LSA market leader Flight Design is beginning to celebrate 25 years in business. To commemorate the occasion, the German company will build a special Jubilee edition of several models in a very limited series of 25 airplanes, [Read more...]
Good to go in China
November 29, 2012 by 1 Comment
Things are happening in China. “So, what’s new,” you say? “We’ve been hearing about China for months.”
Things may move slowly in China but recently Airshow China was held in the southern city of Zhuhai and my colleague, Jan Fridrich was present. He reported that some LSA are displayed including Triton’s Mermaid and SC3D (based on the SportCruiser), Flight Design’s CTSW (pictured), Colyaer’s Freedom, and other aircraft. [Read more...]
Troubles at the top
November 28, 2012 by 3 Comments
Even aircraft giants can have problems. Cessna recently issued work orders for more than 200 Skycatchers in an effort that has to cost the big Wichita company well over $300,000*.
Luxurious Quicksilver dealership: Flying & Living
November 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
One of the most storied companies in the entire light airplane space is Quicksilver. Its iconic models have populated the skies more than any other recreational aircraft brand… yes, more than Van’s (7,000+), Rans (4,500+), and Challenger (2,500+) combined! In fact, in 2002 and 2003, Quicksilver by itself outsold Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft combined! Now, that’s a performance any aircraft company would love to match. [Read more...]
Sport pilot to celebrate 100th birthday flying his Evektor LSA
November 26, 2012 by 1 Comment
On Nov. 30, Guy Reynolds will celebrate his 100th birthday by taking a flight in a Light-Sport Aircraft. Putting a finer point on it, he’ll take this flight in his LSA. Are you surprised that a centenarian has an LSA? Admit it…I was. However, Guy is no ordinary guy. He bought his Evektor Sportstar back at the beginning of LSA and he’s been flying it about 100 hours every year. That’s probably more than you fly your LSA. Impressive even for a young 50-year old pilot, this fact is, well… astounding for a 90-something pilot.
$30 burger flight and LSA leaseback
November 25, 2012 by 1 Comment
A fun thing happened this weekend. Such pleasures occur regularly across the USA where we enjoy so much aviation freedom. This time I got in on part of a weekend fly-out. Plus, I want to celebrate a thriving LSA flight school, another one supported by an arrangement called “leaseback.”
Light-Sport Aircraft…at home and abroad
November 22, 2012 by 1 Comment
My European associate and friend, Jan Fridrich, coined a phrase a few years ago: “Global LSA,” he said, meaning the ASTM standards set could be used in any country and thereby create a worldwide market for recreational aircraft. Already a few accept the standards and many are considering or are already using some variant. So, in this post, let’s review some international successes for LSA.
You can help prove the safety of LSA
November 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In light of recent developments, perhaps some ups and downs of FAA’s involvement with Light-Sport aviation can offer perspective. First some background, then an appeal for your help on behalf of LSA.
LSA seaplane invasion…Can it happen?
November 18, 2012 by 3 Comments
What’s going on out in the marketplace? More than any time since the launch of Light-Sport Aircraft in 2004, I have not observed such a frenzy of activity for a particular niche, this time for LSA seaplanes. Next season, in 2013, we could see no less than nine entries — three brand new — and that count does not include any LSA equipped with floats, possibly adding several more. Yet some major potholes appear in the runway…or perhaps that should be waves sloshing over the bow.
CubCrafters’ 180-hp Carbon Cub SS…Hoo Rah!
November 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
We recently completed a full video pilot report (available below) on the CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS. The west coast company’s popular model with a potent 180-horsepower engine leaps off the runway with such enthusiasm it can appear a visual trick. [Read more...]
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