• 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

Product Lines – November 02

April 7, 2004 by Dan Johnson Leave a Comment

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Tucks and tumbles and tails and winglets. What’s happening out there? Rigid wings had good showings at recent competitions and their participation in places with stronger conditions has revealed the value of a fixed tail. Aeros has also fitted sleek winglets to their Stalker 2. My guess is more controlling surfaces are headed our way.  At last summer’s Worlds approximately a third of the rigid wing pilots flew with tail-equipped wings. Some pilots have even made the normally fixed tails moveable. Alex Ploner reportedly installed an electric servo motor on his tail which allows him to set the angle of the tail for climb and glide. At minimum, tails cause a damping of control bar movements which helps in distance flying by reducing fatigue. It isn’t clear if the tail alters the likelihood of the glider tucking or tumbling but contest pilots have said they’ve been helped with a higher confidence level.  Recently at a large ultralight airshow in France, I saw a trike flex wing that had controllable surfaces fitted; controllable surfaces seem destined for experimentation on flex wings if for no other reason than their acceptance on rigids.  Going all the way, we arrive at the stick-controlled Swift. Is their popularity growing? According to a Q&A session with Brian Porter, US Airsports Net (usairnet.com) reported the following exchange which began with their question: “Approximately how many Swift gliders are there in the US?” Brian answered, “The exact number of Swifts in the USA is unknown to me. Bright Star produced around 60 Swifts over a two year period. Many of these Swifts were shipped to Europe. On the other hand Aeriane also has produced even a greater numbers of Swifts, some of which have been shipped to the USA. Twelve Swifts [were] expected to be shipped into the country to participate in the… World meet in Chelan.” Even a couple hundred Swifts can’t be considered a large segment of the market. On the other hand, it’s arguably the most successful stick-controlled hang glider ever made.  Rigid wings don’t rule the roost, though. Flex wings still dominate recreational and contest flying. For those who have traveled by airline in the last year, the process has become burdensome (putting it euphemistically). If you try to take your hang glider with you, it can be even more challenging. One German producer, Finsterwalder, has long addressed this problem with their Fex line of gliders that pack down to a mere six feet — you can actually carry it back-pack style. Actually, all Fex models break down to your choice of 6, 12.5, or 18 feet. With new U.S. representation we may see more than the occasional odd example. Using Thomas Finsterwalder’s “bayonet-style telescoping fittings,” these designs break down readily to the short length with an assembly time that adds only 5-10 minutes over a conventional wing; and no tools required. They possess German DHV certification and are available in five models: Speedfex (top of the line, high performance), Airfex, Funfex, Perfex (good for training use), and Lightfex. The latter is claimed to weigh less “than most paraglider bags,” or more specifically 43 pounds. It is the lightest of the Fex line but they all feature surprisingly low weights. You may find these gliders worthy of further investigation. FMI: FexAmerica.com or call 760-752-9755.  Another glider of interest to non-competition pilots is the newly offered Seedwings Shadow. Though the brand name is familiar, this is not the Seedwings from the USA. It the European version and the Shadow is sold in the USA by JustFly who positions it as an “intermediate” glider. Like JustFly’s Aeros line of gliders, Shadow is reasonably priced at $4,395 and deliveries are said to be fast (“4-6 weeks”). Proprietor GW Meadows says the wing has “a virtually perfect combination of performance and ‘ease of flight’.” Three sizes are available: 133, 146, and 158 square feet. Lots of info is available on their Apple-inspired Website; in fact, you may have trouble deciding between JustFly’s broad line. But isn’t this how shopping should be? FMI: JustFly.com or call 252-480-3552.  John “Ole” Olson is again taking up residence in Mexico. He will move from his U.S. base way up in the northwest corner of America (north of Seattle) to a point south of Puerto Vallarta, a familiar resort destination. About 100 klicks southeast down the west coast of Mexico, one arrives at Colima. Since his 1989 Mexico Safaris, Ole has become “ Mexico’s original gringo guide,” not missing a season. This winter, he’ll again locate at the old airfield in Colima’s Antiguo Aeropuerto. Olson says he will “begin work on a flight park named Rancho Deluxe.” Foot launching will be the order (and his personal preference) this season, but eventually he hopes “to offer towing from the runway, too.” He expects to be operational by the first week in December “when the flying season really kicks in,” and he’ll remain in his Southern home until the end of March. He provides the gliders, the guiding, and the Spanish language. Mexico provides the sunshine and thermals. If you want to get the flavor of flying in Mexico, I recommend you go to the following site, where entertaining writer Ole spells it out in colorful detail: www.learntoflytrikes.com/WeFlewMexico.htm  So, got news or opinions? Send ‘em to: 8 Dorset, St. Paul MN 55118. Messages or fax to 651-450-0930. E-mail to News@ByDanJohnson.com or CumulusMan@aol.com. THANKS!

Published in Hang Gliding Magazine

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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


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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.




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.