Oshkosh starts in just one month! Excitement is building to a fever pitch. Until then, watch here for more articles from the spring airshows plus new short videos on the ByDanJohnson YouTube channel.
Find a large and ever-growing library of LSA and Sport Pilot kit videos featuring Dan on Videoman Dave’s popular 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!
James Lasch says
March 31, 2019 at 12:32 pmLoved 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! 😀
Dan Johnson says
April 1, 2019 at 2:40 pmHi 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.
Paul Musso says
February 22, 2019 at 2:02 amDan my friend your web site won’t take my $29.00. I tried twice !!!
Paul Musso
Dan Johnson says
February 23, 2019 at 9:10 pmHi 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!
ROBERT F. DAVIS says
January 17, 2019 at 10:00 amGood 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
Dan Johnson says
January 18, 2019 at 2:23 pmHi 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
Robert Davis says
February 7, 2019 at 9:04 pmThanks 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
Dan Johnson says
February 11, 2019 at 4:13 pmHi 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.
Robert Davis says
February 12, 2019 at 8:29 pmGood 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.
Dan Johnson says
February 13, 2019 at 6:26 pmHi Robert: I am pleased to be of service in your pursuit of flying.
Paul Musso says
February 23, 2019 at 11:08 amI spoke with Terry Short and got a sick, horrible feeling from the conversation …hope this helps.
Dan Johnson says
February 23, 2019 at 9:13 pmHi Paul: You didn’t tell us what you discovered but I regret you didn’t find what you wanted at CGS Aviation.
Paul Musso says
March 7, 2019 at 8:21 pmDear 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
William Trader says
July 13, 2018 at 9:43 amHere 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.
Dan Johnson says
July 21, 2018 at 12:37 pmHi 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!
Art says
September 15, 2018 at 11:58 pmAnyone have a plan set for a leohle sport parasol?
Roberttapse says
June 12, 2018 at 5:12 amadequate web site Jarle Thorsen Kielce
Dan Johnson says
June 15, 2018 at 5:22 pmThanks, Jarle. We were hoping for “awesome” but “adequate” will do. 🙂
Mark says
May 24, 2018 at 2:29 pmHello 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….
Dan Johnson says
June 15, 2018 at 5:33 pmHi 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.
Rodney Jackson says
March 25, 2018 at 3:34 pmHi Dan, I love the AEROLITE 103 !!! Please give me any info on Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine for it!!! ROD
Rodney Jackson says
March 13, 2018 at 8:35 pmHi Dan, I am very interested in ultralight aircraft !!! Any help will by greatly appreciated. ROD
Dan Johnson says
March 25, 2018 at 2:52 pmHi Rodney: Well, if that is your interest, you found the right website, we believe. Look around and make a great decision. Best of luck!
Patrick Shine says
January 13, 2018 at 6:08 pmI’ll be going to Sebring as well! Recently discovered your website, it’s a great resource! Hope to meet you there.
Dan Johnson says
January 22, 2018 at 10:41 pmHi Patrick: I’m pleased to hear you’re headed to Sebring and I’m doubly pleased you are enjoying the website.
James Lasch says
November 16, 2017 at 12:55 pmI’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
Dan Johnson says
November 18, 2017 at 2:05 pmHi 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.
Steve Pate says
April 23, 2017 at 2:28 amI 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? 🙏🏻
Dan Johnson says
April 24, 2017 at 6:01 pmYou 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!
Brian Austein says
April 8, 2017 at 7:39 amHi 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”
Dan Johnson says
April 11, 2017 at 7:51 pmSpelling corrected, Brian. Thanks for that but mainly thanks for the attention-getting aircraft you created and brought to Sun ‘n Fun.