ByDanJohnson.com - Home Page

Sebring is over and ByDanJohnson.com has it covered. Our tag-team bloggers bring you all the latest and greatest from the season-opening show -- in rich text with photos and in video. Read it below or on our newly-reorganized SPLOG page. New members keep signing up and we appreciate it as your support helps us provide free content daily.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE on ByDanJohnson.com? Answer: Many useful services...all free! Here's our hyperlink list --- PlaneFinder 2.0 ...Go find the best airplane for you. *** Keep up with all the LSA news via "SPLOG," starting right below. *** Find any content in our 1,000+ pages at Visual Search. *** See Videos on best selling Light-Sport Aircraft. *** Check LSA Market Info for business news such as market share info. *** Use our SLSA List to find any approved Special Light-Sport Aircraft of more than 100 models offered. *** For hundreds of locations to find LSA Flight Instruction, Rentals, or Maintenance, click our FIRM List. All lists on ByDanJohnson.com are user sortable so you can quickly find what you want.

And, to your right, please click any Featured Aircraft photo or text to read more about the leading aircraft in light-sport aviation.

We are pleased to provide these unique services at no cost...but please consider becoming a Member for $29 per year. Along with our Sponsors, Members like you help us add fresh content to ByDanJohnson.com.

Thanks for visiting!...and please consider becoming a Member, giving access to member-only features: SpecCheck, Pros & Cons and PlaneView, plus all the pilot reports you care to read.

...a web log of developments in Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft

FAA Sport Pilot Revision Is Out!

February 8, 2010

Some long-awaited revisions to the Sport Pilot Rule have just been released and as we've anticipated in earlier posts, there are positive improvements. *** First up: the restrictive 10,000-foot maximum altitude limitation for Light Sport flight, which among other scenarios restricted flying over high terrain such as in the Rockies, was amended to allow flight above the limit, with one important condition: pilots must remain at or below 2,000 feet AGL -- whichever is greater. *** The proposal to change the original maximum altitude was made to address concerns of LSA pilots about flying safely in the mountains or over large bodies of water. *** Another concern was keeping sufficient altitude over sensitive wildlife areas, where 2,000 feet AGL or greater is often required. *** The rule change only allows for greater-than-10,000 feet if that altitude doesn't put the airplane more than 2,000 feet above ground level. *** Example: If the highest point on your route is 9,500 feet, you're legal up to and including 11,500 feet, which is within the 2,000 feet AGL maximum. *** But even if you plan to fly over Lake Superior, you can't go higher than 10,000 feet, even though it might allow you to glide safely to land after an engine-out, because the water surface is several thousand feet lower than 10,000 feet. Maintaining a safe glide distance relative to shore would still be the prudent flight plan to make. *** Other changes: SLSA aircraft may now be used in Part 141 training courses -and- Flight instructors with a sport pilot rating no longer need to log five hours in a specific make and model of LSA before they can train in it, assuming it's within the same aircraft set, before giving training in it. *** Rationale: Sets include airplane, powered parachute, glider etc. The change means an instructor in a Tecnam Eaglet won't have to fly an additional 5 hours of checkout in an Evektor Max to give instruction in it, because both are in the same LSA set: Airplane. *** Aircraft owners or operators must retain a record of the current status of safety directives for SLSA. *** Not adopted: The proposal to require an hour of "hood time" during training was withdrawn. Typically a student wears a hood that restricts view outside the cockpit so students can learn the basics of maintaining controlled flight solely by reference to instruments. The proposal was keyed to aircraft capable of 87 knots or greater max level speed. *** Reason for withdrawal:

Since some LSA aren't equipped with basic IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) gauges used to fly without visual reference, FAA felt it was adding an unreasonable burden on owners and pilots of those aircraft.

Let's Go Flying with Dynon's SkyView

February 5, 2010

Talk about your "Wow! Factor," Paul Hamilton's new video for Dynon really shows off the amazing capability of the company's SkyView avionics system featuring synthetic vision. Go along for a flight during bright daylight and into the dimming sun over mountainous terrain. You can see the real image and compare how SkyView synthesizes it. After viewing the system in flight, I predict your choice of words will include: "Impressive!" Dynon's SkyView setup costs about $5,500 for a single 10-inch screen, though this price is a small fraction of the cost of a Type Certificated system.

*** Paul is a veteran videographer and website publisher focused on the light end of aviation. Start here and work your way around his several content websites. *** Flight Design USA president Tom Peghiny admitted, "I was skeptical about SkyView until Dynon made a presentation at our [Flight Design] distributor-dealer meeting Monday after the Sebring Expo. Later I flew the SkyView-equipped CTLS and I was really impressed. I thought it kind of looked like a video game on the ground but in the air the situational awareness is remarkable." He added that a lower time pilot in worsening weather could find his way to safety much easier with SkyView installed, though he admits the buyer will need a somewhat thicker wallet to pay for the handsome hardware. (Check features and prices.) *** That's a strong endorsement from a man known for speaking honestly.

Running Some Numbers... from the Insurer's View

February 5, 2010

I just had the pleasure of a nice long chat with Mike Adams, the always-helpful V.P. of Underwriting for Avemco Insurance, who updated me on the accident picture for Light Sport flying this past year or so. *** There's good news and bad news:

*** Bad news first -- "The results are still not what we'd like them to be," says Mike. He's talking about Avemco's payouts to insured customers for repairs and total losses to SLSA. *** "But the good news is, the picture is improving." *** The bottom line: LSA accidents continue to cost, on average, between 100% and 200% more than similar accidents in the General Aviation fleet. *** That's primarily due to the average cost of SLSA: around $100,000 equipped. *** "The other factor is the accident rate, which still averages about twice that of GA." *** Mike explains though that the 2X rate includes the first four years of LSA flight -- during which the ratio was four times the accident rate of GA! ***

"Through 2008 and 2009, the accident rate dropped considerably. Changes we incorporated into our coverage, calling for five hours transition time even for rated GA pilots, flight reviews for pilots with a Sport Pilot license or 10 hours for students with 15 or less takeoffs and landings, cut down our landing losses considerably. And landings are where the majority of claims come from." *** Landing mishaps in fact comprise 45 to 55% of all GA accidents, including SLSA stats. *** "Apparently", he says, "we can takeoff; we can get where we're going safely; we just can't land once we get there!" *** I'll cover our entire conversation in the May issue of dead tree P&P. *** Thanks, Mike!

Getting Into the PiperSport LSA

February 2, 2010

Legacy Brands -- Piper took a different approach from Cessna -- choosing to distribute an established LSA -- and didn't make the errors of Cirrus (who took so long to "Cirrus-ize" the SRS that the economy put the project on hold). The lower left photo shows the PiperSport "Go Team" of marketer Jackie Carlon (L), CEO Kevin Gould (C), with VP and PiperSport Project Manager Derek Zimmerman (R).

What a way to start the year. Piper called a press conference at Sebring and like no other I've seen after attending all six Expo events, the media turned out in droves. On opening day the legacy brand unveiled their LSA entry at Sebring 2010 (it was also their first exhibitor appearance). Camera clicked constantly, videos whirred, and recording devices captured every uttered word. It may not have been as spectacular as Apple iPad media event, but it generated the same kind of intense buzz. Here's a few facts I haven't seen in the other generous media coverage. *** Piper is a 72-year-old much-storied producer of 140,000 airplanes. They have certified 160 models (50% more than the incredible output of all LSA producers combined). They span the general aviation spectrum from the $120,000 PiperSport to the $2.2 million PiperJet. The company's iconic Piper Cub inspired two replica LSA producers (American Legend and CubCrafters), whose aircraft comprise two of the top five among all LSA manufacturers... and the only two of the top eight SLSA that are built in the USA. *** As recently as last summer no one forecast Piper's entry, again illustrating the dynamic and fast-developing nature of Light-Sport Aircraft. But the company is gung-ho on the sector. CEO Kevin Gould said, "Piper is entering what is undeniably one of the most exciting market segments in general aviation." *** In a move I consider savvy, Piper will keep all existing SportCruiser dealers adding them to 27 Piper Aircraft dealers, 65 service centers, and 2,500 field personnel. Watch for my full-length pilot report coming in the March 2010 issue of Light Sport & Ultralight Flying, which will be posted here by spring.

First Clips: PiperSport Flies at Sebring!

February 2, 2010

Here's a quick clip shot during a photo session, shared in the back of a Cessna 210 with Jim Koepnick, EAA's master photographer, who graciously invited me to share the flight. Thanks to EAA's editor Mary Jones too!

(That's Jim's hair whipping around at the bottom of the frame near the end of the clip - tight quarters!)

Going Multimedia (Reluctantly at First)

January 27, 2010

LSA Videos -- Direct from Sebring 2010... thanks to ultrafast editing by Dave Loveman -- here are quick takes (top left, clockwise) on Rose Pelton's own SkyCatcher; Belite Aircraft's Part 103 ultralight vehicles; the just-announced PiperSport; and the HKS-powered Quasar Lite.

Lots of other aviation news organizations embraced multimedia before ByDanJohnson.com did. We figured online was already quite lively with hyperlinks and true interactivity as represented by our exclusive PlaneFinder 2.0 feature. *** About a year ago, Dave Loveman of Ultralightnews.ca approached me with an idea to do brief reviews of LSA. I accepted his invitation and today we are well on our way to having a 4-8 minute video mini-review for each of the 105 SLSA on the market. Other professional outlets like AvWeb, ANN, AOPA, and EAA offer multimedia topics all over the aviation map, but ByDanJohnson.com maintains a tight focus on all manner of light aircraft flown by Sport Pilots. *** With that manifesto in mind, we observe for you that we just posted new reviews on our LSA Videos page and we invite you to watch these... for free and without even having to register. That's the Internet way, though I hope you will consider signing up as a member for only $29 a year -- you can read hundreds of full-length pilots reports for the fee. *** After Sebring 2010, Loveman and I have made short videos of about 50 of the 105 SLSA plus a few other interesting aircraft in the Light-Sport space. We hope you enjoy them all. You can see these on Dave's website and on YouTube, which helps enlarge the number of viewers. But if you view them right here, you'll get a short paragraph to help you decide which ones to watch plus an easy hyperlink to all other content we have on that aircraft including all contact info. By this means, we think ByDanJohnson.com is delivering more value than other LSA resources. Go enjoy! They are fun, fast, factual, and free.

Sebring Day Four: O Say, Can You Fly!

January 26, 2010

Is this a heart-warming story or what? It brings out my deepest love of country - where else but in America could we even be talking about this? *** Details: Tampa Bay Online ran a story this morning about a gentleman named Gregory Lawrence (no relation). Greg, 61, was at Sebring and I'm really sorry I didn't meet him because although he's been deaf from childhood, get this: he intends to be the first deaf flight instructor! *** The story linked above gives you more details, just wanted to tag this because it inspired me. What a tribute to the spirit and love of aviation, and the freedom America bestows

on all of us to dream a dream so magnificent! *** I'll be in contacting Greg for a followup story on this: the challenges are daunting, no doubt, but the potential rewards? Indescribably, wonderfully human. Bless you sir and Godspeed!

Sebring Day Four: Garmin "Supersizes" G3X

January 26, 2010

Garmin's Tim Casey debuted two spiffy new software packages for owners of the G3X glass cockpit. *** The first package brings expanded monitoring of flight functions and engine performance to the unit/s (you can gang in up to three screens on your panel). *** Tres cool: the G3X is completely user-customizable, perfect for LSA and experimental owners. *** Some of the monitoring functions: *** RPM *** Manifold pressure *** oil temperature and pressure *** Coolant temperature and pressure *** Fuel pressure *** Up to six CHT inputs *** Up to six EGT inputs *** Carburetor temperature *** Dual voltage inputs *** Fuel flow (single or differential) *** Trim position (three-axis) *** Flap position *** Fuel quantity inputs *** Engine sensor kits will work with Lycoming, Continental, Rotax, and Jabiru

engines. *** The other upgrade brings mode interface, allowing remote control of the G3X to TruTrak autopilots. *** Both packages will be available to owners for free download in about two weeks, says Garmin.

Sebring Day Four: High, Wide and Sunny

January 26, 2010

After five days of hustle and bustle to get the talking, shooting, flying and writing done at Sebring (I'm an Air Force of One), I got a real treat: pal Dave Graham, who's worked tirelessly since the beginning to bring the Gobosh line of LSA to America and get the two lovely low-wing models they represent on the map (Gobosh currently ranks 15th on Dan Johnson's market list), offered me the left seat in a Gobosh 700S so up we went. *** We tooled around beneath the broken clouds in the waning yellow-orange afternoon light, chattering away about all things LSA, and life in general -- real smell-the-roses time. *** Dave, a native of Ireland, is a well-read, very bright guy who's got a clear pov about all kinds of things and is a tirelessly engaging conversationalist.

*** He's been a pilot for 20 years and is passionate about aviation, plain and simple. *** We flew all over, rolling and darting around the clouds in the rain-washed skies, turning the 700S on a dime over blue lakes, rural towns, warm emerald-green swampland and orange groves for almost an hour -- the perfect way to end the show. *** The 700S, as Dave likes to describe it, is indeed "alive" -- it's

responsive, yet stable, gives you great feedback, feels like an airplane should, and is one of those LSA that's always and completely an absolute pleasure to fly. Can't wait to go up again. *** Thanks Dave!

Sebring Day Three: To The Max

January 25, 2010

Evektor USA's main man Jim Lee

took me up for an enjoyable float above the clouds today in the SportStar Max, the top-line evolution of the SportStar which won the first ASTM SLSA designation back at the beginning of the category. *** Above the line of scud clouds murking things up below 2500' or so, we cruised around for awhile in smooth air, doing some stalls, playing with the TruTrak EFIS, enjoying the solid, easy handling of the bird, and talking about the simple joy of flying as we gazed down upon the beautiful green earth. ***

I'll be writing up my review of the

Max for an upcoming issue. Meanwhile, more eye candy. *** (That's Jim standing by the airplane). *** Attendance for the show seemed pretty good today, although no official numbers yet.

Sebring Day Three: Fog, Sun, Wind, Clouds

January 25, 2010

The day started at 6 with a drive up to the airport in the fog. I sat with Jim Koepnick and friends, waiting for the fog to lift for our 7 a.m. shoot with the PiperSport. *** Never happened. *** Jim's the long-time head of EAA's photo department: if you've seen some of the zillions of gorgeous photos filling their publications over the last couple decades or so, you've seen his top-notch work.

*** Jim and EAA editor Mary Jones were gracious enough to offer me a seat in their Cessna 210 photo ship, and we'll try again tomorrow morning. *** The sun finally broke out, bringing the wind and puffy scud clouds. *** Piper's long-time unsung hero Bart Jones, with whom I've flown countless photo missions over the years (along with P&P's veteran Senior Ed. Bill Cox), took me up for a demo flight in the lovely new PiperSport.

*** What a treat! *** We're running the story in the next issue but here's a couple highlights: *** a delight to fly *** beautifully appointed inside and out *** lands like a dream

. *** Excellent toe-brake pedal plates make castoring nosewheel system easily controllable. *** Hops off the ground and lands at very low speeds.

*** Labels: Clouds, Sebring Day Three: Fog, Sun, Wind

Sebring Revs to High Speed; Catch the Videos

January 23, 2010

Sebring Video -- Dave Loveman (of UltralightNews.com) and I have been working hard to provide lots of short aircraft reviews and general views of Sebring 2010. The sixth annual show is already judged a success. Check the video on YouTube.

Sebring is off and flying... well, like a homesick angel! It appears the sixth running of the show is as strong as it's ever been. Tim Casey -- head guru of Garmin's division for aviation portables plus avionics and radios used in nearly every LSA on the market -- told me this evening, "I think traffic is nearly double last year [a record year for Sebring]. We completely ran out of literature on the second day!" The giant producer reported solid sales of equipment including their lovely new touchscreen Aera and their complete info glass screen package, dubbed the G3X. *** My pal, Jim Lawrence has been pumping out the blogs as you've seen right here (does this guy ever sleep?!) and more will come. In addition, my video partner, Dave Loveman, has been working both of us hard to build up a flock of cool video clips. See the highlights here with a coming quick-take tour of the entire show grounds (see below)... followed in the weeks ahead by our continuing review of every Light-Sport Aircraft on the market. Thanks to Dave's prodigious video production capability, we are now about half-way through the 105 models of SLSA on the market. We even got Rose Pelton to stand for an interview of her very own SkyCatcher. Rose is Cessna CEO Jack Pelton's lovely wife and, yes, the first SkyCatcher went to her so she can pursue her Private Pilot license. *** We'll have LOTS more to come; click back here often to see all the latest and greatest in the LSA world. [UPDATE 1/25/10: Race around Sebring 2010 with videographer Dave Loveman and me as we give you a quick tour of many aircraft displayed at the just-concluded Sebring LSA Expo event. We provide a brief description and a few facts about each aircraft plus their web address for fuller details. It's fun and fast... Quick Tour Part 1 or Quick Tour Part 2.]

To read SPLOG postings going back to 2005 -- all organized in chronological order -- click SPLOG.