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.
You would better off savig some embarrasment and rent something nicer and a little more air worthy looking… It reminds me of one of those smart cars… some people will buy anything these days…
Gary: You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but X-Air is a well-flying airplane at a very modest price tag. It may not be right for you but I advise a little more discretion in how you describe it.