ByDanJohnson

By Dan Johnson || October 7, 2018 18 Comments

Season-Concluding Airshow — DeLand Showcase starts in a mere three weeks: November 1-2-3, 2018. Come join us!

Find more than 1,000 videos on Ultralight News YouTube, (which continues to grow: +45,000 subscribers!) — Hundreds of our best videos are archived here for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks for your visit and we truly appreciate those of you who have become members!

Season-Concluding Airshow — DeLand Showcase starts in a mere three weeks: November 1-2-3, 2018. Come join us! Find more than 1,000 videos on Ultralight News YouTube, (which continues to grow: +45,000 subscribers!) — Hundreds of our best videos are archived here for your viewing pleasure. Thanks for your visit and we truly appreciate those of you who have become members!

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Weekend News Firestorm (about LSA weight) Continues to Blaze

By Dan Johnson || October 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

Arion‘s Lightning, available as a SLSA, ELSA, or 51% kit, is already ready for somewhat higher weight, said boss Nick Otterback.

An article from last weekend’s news about a massive jump in LSA weight propelled this website to an all-time record as light aviation enthusiasts from around the nation and the globe signed on to make comments and shared the article with their friends.

Words you read on this website proved to be correct as more information emerges. Specifically, one large error was a quoted date for a new NPRM on this subject. Some outlets reported it would be released on January 19, 2019. NPRM is an abbreviation for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and precedes any new regulation, allowing for comment and revision. Before such a NPRM is released, FAA has normally spoken to many parties that could be affected. That largely has not happened yet and for a good reason.

The NPRM is nowhere-near ready to be published, certainly not on such a specific date as January 19th next year.

Other Quality Reporting

Beside my own investigation with sources in FAA working on this specific regulation, AVweb journalist Paul Bertorelli also followed up on this story. Read his report here; his article contains a link to a podcast.

Rans’ S-212 Outbound was designed for as much as 1,800 pounds, though it is available as a SLSA at 1,320 pounds.

The short summary: No NPRM will come out in three months.

Paul interviewed EAA’s VP of advocacy and safety, Sean Elliot, who agreed that FAA’s work is “unlikely to yield any specific Notices of Proposed Rule Making until at least 2020, if not beyond.”

Good! Whatever the eventual content of FAA’s proposed rulemaking, an absolutely essential ingredient is discussing changes with industry and other key participants first, revising the proposal, and allowing various government and non-governmental groups to offer their input. FAA does not rush a proposal to NPRM status because doing so could generate lots of unfavorable comment, and in such case, regulators would have to go back to the drawing board.

In addition and as I already reported, this is a very sweeping regulation that touches on many parts of the current Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and all that language change must be carefully considered. Updates for LSA are only one part of this large regulatory project.

Q&A on Weight and More

To other specific questions I’ve been asked, I have further responses…

Specific Weight? — The number 3,600 pounds has been reported. It will not be a specific, fixed number and the formula that will produce a gross weight has not yet been finalized. Yes, it could be that high; no one knows yet …but the formula will likely involve engine power, stall speed, and probably other parameters.

North Wing is a trike builder and supplier of wings to other weight shift producers.

More Seats? — Yes, this is also a possibility. It is not specifically an attempt to bring Cessna 172s and other legacy aircraft into LSA. It is an attempt to bring this new regulation closer to that established for Basic Med. Many aircraft — such as weight shift, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, and motorgliders — don’t need or want (or maybe can’t handle) four seats. Even those airframes that can accommodate more seats will surely then be more expensive.

Higher Speed? — Yes, higher speed may also be on the agenda. Nothing is particularly sacred about 120 knots (138 mph). However, like all parts of this regulation proposal, it is only in discussion stages at this time. Again, this has to do with trying to align the new regulation with the earlier one for Basic Med.

What Medical? — At this time, no change is expected for LSA. Your Sport Pilot certificate will still only require a driver’s license and self-signoff, or use that medical approach with your higher level certificate and exercise the privileges of Sport Pilot. Again, as with all parts of this rule-in-progress, the plans are subject to change.

Progressive Aerodyne, the leading seller of LSA seaplanes, has been working with partners on a Single Lever Control (SLC) system to provide automatic in-flight prop adjustment.

Adjustable Propeller? — Yes, again. As reported in LAMA’s earlier report, single lever control was favorably received by FAA management and the association is hopeful this will be part of the resulting new regulation. SLC is a type of automatic prop adjustment, similar to that found on every Cirrus aircraft.

What’s Important? — LAMA wants FAA to listen to the LSA producer community and the LSA user community. Give the industry and pilots a chance to provide input and the result will be a better product. That takes time and that’s why the absurd date only three months away was so unrealistic.

Finally, I want to again point you to the LAMA advocacy report. The industry association continues to work with FAA to advance several goals mentioned in that report. These bear a short review.

SilverLight Aviation‘s AR-1 gyroplane, now available with a removable enclosure, must presently be assembled from a kit, though LAMA continues work to bring these aircraft into the world of Special LSA. photo by Amy Saunders

Another goal is aerial work or commercial use for LSA. Most readers will recognize SLSA can already be used for commercial work: professional flight instruction, rental of LSA to students and others, and towing. LAMA merely wants to add to that list — and honestly, more gross weight will add to the work value of these aircraft in addition to giving sellers and buyers new opportunities to use LSA productively.

Finally, we aren’t giving up on SLSA gyroplanes although I will admit this one is proving to be the toughest, with ongoing resistance from the rotorcraft branch of FAA — meaning no professional flight instruction is allowed. Yes, training can be done with a LODA (Letter of Deviation Authority), if you can get one, but that method does not allow a student to solo in the aircraft being used for his or her training.

THE GOOD NEWS… industry groups like LAMA and member organizations like EAA, among others, have more time to continue work with FAA and more time for agency personnel to listen to the community of users and the professionals serving them.

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An article from last weekend’s news about a massive jump in LSA weight propelled this website to an all-time record as light aviation enthusiasts from around the nation and the globe signed on to make comments and shared the article with their friends. Words you read on this website proved to be correct as more information emerges. Specifically, one large error was a quoted date for a new NPRM on this subject. Some outlets reported it would be released on January 19, 2019. NPRM is an abbreviation for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and precedes any new regulation, allowing for comment and revision. Before such a NPRM is released, FAA has normally spoken to many parties that could be affected. That largely has not happened yet and for a good reason. The NPRM is nowhere-near ready to be published, certainly not on such a specific date as January 19th next year.

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Wait! What’s All This About a Weight Increase for Light-Sport Aircraft?

By Dan Johnson || October 8, 2018 10 Comments

In addition, a shockingly near-term timeline for FAA to issue rulemaking further enforces the need to speak out now. I will provide information gleaned just an hour ago.

In case you missed the story, here’s what AOPA reported: “EAA chairman and CEO Jack Pelton [was invited] onto the stage. On January 19, 2019, Pelton said, the FAA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks to raise the weight limit for Light-Sport Aircraft from the current 1,320 pounds to 3,600 pounds.” AOPA went on to quote Pelton, “That will allow you to fly in a 172, have four seats in the airplane, and fly 150 mph.”

Stop the Presses

This news was flabbergasting to many and upsetting to others. Having worked rather closely with FAA over the last four and a half years, in my role as LAMA president, I was sure parts of this were incorrect.

I reached out to contacts in the agency and got a reply even though government is closed for Columbus Day. Here’s what I learned from the group tasked with preparing this rule.

First — The announced date of “January 19, 2019” simply cannot happen. The team creating the rule does not possibly have the time to complete work by then. In fact, it is more likely “three to four years away.” The new rule is a huge, sweeping effort that touches on many FAR parts; it cannot be completed on such a rushed schedule, nor would doing so be prudent.

Second — An effort is being made to align this major new regulation with the Basic Med rule, meaning that, yes, gross weight may go as high as was stated — and extra seats may be added — but, this is by no means determined yet. It will not even go before FAA’s high level rulemaking council for initial determination until December …if then. At this time, “this is just at the discussion stage,” reported my contact.

Third — LSA gross weight will rise but “not to a hard number” like 3,600 pounds. It will involve a maximum horsepower, a given stall speed, among other considerations, all of which will rely on the laws of physics to keep the aircraft design reasonable.

In July, in this report, I described changes that FAA told us were coming. That report was shown to the rule-writing group before publication and they replied, “No changes necessary.” It still stands as a valid report.

Naturally, Industry Is Concerned

Remember in the fall of 2011, when EAA and AOPA announced a change in aviation medicals? The surprise announcement — which subsequently took years to enact (becoming what we call Basic Med) — caused an immediate drop in orders. Orders already placed were cancelled. Other orders never got placed as pilots began to ponder what would happen next.

About this weekend’s news, one U.S. supplier said, “I’m pretty worried.” He’s concerned people may hold off a purchase, waiting to see what happens. “I’ve seen it before,” he added. However, since the new rule remains years away, no buyer ought to halt the joy of acquiring and flying a new aircraft.

Another industry expert said, “I hate being caught flat-footed like this.” He remembered clearly what happened with the early announcement of medical changes.

While all the buzz today may be about gross weight, the light aircraft industry has other concerns about the regulations that LAMA and USUA will continue to vigorously pursue.

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This weekend a firestorm erupted out of the blue. A wave of questions is ringing my phone, piling up text messages, and populating my social media accounts. Because it seems premature, I preferred not to weigh in on LSA weight but given the volume of comments, neither can I remain silent. In addition, a shockingly near-term timeline for FAA to issue rulemaking further enforces the need to speak out now. I will provide information gleaned just an hour ago. In case you missed the story, here’s what AOPA reported: “EAA chairman and CEO Jack Pelton [was invited] onto the stage. On January 19, 2019, Pelton said, the FAA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks to raise the weight limit for Light-Sport Aircraft from the current 1,320 pounds to 3,600 pounds.” AOPA went on to quote Pelton, “That will allow you to fly in a 172, have four seats in the airplane, and fly 150 mph.” Stop the Presses This news was flabbergasting to many and upsetting to others.

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Icon A5 Crosses America — Company Debuts a New (more affordable) Way to Own

By Dan Johnson || October 7, 2018 Leave a Comment

For example, I enjoyed reading AOPA journalist Dave Hirschman‘s account of his solo trip crossing the width of the United States in an A5. Read the whole story here. Dave is an excellent writer and an experienced pilot. His account is very positive, yet balanced. Having flown the A5, I found his observations largely matched mine.

However, a problem exists.

As time passed, Icon has steadily raised the price of A5. What started as an affordable seaplane with innovative features has progressed to be an aircraft that even founder Kirk Hawkins agrees can only be bought by rather wealthy owners.

That same scenario can be used for Cirrus Aircraft and its SR20 and SR22 (their most expensive model that accounts for a solid majority of their sales). Each year as deliveries are tallied I am impressed that once again they found hundreds of buyers for a fixed-gear, single-engine airplane with a nearly $1 million price tag. Wealthy buyers obviously exist, but if you are not one, are you locked out of these highly engineered aircraft?

Introducing a Fractional A5

At this summer’s Oshkosh event, Icon announced a new “Managed Fractional Program.” They describe it as one “to allow easier and lower-cost access to A5 ownership.”

Icon’s “Fleet Access” program is a full-service sales and aircraft management solution that offers 50% and 25% ownership shares of the A5 and, “unlike many other programs in the industry, will also allow owners to use other shared A5 aircraft in various locations across the U.S. as if they were their own.” This is different than other fractional programs I’ve examined and it provides all scheduled maintenance, storage, insurance, scheduling, dispatch, staging, and more. They can even help with one of their custom designed trailers.

What Icon calls their “beta version” of Fleet Access will launch in Tampa and Miami, Florida; in Los Angeles; and in the San Francisco Bay Area by fall 2018. If it works as they hope, Icon will add “up to six additional expansion sites … through the end of 2019” perhaps including bases in Texas, the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes.

No, this isn’t a partnership program where you have to find several other partners and then administrate the cooperation. That’s a fine idea but it has never become popular as it takes some level of bureaucracy. Icon eliminates that effort by managing the program itself.

So, what will this cost?

A 25% share — probably enough for most pilots I know — will cost $95,000 if you sign up early enough. Add to that a $900 “monthly management fee” that will cover storage, scheduling, and insurance, plus a $75 hourly fee. For many readers, this may still be too much but for some this could be a good option. If t works for you, contact Icon at this email address or call 707-564-4100. Here’s Icon’s dedicated page with more details.

One More Thing

If you feel the fractional program doesn’t work for you, yet you admire what Icon has done …well, one more possibility exists for your involvement.

Can your interest be turned into a money-making proposition? Yes, it can.

You can be an Icon Advocate.

Enroll in their program and refer someone who buys — you could make $10,000. Refer someone who wants to offer A5 flight training, become a Service Provider, or join as a Sales Advocate and you can earn $15,000.

Do this a few times — no limit is imposed on the program — and you might earn enough for your own airplane, though admittedly you’ll have to do this many times to afford your own A5.

While I could wish an A5 hadn’t reached such top-of-the-category pricing*, I do applaud the California company’s effort to cope with their pricing issues and the airplane is indeed a well-thought-out beauty.

Here’s my review of Icon’s A5

* A Carbon Cub isn’t priced much less than an A5 yet has steadily risen to be the top selling Light-Sport Aircraft in America.

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Have you noticed how much LSA seaplanes pop up on this website and all over the web and print world? I admit to fascination with the developments these versatile aircraft are bringing to market but my attitude is shared by many others. For example, I enjoyed reading AOPA journalist Dave Hirschman‘s account of his solo trip crossing the width of the United States in an A5. Read the whole story here. Dave is an excellent writer and an experienced pilot. His account is very positive, yet balanced. Having flown the A5, I found his observations largely matched mine. However, a problem exists. As time passed, Icon has steadily raised the price of A5. What started as an affordable seaplane with innovative features has progressed to be an aircraft that even founder Kirk Hawkins agrees can only be bought by rather wealthy owners. That same scenario can be used for Cirrus Aircraft and its SR20 and SR22 (their most expensive model that accounts for a solid majority of their sales).

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Flying Motorcycle Scorpion Earns “Approval” from FAA

By Dan Johnson || October 2, 2018 3 Comments

So far, at least three entries* in the multicopter sweepstakes qualify themselves as Part 103 ultralight vehicles. I’m guessing that lead FAA rule writer, Mike Sacrey, never envisioned this idea back in 1982 when he and his team created aviation’s least-regulated aviation sector. In those days, FAA had only recently moved away from requiring that such aircraft demonstrate foot launching.

Mike would have needed a genuine crystal ball to foresee something like Scorpion 36 years ago. Let’s briefly put this in perspective — most readers had yet to buy their first computer; we were still 13 years away from the World Wide Web; it was a quarter century before the iPhone; even Light-Sport Aircraft were 22 years in the future.

Had Mike written a regulation back then to include multicopters like Scorpion he would surely have been relocated to some remote post where his craziness would not be obvious.

Yet multicopters seems to be everywhere and now, FAA has issued a formal letter saying, basically, “Yeah, it’s a Part 103 ultralight.”

Crazy, or Real? …but Fascinating

Our preceding article about a Lighter-than-Air LSA looks fairly tame compared to Scorpion. I know many readers are doubtful about either development …and that’s OK. Pilots being skeptical is a preservation instinct: don’t go fly any old thing that comes along; applying logic, analysis, and a serious measure of doubt may keep you alive.

Some readers who read the earlier Scorpion article thought the close proximity of spinning props to the occupants legs was nuts (even if protections were in place). Others wrote that sitting above the blades was equally weird (although the first Kitty Hawk Flyer used a similar concept). I can understand all sorts of questions — or outright dismissal — but it appears multicopters are here to stay, even if their form may change radically in the years ahead.

To their credit Hoversurf did consult FAA as this letter from Principal Maintenance Inspector Wilbert Robinson proves.

Hoversurf explains some of their ideas, “We have designed a monocoque frame created using different types of carbon fiber technology. The whole frame is made by a single element, which gives the stiffness of the structure … while reducing the weight by a factor of two compared to our previous aluminum model. … Dimensions of the hoverbike allow it to be rolled in a standard doorway while also having ability to take-off and land from an ordinary parking space. … [Scorpion] weighs (253 pounds) … reducing the weight of the frame … allowed us to install a more capacious battery. Our safe flight altitude is 16 feet above ground, but the pilot can adjust the limit to their comfortability. … Maximum speed is limited to 60 mph or 52 knots according to the requirements of the law.”

If you want to read more about the company’s view of Scorpion, go here.

A few points need to be clarified:

In one video the company representative speaks of “no limits,” saying you can fly as high as you like or as fast as you like. Of course, most readers know a Part 103 vehicle is limited to 55 knots or 63 mph. The website acknowledges this but the video was evidently produced before the Part 103 decision was made. The quote in the paragraph above shows company officials may have also backed away from the “fly as high as you like” comment.
In a couple other videos, Scorpion’s price is quoted at $59,900, which less doubtful buyers might pay. Yet the website states the asking price at $150,000. At the latter figure, I imagine the number of buyers of an unproven vehicle will be very minimal (other than police or military buyers), though I could be wrong.
What might be more workable and acceptable is a drone version that carries goods instead of a human. The website has information about this but that use is much less impactful than showing manned flight.

So, is Scorpion going places or destined to die on the vine? Only time will tell.

Here are a couple videos showcasing the flying machine:

* The three entries are Kitty Hawk Flyer, Opener BlackFly, and Hoversurf Scorpion

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So far, at least three entries* in the multicopter sweepstakes qualify themselves as Part 103 ultralight vehicles. I’m guessing that lead FAA rule writer, Mike Sacrey, never envisioned this idea back in 1982 when he and his team created aviation’s least-regulated aviation sector. In those days, FAA had only recently moved away from requiring that such aircraft demonstrate foot launching. Mike would have needed a genuine crystal ball to foresee something like Scorpion 36 years ago. Let’s briefly put this in perspective — most readers had yet to buy their first computer; we were still 13 years away from the World Wide Web; it was a quarter century before the iPhone; even Light-Sport Aircraft were 22 years in the future. Had Mike written a regulation back then to include multicopters like Scorpion he would surely have been relocated to some remote post where his craziness would not be obvious.

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First Lighter-than-Air Light-Sport Aircraft — FlyDoo with VTU

By Dan Johnson || September 29, 2018 Leave a Comment

Now comes FlyDoo from France, an LSA-category-fitting hot-air balloon. Designer Leandro Corradini thought he could deliver something that didn’t exist in the market so he set up shop to supply envelope, basket, burner, and more in a practical, lightweight, compact, and easy-to-transport and -store package.

FlyDoo breaks down compactly enough that you could easily store it in your house or apartment. He even shows pictures of transporting it to a flying field by adding a wheel and tow bar kit to the gondola making the aircraft into a small trailer that can be towed by a bicycle.

Leandro observes that established balloon manufacturers are accustomed to working in the FAA or CAA certified aircraft environment, often building large balloons used commercially to give rides. These producers have smaller aircraft but evidently pursue the higher cost variations. They may not be familiar with ASTM standards as used for all Light-Sport Aircraft and no others have chosen to address the LSA market.

Corradini views hot-air balloon flying as a simpler, easier, friendlier way to fly that can relieve stress rather than create it. To add to the relaxing outcome of a balloon flight, Leandro also gave his LSA LTA a VTU.

VTU probably threw you as it is not a term you hear for aircraft, unless it’s a Harrier jet or the newer F-35. Either of those seems about as far away from FlyDoo as you can get.

VTU stands for Vectored Thrust Unit and it is something unusual for a hot-air balloon.

Corradini’s VTU can be attached to the basket or gondola and provides directional control and thrust. His VTU is powered by an electric battery pack. The whole system adds only 55 pounds.

Designer Leandro Corradini uses his right hand to work the steering bar with button throttle for his Vectored Thrust Unit.

Maneuvering with the VTU appears surprisingly simple. Using a steering rudder (photo) with a push-button throttle, the pilot can rotate the balloon by angling the prop until balloon and gondola reach the desired position. Then the pilot centers the rudder and applies thrust to more forward in the desired direction.

Current LSA regulations do not allow his electric powerplant, but that might be solved by the time FlyDoo is fully ready for market. Although he has not yet gotten FAA acceptance, Leandro said he has designed from the beginning to comply with ASTM standards for LTA that some years ago were completed by the F37 committee of ASTM.

Because no prior company has offered an aircraft using those standards, it seems likely FAA will want to audit this first LTA entry. Until passing muster with FAA, FlyDoo can be made available as an Experimental-Amateur Built.

Aiming for production in 2019, Leandro is currently estimating FlyDoo’s price at about $21,000 covering foldable gondola, the custom burner unit and controls, plus the balloon envelope. You may add the VTU, with batteries and chargers, for an additional $14,000.

American balloon enthusiasts can see FlyDoo next month at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico over October 6 to 14, 2018. The Albuquerque gathering is enormous with many hundreds of colorful balloons — including some with rather fantastic shapes. The main event is a mass ascension that has become one of the most photographed spectacles in the country.

Here’s a company video that proves the viability of the FlyDoo LTA LSA with VTU…

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FAA’s Light-Sport Aircraft category involves quite the intriguing mixture of aircraft. Fixed wing aircraft of many descriptions, weight shift, powered parachute, gyroplanes, motorgliders, seaplanes, of course, and, lighter-than-air. Every niche has been well explored …except for that last one. Now comes FlyDoo from France, an LSA-category-fitting hot-air balloon. Designer Leandro Corradini thought he could deliver something that didn’t exist in the market so he set up shop to supply envelope, basket, burner, and more in a practical, lightweight, compact, and easy-to-transport and -store package. FlyDoo breaks down compactly enough that you could easily store it in your house or apartment. He even shows pictures of transporting it to a flying field by adding a wheel and tow bar kit to the gondola making the aircraft into a small trailer that can be towed by a bicycle. Leandro observes that established balloon manufacturers are accustomed to working in the FAA or CAA certified aircraft environment, often building large balloons used commercially to give rides.

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Gyroplanes Are Big Overseas — First Market Share Info for the USA

By Dan Johnson || September 24, 2018 5 Comments

Updated September 26, 2018 — This article has been updated to include more producers. See at bottom. —DJ

Over many years, you have found LSA market share information on this website. Many have found this of interest …from businesses learning more about their market; to customers doing careful investigation before paying tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new aircraft; to government fulfilling its task of regulating industry; to insurance companies assessing risk of providing their product; and many other actors in the blockbuster movie that is light, recreational aviation.

I will have more to say about the broader LSA market share reports below but now I want to present the best information I have seen for Light-Sport Aircraft Gyroplanes.

…uh, except for one problem. No such aircraft category exists, SLSA gyroplanes, that is.

SilverLight Aviation’s AR-1; photo by Amy Saunders

FAA has denied fully-built Special LSA status to rotary winged aircraft such as gyroplanes. LAMA thought this was on track for a solution as recently as two months ago (see report), but today, the matter is back in doubt, truly a shame as these aircraft are thriving around the world.

Rotax has reported for some time that they sell more 9-series engines to gyroplanes as a specific category than to other groups. Indeed, sellers like Germany’s AutoGyro have more than 2,500 units flying.

FAA’s rotorcraft personnel are living in the past, remembering the problems of early machines like the Bensen Gyrocopter. Before training and before design evolution, those aircraft did have a undesirable safety record. However, that has been remedied… long ago, actually.

Our new associate, Steve Beste, wrote an excellent article for his club newsletter and I will summarize that piece in another post.

In his article, he wrote, “[Along with better training] the other change since those days is the large horizontal stabilizer, mounted well aft. Some machines were prone to PIO, pilot-induced oscillations in pitch. The pilot would chase the oscillations, only making them worse until the gyro did a fatal bunt over. The large tail that Magni invented – as is used on all modern gyros – has fixed that.”

Welcoming Steve Beste

“I’m a retired computer guy and trike pilot who loves databases,” Steve told me. He used his special set of skills to download FAA’s aircraft registration database to compile statistics on gyroplane registrations, focused on the new European-style gyroplanes.

As you can see, AutoGyro is the clear market leader at 52% with 163 aircraft of 312 gyroplanes registered with FAA. The German builder is trailed by Magni in the #2 slot at 18% with 56 registrations.

A new American manufacturer, SilverLight Aviation, has quickly tied Spanish producer ELA for third at 8% with 26 aircraft registered for each. After that it trails off more quickly as Steve’s chart shows. More details about other brands will be chronicled in an article to follow.

For 2018 through July 23rd, Magni shows its strength by slightly beating AutoGyro U.S. registrations. As always, note that confirmed sales and registrations may not match precisely. In addition, much more of 2018 remains. In slightly more than half a year, gyroplanes registered 58 aircraft putting them on track to exceed 100 for the year. To offer perspective, this figure is approaching half as many as SLSA fixed wing registrations in recent full years.

Magni Gyro’s M24 Orion

So far this year, Magni has 15 registrations to AutoGyro’s 14 for 26% and 24% shares totaling half of total U.S. gyroplane registrations. SilverLight has registered 8 aircraft in 2018 for a 14% yearly share of 2018 to date.

A less well recognized U.S. producer, Tango, is having a respectable year, with 9 registrations accounting for 16% in 2018 so far. Tango is trailed by ELA with 6 registrations (10%), Australia’s Titanium and Italy’s Brako tied at 3 for 5% each. One interesting point: only Tango and Brako offer a single place gyroplane; all others are two place machines.

Much More Data to Follow!

Steve Beste and I have been discussing him providing database research to allow this website to continue providing LSA Market Share Info. Many visitors have written to ask; indeed, we are way behind on this effort.

ELA’s 10-Eclipse

The delay is ending. After Steve gets time to study the previous work and methods, he has proposed some wonderful improvements.

About the special skills he can offer, Steve wrote, “I’m a retired computer guy and trike pilot who loves databases.” Well, that certainly sounds perfect to me.

“I’m also the president of Flying Club 1, which was the original USUA Chapter 1,” Steve added. “Regarding the FAA database, I’d very much like to reach beyond just [fixed wing] airplanes, partly because I’m a trike pilot, myself. I think that’s entirely possible.”

Given this background, his obvious enthusiasm for this work, and the keen interest of many in light aviation, I am exceedingly pleased to welcome Steve to this website.

“[However, FAA’s] data is not clean,” Steve observed. I am well aware of this problem. Uncertainty about data accuracy of “alternative” LSA is why we have reported fixed wing Special LSA, only offering guesses for weight shift trikes, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, motorgliders, and more.

However, we hope that will now change and our market share reporting will be more inclusive. Hurray!

Problems in FAA’s database is not caused by incompetent clerks. Agency personnel must sort through inconsistently-reported aircraft. If, as Steve pointed out in one example, the registered name of the aircraft is slightly different, it won’t show up on a casual investigation.

He added, “There’s no end of that kind of thing …just so we know the limitations on this exercise. But with that understanding, I love this kind of thing, I have the skills to do it, and would be honored to support your good work for the sport.” All such reporting will be available on the home page when fresh and catalogued on its own space found by this link.

Wonderful, simply wonderful! Please welcome Steve Beste as a new contributor to ByDanJohnson.com!

UPDATE September 26, 2018 — In the article above, I inadvertently suggested SilverLight and their American Ranger gyroplane was the first or only U.S. producer of such aircraft. That is not what I intended but some readers viewed it that way. Allow me to bring your attention to two other producers.

Sport Copter & Rotor Flight Dynamics

Based in Oregon, Sport Copter is a long established, second-generation family business started in 1958. Chuck Vanek was one of the early pioneers of gyroplane design and development beginning his work in 1957.

Chuck’s son Jim Vanek took over the business and revamped the Vancraft designs. He said his “award-winning, world’s-first, two-place gyroplane took the prestigious Charles Lindbergh award at the Oshkosh airshow in 1985.” The company also reports his Sport Copter II design was voted as one of the Top Ten Best Designs at AirVenture in 2011.

An airshow performer, Jim said he wrote the parameters and guidelines for gyroplane looping for the FAA in 1998 after performing the world’s first loop in a conventional gyroplane, in 1997. The company’s website reports, “He is the only gyro pilot in the world that holds an International Council of Air Shows card for gyroplane looping and rolling.” Don’t even think about trying this yourself, however.

Rotor Flight Dynamics, founded and run by Ernie Boyette, produces a two place and single variations of their Dominator line. Sold as kit aircraft, the two-place model can be powered by Hirth four-cylinder engines, Subaru/AutoFlight EA-81, or the 115-horsepower Rotax 914 Turbo.

The company said, “We offer 22 thru 28 foot rotor blades of our own design with a lift capability from ultralight thru 1,200 pounds gross weight.” They added, “We are the only manufacturer that test flies all blade sets prior to shipping.” For export, Rotor Flight will fully build their aircraft but in the USA, FAA will only permit them to deliver kits, the same as all gyroplane producers.

As with all the modern gyroplanes, Rotor Flight uses a substantial tailplane. “The Dominator [series of one and two-place machines] incorporate the Tall Tail design for stability.” Asked how their product differs, the company’s website states, “What makes the Dominator so unique is its high profile design. It sits up very high off the ground.”

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Updated September 26, 2018 — This article has been updated to include more producers. See at bottom. —DJ Over many years, you have found LSA market share information on this website. Many have found this of interest …from businesses learning more about their market; to customers doing careful investigation before paying tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new aircraft; to government fulfilling its task of regulating industry; to insurance companies assessing risk of providing their product; and many other actors in the blockbuster movie that is light, recreational aviation. I will have more to say about the broader LSA market share reports below but now I want to present the best information I have seen for Light-Sport Aircraft Gyroplanes. …uh, except for one problem. No such aircraft category exists, SLSA gyroplanes, that is. FAA has denied fully-built Special LSA status to rotary winged aircraft such as gyroplanes.

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Equator Light-Sport Aircraft Seaplane Secures Crowd Funding; Makes First Flight

By Dan Johnson || September 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

This article has been updated with a new image; a minor correction was made.

LSA seaplanes have provided some of the most interesting new developments in aviation. Perhaps interest stems from the vast numbers of landable waterways compared to runways. Perhaps it’s the versatility of amphibians. Maybe people are simple drawn by the good looks or unique qualities of entries.

Among the several projects, one of the most fascinating has been the hybrid electric seaplane called Equator P2 Xcursion, from Norway. I have reported on P2 Xcursion before; here’s the earlier article.

Years in the Making

CEO and lead designer Tomas Brødreskift reports the company has invested some 30,000 man-hours into the Equator Aircraft project. An engineer, private pilot, and recreational flying enthusiast, he acquired a passion for flying that most readers know well. Like many of them, he saw in the aircraft he was flying a lack of modern design. He set out to change that eight years ago.

Part of the innovation Tomas introduced is a novel hybrid propulsion system to provide range, fuel efficiency and redundancy with all the benefits of electric power. With a purpose-designed control management system, the total pilot workload is reduced and higher levels of security are achieved, he believes.

“Simplification and demystification of the flying experience has been one of our main goals” stated Tomas. That helps explain a very small instrument and control console. “It contains what you need to get the job done in a minimized fashion, to keep your focus where its should be; on the outside of the aircraft,” added Tomas. Supporting that goal is a large canopy offering a wide-open field of view.

Further innovation is a fly-by-wire rudder and drive-by-wire nosewheel. “Both are experimental technologies, Tomas explained, “that we believe may make it simpler for the prospective owner and pilot to learn how to fly. No more hand and foot coordination, here you can put your feet up high and use your hands only for all control inputs.”

The airframe is composite using carbon fiber and Kevlar. Equator has selected the MGL iEFIS avionics package with remote transponder and radio. The electric motor swings a DUC Flash propeller for which the French prop maker has created a custom hub and spinner.

Power, Power, Power!

P2 Xcursion’s thrust is provided by an unusual aviation powerplant involving three elements: a motor spinning the prop; an electric generator supplying the motor and batteries; and an internal combustion engine powering the generator. At this time, P2 has both a test and boost battery plus it has the required electronic control unit (ECU).

If you are like me and used to Rotax, Continental, Jabiru, UL Power, Viking, Hirth, or AeroMomentum all this might sound strange. Yet it may be the way of the future …even if that future remains somewhat over the horizon.

Engiro M97 Electric is a 97 kW (130 horsepower) water- and air-cooled motor weighing only 32 kilograms (70 pounds). The manufacturer notes maximum power is available for three minutes, enough to break the water surface and start a climb; continuous power is 60 kW or 80 horsepower.

The internal combustion engine is a WST KKM 352 Wankel Multi Diesel producing 57 kW (76 horsepower). It weighs 45 kilograms (about 100 pounds).

In between is a Engiro G60 outputting 60 kW (80 horsepower), a water cooled generator weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds).

As a sum, the three elements weigh 233 pounds, roughly the weight of a legacy 100 horsepower aviation powerplant.

Batteries and controllers add to the weight, perhaps explaining the gross weight of 750 kilograms or 1,653 pounds. This weight and electric propulsion would eliminate P2 Xcursion except FAA is presently considering both electric power and a different way to calculate gross weight that would disregard the current 1,430 pound (650 kg) LSA seaplane weight limit. See more on FAA’s future regulation plans.

Developing P2 Xcursion

Tomas was inspired by first Equator builder, Günter Pöschel. Tomas wrote, “Günter was CEO of Equator Aircraft Company. He made remarkable aircraft (multi-passenger photo) that were way ahead of their time from 1969 to 1985. His substantial knowledge and stories were too good to overlook.”

Many years later, Equator’s P2 Xcursion first took flight in spring of 2018.

That accomplishment, while no doubt immensely satisfying, opened the next chapter: raising the money to go forward with the project.

“We are delighted and very proud to announce that Equator Aircraft AS has successfully achieved its Seedrs crowdfunding initial target investment,” the company wrote. “The Equator team expresses a huge thank you to nearly 400 investors who share Equator’s vision and have committed almost €160,000 (about $185,000) to date.” While a tiny fraction of what Icon Aircraft has generated, this sum will evidently allow Tomas and team to proceed. You can help if you are so motivated using this link.

Learn more and see more about Equator P2 Xcursion in this video from Aero 2018. In it, I interview electric flight expert and publisher, Willi Tacke, who filled in while Equator’s personnel were about to take their first flight. Check out eFlight Journal (here’s a PDF issue). P2 Xcursion specification appear below the video.

Seating — 2, side-by-side
Gross Weight — 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds)*
Useful Load (“dry” weight) — 240 kilograms (529 pounds)
Maximum Cruise Speed — 130 knots
Economy Cruise Speed — 118 knots
Fuel Consumption — 20 liter/hour (about 5 gallons/hour )
Stall Speed (no flaps) — 52 knots
Stall Speed (with flaps) — 48 knots
Range — 845 nautical miles
Avionics — MGL iEFIS with remote transponder and radio
Propeller — DUC Flash, with custom DUC hub and spinner
Controller — Sevcon size 8; 2 components, 8 kilograms (18 pounds) per controller, water cooled
Boost Battery — Custom LiIon pack; 6 kWh, 32 kilograms (70 pounds)
- with separate battery management system
Test Battery — LiPo pack; 18 kWh, 100 kgs (220 pounds)
EMS — Sevcon & Equator Aircraft custom screen solution
Engine Cooling — Common automotive heat exchangers, 4 elements

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This article has been updated with a new image; a minor correction was made. LSA seaplanes have provided some of the most interesting new developments in aviation. Perhaps interest stems from the vast numbers of landable waterways compared to runways. Perhaps it’s the versatility of amphibians. Maybe people are simple drawn by the good looks or unique qualities of entries. Among the several projects, one of the most fascinating has been the hybrid electric seaplane called Equator P2 Xcursion, from Norway. I have reported on P2 Xcursion before; here’s the earlier article. Years in the Making CEO and lead designer Tomas Brødreskift reports the company has invested some 30,000 man-hours into the Equator Aircraft project. An engineer, private pilot, and recreational flying enthusiast, he acquired a passion for flying that most readers know well. Like many of them, he saw in the aircraft he was flying a lack of modern design.

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Clamar Floats Moving to Brunswick, Maine; Joining Other Light-Sport Aircraft Companies

By Dan Johnson || September 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

Recently, seaplane enthusiast and businessman Paul Richards informed us of a move for a leading producer of floats for light aviation: Clamar.

Paul wrote, “Clamar Floats designs and produces straight and amphibious floats for experimental aircraft using high-tech materials and vacuum infusion technology to produce the lightest and strongest floats available.” Until this announcement, the company has been located in London, Ontario Canada.

However, Paul reported that Clair Sceli, founder of Clamar Floats, announced the upcoming relocation of Clamar’s manufacturing operations to Brunswick Executive Airport on the campus of Brunswick Landing in Midcoast, Maine. He said, “This is a 3,500-acre campus is the former Brunswick Naval Air Station now operated by the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority.”

The onetime military facility includes an 8,000 foot runway while the seaplane-accessible Androscoggin River water is less than two miles from the departure end of runway 01.

New Owners and New Management

More than a relocation, Paul went on to say, “A Brunswick Maine private equity group led the acquisition of Clamar Floats with support by Coastal Enterprises, Inc. After the change, Paul will head Clamar’s Brunswick Landing operation.

“Clamar’s new manufacturing facility will leverage a recently commissioned, advanced composites manufacturing center which includes an environmentally controlled layup room, high temperature processing oven, paint booth and advanced machining suite,” said Paul.

“I’ve been fascinated by water flying my entire life,” said Clair Sceli. ”I’ve been flying for over 50 years and for the past 20 focused on designing and building the best composite floats in the world. It is gratifying to see my products on 28 different airframes and the Clamar brand has been so widely accepted that my current facility was bursting at the seams trying to keep up.”

Clair continued his explation, “Undertaking a capital expansion at my stage of life seemed like the wrong decision so I sought out people who could support my customers from a world class facility and was fortunate to partner with Paul Richards and the folks in Brunswick, Maine.” Clamar’s product line ranges from LSA (the 1400 series was designed for the Flight Design CTLS) to a 3500 class for heavier aircraft.

Contact Clamar Floats directly for more info.

“I’ve known Clair for many years and his products are fantastic, but his attention to quality and customer service are just as important,” said Paul, “and we are excited to have Clair stay on in a senior consulting role to make sure we maintain his high standards.”

The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) was established to transition the Brunswick Naval Air Station to civilian use and Steve Levesque has been its Executive Director since its formation in 2007. “Although aviation is not our only mission” states Levesque, “the Navy left us a hugely valuable asset and we strive to attract companies like Clamar Floats to take advantage of the taxpayer’s investment. Clamar’s move to Brunswick could not be more perfectly matched to this mission.”

Other supporters of the Brunswick development include former FAA administrator Barry Valentine. Currently, Valentine is the Chairman of the Maine Aviation Business Association (MABA).

Here’s are two video interviews with Clair Sceli posted in 2016 and 2014…

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While weather starts to cool in the northern USA, in the sub-tropical south, it is still warm enough to enjoy float flying. However, even up north — Maine, in this case — seaplane activity continues to pace the LSA market. Recently, seaplane enthusiast and businessman Paul Richards informed us of a move for a leading producer of floats for light aviation: Clamar. Paul wrote, “Clamar Floats designs and produces straight and amphibious floats for experimental aircraft using high-tech materials and vacuum infusion technology to produce the lightest and strongest floats available.” Until this announcement, the company has been located in London, Ontario Canada. However, Paul reported that Clair Sceli, founder of Clamar Floats, announced the upcoming relocation of Clamar’s manufacturing operations to Brunswick Executive Airport on the campus of Brunswick Landing in Midcoast, Maine. He said, “This is a 3,500-acre campus is the former Brunswick Naval Air Station now operated by the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority.” The onetime military facility includes an 8,000 foot runway while the seaplane-accessible Androscoggin River water is less than two miles from the departure end of runway 01.

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Hansen Brothers’ Airport Donation / 2 More Video Pilot Reports

By Dan Johnson || September 8, 2018 Leave a Comment

This article was updated with additional photos; see at bottom.

Midwest LSA Expo held a special ceremony to honor two men in their donation of a beautiful LSA-like aircraft now permanently displayed on an striking pedestal near the airport entrance.

Lots of airports have military aircraft mounted on pedestals. Even AirVenture, base of the homebuilders, has military fighters on raised displays — including the famous “jet-on-a-stick” near the show entrance. These displays honor a warbird heritage but those aircraft aren’t what most members fly.

Enter Light-Sport Aircraft. While some have gotten deluxe far beyond the original concept — with prices to match — many affordable aircraft still make up the category of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft. These aircraft are what “real” people fly.

Midwest LSA Expo has now reached its 10th birthday, staying focused on showcasing this sector of aircraft. So, perhaps it is fitting that today they had a ceremony honoring a donation of a futuristic jet LSA design (technically “LSA-like”). To properly display an aircraft built to be a mockup, airport manager and dynamo Chris Collins organized an effort to make a handsome pedestal for the aircraft. Chris and team had to firmly cradle the aircraft to weather the elements. That they did it so artfully is icing on the cake.

A decal on the nose of the Hansen’s Peregrine reads, “LSA Transcontinental Speed Record; Jacksonville – San Diego June 8, 2009” — Read the whole story here.

At a ceremony to thank brothers Jon and Ron Hansen, who donated the “jet on the stick,” Chris got the mayor of Mt. Vernon and other officials to make an appearance. SW21 Jet is another creation of the fertile mind of Hans Schwöller, the man behind the stunning SW51.

Jon and Ron Hansen are figureheads in the LSA game since day one. Hansen Air Group was the first U.S. distributor for Tecnam and helped introduce the large Italian manufacturer to Americans. Today Tecnam manages its own U.S. outlet but Hansen gave them a good push forward.

Hansen Air Group has represented other brands such as FK Lightplanes, Sky Arrow, ScaleWings, and others. In particular, Hansen has been a key supporter of using LSA fitted with hand controls to allow handicapped persons take flying lessons. Although Hansen Air Group is gradually easing out of the business, Jon Hansen, brother Ron and Jon’s sons Mike and Mitch — all airline pilots — have been important people as the Light-Sport Aircraft industry grew. It’s fair to say, LSA would not the same without their long, steady input.

More Images of the SW21 Jet Dedication

Airport manager Chris Collins forwarded more photos of the ceremony dedicating the SW21 Jet to the Mt. Vernon airport. Of the one with Jon Hansen reverently touching the main support for the aircraft he donated to the airport, Chris said, “I love this shot!”

Mayor Speaks

In the second Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis makes a few remarks while brothers Jon and Ron Hansen wear their trademark broad smiles.

In the lower image, Chris identified all the parties that helped make this unusual light aircraft display possible.

Display Crew

Standing left to right are:

Fabricators Addison and Brad Sharp, Airport Board Vice Chairman Mike Ancona, Airport Administrative Assistant Sheila Jolly-Scrivner, Ron Hansen, Jon Hansen, Airport Board Treasurer Eddie Lee, Airport Board Chairman Gary Chesney, City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel, Assistant City Manager Nathan McKenna, and Mayor John Lewis. Chris Collins is seated in front.

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This article was updated with additional photos; see at bottom. Midwest LSA Expo held a special ceremony to honor two men in their donation of a beautiful LSA-like aircraft now permanently displayed on an striking pedestal near the airport entrance. Lots of airports have military aircraft mounted on pedestals. Even AirVenture, base of the homebuilders, has military fighters on raised displays — including the famous “jet-on-a-stick” near the show entrance. These displays honor a warbird heritage but those aircraft aren’t what most members fly. Enter Light-Sport Aircraft. While some have gotten deluxe far beyond the original concept — with prices to match — many affordable aircraft still make up the category of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft. These aircraft are what “real” people fly. Midwest LSA Expo has now reached its 10th birthday, staying focused on showcasing this sector of aircraft. So, perhaps it is fitting that today they had a ceremony honoring a donation of a futuristic jet LSA design (technically “LSA-like”).

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Flying Aeroprakt’s New A32 Vixxen at Midwest LSA Expo in Mt. Vernon

By Dan Johnson || September 6, 2018 6 Comments

Many pilots expect the first appearance of a new model at the biggest airshows, but here’s one of those times when the sector-specific shows win. It’s all about timing and the new Aeroprakt A32 just won it’s SLSA approval (#147 on our SLSA List). The Midwest LSA Expo is the first show after getting its documents, so here it is!

Videoman Dave and I spent the morning working on a Video Pilot Report. We captured all the video, spent an hour flying with multiple cameras mounted, and recorded what we call the “stand up.” This segment comes after the flight when I — can you guess? — stand by the the airplane and review it on the ground.

We loaded A32 Vixxen with six of our Garmin Virb cameras plus Dave’s new Garmin 360 cam. It was our first with the latter and, no promises, but that may hold some user-controllable footage so you can go along in an even more realistic way.

Here’s How A32 Looks and Feels

You’ll get the full treatment when Videoman Dave finishes production for his YouTube channel that so many of you love. Here’s I’ll hit the highlights of what I learned.

First blush: This is a great flying airplane, reflecting Aeroprakt’s experience producing more than 1,000 of the predecessor A22LS, once also known as the A22 Valor. In A32, engineers have incorporated many refinements. The general appearance is similar but the changes are many.

One measure of success is a widening of the flight envelope. Top speed increased to 130 mph, as we witnessed in a low-altitude upwind and downwind run with the carbureted Rotax 912 ULS at 5500 rpm. A-22 would max out at about 105 mph, so this was a pretty solid 20% bump. Yet A32 retains the earlier design’s low speed capabilities. We saw stall in the low 40 mph bracket and witnessed airspeed into the high 30s without loss of control.

Of course, these exercises were preparing for stall evaluations, which proved to be some of the most benign I’ve experienced in a Light-Sport Aircraft. Stall break was extremely mild with little fall-through and while a wing dipped, it recovered itself. I never added power for recovery to normal flight and altitude loss was minimal. Excellent!

When deploying or retracting flaps, the pitch change is very minor. True, two notches is only 20° of flaps but deploying them made quite an aerodynamic change, just not a pitch change. On one landing I made with no flaps, I had to raise the nose significantly high to put A32 on the ground.

A32 uses a full flying stabilator, a change from A22 and it was more responsive than the former. It will take a bit longer to get used to but it is a powerful surface. On takeoff, importer Dennis Long demonstrated how immediate the stabilator will lift the nose off the ground. In fact, that’s his preferred takeoff technique: power to full, almost immediately pull aft on the Y-stick, control the nose so it sits a few inches off the runway, and let A32 then fly herself into the air. I followed his method and it worked wonderfully well.

A32 uses the identical wing from A22 from the fuselage root out. However, the many clean-ups of the fuselage — and they are many, which you will see more fully in the Video Pilot Report to follow after editing — make the new model more efficient. A pilot literally has to work at getting it back on the ground …and that’s a good thing.

I reduced power to 3000 rpm abeam my touchdown target and then began to retard speed, lowering one notch of flaps after we got in flap speed range (<93 mph). On base leg I had both notches in and was monitoring my speed carefully. Using 60-65 mph was fine on base turning final but I moved it to 55-60 on short final and was ideally at 50-55 over the numbers.

With two notches of flaps and with a modest headwind, A32 landed very short. You have excellent visibility on landing as you do in flight in A32 Vixxen. It lacks a skylight but otherwise offers a wide view all around. I could even watch as the main gear touched down (when Dennis was controlling the aircraft).

Takeoff and landing has been quoted at “under 100 meters” (300 feet) and I believe it. No question it was short, assuming, of course, decent technique.

A32 Vixxen was easy to fly with a joystick that provided enough feedback yet offered crisp response. In flight, I found the aircraft very well behaved and suitable for less experienced flyers, naturally assuming proper instruction and transition training.

In all, I think Aeroprakt has a winner. Dennis Long equipped this particular example with most available options, including the Magnum airframe parachute system and Dynon HDX digital instrument plus autopilot. The still-available A22 starts at around $85,000 and even this deluxe A32 is a reasonably modest $135,000 — lower cost A32s are possible if you don’t need all the fancy gear.

You might like the short video as a taste of the bigger, better ones to come…

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Many pilots expect the first appearance of a new model at the biggest airshows, but here’s one of those times when the sector-specific shows win. It’s all about timing and the new Aeroprakt A32 just won it’s SLSA approval (#147 on our SLSA List). The Midwest LSA Expo is the first show after getting its documents, so here it is! Videoman Dave and I spent the morning working on a Video Pilot Report. We captured all the video, spent an hour flying with multiple cameras mounted, and recorded what we call the “stand up.” This segment comes after the flight when I — can you guess? — stand by the the airplane and review it on the ground. We loaded A32 Vixxen with six of our Garmin Virb cameras plus Dave’s new Garmin 360 cam. It was our first with the latter and, no promises, but that may hold some user-controllable footage so you can go along in an even more realistic way.

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Light-Sport Aircraft, Light Kit Aircraft, and Ultralight — Show Season Starts Now

By Dan Johnson || September 5, 2018 2 Comments

I love the truly big events as do most attendees and vendors. They are so well executed that I enjoy referring to them as “Disneyland for Airplanes,” (with a polite nod to the Magic Kingdom and its high-end theme park entertainment). I may have outgrown Disney but airplanes hold huge appeal for me and many, many others. The big shows boast hundreds of thousands of attendees throughout their event. That’s great!

The sector specific shows are much smaller. That’s a good thing.

Arguably, the most interesting shows are the smaller ones, those with more modest venues but where you can get more face time with company leaders or pilots. Not only can you have longer, more productive conversations but you can fly more aircraft. You can really ask a lot of questions as you make an aircraft purchase.

Plus, you won’t wear out your sneakers with the long hikes of the big events.

LSA Show Season Is Here!
Welcome Midwest LSA Expo 2018

Image by James Lawrence, well-known aviation and nature photographer.

I blasted up in a human mailing tube to St. Louis, Missouri, drove one-hour drive East to Mt. Vernon, Illinois and I’ll be on site Thursday morning at KMVN airport where I will link up with Videoman Dave to do what we do best: record video interviews about fun, affordable light aircraft.

We also get to do our best work capturing what we call Video Pilot Reports. The Midwest LSA Expo is our number one favorite location to do these as we can go anywhere on the airport to capture great video and can also cover the most airplanes.

Video pilot reports take a lot longer to accomplish but the longer format appeals to those getting serious about an aircraft purchase. We’ll also get other updates from vendors about what’s new or upgraded from them.

It’s not all airplanes. See engine and other vendors; here we see Robert Helm of UL Power.

Midwest is having a noteworthy anniversary this year. It’s the tenth anniversary for Chris Collins and his merry crew of volunteers and helpers. Chris is the longtime airport manager, a superbly well-liked gentleman who works as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen trying to make sure all the early-arriving vendors are well served and then opening the doors to welcome a flock of visitors.

The midwest U.S. has a thick blanket of interest in recreational aircraft (think: Oshkosh). However, every year some attendees come from as far away as California and Washington state and even a few international visitors might be expected.

I’ve attended every Midwest LSA Expo except last year, when a hurricane threatened my home and I had to assist in preparations. I’m pleased to be in town for the 10th anniversary event. Naturally, we can’t predict the weather but this time of year has worked well.

But Wait, There’s More…!

Midwest kicks off what I’m calling the LSA Show Season. One I put in the circuit is Copperstate, which has a whole new time of the year to go along with their brand-new venue. But first…

In between and up next: DeLand Showcase over November 1-2-3, 2018. That third-year event will be followed by Sebring, the grandaddy of these sector specific shows on January 23-26, 2019. Sebring will celebrate it 15th year and it still going strong, setting the pace for the others.

A month later, February 8-9-10, is the new Copperstate show now combined with the Buckeye Air Fair. Copperstate is more than 45 years old, one of the longest-running in the circuit, but it has been looking for the kind of support they will now get from the town of Buckeye, just west of Phoenix. Buckeye has had their own event and the two will now combine. City fathers embrace this event as do the leaders of DeLand, Sebring, and Mt. Vernon. Wonderful!

U.S. Regions are rather well represented by these four events — Midwest, DeLand, Sebring, Copperstate — with one in the aviation-active midwest, another out west, and two in Florida, which many believe to be most recreational aviation-active state in the nation.

We start in September, pop up two months later in Florida, kick off the new year two months later in central Florida, and anticipate spring a month later in Arizona. In all, I’d call this an active schedule serving much of the recreational flying community. I’d hope you could make at least a couple of these if not all four.

If you do, wave when you see Dave and I whizzing about shooting video of all the coolest airplanes we can find. We’d love to see you on site — by all means, say “Hi!” — but if you can’t make them all, we’ll do our best to cover them.

Then, as spring really gets going, we return to Sun ‘n Fun, followed by Aero and Oshkosh. What fun!

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The biggest airshows in recreational aviation are history for 2018. I refer to Sun ‘n Fun, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and Europe’s Aero Friedrichshafen. Now comes the sector-specific shows, sometimes called LSA Shows. I love the truly big events as do most attendees and vendors. They are so well executed that I enjoy referring to them as “Disneyland for Airplanes,” (with a polite nod to the Magic Kingdom and its high-end theme park entertainment). I may have outgrown Disney but airplanes hold huge appeal for me and many, many others. The big shows boast hundreds of thousands of attendees throughout their event. That’s great! The sector specific shows are much smaller. That’s a good thing. Arguably, the most interesting shows are the smaller ones, those with more modest venues but where you can get more face time with company leaders or pilots. Not only can you have longer, more productive conversations but you can fly more aircraft.

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Van’s Aircraft To Bring RV-12 Manufacturing Fully In-House; Here’s the Q&A…

By Dan Johnson || September 3, 2018 Leave a Comment

American producers were the kings of kits, an effort that calls for good assembly instructions and technical support plus groups that can help each other. These two activities represent night and day differences.

However, in the years since the regulation arrived, American companies have significantly caught up.

Indeed, as September and the 14th anniversary of the SP/LSA rule arrived, Van’s released news of a major change.

“Van’s Aircraft is excited to announce that it is establishing its own aircraft assembly facility and team at its company headquarters in Aurora, Oregon,” the world’s largest kit producer said. “Future RV-12iS and RV-12-iST SLSA aircraft models will be assembled and delivered at this new facility.”

As many readers know, nearby Synergy Air was Van’s assembly partner for several years. “[They have] done a tremendous job for Van’s and our customers,” stated Van’s. Synergy Air will continue to work with Van’s but will return to concentrate on builder-assist activities.

Van’s issued a series of questions and answers to address this fairly significant change.

What is happening and why?

RV-12 SLSA airplanes will now be built and delivered by Van’s Aircraft at its Aurora, Oregon facility. Several years ago, Van’s set out to implement a comprehensive SLSA program. Synergy and Van’s partnered to build the various components of the complete SLSA program. Synergy worked with Van’s from the onset of the program to apply their expertise related to the marketing and aircraft assembly portions of the program.

The natural evolution and success of both businesses has brought us to where we are today. Synergy has become even more focused on the business of assisting Van’s Aircraft’s customers in building their RV airplanes. As the SLSA program has matured, Van’s has expanded its workforce and capabilities to include marketing and aircraft construction. This change represents the next logical step in both companies’ successful business growth.

How does this affect Synergy?

Synergy will focus on its popular builder-assist program, which has become that company’s key area of business emphasis and expansion over the past couple years.

What about earlier SLSA purchases?
Who will provide support?

All SLSA aircraft have been and will continue to be fully supported by Van’s Aircraft. That will not change. Van’s technical and business support teams remain ready to support every customer that owns and flies our airplanes. The Van’s support team serves as your point of contact for any support needs you may have related to the RV-12.

Will the price change?
How do I communicate with Van’s?

Van’s does not anticipate or plan to make any price changes as a result of this business change.

Just as before, you can contact Van’s Aircraft at 503-678-6545 or you can email the SLSA support team.

What should I expect?

You can and should expect excellent quality from a business that continuously strives to improve its products and services. Van’s approach is to delivering the highest quality products. Our aircraft assembly and delivery department — a dedicated team focused on just that portion of our business — is staffed by experts with years of RV-12 building experience. Van’s will, as always, strive to adopt and leverage new, innovative processes and technology to drive its ongoing quality program.

I have an airplane ordered already.
How will this affect delivery?

As part of this change, Van’s is staffing a dedicated SLSA build team that is co-located at our Oregon factory, the design of which will allow us to increase throughput and enable even quicker delivery of RV-12iS SLSA aircraft. Van’s will leverage its existing people, experience and processes to optimize our future ability to deliver more efficiently, as well. We do not anticipate schedule delays as a result of the change in production staffing and location.

Any RV-12iS currently in production with Synergy will be finished at Synergy’s Eugene facility. Any aircraft not yet started will be completed at and by Van’s Aircraft. Van’s anticipates delivering aircraft that are already on the schedule on or before the estimated delivery dates we’ve previously communicated to individual customers.

Was there a problem between the businesses?

No, not at all. This change is the result of mutual successes, and represents a natural and positive evolution of both businesses. It will enable both companies to deliver even more, both in partnership and separately.

What about builders assist at Synergy?

Just as it makes sense for Van’s to take on SLSA assembly work at this time, it also makes sense for Synergy to focus on its growing and key business: builder-assist services for people who are building their RVs. In fact, Synergy is growing and recently expanded beyond its Eugene, Oregon facility when it opened a second builder-assist center in Georgia.

The company concluded, “These changes are great for Van’s Aircraft, great for Synergy Air, and good news for our mutual customers.”

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Building kits for homebuilders and assembling fully built aircraft are two very distinct business models. In the early days of Light-Sport Aircraft, European producers enjoyed a head start in fully-built aircraft as their regulations were more accommodating. American producers were the kings of kits, an effort that calls for good assembly instructions and technical support plus groups that can help each other. These two activities represent night and day differences. However, in the years since the regulation arrived, American companies have significantly caught up. Indeed, as September and the 14th anniversary of the SP/LSA rule arrived, Van’s released news of a major change. “Van’s Aircraft is excited to announce that it is establishing its own aircraft assembly facility and team at its company headquarters in Aurora, Oregon,” the world’s largest kit producer said. “Future RV-12iS and RV-12-iST SLSA aircraft models will be assembled and delivered at this new facility.” As many readers know, nearby Synergy Air was Van’s assembly partner for several years.

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Legal Eagle Is An Exceptionally Low-Cost Ultralight Aircraft for Kit Builders

By Dan Johnson || September 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Perhaps not every pilot needs for aircraft to be affordable but a great many do. Plus, does not every pilot — every customer — appreciate a bargain?

In this article, I am writing about one of most affordable aircraft you can build. Legal Eagle is not available either fully built or in a full kit.

A genuine, qualifying Part 103 ultralight vehicle, Legal Eagle ultralight weighs only 244 pounds. The three axis aircraft is designed around the four stroke half VW engine producing 30 horsepower, more than enough power for most applications.

A slightly enlarged version of the original, the Legal Eagle XL Ultralight can handle a 275 pound pilot yet has an empty weight of just 246 pounds …so it also makes the grade as an ultralight.

The original Legal Eagle limited the pilot weight to 225 pounds. Physically bigger pilots also needed a wider, taller seat plus more wing area and span was needed to carry the added pilot weight. A solution resulted in the XL design.

EAA photo by Mary Jones

Neither of these models require a pilot certificate, N-number registration, and the operator has no need for any kind of medical. Despite this freedom, no one advises flying any Part 103 ultralight without proper and thorough flight instruction.

A two seater called Double Eagle is also available using a full four-cylinder VW engine conversion. Get more on this not-an-ultralight model here. Let’s go a little deeper in this 20th anniversary of the Legal Eagle series.

Affordable Legal Eagles

Better Half VW, the company behind the Legal Eagle series, offers a welded fuselage and a materials package. However, to keep the price extremely low, builders will have to do some scrounging, said Leonard Milholland, the designer.

How low can the price go?

According to the company and its proprietor, Leonard Milholland, the cost to build a Legal Eagle is $3,000 to $5,000 …depending on your scrounging ability. “I have less than $500 hard cash in mine but I had the engine and most of the tubing, etcetera,” said Leonard.

Will a kit be made available? “No,” said Leonard, “that probably won’t ever happen.” He added, “The whole idea of this design is to keep it economical. You can afford it if you want to do the work.”

If that isn’t for you, well, you have many fine choices in fully built aircraft although you may be able to find a Legal Eagle somebody else built.

A simple machine, Legal Eagle is for pilots looking to have a little fun in the air on the most modest of budgets.

You buy a set of plans for $50 and invest six to nine months of your time. Other packages offer a series of videos and more details. Some builders will choose the welded fuselage and a materials kit though these will increase costs beyond the bare minimum.

Leonard reported, “I started [my company by supplying] the Better Half VW 2 Cylinder Engine conversion in about 1993, and so far have sold about 5,000 plans of this conversion. One unique feature is the fact that there is no need to cut that case!”

He added, “Somewhere between 450 and 600 of these engine conversions have been built and are flying today… including on dozens on flying Leagle Eagles.

Legal Eagle Ultralight Specifications *

Weight — 244 pounds (dry)
Wing Span — 281 inches (23 feet, 5 inches)
Wing Cord — 55 inches
Wing Area — 107 square feet
Height — 66 inches
Fuel — 5 gallons, gravity feed system
Propeller — fixed pitch wood
Gear — Tuffy Bicycle Wheels and shopping cart tail wheel.
Speed — limited to legal ultralight speed (55 knots) but can do up to 60 MPH
Stall speed — approximately 25 MPH

* These specifications are for the Part 103-capable Legal Eagle Ultralight; see this link for specifications on the Legal Eagle XL, Double Eagle, and Cabin Eagle.

At Oshkosh 2018, EAA helped with a special display location to celebrate the 20 years of Legal Eagles.

In addition to the half-VW engine, we also saw Legal Eagles powered by the Vernor radial engine at Airventure this year. See one flying below.

Check out the 20th Anniversary of the Legal Eagle and hear how it flies on this video:

Compress Post ...

Perhaps not every pilot needs for aircraft to be affordable but a great many do. Plus, does not every pilot — every customer — appreciate a bargain? In this article, I am writing about one of most affordable aircraft you can build. Legal Eagle is not available either fully built or in a full kit. A genuine, qualifying Part 103 ultralight vehicle, Legal Eagle ultralight weighs only 244 pounds. The three axis aircraft is designed around the four stroke half VW engine producing 30 horsepower, more than enough power for most applications. A slightly enlarged version of the original, the Legal Eagle XL Ultralight can handle a 275 pound pilot yet has an empty weight of just 246 pounds …so it also makes the grade as an ultralight. The original Legal Eagle limited the pilot weight to 225 pounds. Physically bigger pilots also needed a wider, taller seat plus more wing area and span was needed to carry the added pilot weight.

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Affordable and Proven, Challenger Aircraft Celebrates 35 Years in Operation

By Dan Johnson || August 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

One essential visit at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 was to the Quad City booth in the Fun Fly Zone. This iconic company in the very light aircraft sector is celebrating 35 years in business. Hearty congratulations to this midwestern USA company for supplying highly affordable aircraft for more than three decades.

Even after the loss of their founder, Dave Goulet, the enterprise has carried the torch to the delight of many pilots.

Today, after all those years, the company can report more than 4,000 Challengers are flying. Along with a few other giants of light aviation, this is one of the great success stories in fly-for-fun aircraft. All have built as kits and one reason for this achievement is care in making the kit an easy project.

For its entire existence, Quad City has followed an admirable system: “Our philosophy is for [the factory] to do all the important and demanding structural work, including installing the controls. We leave only the assembly and covering for you to complete. The Challenger is one of the simplest and quickest designs to assemble on the market. No special skills or tools are required.”

New E-series Challengers

As proof this company has found a way after the demise of Dave Goulet, Quad City is introducing the new E-series Challenger. Get more details here, but a summary is…

Quad City’s partner, National Ultralight, said “[Our new] EL-65 is a long wing, two seat, high power, high lift aircraft well suited for amphibious floats, heavy loads and high density altitudes. The new ES-65 is a clip wing derivative of the EL-65 optimized for speed with a wing four feet shorter.

The first single seat Challenger ultralight a third of a century ago evolved into a full line of kit-built aircraft with a wide mix of models, options and accessories. A new Challenger 103 expands the line back to the grass roots and the new Challenger Light Sports are the line’s most dramatic ever step forward. (Note that Quad City does not offer a fully-built SLSA model despite use of the Light Sport term; all Challengers are kits.)

“Affordable” is a variable term that depends on an individual’s budget. What one pilot might afford another cannot. Yet how about this offer from Quad City? “Quick-build packages including airframe, instruments, engine, prop, […everything you need] start at $29,975.” I have to judge that a remarkable bargain in light aviation.

Big Celebration

”Join us in Erie, Illinois on September 14-16, 2018 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Challenger.” The company has done this before at earlier benchmarks and attracted hundreds of Challenger enthusiasts and dozens of aircraft near their home base.

People attending the Midwest LSA Expo over September 6-7-8 could travel a modest distance and catch this complimentary event.

For more about Quad City and Challenger, see all reports on this website here. Watch for an upcoming video interview at Oshkosh 2018 soon.

Compress Post ...

One essential visit at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 was to the Quad City booth in the Fun Fly Zone. This iconic company in the very light aircraft sector is celebrating 35 years in business. Hearty congratulations to this midwestern USA company for supplying highly affordable aircraft for more than three decades. Even after the loss of their founder, Dave Goulet, the enterprise has carried the torch to the delight of many pilots. Today, after all those years, the company can report more than 4,000 Challengers are flying. Along with a few other giants of light aviation, this is one of the great success stories in fly-for-fun aircraft. All have built as kits and one reason for this achievement is care in making the kit an easy project. For its entire existence, Quad City has followed an admirable system: “Our philosophy is for [the factory] to do all the important and demanding structural work, including installing the controls.

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New Opportunities Coming for Light-Sport Aircraft — LAMA’s Advocacy Report

By Dan Johnson || August 17, 2018 13 Comments

Things are looking up for Light-Sport Aircraft, rather fantastically so in my admittedly biased opinion.

While this space is usually dedicated to cool new airplanes — not boring government policy reviews …yawn! — this article will provide some rays of light to an industry approaching its 15th birthday (in September 2019). I think some of this may surprise you.

LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (kind of a GAMA for the light aircraft sector) and its partner — USUA, the U.S. Ultralight Association — have been heads-down working on improving the opportunities for LSA.

Core-Four-Plus-One

In June 2018, a series of many meetings that began in 2014 came to an early but very promising point. Here is what I think this means for the Light-Sport Aircraft manufacturing industry and those who own and operate LSA.

LAMA took a long list of suggestions about the then-10-year-old industry and reduced it to four initiatives. We were wisely counseled that too long a list would go nowhere. On the tightest of budgets*, we have been pursuing these objectives for four and a half years. The four core goals are:

1. Encouraging FAA to allow special Light-Sport Aircraft to perform aerial work (beyond flight instruction and towing)
2. Introducing the safety benefits (and performance gains) that come with adjustable propellers controlled solely by a single lever
3. Urging FAA to permit electric propulsion and instruction in aircraft designed for such motors
4. Solving the longstanding problem that requires modern gyroplanes to be built only as kits (with the attendant problem that no commercial training is possible).

After many meetings with high-level FAA executives and project managers, we are pleased to report that ALL these objectives and one more — increasing the gross weight of LSA — are included in FAA’s present actions regarding rule making. Note that gross weight will probably be determined by a new system other than a fixed-weight number but the exact formula is pending while FAA finalizes their regulation plans.

To repeat, ALL these objectives are on FAA’s list for inclusion in eventual rule making.

“Eventual” is a key word, however…

Work Far from Done

In 2018, neither aircraft manufacturers nor pilots can take advantage of these new opportunities. While the future appears to hold great promise, LAMA and USUA have sought a faster solution. The changes sought should broaden the appeal of LSA leading to not only more sales but a higher value for the aircraft you buy.

We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish on the skinniest of budgets but we did not fly solo.

We also sought, and received, support for our initiatives from big organizations such as EAA, AOPA, and GAMA. While these giants of aviation first serve their own members, LAMA is 100% focused on light aircraft.

Rulemaking will consume at least three years and it could be even longer before such rules go into force, assuming no changes of present course.

Three to five years is a long time to wait for change for an industry not even 15 years old.

So, following a direct request from top FAA executives, we submitted a comprehensive business case for a program that we hope will much sooner allow manufacturers, dealers, owners, operators, and pilots to exercise the core-four-plus-one privileges.

The program we proposed is an evaluation and data-gathering period which will give FAA precisely what managers and executives say they need (“more data”) in order to get approval to change current regulations.

LAMA’s plan will help industry and pilots but it will also help FAA.

Allowing industry and pilots to gain new opportunities under controlled circumstances can give everyone privileges in the near(er) term while generating valuable data for FAA to use in justifying regulation change.

LAMA and USUA are pleased to supply such a great outlook but caution that it took more than four years of hard work to get to this point and, as a much-revered author once wrote, “Anything can happen. Nothing has to happen.” Nonetheless, we pledge to keep moving forward toward these goals.

* A very big thank you must go to those helping LAMA and USUA pursue these goals. Multiple trips to Washington DC cost real money and we are grateful for the help from… LAMA founder Larry Burke, Rotax Aircraft Engines in Austria and their U.S. distributor. Each supplied generous funds used solely for travel expenses. Other companies also financially assisted this on-going effort.

All artwork, used in the Business Case presented to FAA in June 2018, was created by Roy Beisswenger, publisher of the sector-specific magazine, Powered Sport Flying.

Compress Post ...

Things are looking up for Light-Sport Aircraft, rather fantastically so in my admittedly biased opinion. While this space is usually dedicated to cool new airplanes — not boring government policy reviews …yawn! — this article will provide some rays of light to an industry approaching its 15th birthday (in September 2019). I think some of this may surprise you. LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (kind of a GAMA for the light aircraft sector) and its partner — USUA, the U.S. Ultralight Association — have been heads-down working on improving the opportunities for LSA. Core-Four-Plus-One In June 2018, a series of many meetings that began in 2014 came to an early but very promising point. Here is what I think this means for the Light-Sport Aircraft manufacturing industry and those who own and operate LSA. LAMA took a long list of suggestions about the then-10-year-old industry and reduced it to four initiatives.

Expand Post ...

Gorgeous Ryan ST in 95% Replica Form — Vintage Aircraft Lovers’ Delight

By Dan Johnson || August 15, 2018 1 Comment

One aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh really caught my eye. OK, truth be told, dozens of aircraft caught my eye but this shiny example seemed to be looking back at me.

We simply had to do a video interview with the developer of the 1930s-era Ryan ST because of its fascinating history and its handsome good looks. If you love vintage aviation, this should grab your attention as it did mine.

Nick Pfannenstiel is a young developer with a mission, to create or, more accurately, re-create the Ryan ST. He began the design phase of his 95% scale Ryan ST in June 2015 and construction began in early 2016. By 2018, you see the aircraft is nearly finished form.

Ryan’s ST featured two open cockpits in tandem seating with a semi-monocoque metal fuselage. A main steel ring forms the backbone of the Ryan ST replica but most of the fuselage uses aluminium alloy

The project is not merely a personal fascination for Nick. He will be selling a builder’s kit and specifically chose the 95% scale to make it enough lighter to use modern engines. Nick explains this further in the video. He expects first flight fairly early in 2019.

He plans to offer motor mounts for either D-Motor LF-39 or Rotax 912. Availability of the engine mount will be determined in spring of next year by which time we may know more about the European D-Motor that has attracted attention for its simplicity. Meanwhile, the Rotax is a solid choice, as all readers know.

EAA wrote about Nick’s first appearance at Oshkosh 2017. “The Ryan has always been one of the most beautiful airplanes ever made, and a lot of people … want one but can’t afford one,” Nick told EAA. “[For an original example], you’re looking at anywhere from $150,000 to half a million dollars.”

Thanks to Nick’s effort, you won’t have to spend nearly that much; he has established a price for his kit: $31,890, not including considerable effort to polish the aluminum as you see in the nearby photos. A quick-build option for $3,000 will likely be popular.

“We estimate that if a builder really splurges on the kit, he or she should be able to get in the air for less than $75,000,” Nick estimated. Build time will exceed 1,000 hours but this is modern, CAD-designed kit.

Nick and his Timber Tiger Aircraft company are located in Brighton, Colorado. Contact him via email or phone: 303-725-5439.

Ryan History Lesson

T. Claude Ryan was the founder of the Ryan Aeronautical Company. You know this man even if you may not recognize the name. Another of his companies, Ryan Airlines, was the manufacturer of the Ryan NYP, more famously known as the Spirit of St. Louis.

The first Ryan ST flew for the first time on June 8th, 1934 and production began the following year, when nine aircraft were delivered. Production rates remained low — about one aircraft every two weeks — but this changed in 1940 when deliveries to military forces began in earnest to support the war effort. Total production of civil and military aircraft before WWII numbered 315. Another 1,253 military versions were produced in ’42-’43 totaling 1,568 aircraft of all models.

Hear Nick describe his creation in this video.

Compress Post ...

One aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh really caught my eye. OK, truth be told, dozens of aircraft caught my eye but this shiny example seemed to be looking back at me. We simply had to do a video interview with the developer of the 1930s-era Ryan ST because of its fascinating history and its handsome good looks. If you love vintage aviation, this should grab your attention as it did mine. Nick Pfannenstiel is a young developer with a mission, to create or, more accurately, re-create the Ryan ST. He began the design phase of his 95% scale Ryan ST in June 2015 and construction began in early 2016. By 2018, you see the aircraft is nearly finished form. Ryan’s ST featured two open cockpits in tandem seating with a semi-monocoque metal fuselage. A main steel ring forms the backbone of the Ryan ST replica but most of the fuselage uses aluminium alloy The project is not merely a personal fascination for Nick.

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SeaMax “Rebrands” Itself; Well Established SLSA Seaplane Ready to Launch

By Dan Johnson || August 14, 2018 2 Comments

The LSA seaplane sector is one of the most intriguing areas of the diverse Light-Sport space. Development has introduced many fresh ideas to this class of airplane.

At present a few companies are actively delivering airplanes that have proven themselves over several years of operation. One of those is SeaMax, formerly delivered by a company known by its Portuguese name, Airmax Construções Aeronauticas.

Now, welcome the simpler SeaMax Aircraft.

The manufacturer of the SeaMax M-22 announced a company rebranding last week. As part of its strategy to enter into the U.S. market, the company changed its logo and named the company after its prominent aircraft model.

“Our new brand, SeaMax Aircraft LTDA, captures the identity of a legendary and globally known aircraft and incorporates [the model] into the spirit of our company, consolidating market recognition,” said Shalom Confessor, Executive Director of the company headquarters in the United States.

The company now known as SeaMax Aircraft reports manufacturing 152 of its amphibious aircraft. SeaMax M-22, a design by Miguel Rosario, has been delivered to more than 20 countries. In the last year the company established a presence in the U.S. market.

Manufacturing continues at its factory in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil but the company now has facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida. SeaMax Aircraft is located on the campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which opened an incubator to encourage innovative companies that can also offer real-world experience to its student population.

“We have issued certification to some maintenance centers in the U.S. to provide technical assistance for our customers,” reported Shalom. “Last month the company delivered and registered with FAA serial number 152, the first one under the new manufacturer’s name.

Naturally I want to include Searey and Aventura in identifying brands that are well established with long histories. Progressive Aerodyne, manufacturer of the segment-leading Searey went through an ownership change (quite seamlessly, it appears) a bit more than a year ago. Aero Adventure‘s Aventura series has been re-engineered (using CAD) and may have big news in the future. They have an equally long history to Searey. Both are based in central Florida.

With the name rebranding, SeaMax Aircraft also announced Dr. Gilberto Trivelato as the new Chief Executive Officer. Trivelato has been instrumental in the company transition as its strategic administrator and the name behind the current successful SeaMax restructuring.

Gilberto, 56, is a prominent and well known Brazilian engineer, holder of a PhD in Space Technology and has expertise in systems engineering, management systems, and risk management. He’s been in executive positions in both civil and defense industries in his country, including 18 years at high-level positions at Embraer. He has also work at Mectron (avionics sensors for defense), and held a graduate-level professorship at National Institute of Space Research (INPE).

“Dr. Trivelato’s experience in the airspace industry and complex systems, adds credibility and knowledge to our company to face all the necessary changes, in order to implement new projects we have kept in our secret safe and to take our company into the next level,” stated Miguel Rosario, the company’s founder, lead designer, and current COO.

Seamax M-22

SeaMax Aircraft describes M-22 as a high-performance Light-Sport Aircraft with global sales. Manufactured in Brazil for more than 17 years it has sold more than 150 units to more than 20 countries.

Seamax won aeronautical awards, such as the prestigious “Outstanding Commercial SLSA” at Sun ‘n Fun in the United States and the Schneider Cup in Italy. It has been featured in more than 40 specialized magazines around the world.

Seamax pioneered as one of the early Light-Sport amphibious aircraft to win FAA acceptance in the category — it appears in the #63 spot on our popular SLSA List. “Made of composite materials, Seamax uniqueness relies upon its ability to remain light, granting exceptional performance, large range, and one of the highest useful loads in the category,” wrote SeaMax Aircraft.

See much more about SeaMax on this page.

Compress Post ...

The LSA seaplane sector is one of the most intriguing areas of the diverse Light-Sport space. Development has introduced many fresh ideas to this class of airplane. At present a few companies are actively delivering airplanes that have proven themselves over several years of operation. One of those is SeaMax, formerly delivered by a company known by its Portuguese name, Airmax Construções Aeronauticas. Now, welcome the simpler SeaMax Aircraft. The manufacturer of the SeaMax M-22 announced a company rebranding last week. As part of its strategy to enter into the U.S. market, the company changed its logo and named the company after its prominent aircraft model. “Our new brand, SeaMax Aircraft LTDA, captures the identity of a legendary and globally known aircraft and incorporates [the model] into the spirit of our company, consolidating market recognition,” said Shalom Confessor, Executive Director of the company headquarters in the United States. The company now known as SeaMax Aircraft reports manufacturing 152 of its amphibious aircraft.

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First Vashon Rangers Delivered to Owners After Successful Oshkosh Debut

By Dan Johnson || August 10, 2018 2 Comments

UPDATE: Video on Ranger at bottom…

Often at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh we see improved models among vast displays of showplanes. What we see less of are brand new offerings. Yet given the sheer number of aircraft, something brand new can surprise.

You probably already know about Vashon Aircraft’s Ranger (we reported it here) but attendees saw it for the first time at the big summer airshow.

We shot video with Vashon marketing maven Amy Bellesheim and owner John Torode at the event and you’ll learn more about Ranger from this duo when editing is completed. We recorded our usual large batch of fresh video; please be patient during the editing phase and check Ultralight News YouTube channel to see the latest.

Great Showing and Show

Amy reported, “We were overwhelmed with positive feedback” at Oshkosh. “We are up to 57 deposit holders,” she beamed.

That’s quite admirable for a fresh-out-of-the-gate design entering a marketplace with more than 140 Special Light-Sport Aircraft appearing on our popular list.

Following the event, the west coast producer kept up their pace, putting N133VR in the hands of a private owner.

“Our first Ranger was delivered the Monday after Oshkosh and flown to its new home in Kansas,” reported Amy, one of four pilots moving a small fleet of Rangers to the show and back home to their base in Woodinville, Washington state.

“Our team has been extremely busy since we’ve been back from Oshkosh,” added Amy. “Traveling to the show in four of our Ranger R7s was an awesome experience and we had an easy arrival into Wittman Airport Saturday morning.” Arriving two days before the show began proved wise when heavy arrival traffic delayed many inbound aircraft as the show was starting.

“We flew from Everett, Washington (KPAE) to [Wittman Field], stopping at several airports along the way,” Amy continued. She said “the public release of our aircraft at Oshkosh had been in the plans for years. To have the chance to show off our airplanes was indescribable.”

Now that the staff is back home, Amy finished, “We have our work cut out for us … [as we] continue building and delivering these amazing airplanes!”

Even more recently, another Vashon LSA was delivered. “We delivered our second Ranger to a local flight school right at our home airport at Paine Field,” boasted Amy! Northway Aviation is the new operator.

One criticism that has been observed is an empty weight that limits payload compared to other LSA.

Fortunately for Vashon and other manufacturers, FAA is now actively working on regulation change that could lead to a higher gross weight for Light-Sport Aircraft …but that’s a topic for another article.

Amy and John review Ranger details in the video below, shot at Oshkosh 2018.

Compress Post ...

UPDATE: Video on Ranger at bottom… Often at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh we see improved models among vast displays of showplanes. What we see less of are brand new offerings. Yet given the sheer number of aircraft, something brand new can surprise. You probably already know about Vashon Aircraft’s Ranger (we reported it here) but attendees saw it for the first time at the big summer airshow. We shot video with Vashon marketing maven Amy Bellesheim and owner John Torode at the event and you’ll learn more about Ranger from this duo when editing is completed. We recorded our usual large batch of fresh video; please be patient during the editing phase and check Ultralight News YouTube channel to see the latest. Great Showing and Show Amy reported, “We were overwhelmed with positive feedback” at Oshkosh. “We are up to 57 deposit holders,” she beamed.

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Twin-Electric-Motor Biplane Made Mostly from Foam …and, Yes, a Human Flies It!

By Dan Johnson || August 5, 2018 4 Comments

For your enjoyment, here is arguably the most unique airplane I found on the grounds of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 …and with around 3,000 show planes, that is truly saying something.

This aircraft is made almost entirely of foam sheets that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s. It uses two electric motors for thrust. The aircraft is a biplane taildragger. Batteries provide the fuel.

Plus, yes, it actually flies! Catch some of the action in two videos below.

Award Winner?

This unusual arrangement was prepared for EAA’s tough judges. However it fared in that evaluation, this clearly wins an award in my mind for being highly original, unique, super affordable, and OK… it is rather delightfully weird, not that that I see anything wrong with that.

What you are seeing in the nearby photos and videos below is Peter Sripol‘s man-carrying scratch-built aircraft project.

Peter is a longtime modeler and homebuilder with a popular YouTube channel that boasts more than 650,000 subscribers! He brought his foam homebuilt ultralight project to Oshkosh 2018 and we found it in the ultralight area, now rebadged as the “Fun Fly Zone.”

EAA reported, “Peter’s first project was inspired by a visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, and he’s applying lessons learned from that ultralight, which featured wings built with foam board insulation, to his newest model.”

The unorthodox ultralight — I cannot recall ever seeing a biplane twin engine aircraft …certainly not with electric motors — was built from foam board insulation, fiberglass, wood, and some pieces of aluminum. He is so frugal that some of his controls are contained in cardboard boxes. The aircraft weighs around 215 pounds, well under the Part 103 limit of 254 pounds. Part 103 ultralight vehicles can use two or more engines/motors.

The fuel source is a series of nine batteries driving dual model-airplane engines. Peter built a first ultralight that EAA reported “was minimally planned, in contrast to [this] design, which [he] took time to design in CAD.” The first video explains why the motors have the wood constructions holding them along with other design considerations. The second video, Peter’s, shows some of the other building effort.

Think what you will of this project but I admire his skill, tenacity, originality, and his… well, “go for it” attitude.

We interviewed Peter at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. See that below but stay tuned for more…

Next you can enjoy Peter’s video about building the project. It’s cleverly done just like his unique aircraft:

Compress Post ...

For your enjoyment, here is arguably the most unique airplane I found on the grounds of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 …and with around 3,000 show planes, that is truly saying something. This aircraft is made almost entirely of foam sheets that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s. It uses two electric motors for thrust. The aircraft is a biplane taildragger. Batteries provide the fuel. Plus, yes, it actually flies! Catch some of the action in two videos below. Award Winner? This unusual arrangement was prepared for EAA’s tough judges. However it fared in that evaluation, this clearly wins an award in my mind for being highly original, unique, super affordable, and OK… it is rather delightfully weird, not that that I see anything wrong with that. What you are seeing in the nearby photos and videos below is Peter Sripol‘s man-carrying scratch-built aircraft project. Peter is a longtime modeler and homebuilder with a popular YouTube channel that boasts more than 650,000 subscribers!

Expand Post ...

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LSA Show Season Is Here! Welcome Midwest LSA Expo 2018

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What is happening and why?

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Affordable Legal Eagles

Legal Eagle Ultralight Specifications *

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New E-series Challengers

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Core-Four-Plus-One

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Ryan History Lesson

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Seamax M-22

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Great Showing and Show

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Award Winner?

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LSA Show Season Is Here!
Welcome Midwest LSA Expo 2018

What about earlier SLSA purchases?
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Will the price change?
How do I communicate with Van’s?

I have an airplane ordered already.
How will this affect delivery?