Since AirVenture 2012, I’ve been part of several discussions about the way — and reasons why — aircraft become certified. Sound boring? Yes and no. One way this might get your interest is to consider if Icon Aircraft, which is... Continue Reading →
Electric! Gorgeous! Freedom!…4th generation ULS
Posted on September 6th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
Randall Fishman virtually invented the electric aircraft. That’s a rather big statement, yet I stand behind it. Randall first showed a functional electric trike at Oshkosh 2007. He’s been on a tear ever since and his ULS is his present... Continue Reading →
What’s expected at Oshkosh from our LSA expert
Posted on July 22nd, 2012 by Dan Johnson
I have several targets on my radar for follow-up at this year’s AirVenture, which kicks off tomorrow, July 23. Here’s a beforehand review; details will follow. LSA seaplanes will generate plenty of interest, Continue Reading →
A tale of two flight schools
Posted on July 8th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
Flight schools — like many private buyers — are hyperfocused on, “What does an aircraft cost to operate?” Busy flight schools operating at high volume simply must track how all the pennies add up. In this post we asked US... Continue Reading →
Flying the newest LSA: Sling
Posted on July 5th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
While out west on business, I had the chance to fly the latest SLSA on the list, the South African Sling. Earlier I’ve written about the all-metal LSA’s round-the-world flight, but now this low-wing design is being made available for... Continue Reading →
Tecnam’s Tail Dragger keeps getting better
Posted on July 4th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
With five models currently meeting ASTM standards for SLSA, Tecnam has established itself as the leader in prolific design of Light-Sport Aircraft. Much of this design prowess owes to family patriarch Professor Luigi Pascale, known for his incredible output of... Continue Reading →
FAA clarifies who is an LSA manufacturer
Posted on July 2nd, 2012 by Dan Johnson
Late last month, the FAA issued its anticipated notice of policy that clarifies who can qualify as a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturer. You may wish to read the entire policy statement and, as government documents go, this one is fairly... Continue Reading →
One solution to the flight school dilemma
Posted on July 1st, 2012 by Dan Johnson
Anyone who has tried to borrow money in the last five years knows how tough it has become. Banks supported by government guarantees practically gave money away before the subprime meltdown but are now being much more careful. That’s a... Continue Reading →
Is spin resistance a big deal? Well, yes!
Posted on June 28th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
On Memorial Day I had a chance to visit Icon Aircraft and spend some time with CEO Kirk Hawkins. We met seven years ago — just after the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) rule was released — near the beginning of... Continue Reading →
Evektor wins EASA Type Certificate
Posted on June 27th, 2012 by Dan Johnson
The rush is on in Europe, at least for the best-prepared of LSA producers. EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, has accepted ASTM standards as a means of certifying light aircraft in the European Union, but put its own stamp... Continue Reading →
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