Beringer is a family company that has been deeply involved with wheels and brakes in the automotive and motorcycle world. But in 2006 the family focused on aircraft (they sold the automotive part) and dedicated its energy in this area. At Aero 2013 we spoke with Claire Beringer to ask about the family business. She shows us their impressive line of premium wheels and brakes and tells us how these have been improved even further.
Belite Aircraft rarely sits still. This company,. operated by a man former in the computer industry, knows that constant development of an idea stimulates interest. The latest from James Weibe is the UltraCub and it has two main differences: (1) the main fuselage is of notably different construction and (2) it has a four-stroke engine up front. You can hear the engine and hear more about all the changes to the newest model from Belite on this video.
When you think a company has wrung all it could from a design, think again and then once more. First came the CH-701 STOL, which acquired the nickname “Sky Jeep” for its great off-runway capabilities and short take off. Zenith improved that with the CH-750 that featured a wider cockpit among other changes. At Sun ‘n Fun 2013 Zenith unveiled the Cruzer, a non-STOL version of the same airplane now offering faster cruising. We spoke with expert factory pilot Roger Dubbert about the newest variation on this successful theme.
All-too regularly I hear people lament the high cost of Light-Sport Aircraft. Indeed, some with all the latest equipment do get up in price, but that does not change the fact that many lower priced aircraft are available. One company, Valley Engineering and their Backyard Flyer series brings several very agreeably priced aircraft to the market. They are kits but in return for some hours of labor you can have a very fun flying machine for a cost nearly anyone can afford. Check out their highest-powered example in this video.
Quicksilver is an iconic brand, having sold more than 15,000 aircraft in its history. Pilots around the world have flown Quicksilvers and many are flying in the USA to include flight schools. In this video we speak with sales director Todd Ellefson about the strutted Quicksilver Sport 2S mated to Puddle Jumper amphibious floats. We speak about the experience of flying the float-equipped 2S model. You can build it in 100 hours, but the company is nearing completion of an fully manufactured SLSA version of this popular aircraft.
Air Management Technology makes the FlyCool, a lightweight, low power draw, surprisingly effective air conditioning system for Light-Sport Aircraft or light kit aircraft. Formerly air conditioning for a GA airplane was fearsomely expensive (unaffordable, really), weighed a lot, consumed too much engine power and … well, no surprise it didn’t take off. However AMT changed all that with their all electric system. In this video hear how it works on the popular SportCruiser from U.S. Sport Aircraft.
We’ve seen AMT’s FlyCool light weight, low power draw air conditioning system before in other Light-Sport Aircraft but it had not yet been done in the CTLS. Now US Aviation in Texas has made it happen. They brought the hardware to Sun ‘n Fun and quickly made an installation which we got to experience. Come hear how it was done and how it works. In warm climates the FlyCool system can be a big benefit.
Describing the Pipistrel is interesting in three ways: the company name (a story by itself), the LSA industry’s broadest line of composite airplanes; and Pipistrel’s success winning three NASA efficiency contests. The factory in Slovenia is equally impressive. Our video cannot give all the details of this very active company celebrating 25 years in business, but we’ll introduce you to the boss and U.S. importer Michael Coates plus we’ll tell you how to find more.
When you want the final word, it’s often best to go right to the top, to the boss. That we did with Kolb Aircraft boss Brian Melborn. In this video shot at the new and improved Paradise City at Sun ‘n Fun 2013, we heard about the Kolb Firefly as a Part 103 ultralight vehicle … but the best news is a factory available ready-to-fly model, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Brian also tells about a few changes to the great flying light aircraft.
Aerotrek and their dual models — the A220 taildragger and the A240 trigear — have been an impressive performer in the market share race, steadily moving up our chart. At Sebring 2013, we spoke with U.S. importer Rob Rollison about how these handsome, very well priced Special Light-Sport Aircraft can work in a flight school environment. Having acquired more than 1,500 hours in a training environment, Rob said the Aerotrek still looks and flies great and some European models have more than 4,000 hours. Hear more in this video.
We first looked at the Nando Groppo Trail from Italy at Sebring 2013. At that time, we spoke with the designer Nando Groppo and reviewed the airplane with its easy wing folding mechanism. Just three months later at Sun ‘n Fun 2013, the Trail had won its Special LSA approval and is now available for sale. Speaking with U.S. representative Valter della Nebbia, we heard more about some modest changes to better accommodate the American market.
Get an update on the very handsome F30 from Golden Avio, the very last design from aviation design legend Stelio Frati. To hear the latest we again interviewed Italian compmany representative Luca Ferragatta in the new and improved Paradise City of Sun ‘n Fun 2013. He tells of U.S. distribution, some changes for the American market, plans to gain SLSA approval and more. Come on along and hear more about an airplane that generates strong reviews.
If you’re looking for an airplane that carries a modest cost, you search can be challenging. However, one company almost singlehandedly can solve that dilemma and they can do so with a surprisingly wide range of choices. We spoke with the Sun ‘n Fun, Florida (Lakeland Linder airport)-based distributor for their line and learn about other services provided to light aircraft enthusiasts. You can get flying for less than $10,000 with Fisher.
We don’t have a lot of ultralight helicopter coverage here on ByDanJohnson.com because not many exist. A few have been proposed and prototypes built, but one that’s stood the test of time is the Mosquito. A couple examples flew regularly at Sun ‘n Fun 2013 so we decided to get a static flight lesson on these affordable rotary winged aircraft. Join us on this video and you can learn what we learn as we ask questions of an expert. Plus, get this: Mosquito is available for a bit more than $40,000!
Jim Weibe is the brains behind the Belite aircraft, some of which meet Part 103 parameters. He also does Belite Electronic superlight instruments. This busy fellow is now also offering amphibious floats, for his aircraft but conceivable for any other aircraft up to 620 pounds. The great news here is that you can’t find many other floats for truly light aircraft and Jim has labored to change that situation … though larger floats will follow.
If you’ve ever tried float flying, you probably love it. If you haven’t tried it, do so … soon! While the activity is great, it can be mighty expensive. Amphibious floats for a Cessna 182, for example, probably cost more than a brand-new LSA. So how does a company make this more affordable? Check out this video and get an education about a much more modestly price float set on a very popular airplane, the CubCrafters Sport Cub.
If you’re looking for a Light-Sport Aircraft that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, you need look no further than the SkyReach Bush Cat. How does less than $49,000 sound? (This is actually better than we were expecting back in 2002, even without factoring in time value of money.) Known to Americans as the Cheetah, a few organizational changes have occurred and new choices are now available. Watch for the latest news.
The Petrel is back now as the Super Petrel LS. A Brazilian-manufactured seaplane, the LSA candidate is represented by Florida Light Sport Aviation. We spoke with proprietor Brian Boucher about the flight characteristics of this handsome bi-wing LSA seaplane. Present in the Experimental class, SLSA approval is expected by AirVenture 2013 as Brazil uses the same ASTM standards as does FAA. Catch this video complete with on-water flying scenes.
Do you wish you could have gone to Aero like we did? Are you interested in light aircraft you may not see in the USA? This first of several part Quick Tour of Aero 2013 will take you around just one of several gynasium-sized halls where we’ll give you a glimpse of some intriguing designs. We’ll provide a few facts and a web address so you can learn more if you wish. Come on along … these videos are fast and fun; we think you’ll like them.
For years Aerolite 103 has been a charmer of the Part 103 class of aircaft. Needing no pilot license, medical, N-numbers, and being able to buy it ready to fly are desirable qualities. To this, Aerolite 103 adds great flying characteristics, features you might not think can be included to an aircraft that cannot weigh more than 254 pounds empty. Topping off this terrific package is a price tag of less than $20,000, ready-to-fly with electric starting, a an airfame parachute, and more. Whew … that’s a great value!
You should already know the Sling. The South African design set a new benchmark by coming off design and initial development to take an east-to-west trip around the globe. That showed the confidence of designers Mike Blyth and James Pittman. At Sun ‘n Fun 2013, we spoke with reps from The Airplane Factory USA who answered questions about flight characteristics and future plans plus talk about the kit Sling they’re assembling. Watch this video to get all the facts.
Sebring kicks off the year with the granddaddy of LSA Expo events. Sun ‘n Fun starts the flying season. AirVenture is the summer celebration of flight. In the fall, at least for the LSA crowd, the Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, is planning its fifth year of an event airport manager and event organizer, Chris Collins, calls “intimate.” The name fits as you can get up close and personal with any LSA you want and go flying in mere minutes. Join us to hear more.
As we spoke with Doc’ Bailey at Sun ‘n Fun 2013, we first hear about his new 71,000 square foot hangar at Fort Pierce airport. Then we focus on a new project from this ambitious company. The Lil’ Rascal is based on the Pitts S1C but will be fully redone with extensive use of carbon fiber to make a LSA-capable aerobatic aircraft powered by the Lycoming AEIO-233 engine that permits such flight. Here more about their plans for the sporty bird.
We looked at the handsome Sam LS at Sebring earlier in 2013 but the update at Sun ‘n Fun was that the Sam LS is now flying. The company earned approval under Canadian rules (slightly different than U.S. LSA rules). In this video he tells us some facts and thoughts about flying the new aircraft. Hear directly from the designer who finally flew his own creation; he quotes a few facts and figures.
Rotax Aircraft Engines power more Light-Sport Aircraft than any other engine by a wide margin. Around the world, light aircraft of all types depend on the Rotax brand. Any new engine has a warranty but Kodiak, the distributor of Rotax brand to the Americas, has now extended the warranty for all their customers. RFSC rep’ William Burgher also helps Rotax users contact Rotax Maintenance Technicans.
Like many of you, we began admiring this handsome motorglider at AirVenture 2012 where it made a first appearance. How could you not like these lines? After realizing this was another in Randall Fishman’s line of electric-powered aircraft, interest grew even more intense. You can watch our earlier video but in this version we find out more about flying the ULS and we see scenes of Randall flying in the new Paradise City at Sun ‘n Fun.
Just Aircraft’s SuperSTOL was a major hit on the Paradise City runway at Sun ‘n Fun 2013. In this video we continue our review of this amazing aircraft as we interview principal designer Troy Woodland. We go fly the aircraft; with cameras on the wing and even the tailwheel, you can verify its unusual performance that allows you to land with the joystick full aft. Watch the video to hear some of its secrets.
At Aero 2013, Tecnam mounted a very large display with nearly every one of their many current aircraft. At center stage was the brand new Astore, their first new low wing Light-Sport Aircraft in many years, named to commemorate the company’s 65th anniversary. In this video we interview Paolo Pascale, Tecnam’s managing director. He doesn’t often do media interviews, we’re told, so enjoy his view of the new aircraft.
We reviewed the folding wing Groppo Trail at Sebring where it stood on conventional or taildragger gear. At Aero, we again spoke with the designer Nando Groppo and his associate who helps with language translation regarding the company’s new tricycle gear version. For many pilots trained on tri-gear, this may be a better choice. Nando once again shows us how easily the wing can fold by a single person.
We know the elegant Phoenix, a sleek motorglider that also enjoys flying powered cross country flights (more on an especially long flight in another video). At Aero 2013 we had a chance to visit with Martin Stepanek about Phoenix Air’s pure-electric aircraft called the ePhoenix. Martin helps us understand the details of electric power in a modern, efficient Light-Sport Aircraft.
Milan Bristela is the man behind BRS Aero and his the company is recognized in America thanks to his new generation Bristell aircraft. However, at Aero 2013 we saw a new version, a taildragger model. In our video we speak with the designer and ask him about his family-run company and the newest model he is bringing to the market.
BOT Aircraft is the producer of the Speed Cruiser LSA, which we reviewed earlier. In this video shot at Aero Friedrichshafen, we explore the company’s work with the D-Motor aircraft engine. As the launch customer for the powerplant, B.O.T. boss Reiner Tauern reviews with us why he chose the new engine and what buyers might expect of it. In addition, B.O.T. also supports hand controls for pilots who have special needs.
ICP gained brand name awareness primarily with their Savannah model, a short take off and landing airplane that sells for a modest price. We’ve seen it several times but always in tricycle gear. Now at Aero, everyone saw for the first time the new taildragger model from Italy’s ICP. We spoke with company leader Loredana Arisio. We also take a look at their new light aircraft engine with questions answered by engine Andrea Caglio.
We’ve reported on the Zlin Savage iCub in the past. At Aero Friedrichshafen 2013 we captured a video on the Bobber, a sort of custom version of iCub that deliberately lacks an exterior finish but has other special finishing touches. It can be customized in dozens of ways … much like a “Bobber” motorcycle thereby explaining the choice of names. U.S. importer Bill Canino helps us understand the thinking behind Bobber.
Some of the very lightest aircraft at the huge Aero Friedrichshafen 2013 event were those for hang gliding or light trike flying. They were also electric powered, proving again the idea that lightweight flying machines can employ electric power today. In this video we look at several variations on the theme and hear about special features to make electric power work.
You might see the Flightstar ultralight in this aircraft and you’d be correct. Now owned by Yuneec International, the design has evolved into the eSpyder, a solely electric-powered aircraft and we believe it is the very first to win certification as an electric airplane (by the German-sanctioned authority called DULV). We speak with Flightstar designer Tom Peghiny about his creation and its systems.