviation as well.   He backed up his nuanced optimism with positive stats: Piper expects to sell 8 times as many trainers this year as last; Piper’s total sales are up 75% over 2009; enthusiasm for the PiperSport is strong – the company could produce and deliver as many as 75 PiperSports this year; sales of other models from its GA fleet are showing improvement; and the three new owners of the first PiperSports took delivery of their aircraft in a well-attended ceremony at the company’s flight line display.

Dan Johnson’s got a good piece today on his SPLOG (Sport Pilot Blog) about the rise of lower-cost LSA in a struggling economy — good reading and a good place to start for those of you heading to Sun ‘n Fun looking for a bargain — and who’s not looking for a bargain these days? *** Also comes word that Michael Combs is demonstrating what all pilots know: nothing’s suckier than sucky weather.  He’s stuck right at the beginning of his epic 50-state tour, meant to symbolize the power and importance of staying in touch with your dreams, in Salina, KS, courtesy bad Spring weather. *** Tough luck Michael but we’re following your adventure and know you’ll be on your way before long. *** His quest is called The Flight for the Human Spirit.   *** The goal is to fly into all 50 states, making stops in 135 cities and towns across America.  Total mile tally: 19,400 and 40 days.  Wishing you sunlight and tailwinds: Bon Sport Voyage, Michael!

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

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).

Great (and getting hot!) weather and a good, if not record-breaking, turnout mark the beginning of the EAA Sun ‘n Fun flyin. *** The exhibitor turnout is likewise somewhat down, although Dan Johnson’s LSA Mall at the entrance is filled with aircraft and lots of serious interest from potential buyers, as in previous shows. *** I’ve talked with many LSA companies here who say there are more serious buyers, fewer “tire-kickers”. *** Some LSA makers like Flight Design have racked up aircraft sales already. Others are still hoping to do business: it depends on who you talk to on whether the show is better or worse than expected. Expectations due to the economic times were not high to begin with, so it’s too early to put a number on the overall picture. *** Lots of new developments though, with more details to come here, such as: *** * a new electric/Rotax hybrid engine that will boost economy and provide electric power safety backup in emergencies, announced at AERO Friedrichshafen *** * Evektor passes LAMA audit *** * Legend Cub offers sub-$100,000 “Aeronomic Stimulus” SLSA, and new Garmin 696 installation *** * EAA presents Earth Day celebration with electric LSA prototype in center of the LSA exhibitors in the southeast display mall.