• Home
  • SLSA List
  • FIRM List
  • LSA Market Info

ByDanJohnson.com

News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Flight Design ga CTLSi in 2018
sponsored by Continental Motors
  • LSA Videos
  • Plane Finder 2.0
  • Become a Member
    • Membership Charges
  • Contact Us
  • About
    • Editorial Staff
  • Login

Larry Newman, 2011

February 7, 2011 by James Lawrence Leave a Comment

Larry Newman

American Aerolites Eagle

Photo courtesy Aerosoft

Double Eagle II

Larry Newman, 63, one of the seminal manufacturing/marketing dynamos in the early days of hang gliding who made the successful transition to ultralights, has died after a reported 3-year battle with pancreatic cancer. *** Larry was a flamboyant entrepreneur who successfully sold his ElectraFlyer hang gliders. *** When people started sticking motors on the foot launched craft, he came out with a new company, American Aerolites, to produce the Eagle ultralight. *** I first flew the Eagle with Plane & Pilot Publisher Steve Werner back in 1983. I remember it vividly: while Steve was up on a test hop, I was taking photos of his flight next to the runway at Coronado Airport, north of Albuquerque, near Larry’s factory…and I got stung twice by fire ants.I almost jumped out of my jeans, it hurt so bad. I thought I’d been shot in the leg. I could barely see the critters but what a painful wallop they packed. *** After the success of the Eagle, Larry debuted the revolutionary, composite-fuselage, clear mylar-winged Falcon, a wonderful, radical design leap forward that would fit in well with today’s S-LSA…and this was 26 years ago! *** Today, to qualify as a Light Sport, it would need a fixed nosegear: the production Falcon had a cockpit pull-up retraction system that worked very well at reducing drag. *** Always a superb (and shrewd) marketer, Larry managed to get Chuck Yeager and Delco batteries to endorse and use the Falcon in TV commercials, which ran for years and was a big success for Delco. *** I had the great pleasure to fly Chuck’s Falcon in the Greater Arizona Ultralight Air Race in 1984. *** I must report without intending to brag that I won the race…entirely by accident.I say that because I got completely lost on the course, buzzed around for ten minutes looking for the pylon, then found it and flew the rest of the race firewalled. The only pilot skill I exhibited was flying a crab course where everybody else seemed not to understand how to compensate for a 15-knot wind. *** The winner was to be the pilot who completed the course in the fastest time…without exceeding the FAR Part 103 legal limit of 63 mph, straight and level, full throttle. Yep, the Sport Pilot Rule that limits LSA to a top level speed of 120 knots had its germinus in the 1980s. *** Anyway, my final average time for the 108-mile course was 62.58 mph! Now you know why I say “accidental” winner. *** Clearly the Falcon was capable of much faster than legal flight. I wonder today how many LSA, especially these sleek composite ships, nudge the 120-knot limit by a few knots. Maybe FAA will send up some air cops with speed guns. *** I remember practicing before the race. I’d run a few laps around a practice course and was on short final to land when I saw someone on the tarmac, furiously waving a red shirt. *** “What an idiot,” I mumbled, wondering what the hell he was doing. *** As I got within 50 feet of touchdown, the guy was still there. I suddenly realized it was Larry, and he was trying to wave me off from landing. *** “What the…?” I said to myself, then checked the right side of the cockpit. I’d forgotten to lower the nosegear! *** “Dumbass,” I mumbled, powered up for a go-around, dropped the gear, and flew the whole pattern that way. *** After I landed, he grinned at me with a “You dumb s—” look…then eased my embarrassment by saying, “Don’t feel too bad: Chuck landed in it a few weeks ago with the nose gear up.” *** He meant the great Chuck Yeager. Larry introduced me to the legendary USAF test pilot a few months later. Chuck gave me a quick glance, a perfunctory handshake, then made to move off to join some other people. I felt slightly invisible but my ego was none the worse for wear: Chuck was a huge hero of mine, as he was for a lot of pilots. *** But Larry grabbed his arm and said, “Wait up, Chuck: Jim’s the guy who flew your Falcon in the big race and won it!” *** Suddenly Chuck’s face lit up in a broad grin and he reshook my hand with substantial vigor. “Well hell, Jim, great to meet you!” *** Suddenly we were members of the same club…for a few moments anyway. *** I saw Chuck a few years later in the Warbird area at Oshkosh and reintroduced myself. I remember thinking at the time, “Man, he’s getting up there in years.” *** At first he didn’t remember me, not surprising since he’d become a highly visible and sought-after celebrity by then. I reminded him of flying his Falcon — which had carried the nickname “Glamorous Glennis” after his late wife. The Bell X-1 rocket plane carried the same famous moniker. Chuck was the first human to break the sound barrier in level flight in the X-1, in 1947. *** As years before, his face lit up briefly in a smile, then his brow wrinkled and he said, only half joking, “Hell, Jim; you got old!” *** I laughed. (I’m 22 years younger.) *** I ran into Larry Newman a few years later. He’d long since drifted away from the hang glider biz and hooked up with Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson to be the first, in 1978, to cross the Atlantic in a balloon — the Double Eagle II.Later Larry accomplished the same feat in a different balloon with a different crew, this time being the first to cross the Pacific. *** Ben crashed and died at 55 taking off in a light twin with five women aboard, at the same Coronado Airport where Steve Werner and I first flew that spidery-framed Eagle ultralight. *** Maxie Anderson had died, at 48, two years earlier during a balloon race in Germany. *** I’d wondered whether that was hard on Larry: to lose the people he’d made history with, and so much life still ahead of them. *** Larry was an excellent and well-rounded pilot. Before the hang glider and ultralight game, he’d flown for the airlines, and after the hang glider, balloon and ultralight adventures, he returned to the professional cockpit. *** He had a penetrating gaze to go along with a cocky Joker’s smile that could easily intimidate you with his abundance of self confidence. *** Larry wasn’t always the easiest guy to have a casual conversation with either. Try to BS your way through a topic he was conversant in, or disagree on a cherished belief, and he’d nail you right on the spot…grinning all the time, almost seeming to revel in your discomfort as he dared you to prove him wrong. *** I saw Larry the last time at an event in Washington, D.C. to honor his flight over the Atlantic. We talked briefly; I could tell life had mellowed him considerably. He’d had his share of triumphs and setbacks, as do we all, and life had etched his face and soul accordingly. *** His big smile and bright eagle’s penetrating stare were still there, but there was a resignation, and an acquaintance with humility and gentility too, and that’s how I’ll best remember him. *** Fly high, fly long, Larry Newman.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Splog, Unpublished

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



BushCat is the distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget. With a solid heritage BushCat by SkyReach is fun, capable, and available as a kit, fully-built SLSA or ELSA.

The Airplane Factory (TAF) produces the Sling series of world-circling aircraft (literally) and now this fine-flying, all-metal beauty is available in the United States as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Here is an LSA to follow.

AeroJones Aviation builds the very popular CT-series of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.

Flight Design USA imports CT, one of the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in American and the world. CT is 98% carbon fiber |with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment ...a market leader for many years!

Vickers Aircraft has created one of the most distinctive new LSA seaplanes yet to emerge. Powered by the 180-horsepower Titan IO-340CC by Continental Motors, their Wave model is like no other seaplane ever introduced with multiple features to set it apart from the crowd.

Glasair Aviation became famous for their Glasair series. Today the Washington state company is focused on the newer Sportsman in several varieties and on Merlin LSA. Later in 2017, buyers can buy a Merlin in fully-ready-to-fly form from this much-admired company renown for its top-tier customer service.

US Sport Planes offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.

Hansen Air Group represents recognized brands in the LSA|space: FK Lightplanes and their distinctive biplane Comet, FK9, and FK51 plus the great-flying Magnaghi Sky Arrow. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Hansen Air Group is an experienced player in the LSA space.

Tecnam is the world's leading manufacturer of Light-Sport aircraft offering more models and variations than any other producer. Besides the world's fastest-selling light twin and their new P2010 four seater, Tecnam offers these LSA: P-92 Eaglet, Astore, and P2008.

BRM Aero manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.

Aeropilot USA ends your search for a Light-Sport Aircraft that is both familiar and new. Consider L600. This 80%-sized copy of Cessna's 182 is built with modern materials and well equipped but for tiny fraction of the cost of a new Skylane.

Arion Aircraft has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?

Aerolite 103 is a remarkably well priced (way below $20,000), well-equipped, Part 103 ultralight that flies beautifully. Several hundred are airborne and production has never been more solid. Here is an airplane every pilot can love and afford.

AirMax designed and manufactures a wonderful Light-Sport amphibious flying boat of the same name. Created in Brazil SeaMax is a beautifully finished, high performing aircraft, the first to win FAA acceptance as a SLSA and it sets a high standard for light floatplanes.

Bristell USA distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.

SportairUSA imports the dashing and superbly-equipped StingSport S4 that has won a loyal following from American pilots. More recently, they introduced their TL-3000 high-wing LSA. SportairUSA is a full-line operation with maintenance and training, too.

North Wing is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.

Just Aircraft has delivered more than 300 kit aircraft since 2002, but in 2012 they electrified pilots with the awesome performance of their all-new SuperSTOL. It may look extreme and performs extremely well, but it is truly docile and forgiving to fly.

Progressive Aerodyne designed and supplies the SeaRey series, arguably the most celebrated of all light seaplanes in America. A close community of hundreds of owners offers camaraderie few other brands can match.

Aero Adventure offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.

Evektor is Number One and always will be. The Czech company's SportStar was the number one SLSA to win approval but engineers have steadily improved the model far beyond that 2005 version that started the race.

Aeromarine-LSA offers the remarkably well-priced Merlin PSA, a fully enclosed, all-metal single seater. Quick build kits are only $16,500; build time is a swift two weeks. A flying Merlin can be finished for under $30,000. Merlin performs most enthusiastically on a two- or four-stroke engine. Click to read more…

American Legend has been in the LSA space since the beginning, offering their iconic yellow taildragger. The Texas company offers a full line of LSA and kit-built aircraft including the 180-horsepower Super Legend HP.

Evolution Trikes developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.

Aerotrek Aircraft imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.

SilverLight Aviation created the first all-American gyroplane with modern sophistication and equipment, built by a proven expert. Gyroplanes like AR1 fly much like fixed wings but with real advantages.

Sonex Aircraft is one of aviation's best-known brands offering exciting performance, easy building, prices to match the budgets of most pilots, and you will do business with some fine people. Taking years of success to new heights, Sonex debuted the "B" models with numerous upgrades.

Lockwood Aircraft is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.

Aeromarine-LSA represents the Part 103 Zigolo, a dual-purpose ultralight and motorglider with prices starting at only $12,000, a genuine bargain among fixed wing, three axis ultralights. Powered by a gasoline engine now, the company is also developing electric propulsion. Click here to read more…




Sponsored by


New FI.R.M. List ByDanJohnson.com ... all LSA Services ... each one verified to have the airplane or expertise you seek. Click on a sponsor logo to go to their dedicated network.

SPLOG also appears
in these titles:



Best Light Aviation Airshows



2019 Sebring LSA Expo
January 23-26, 2019.

Join ByDanJohnson.com’s team and other light and sport aircraft enthusiasts at Aero 2018 — 18-21 April.

Sun ‘n Fun is home to LSA Show Center hosted by LAMA. Come visit a new location in Paradise City — and take a FREE RIDE directly to the LSA Mall, compliments of Rotax BRP
Next Sun ‘n Fun
April 10 to April 15, 2018.
Next Midwest LSA Expo
2018 Dates: September 6-8
2018 Dates: October 26-28.
2nd Annual DeLand Showcase
2018 Dates: November 1-2-3

The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) provides entertainment to pilots at shows and scholarships to deserving recipients. They can use your support.

Florida Aviation Network covers aviation in the Sunshine State and makes it available everywhere.
© 2018 ByDanJohnson.com || Dan Johnson Media Corp.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.