Viewed from the LSA Mall, AirVenture 2009 was much more than the summer’s big celebration of flight. Several important events tell a story of growing acceptance of LSA. Here’s a short list: LAMA hosted a meeting of G10 (the 10 largest LSA producers) and another of G5, while paying visits to every LAMA member in attendance. *** At the G10 meeting and again at LAMA’s press conference, Avemco president Jim Lauerman detailed his company’s support (in writing) for LAMA’s audit activities. His expressions were corroborated by Falcon Insurance VP Bob Mackey. *** Earl Lawrence, VP of government relations for EAA, brought brand new FAA administrator Randy Babbitt to the LSA Mall, where he met with presidents of LSA companies: Flight Design, Tecnam, Remos, and IndUS. *** At AOPA’s invitation, LAMA arranged a meeting for several LSA industry leaders with new AOPA president Craig Fuller.
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First-Ever Industry-Run Oshkosh LSA Mall
The brand-new LSA Mall at AirVenture Oshkosh is full with a wait list. “First ever?” “Brand-new?” Confused? No wonder as thanks to the generosity of EAA, LSA producers or importers have enjoyed an LSA Mall at AirVenture for the last four years. *** Now, however, the industry — through LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association — has purchased space and will host its own (hopefully permanent) LSA Mall in an all-new section of the Main Aircraft Display Area. With few exceptions, all the top LSA companies will be represented and others not in the LSA Mall are exhibiting very nearby in what is shaping up as the “LSA Area.” *** The new location is shown in the accompanying graphic, but some will recognize that for many years the space was home to the Fly Market, which has now moved closer to the campground. A new paved road leads directly to the LSA Mall and it is a mere 500 paces from the front gate.
Independence Day Treat! — Past LSA Leader Returns
Some have likely forgotten that the Allegro was the third Special Light-Sport Aircraft ever certified, following only Evektor’s SportStar and Flight Design’s CT. It was also a market leader early on…in fact, it did so well, Fantasy Air (the now-bankrupt Czech designer and producer) still holds the #12 position even without a sale in nearly two years. *** The founding company’s troubled history is now being replaced with an all-American manufacturing effort based on the revised Allegro 2007 model that saw improvements to better suit the American market. Allegro USA LLC, the newly-formed company, announced in June that Allegro will now be built completely in Roseburg, Oregon. Allegro USA believes this will eliminate concerns for warranty, parts, delivery, and financing. *** Some LSA suppliers may be cautious in today’s economy but Allegro USA is taking strides to regain its market position.
Happy Birthday LSA!
By Susan Parson
Photos by H. Dean Chamberlain
It may seem like it started only yesterday, but the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft
rule (SP/LSA) celebrates its fifth “birthday” this summer. In many families,
making a “how-tall-are-you-now” mark on the wall is a time-honored birthday
tradition. In keeping with that concept, this article reviews and celebrates the mark
SP/LSA has made since it joined the aviation family back in 2004.
My, How You’ve Grown!
In developing the SP/LSA rule, FAA’s intent
was to increase safety by closing gaps in existing
regulations, accommodate advances in technology,
provide for the manufacture of light-sport aircraft
that are safe for their intended operations, and
several other purposes. A key idea was to make it
possible for more individuals to experience sport
and recreational aviation in a manner that is not
overly burdensome, but still safe.
Today, more than 2,000 individuals have
earned sport pilot certificates, and numerous
others have earned sport pilot privileges.
Steady Subtle Changes Add Up to the Max
Evektor’s SportStar became the first-ever Special Light-Sport Aircraft a little over four years ago, a distinction no one can ever take away from the Czech company. Yet that exclusive title has not encouraged the company to rest on their laurels. While Evektor has not re-certified their airplane (for example, like Flight Design and their CTLS, Remos and their GX, or TL Ultralight and their Sting S3), the design has nonetheless changed (photos). SportStar was also one of the first success stories gaining entry to the GA flight school market.
Now for Oshkosh 2009, Evektor will launch their Max model in two variations. Their SportStar Max BT (“Basic Trainer”) is the entry model, fleet priced at $110,000. But flight schools that focus on instrument training may opt for the $155,000 Max IFR model which comes equipped with the certified Rotax 912S (different than the ASTM-compliant “ULS” version).
Coming Together Globally; Kolb’s Flyer SS
A Canadian design — the Pelican 700 — was reengineered into a SLSA by an American company — New Kolb Aircraft — and is being manufactured by a Brazilian company — Flyer Industria Aeronautica. Such international collaboration is becoming common. *** Kolb won approval for the Flyer SS in July (#87 on our SLSA List). Leading the SLSA project is Izek Therrien who said, “The master lines [of the Pelican] were kept. The fuselage was then rounded, enlarged and equipped with a new flight control system.” He reported 57 have been sold in South America and that a second Flyer SS will enter the USA in October.” *** Some SPLOG readers may be unfamiliar with the Kolb name, but this 30-year old brand has produced 3,000 of their popular models including the Mark III and the Kolbra. Every one until the Flyer SS has been a kit.
Computers in the Cockpit; Digital Replaces Analog
Many website visitors ask about LSA avionics leadership. Indeed, ever since “steam gauges” gave way to glass screens, the players have changed. Analog instruments were made by many companies and became such commodities that you may not be able to name a brand. But as computers entered our cockpits, first via GPS and later with multi-function displays, brands became better known. *** For this mini-report, I’ll divide the new players into two groups: EFIS/EMS providers and GPS/radio providers. A third group will include autopilot builders and even newer gear like night vision systems. As I make some guesstimates about market shares, I acknowledge this is non-scientific. If you believe you have better information, please forward your comments. *** Among fully-built SLSA, it appears Dynon has the lion’s share of the digital instrument market (photo). They admit their biggest competitor remains analog gauges but in “glass cockpits,” the Washington state company appears to have the lead — estimated at 50-75%.
Strong Survive Tough Economy…Some Repositioning
We continue to see the effects of the last year of economic turmoil in Light-Sport Aircraft market shares. The chart accompanying this SPLOG tells the numbers as always presented, with total market share since the first deliveries in 2005 based on carefully-reviewed FAA registration data. The top twenty (of 70 total) producers still represent almost 90% of total SLSA registrations. For the record… registrations on FAA’s database are not the same as sales. Aircraft can be registered and not sold. Aircraft can be identified as sold yet no longer registered, for example, if removed from service due to a non-repairable crash. To get some idea of the work my associate Jan Fridrich does to collect this information, go look for yourself at FAA’s database. *** Remos continues its solid 2008 performance despite the troubled economy. In the 16-month period since January 1, 2008 the German brand is the leader with 73 units registered, followed by familiar names, in order: Flight Design 62; Tecnam 49; Czech Aircraft Works (see below) 44; Jabiru 32; American Legend 27; AMD 23; CubCrafters 22; Aeropro 14, plus Evektor and TL Ultralight at 12 each.
Sun ‘n Fun Finishes; Gorgeous Weather Sells Planes
REPORTING FROM SUN ‘N FUN — Early estimates from Sun ‘n Fun show total attendance down just slightly (between 5 and 10%) compared to April 2008. A year ago, sub-prime loans were the concern and few knew how difficult the following year would be. Measured by exhibitors, Sun ‘n Fun was also off last year’s all-time record of 522 but only by 4%. The best news included no serious accidents though a SportCruiser ran off the end of the Light Plane Area’s 1,400-foot runway. *** From my view in the LSA Mall positioned right at the main gate, crowds were especially thick on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday while serious buyers arrived early on Tuesday and Wednesday (following a common airshow routine evident the last few years). Airplane shoppers were plentiful though sales reports were uneven. Some, like Flight Design, FPNA, and Evektor, reported sales transacted in the first days of the show.
Lightning Fast; Arion Earns SLSA Before Sun ‘n Fun
After selling 40 aircraft under the Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) rule, Arion has now completed their SLSA approval just in the nick of time before the season-launching Sun ‘n Fun starts. Welcome to Lightning — SLSA #96 — from Arion Aircraft, which is our 69th company to enter production of Light-Sport Aircraft. *** Lightning got its start back when Jabiru-man Pete Krotje, his son Ben, plus Nick Otterback were dealers for the Spanish Esquale. That lead to the lovely low-wing Lightning though the design borrows from several light aircraft. It may sound like an organic development but the results are definitely worthy. I was highly impressed with a flight in an earlier EAB model, which did not have the speed limitations of LSA. “Extra wing area was added to bring wing loading and stall speeds into compliance with the applicable standards,” said Nick. *** Arion won approval on April 15, 2009.
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