It’s SHOW TIME at Sun ‘n Fun 2021! We’re here and ready to report.
Light aviation survived 2020 surprisingly well but we are ready for a new season of airshows and flying fun. Check our growing library of short videos on the ByDanJohnson Affordable Aviation YouTube channel.
In addition, you can find nearly 1,000 LSA and Sport Pilot kit videos featuring Dan on Videoman Dave’s “Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer” YouTube channel + view hundreds of our best videos archived here in a searchable format.
Thanks for your visit. We genuinely appreciate those of you who have become members!
I haven’t been able to make contact with the Gull 2000 people. Email got no response and the phone didn’t “ go thru”.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Did you write to Mark Beierle at Earthstar: thundergul@aol.com ••• (805) 792-0559.
This contact information was received from Mark on January 28, 2021.
When replying, he said, “I have been working on my electric systems and not paying enough attention to returning calls or emails. You know that if we are going to bring back the glory of ultralight flight it has to be electric!”
Please be patient for a reply.
I had a HKS Odyssey for a few years. Mark’s a genius dedicated to his machines & not to marketing. Be patient but persistent.
Hello, good day. I am from Nigeria. I wanna purchase a single stroke engine for my aircraft proposed project. Please. I need help please. asoguniharuna@gmail.com !!!
Haruna: Perhaps you meant a single cylinder engine, not a “single stroke” engine. I would recommend you investigate the Polini from Italy but knowing nothing about your proposed aircraft, that may not be correct. You can find lots of information about small engines on this website. Please use “Search this website” to discover more.
Haruna, please tell me. I want your WhatsApp number.
Hello Dan, I just watched your introductory video on YouTube about Piper SportCruiser. I am entertaining to acquire after the loss of my current former military basic trainer. Then, my A&P put me in touch with one available, which I am planning to go a take a look.
I am 67-yo retired engineer with 300-hour PPL SEL. I ‘d like to visit with you to educate me briefly. Please feel free to contact by email or cell# 832-693-5488.
Thnx and Blue Skies.
Hi Steve: I don’t know how much more I can tell you. I always tell readers/viewers that I give you almost everything I know on the videos or in my posts on ByDanJohnson.com. What more do you wish to know? (Of course, I cannot comment on the particular aircraft you may examine.)
Hello Steve: An option, if the cruiser deal doesn’t work out for you, is Azalea Aviation’s Saberwing new LSA [Editor’s note: This is not presently a LSA.]. The company can be found at azaleaaviation.com. I like them for several reasons: cost and time to build are reasonable and their power plant choice of the Corvair motor is more inline with legacy aircraft, being air cooled, and a 5th bearing design that has never had a failure. Good luck in your search.
Dan, you may want to check them out this year at Sun ‘n Fun, to add to your video reports. Bill Clapp is the owner’s name.
Thanks Dan, for all you do. You’re a blessing to us all!
Air Shows:
While Sun ‘n Fun is postponed, how about visiting Benson Days ( http://bensendays.us.com/) .
Gyro copters are not Light Sport yet, but if it’s not postponed, it might be fun to visit.
Gary
Hi Gary: I planned to attend Bensen Days this year and still hope to, however, it has been pushed back to the week before Sun ‘n Fun, subject to change of course if this virus problem persists.
Please disregard my previous comment. Apparently the email address I had was for an individual who has left the company. The company has contacted me and apparently is doing just fine.
BTW you are now and have been my go-to guy for advice on LSA. Thanks
Hi James: Glad you made contact. They appear to be fine folks, attentive and careful. Thanks for the kind words and blue skies!
Dan,
Has something happened to the Texas Colt aircraft company of which you are aware? I’ve tried to email them and the email was returned as “account cancelled” and I telephoned, but the recording was totally garbled and I could not understand it.
Hi Dan,
Great write ups. Any chance you can report on the following two engines? I heard the Turbotech Turboprop and AC Aero V series are now for sale. The Turboprop in particular is something that really fascinates me. Be great to know which ultralight manufacturers they are working with and if they are available to general public.
Hi Josh: Thanks for kind words. I don’t normally get into turboprops but let’s see if we can find anything about that at Oshkosh 2019.
With over 400 hours I’ll stick with my Recreational License.
Hi Steve: I’m glad that certificate works for you.
Loved the SeaMax vid. I do wish you would do more “in the air” type videos, like you did for the Harmony, but you know what you do best.
I couldn’t help myself though and have to say this. Try saying “Where the water rudder was” three times fast. We now have a new tongue twister! 😀
Hi James: Thank you for your very kind words about my reporting. We will do as many of the airborne pilot reports as we can, although they can be somewhat challenging except at shows like the Midwest LSA Expo where it is easiest.
Dan my friend your web site won’t take my $29.00. I tried twice !!!
Paul Musso
Hi Paul: I regret we are frustrating you. As I think you saw, my webmaster is aware of the problem you uncovered and he is working on it. Thanks for your support. We’ll get it working right!
Good morning Mr. Dan:
Can you bring me up to date on where the CGS Aviation folks are in the ultralight business?
They do not appear to have any website that I can find that is “current” and they do not respond to their website email address.
Are they building, selling CGS ultralights or not? Are they in Alabama or Lake Wales, Florida? There are at least 6-8 websites on the system but none of them are current or correct about current CGS products, etc.
Thank you for your help.
Bob Davis
Hi Bob:
CGS is definitely functioning and in Lake Wales, Florida. The Alabama address is no longer correct.
The company is splitting into two parts. Terry Short (TPShort@msn.com — 863-430-5829) will continue with the two seat models including the SLSA entry and another group is pursing the single place ultralight models.
Both appear energetic and ready to produce, however, as you discovered, they are focused on airplane building and not on website building or promotions other than attending airshows.
I hope this is helpful. Go to Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer and search for videos about either. I’ve interviewed both organizations.
Dan
Thanks for your response Mr. Dan. I am very happy that CGS is making the”split’
and the other builders will be producing the single seat Hawk AND even happier
they will be keeping the design and character of the CGS hawk in the FAR 103 Ultra’
I trained in a 2 seater Hawk back in the 70’s and thought it was the nicest UL trainer
of them all. I can hardly wait for them to get in shape to build an ULTRA for me.
I had given up hope of ever finding an aircraft again like the CGS HAWk
In a few months I am heading for Florida to put in my order for them to build one for me.
Bob Davis
Hi Robert: At Sebring 2019, I was advised that the two seat Hawk builder and the team proposing to build the single seaters are not in close communication. I do not know of any problems, but urge caution before you spend money.
Good evening, Mr. Dan. Thank you so very much for your most recent email. This is valuable information and advice for me …and any others who are seeking an ultralight.
Hi Robert: I am pleased to be of service in your pursuit of flying.
I spoke with Terry Short and got a sick, horrible feeling from the conversation …hope this helps.
Hi Paul: You didn’t tell us what you discovered but I regret you didn’t find what you wanted at CGS Aviation.
Dear Dan:
I really wanted a HAWK Ultralight. It had all the bells and whistles I needed. I was even prepared to drive from California to Florida to go get it before I had any flight training. As you mentioned in an article be careful who you give your money to. I hope it works out for others.
Thanks for you hard work in educating us about flight.
Paul
Here is a new aircraft that I am wondering if you know anything about or are planing on doing an interview with?
The Blackfly by Opener: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIygDyKMVwM
It is an electric Part 103 aircraft that appears to be using lighter-than-air technology with AI and some custom designed and built high powered electric motors. The CBS SF Bay Area news reporter seems to be more interested in the “flying car” aspect, and Opener seems to be promoting it as, but I think the technology is of more interest that if it will or will not be the next flying car.
Hi William: You and some others alerted me to BlackFly. You see I reported on it, but I very much appreciate you giving me a heads-up!
Anyone have a plan set for a leohle sport parasol?
Mr. Trader. If you closely examine Openers website you will find they say they are focusing on gearing up for production of the BlackFly and have added almost nothing to their website in the last year. With Google co founder Larry Page owning Opener; Opener aloofness and privacy interests are an oxymoron for any commercial company; suggesting Opener is not really a commercial company. Past Opener news letters are non existent or not available. Opener says they are building 30 BlackFlys and plan on flying at least some of them to Oshkosh 2021. Having lived in the Bay Area in the distant past; this kind of operating style: aloofness and privacy up front of supposed commercial companies is usually front and center; unfortunately. If you know anyone who knows Mr. Page and can get Opener to operate like most commercial companies; regular updates of what is going on; I and probably other Opener followers would appreciate it. Regular attempted contacts with the Opener director of information has yielded nothing new to date.
adequate web site Jarle Thorsen Kielce
Thanks, Jarle. We were hoping for “awesome” but “adequate” will do. 🙂
Hello Dan,
First off I follow you everyday on YouTube to see what’s new & review previous interviews. Your a great interviewer & always ask the right questions. You have the best job in the world ! My question concerns the new Just Aircraft ultralight. I want to jump into one but I’m concerned about the safety of the engine choice. Are there “safer” alternatives ? I’m interested in your expert comments. Also, do you think we’ll see modifications to the LSA rules this year, ie., higher weight/speeds ? Take care my friend….
Hi Mark: Thank you for your very kind words. I love what I do and hope it shows. The small (Part 103-compliant) Polini engine is reliable from a major engine manufacturer. However, if you are willing to not be in the Part 103 category, Just Aircraft intends to fly their Solo with the Rotax 582. That would give it awesome power and you might consider that to be the “safer” engine.
I wouldn’t consider the 582, or any two-stroke a safe engine. I know that Part 103 means your options are limited but if are outside of it then I would always recommend a four-stroke.
Two-strokes have a tendency to quit unexpectedly so there’s no “rough running.” It just stops if something goes wrong. And they don’t like running at low rpm because that starves them of oil and most people don’t realize that and can end up making their engine seize while descending.
Hi Dan, I love the AEROLITE 103 !!! Please give me any info on Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine for it!!! ROD
Hi Dan, I am very interested in ultralight aircraft !!! Any help will by greatly appreciated. ROD
Hi Rodney: Well, if that is your interest, you found the right website, we believe. Look around and make a great decision. Best of luck!
I just found the comment site. Will the [current] 1,320 [LSA weight limit] ever be lifted to higher weights, hopefully. Happy flying! I’m a 73-year-old retired truck driver.
Rex: This article has most of the info you ask about. Yes, weights will rise, but the rule will not emerge before the end of 2023. I suggest acting earlier rather than wait for the change. ••• If you prefer to see this on video, here’s a link to the talk I gave at Midwest LSA Expo 2020.
I’ll be going to Sebring as well! Recently discovered your website, it’s a great resource! Hope to meet you there.
Hi Patrick: I’m pleased to hear you’re headed to Sebring and I’m doubly pleased you are enjoying the website.
I’ve sent 3 emails, two of which have been returned as “incorrect address” and the third is somewhere floating in the cloud. The address I have is: webmaster@bydanjohnson.com
Hi James: I cannot explain why I didn’t get earlier emails, but I see your comment. I advised my webmaster to add the one you used.
I would Love to see more info and pictures of the lightning bug. A LOT MORE if I could. Any chance on seeing it at the Arlington Fly In Wa State in July? 🙏🏻
You are in luck! Our video shot at Sun ‘n Fun ‘n Fun 2017 is now up on YouTube. I will put it on ByDanJohnson.com soon. Here is the URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQt1sQwXOC4
Enjoy!
Hi Dan,
It was good to meet and talk to you.Thanks for the flattering words.
You did a great job, with the brief explanation. If you would ever like anything more (like a construction photo ) let me know….
Thanks again , and,
It’s spelled “Austein”
Spelling corrected, Brian. Thanks for that but mainly thanks for the attention-getting aircraft you created and brought to Sun ‘n Fun.