A company based in Trenton, Florida has taken the Mosquito helicopter designed by Canadian John Uptigrove and brought it into the modern age. For more than 15 years, Dwight Junkin and his team have provided this handsome aircraft delivered ready to fly, largely as you see in these scenes, for a rather amazing price of… well, watch the video (spoiler: it’s remarkably low). Training is, of course, strongly recommended and the company rewards proof of training with a discount, but XEL (the 103 version) has been simple enough for many to learn. Then consider, this single place beauty can also be turbine powered. Check this thing out! ••• TRT — 5:57
Colt 100 from Texas Aircraft Manufacturing based in Hondo, Texas is a Brazilian Light-Sport Aircraft design. Based on an earlier design from the southern hemisphere country, Colt has been highly refined for the U.S. market. Colt is almost all aluminum, is powered by the Rotax 100 horsepower 912 ULS engine, and uses avionics from Dynon. In this short video, you get a full look at the new design and we go aloft. Soon — as you can tell from the cameras mounted all over Colt — you will be able to enjoy a full length Video Pilot Report but here’s a short video to whet your appetite.
Aircraft Insurance is one of those things pilots need. You want to protect yourself, your aircraft investment, and anyone who may be affected by the operation of your aircraft.
The professionals at Aviation Insurance Resources or AIR can certainly help you. In this video Dan Johnson talks to Gregg Ellsworth of AIR about insurance for Light-Sport Aircraft.
As the first vendor ever to sign up for exhibit space at the Midwest LSA Expo that we love so much, Gregg has made it his mission to know about, not just insurance, but the aircraft that people want to insure. Hear from him in this video.
You own an airplane — or you are considering buying one.
With very few exceptions, you will want insurance for it. Can you get it? If yes, what will it cost? Will you get a good deal or not? Will the party offering to sell you insurance know anything about your Light-Sport Aircraft or Sport Pilot kit aircraft?
If the company is Aviation Insurance Resources, or simply “AIR,” and if the agent is an affable fellow named Gregg Ellsworth, you are I luck. As this video shows, Gregg know insurance (you’d expect that; he’s selling the product) but he also knows your aircraft. Plus, as he is a pilot, too, he shares your enthusiasm for recreational aircraft. Watch and learn more.
Brian Austein did it again! He drew big crowds and head-shakes of amazement at what he has created for — get this — a mere $3,000. That’s his total investment, including twin engines that cost $1,000 each. Well, OK, that small amount of cash plus a lot of brainpower and plenty of hands-on effort. What this longtime radio-control model airplane builder showed with Lightning Bug was that you could indeed build a man-carrying Part 103 ultralight using RC engines. Now, or 2018, Brian updated the original Lightning Bug to carry slight heavier pilots. It still flies great and you have to see this video to believe all its wonderful features. No wonder he won two judges awards at Sun ‘n Fun 2017.
Yes, yes, I know — in-flight adjustable props are not permitted on U.S. Light-Sport Aircraft by regulation. They are allowed in many other countries, such as most of Europe, but not in America …well, yet at least. A new investigation with FAA regarding the safety possibilities — and very simple operation — of such equipment has the federal agency at least considering a way it could be introduced to Yankee pilots. That’s great news and we commend the FAA for listening. We referred the following video to agency executives so they can see how the idea works: a single throttle-like lever that not only affects engine speed but also prop pitch adjustment, without the pilot having to do anything more than specify what he or she desires by the position of that single lever control. Learn the details in this video.
“What on Earth is that?” asked plenty of people at Sun ‘n Fun 2017. We completely agree with their question as that’s about what we said, too, after stumbling on this fun little design. It was at first tied down in transient parking in the Ultralight Area called Paradise City at the Lakeland show. However, in a day or so, it got moved to a very prominent location by the PC Volunteer Tent because many attendees couldn’t find it hiding behind a row of porta-potties. After the move, people were crawling all over it, almost literally. If you could not make the show, we are pleased to present Brian Austein’s homemade, one-of-a-kind, not-for-sale ultralight using model airplane building techniques. He flew it at the show to prove this is not simply a showpiece. Enjoy this look!
L600 — known as Legend 540 or 600 in Europe — is a new arrival in America, although this high wing LSA is known in Europe for a few years. At Sun ‘n Fun 2017, we spoke with U.S. importer, Deon Lombard, who tells about this entry in the Light-Sport Aircraft field. If it looks familiar to you, it should. L600 was modeled after the Cessna 182 at approximately 80% scale. That’s probably smart as nearly every pilot on the planet has been in a Cessna 172 or 182 at one time or another and probably came to like it …except for their prices. In comparison L600 is very attractively priced. The aircraft is a try composite unlike the older model it resembles.
Join Dan Johnson as he takes a factory tour of Sonex Aircraft with General Manager Mark Schaible. We start out in the original hangar — now doubling as a break room — and go through the entire plant, checking out various aircraft. Videoman Dave took many images to back up the conversation, and education, that Mark gives to Dan. From a single hangar, the sprawling Sonex campus now includes five buildings including the R&D area where many good ideas have been given birth.
For many homebuilders, the process goes like this: You get and assemble the airframe and its control surfaces. You install the landing gear, engine, and other components. You work on the interior. Maybe you even paint it yourself. Where many get somewhat overwhelmed, though, is the wiring needed to install a model avionics panel. Mechanical skills and electrical wiring to digital screens represent different skills. Aircraft Spruce, that supplier of all many of parts builders need, swoops in to rescue those builders. Hear what they can do for you in this video.
Just Aircraft turns heads everywhere when they first introduced the SuperSTOL (STOL stands for short takeoff and landing). With a 100-horsepower Rotax 912, the aircraft was an awesome performer. Yet they saw even more potential. After installing a 180 horsepower, six cylinder UL Power 520i, they tackled installing the similarly potent motor from Continental, the Titan X-340. When Just Aircraft engineer Tory Woodland planned the installation, he realized they’d have to extend the fuselage to assure the right weight balance and control. They added two feet to the length but the climb rate is an astonishing 3,000 feet per minute. Hear more on this video.
“You cannot fly IFR in a Light-Sport Aircraft!” Is that what you think? You might be wrong. In this video Bristell USA’s John Rathmell and I discuss this situation. Indeed, a path does exist for IFR operation in a Bristell and we will provide some details. (More can be found elsewhere on this website in an article published March 19, 2017.) Beside discussing IFR capabilities, join us for a flight in the wonderful Bristell, an aircraft I loved from my first flight in it.
If you want to know any and everything about Quicksilver, one man knows it all. He is even more knowledgeable about the aircraft than the company(ies) that have owned the brand as he’s been associated with Quicksilver for 40 years, through every owner of the California company. His Lousiana company, Air-Tech, now possesses all inventory and tooling for every part the manufacturer made. He and his team can and will support all parts needed for any model… a great thing. Hear from this interesting fellow in this video.
Here’s an airplane almost certain to grab your attention. It has huge power (180 horse Titan X340); a “hyper”STOL wing; double Fowler flaps; tremendous shock absorption, including on the tailwheel; and enormous tires. It’s also finished extremely well and has every little detail done just right. Outback Shock, the U.S. name for this model from longtime producer, Zlin, has entered a sub-sector of the LSA world with some stiff competition but Outback Shock meets the bet and raises the others one or two. Video shot at Aero 2016 at its debut.
If you’ve been saying that Light-Sport Aircraft are too expensive, here is an airplane that may force you to readjust your thinking. While some carbon fiber beauties are indeed rather costly, BushCat has always been one of the true bargains. True, it is simpler in construction but that also means it is lighter which helps it perform well. In early 2017, BushCat starts at just $65,000 ready-to-fly. By any measure that’s a bargain. Find out more detail in this video from the Midwest LSA Expo 2016.
Here’s a flight review of the latest version of the J-230, the D model. This aircraft has been around for years but the Australian manufacturer upgrades the machine periodically. In this case the changes had to do with the shape of the tail and other subtleties but minor changes over enough time add up to a much better aircraft. Join Dan Johnson as you get exterior and interior views of the newest J230D at the Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois in fall of 2016. (Run time is 9 minutes.)
Following the good reception to the earlier “Race Around DeLand 2016” video, I repeated for the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2017. If you cannot attend these shows, this gives you a quick, basic view of what the layout and booth spaces look like. It’s better if you can attend, of course, but if not, then… well, Race Around with me at these events. Perhaps more will follow. Meanwhile, I hope you can enjoy this 13:45-minute video. Thanks to Videoman Dave for the edit clean-up.
Among all Light-Sport Aircraft, some of the most intriguing new design qualities are emerging from LSA seaplanes. Icon’s A5 has gained a ton of attention but here’s a new entry from Vickers Aircraft of New Zealand. This aircraft is -not- yet flying (as of late 2016) but is such an innovative engineering exercise that we wanted to interview designer Paul Vickers when he was in the USA arranging aspects of Wave’s debut in America. Stay tuned; we’re sure to have more!
American Legend is one of the first entries in the Special Light-Sport Aircraft space and it remains and industry leader with a full line of models and variations including multiple power plants. One of the additions the Sulphur Springs, Texas company made over the years is adding amphibious floats, now of their own construction. At the first-ever DeLand Showcase, we flew the Legend Amphib for this Video Pilot Report with in-flight footage including a water landing. Total Run Time: 19 minutes
Dynon Avionics has become the leading seller of glass screen instruments in Lihgt-Sport Aircraft and light kit-built airplanes. One way the company has kept their leadership position in a crowded field is by constant innovation, by always taking another step (often ahead of their competition). Now, here comes HDX, a new version of SkyView that makes operating this terrific instrument that much easier, especially in situation where the sky is delivering a few bumps. Get the update from Dynon guru, Kirk Kleinholz. (9 minutes)
https://youtu.be/g0jfG_lHESw?si=4pNcaN0aNEdgQADD
SkyTrek is a new design from Thomas Hsueh, a longtime aeronautical engineer with impressive credentials (he is also now the owner of the Adam Aircraft twin engine, six-seater). Thomas applied his extensive background to an airplane you may think you recognize but he made numerous improvements to it, among them a steerable nosewheel (the others are castoring) and beefing the structure for flight school use. If you’ve loved this design shape but wanted improvements, this might be your bird. (Run time: about 14 minutes)
You know the name Murphy Aircraft, from models such as their biplane Renegade or their all-metal Rebel. The Canadian company has built many variations on the theme over the years but they pulled away from the U.S. market when the Canadian dollar rose against the U.S. dollar, making their airplanes seem too expensive for Yankees. Now, they are back with their new Radical but also the other popular designs. In this video Dan interviews Darryl Murphy, the brains and boss behind this successful company.
This unusual looking aircraft is a twin engine taildragger. While fascinating, those two characteristics might make you wonder if you can handle it. I believe anyone can, with proper training of course. Get by those uncertainties, I advise, because once you fly AirCam you may start thinking that any other aircraft simply won’t do. For low level flying over interesting terrain or water, this is one of the safest aircaft ever. Flying the open cockpit aircraft is such a marvelous experience, I consider AirCam one of my all-time favorites. You might, too.
First on the market way back in 2005 was the Evektor SportStar. This grundbreaking Czech design will always carry the distinction of being the first Light-Sport Aircraft to be accepted by FAA. In this video, Steve Minnick of Ohio-based family business, Dreams Come True, helps us better understand the newer, more advanced Harmony. This video was shot at the Midwest LSA Expo and promotes the DeLand Showcase, two great LSA-focused events.
Guardian Avionics made a name for themselves with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to. well… “guard” against this deadly gas getting into your cockpit. However, the company has expanded into iPad and iPhone mounts that are among the slickest I’ve seen. In this video, I visited with Ash Vij to get the details about their new offerings that include a mount and more for every product Apple makes. If you are like almost every pilot and use an iPad in the cockpit, you need to check this out.
Dual Electronics has been a leader in the panel-top devices that supply valuable information to iPads and other tablets that have become so popular in cockpits. Because they are not mounted in the panel, certified aircraft can use these receivers immediately. Light-Sport Aircraft and light kit aircraft have also warmly received Dual’s devices as have pilots in other countries (Dual supports the Russian satellite systems as well.) On this video, Dual’s Joanna Lukins reviews the entire product line.
In this somewhat shorter video, Part 2 of 2 for our Evolution Trikes Revo Video Pilot Report (VPR), Dan shows you many of the well-considered details for their most deluxe trike. Evolution also makes a far lower cost, simpler trike called Rev (video also available here on ByDanJohnson.com). Besides Dan’s comment we bring in developer Larry Mednick to explain Revo’s very sophisticated in-flight pitch trim. We also review costs and various ways you can buy Revo. TRT: 16 minutes
Come on along as we fly the most deluxe trike you can buy. This is the Evolution Trikes Revo and it is really something. Aloft with designer and trike pilot extraordinare, Larry Mednick, he offers instruction — as we prefer so you experience what it might be like to fly an aircraft you may never have flown. “Trike” is a generic abbreviation for weight shift aircraft. This one is a Special LSA version and it can blaze along faster than 100 mph. Don’t believe that? Join us as we prove the point. TRT: 29 minutes (Part 1 of 2)
Easily one of the most recognized headset brands in all of aviation is David Clark. Their familiar shade of green ear cups are seen in movies and magazine photos around the world and have been for decades. This all-American company with design and production all happening in Worcester, Massachusetts has not only developed a full line of headset but they have better prices than other well-known brands. In this video Aviation Market Manager Dennis Buzzell gives us a tour through the whole line.
Building a kit is part of the American aviation dream but it isn’t for everyone. However, it is something anyone can learn. In this video we interview a husband and wife team — Hutch and wife Ann — who went to Just Aircraft to build their SuperSTOL (they are seated in the airplane for this video). Now, for those of you who aren’t sure you can dedicate the time, Big Sky has an answer for you: come visit them and they’ll give you expert assistance.
You’ve probably heard of TruTrak, the leading autopilot maker for light aircraft of many descriptions. You’ve probably heard of Levil, certainly so if you employ and iPad or other tablet to assist your flying. Now consider ECO a new autopilot that boasts some great qualities: lighter weight, easier installation, lower cost … but that’s not all. ECO also allows something called AP or Automatic Envelope Protection and that’s where Levil enters the autopilot picture. This video will provide many more details on this cutting-edge technological development.
Duc Hélices, a French company, has specialized in the creation of all-carbon fiber propellers in various configurations, to fit engines of different sizes and airplanes of differing performance. Not only are the props built of tough, long-lasting carbon fiber but this is only company we know that also makes carbon hubs. They also supply spinners and prop blade covers plus service. Based on comments from numerous users, Duc Hélices clearly provides impressive performance.
Videoman Dave and I decided we need to do several videos in support of increasing the number of women involved with flying. Amy is a darn impressive pilot. Her background included fixed wings but she made the jump to trikes flying the spectacular Evolution Trikes Revo. Join us as we start to interview more women pilots. You’ll find Amy a fun interview and she’s got both the enthusiasm and knowledge to be the good pilot she is.
A few years back the folks at I-TEC introduced their Maverick, a powered parachute but with such a substantial carriage that they drove if from Florida to Oshkosh. SkyRunner might be regarded as a similar package but on steroids. This rig is a full-on macho pulse-pounder that catches the interest of people like Maverick did not. Indeed the SkyRunner team has set out to make this an impressive vehicle and you’ll find out lots of details on this video.
In this video, we think you will see something unusual. This is a 1991 Quicksilver GT500 that looks as though it just rolled off the assembly line. That may be common in vintage aircraft but here’s one you can afford and which nearly anyone can fly. Longtime Quicksilver expert, Todd Eleffson went through this particular GT500 from nose to tail beautifully restoring it. A friend who asked me about it bought the plane before AirVenture 2015 ended because it was an excellent value. More of this is coming as Quicksilver are common around the world.
We first knew of this project as WATTsUP. That name was fun but as the project came to production, it was renamed Electro … basically their Alpha but with electric propulsion. In this interview, Dan Johnson speaks with Light Sport and Ultralight Flying editor and longtime pro photographer, James Lawrence, about his upcoming visit to Pipistrel in Slovenia. James recently spoke to chief engineer Tine Tomazic who provided some operational details on matters like endurance, recharging, regenerative charging and more.