No less than three Light-Sport Aircraft companies have recently struck deals with Florida airports, winning the support of local government officials anxious to provide jobs. Renegade LSA, producer of the Falcon and a key figure in the development of an LSA-oriented Lycoming O-233 engine, moved into a 70,000-square-foot facility at the St. Lucie Airport. Proprietor […]
Tecnam to debut new low-wing LSA
Tecnam will reveal its “Astore” next generation Light-Sport Aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen 2013 in Germany on April 24. “Astore is an all-new, two-seat, low-wing airplane that offers superlative performance,” wrote company officials. The Italian company celebrates its 65th year in 2013 and saw fit to name the new model accordingly. “What could be more fitting […]
LSA market share: The rest of the story
We recorded very strong interest in our recent market share post. Traffic spiked to double in the days since our report was posted at ByDanJohnson.com (and that was from record levels). It would appear the LSA segment is hardly in “critical condition,” despite what some may think. The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) board of […]
2012 LSA market shares: Cubs and surprises
Our annual review of LSA Market Share brings our updated fleet chart and a second chart showing prior-year registrations. While sales of new SLSA remains below par, the market appears to be experiencing spotty but regular recovery from earlier low points. The first half the year foretold a better recovery but the last half of […]
Go negative…or work together?
It is true that a pilot of one type aircraft may not know much about nor (therefore) care much about another type aircraft. Ultralight pilots and turbine pilots may not seem to have much in common. Sailplane pilots and crop dusters, likewise. Powered parachute enthusiasts seem on the opposite side of the spectrum from airline […]
Wills Wing celebrates turning 40
At the lightest end of flying, one company in the USA excels like no other. For hang glider and paraglider enthusiasts the brand name Wills Wing is as good as it gets. I have long known and admired the owners of this well-run California company so I am very pleased to offer my congratulations to […]
Sebring Expo: A real game-changer
It used to be that January was one of the slowest months of the year. Freezing cold in the northern states combined with short days across the northern hemisphere to produce a sluggish month for all but transport or working aircraft. Recreational flying slowed to the pace of thick syrup pouring from a chilled bottle. […]
Extreme Makeover
Big things are happening to the location formerly known as the Ultralight Area at the SUN ’n FUN grounds on the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida. First, the area will now permanently be known by its longtime affectionate name: Paradise City. Once a place of great charm and thick crowds, the area suffered from the […]
Air Creation Skypper wins SLSA #130
Congratulations to Air Creation USA for winning Special Light-Sport Aircraft approval for its newest weight-shift control aircraft called the Skypper. That’s a worthwhile achievement for any new LSA, but before I tell you how this model is different, let me do another explanation. In summer of 2012, FAA issued an internal order — meaning it […]