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A lot is happening here in 2025 and we’ll keep you up with events!</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #000000;">Thousands of articles and videos</span> on this website remain completely <strong>free of charge</strong> but please help spread the word about this one-of-a-kind info resource.</span></p> <p><a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/U_S_LightSportAircraftRegistrations/Home?&:display_count=yes&:showVizHome=no"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-24426 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Tableau-Button-v3-0619b.jpg" alt="" width="251" height="75" /></a></p> <p>Learn which companies lead the light aircraft sector — Tap or click the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/U_S_LightSportAircraftRegistrations/Home?&:display_count=yes&:showVizHome=no"><strong><span style="color: #00ccff;">big blue <span style="caret-color: #00ccff;">button</span></span></strong></a><span style="color: #00ccff;"><span style="color: #000000;">.</span></span></p> <p>Thanks for your visit. We genuinely appreciate your loyal readership over two decades!</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Welcome%20to%20Your%20LSA%20and%20Mosaic%20Information%20Hub%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fwelcome%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. You may need to create a new email yourself." data-email-share-nonce="55a8ec7b14" data-email-share-track-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/?share=email"><span>Email</span></a></li><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/" data-text="Welcome to Your LSA and Mosaic Information Hub!" data-via="bydanjohnson" >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-jetpack-whatsapp"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-jetpack-whatsapp sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/?share=jetpack-whatsapp" target="_blank" title="Click to share on WhatsApp" ><span>WhatsApp</span></a></li><li class="share-print"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-print sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/welcome/" target="_blank" title="Click to print" ><span>Print</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-126563591-15773-67f000aaa1b6f' data-src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/?ver=14.3#blog_id=126563591&post_id=15773&origin=bydanjohnson.com&obj_id=126563591-15773-67f000aaa1b6f&n=1' data-name='like-post-frame-126563591-15773-67f000aaa1b6f' data-title='Like or Reblog'><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class="loading">Loading...</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color'></a></div></div><div class="excerpt-holder"></div><div class="entry-content">Thanks for your interest in Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and, coming some time in 2025, aircraft that will comply with the new Mosaic rules — as well as the expansion of Sport Pilot privileges. A lot is happening here in 2025 and we’ll keep you up with events! Thousands of articles and videos on this website remain completely free of charge but please help spread the word about this one-of-a-kind info resource. <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/U_S_LightSportAircraftRegistrations/Home?&:display_count=yes&:showVizHome=no"></a> Learn which companies lead the light aircraft sector — Tap or click the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/U_S_LightSportAircraftRegistrations/Home?&:display_count=yes&:showVizHome=no">big blue button</a>. Thanks for your visit. We genuinely appreciate your loyal readership over two decades!<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-72024 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-bristell-ng-5-slsa category-brm-aero-s-r-o category-brp-powertrain-rotax-aircraft-engines category-splog tag-mlsa tag-mosaic tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/bristell-lsa-maker-brm-aero-hit-1000-milestone/">Bristell LSA-Maker BRM Aero Reaches #1,000 Milestone</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">February 18, 2025</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/bristell-lsa-maker-brm-aero-hit-1000-milestone/#respond" >Leave a Comment</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>In the airplane-manufacturing enterprise, very few companies have exceeded four figures of aircraft deliveries. The newest producer to achieve this feat did so in only 15 years.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20200%20227'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="200" height="227" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="227" /></noscript>BRM Aero announced, “Last year (2024) was a remarkable year for Bristell Aircraft. Reaching our 1,000th aircraft milestone, securing vital certifications, and maintaining strong production numbers have demonstrated our commitment to excellence in aviation.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-27442 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20331'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="331" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-540x331.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-300x184.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-768x471.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-330x203.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight.jpg 1245w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-540x331.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-27442 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-540x331.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="331" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-540x331.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-300x184.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-768x471.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight-330x203.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bristell-RG-in-flight.jpg 1245w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>I wrote about BRM hitting <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/brm-aero-maker-bristell-light-sport-aircraft-models-rolls-300th-unit/">300 deliveries</a> in 2017 (eight years after starting up). Now, seven years later BRM has reached their 1,000th aircraft delivered. That’s a second half average of 100 units per year, a production rate any company would be proud to have — even for businesses operating many more years. In 2024 alone, <strong>112 Bristell models were delivered</strong> showing the current pace the Czech company is achieving.</p> <p>Part of the reason for this success is a surprising diversity of aircraft models based on the original. In addition to the most commonly recognized trigear low wing, BRM created a retractable version, a taildragger version, a high wing derivation, and an electric-powered model plus the company offers IFR-capable configurations. Even a turbine powered aircraft expected on the market “soon.”</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72018 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="360" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-540x360.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72018 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-540x360.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-overall-front-qtr.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>BRM AERO MODEL LIST</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Bristell B23</li> <li>Bristell B23 Turbo</li> <li>Bristell Classic</li> <li>Bristell RG (retractable gear)</li> <li>Bristell TDO (tail dragger option)</li> <li>Bristell B8 (high wing)</li> <li>Bristell Energic (electric propulsion)</li> </ul> <p>Even a model capable of towing gliders is part of the lineup. Gliding is a very popular activity in Europe and towplanes are in regular demand.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72019 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20361'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="361" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-540x361.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-768x513.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-540x361.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72019 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-540x361.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="361" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-540x361.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-768x513.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-towing-glider.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>“Our versatile aircraft offers multiple capabilities that cater to different flying needs,” BRM Aero elaborated. “During the certification process for the tug model, we extensively tested the aircraft in challenging mountain conditions, where it particularly shone in glider towing operations, easily handling gliders up to 850 kilograms (about 1,875 pounds).” Towing more than it weighs is a notable point.</p> <p>“BRM Aero is a family company primarily focusing on individual custom-built airplanes,” explained founder (and father) <strong>Milan Bříštěla</strong>. “[We are] able to carry out all kinds of modifications according to customer requirements. Each customer can therefore get a unique airplane that best suits their needs.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72022 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20313'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="313" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-540x313.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-300x174.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-150x87.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-768x446.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-330x191.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-540x313.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72022 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-540x313.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="313" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-540x313.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-300x174.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-150x87.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-768x446.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan-330x191.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-Marti-Milan.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>The father and son duo at the helm of BRM Aero have obviously been mighty busy building a company from scratch and rising to the upper ranks in a remarkably short time. Milan founded BRM AERO s.r.o. in 2009, just 15 years ago. His son Martin was in at the start and has now risen to become CEO of the company. Today, the business employs 135 people.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Also Mosaic-Ready</h3> <p>“The development of our B23 with <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=916iS">Rotax’s 916iS engine</a> for the U.S. market’s (coming) Mosaic regulation represents an important strategic step forward,” said Martin. “We’ve successfully adapted the aircraft to meet these new specifications, and the initial feedback from our demonstrations has been very promising. Interest we’re seeing from the U.S. market confirms we’re on the right track with this development.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72026 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20238'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="238" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-540x238.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-300x132.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-150x66.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-768x338.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-330x145.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-540x238.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72026 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-540x238.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="238" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-540x238.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-300x132.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-150x66.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-768x338.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation-330x145.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-916iS-installation.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>In addition to supporting the popular and potent 916iS powerplant, BRM Aero has another 160-horsepower trick up its sleeve, at least for those with a thicker wallet.</p> <p>‘We are proud to announce [that] we successfully achieved the first 300 flight hours with a new powerplant from Turbotech. Our <strong>Bristell Turbine</strong> will be available as an Ultralight (UL) with a turbine engine in Europe, or as a Mosaic plane in the USA. Key features include an exceptionally smooth sound, no vibration, and turbine power characteristics of up to 160 horsepower,” stated Martin.</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72017 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="360" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-540x360.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72017 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-540x360.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bristell-interior-panel.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Read more</strong></span> about Turbine, the B8 High Wing, and the electric-propulsion Energic in <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/aero-2022-day-1-whats-the-buzz-turbines-on-lsa-bristell-news/">this 2022 article</a>.</p> <p>Just before Covid panic closed down the global economy and sequestered us in our homes, I got to shoot aerial photos of Lou Mancuso in a 915iS-powered Bristell. From this engine on to the 916iS, Bristell started boasting higher cruise speeds. It’s like they knew Mosaic was coming — but the fact is that European CAAs have allowed higher speeds than FAA for a number of years. <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-fast-mania-spreads-to-usa-brm-aeros-bristell-speedster-with-915is-fixed-pitch-prop/">Read about the speedy Bristell in this 2020 article</a>.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72021 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20240'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="240" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-540x240.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-768x342.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-330x147.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-540x240.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-72021 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-540x240.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="240" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-540x240.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-768x342.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory-330x147.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BRM-Aero-factory.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>I can only wonder what BRM Aero might achieve in 2025 and beyond but I’m willing to bet their production and delivery numbers keep rising.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">See How They’re Built</h2> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; 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The newest producer to achieve this feat did so in only 15 years. BRM Aero announced, “Last year (2024) was a remarkable year for Bristell Aircraft. Reaching our 1,000th aircraft milestone, securing vital certifications, and maintaining strong production numbers have demonstrated our commitment to excellence in aviation.” I wrote about BRM hitting <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/brm-aero-maker-bristell-light-sport-aircraft-models-rolls-300th-unit/">300 deliveries</a> in 2017 (eight years after starting up). Now, seven years later BRM has reached their 1,000th aircraft delivered. That’s a second half average of 100 units per year, a production rate any company would be proud to have — even for businesses operating many more years. In 2024 alone, 112 Bristell models were delivered showing the current pace the Czech company is achieving. Part of the reason for this success is a surprising diversity of aircraft models based on the original.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/brm-aero-s-r-o/bristell-ng-5-slsa/">Bristell (NG 5) SLSA</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/brm-aero-s-r-o/">BRM Aero, s.r.o.</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/brp-powertrain-rotax-aircraft-engines/">BRP-Powertrain (Rotax Aircraft Engines)</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71984 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-lama-light-aircraft-mfrs-assoc category-splog tag-mlsa tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-or-no-mosaic-yet-that-is-the-question/">Mosaic! …Or No Mosaic (Yet)? — That Is the Question</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">January 21, 2025</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-or-no-mosaic-yet-that-is-the-question/#comments" >21 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>OK, so we have a new U.S. President and Trump often promised to “Eliminate 10 new rules for every new one proposed.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20200%20227'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="200" height="227" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="227" /></noscript>On the campaign trail, this was only promises, such as every politician makes. Now comes reality. Will our new president do what he said?</p> <p>Regular readers will recognize <strong>Roy Beisswenger</strong>. Roy and I made several trips to Washington, DC in an attempt by <a href="http://www.LAMA.bz">LAMA</a>, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, to encourage FAA to make changes to the then-10-year-old Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft regulation. Our work, starting in 2014, began a few years before anyone knew anything about Mosaic. Being involved for ten years provided lots of knowledge about FAA rule making, leading to actions later known as Mosaic.</p> <div id="attachment_68996" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68996" class="wp-image-68996 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20344'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="344" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-540x344.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-300x191.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-768x490.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-330x210.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-540x344.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68996" class="wp-image-68996 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-540x344.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="344" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-540x344.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-300x191.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-768x490.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate-330x210.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Galen-and-Roy-certificate.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-68996" class="wp-caption-text"><em><strong>Roy Beisswenger</strong> (R) receives a dealer award from <strong>Galen Geigley</strong> of Powrachute.</em></p></div> <p>In his day job, Roy is the proprietor of <a href="http://easyflight.com">Easy Flight</a>, the nation’s premiere <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/he-wrote-the-bible-now-hes-offering-the-premium-training-option-for-powered-parachutes/">powered parachute educator</a> and flight trainer. Follow the link to learn more.</p> <p>To learn more about those advocacy trips, what we asked for, and what was finally included in FAA’s newest rule, follow <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Mosaic+regulation">this Mosaic link</a>. In these articles you can find many other links to speed your review of Mosaic. Government regulations are rarely easy to follow so we attempted in several media forms to bring awareness to what FAA was doing.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Is Mosaic to Be Frozen?</span></h2> <p>Is a regulatory freeze going to slow the release of Mosaic? Based on what Roy reports in some detail, I believe that is a high likelihood.</p> <div id="attachment_67931" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67931" class="wp-image-67931 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20281'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="281" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-768x400.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-540x281.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67931" class="wp-image-67931 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-540x281.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="281" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-768x400.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mosaic-SDtudy-Guide-LEAD.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-67931" class="wp-caption-text"><em>LAMA and USUA produced a <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/making-a-study-of-mosaic-easier-and-faster-lama-usua-join-forces-to-help-you/">Study Guide</a> helping pilots uncover what was in FAA’s 318-page proposal.</em></p></div> <p>President Trump just signed an order called, “<strong>Regulatory Freeze Pending Review</strong>.” <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/">Here’s the full White House text</a>. Because the Mosaic rule has not been published yet, it appears probable that the proposed regulation will be halted, at least for a period of review.</p> <p>Yet that’s not all.</p> <p>In the Freeze Review Roy notes that it states, “Rules should be looked at after they are published and before they become effective.” Roy added, “<strong>This is a major change in the way the federal government publishes rules</strong>.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full-column-width wp-image-68200" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20146'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="146" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-540x146.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-300x81.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-150x41.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-768x208.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-330x89.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-540x146.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full-column-width wp-image-68200" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-540x146.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="146" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-540x146.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-300x81.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-150x41.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-768x208.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic-330x89.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roys-Mosaic.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Currently, new rules are proposed, then discussed by government and the public. Afterward, FAA huddles and writes the proposed rule. When done, a notice of proposed rulemaking is offered for public comment. After the comment period closes, the federal agency goes quiet to revise the rule without outside interference. After the rule is published, the public can comment no more.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71737 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="360" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg 2000w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71737 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>While Trump’s regulatory changes may be worthy, any change to the way Washington works means regulations take longer. Since pilots are somewhat forced to wait for regulation to emerge before they can buy exciting new airplanes, any alteration that permits pilots to see the finalized rule <em>before</em> it is released seems laudable — though this necessarily extends the time needed.</p> <p>In short, the odds of further delay in Mosaic’s release appears probable. Stay alert!</p> <p>Roy’s 11-minute video below clarifies much more on this Regulatory Freeze Pending Review…</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-57033 aligncenter" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-57033 aligncenter" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>In the following video, longtime aviation journalist Roy Beisswenger provides background and clarity on a possible Mosaic freeze.</p> <p>Those that prefer to read what he said or who want to review specifics can find the entire video text below.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXGdXJ1JD-s?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXGdXJ1JD-s?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Full Text of Above Video</strong></span></h2> <p><em>By Roy Beisswenger<br /> January 21, 2025</em></p> <h3><span style="color: #ff0000;">MOSAIC Paused</span></h3> <p>It has been widely reported that the MOSAIC rule was expected to be published by the middle of 2025. But, President Trump just signed an executive order freezing the publication of any new federal rules, pending a review. Let’s look at the freshly signed executive order and see how that affects MOSAIC and its timing.</p> <p>Hello! My name is Roy Beisswenger and by the end of this video you’re going to know what’s in the president’s new executive order called “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” and how it may affect MOSAIC.</p> <p>First, some background. MOSAIC stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. The FAA describes MOSAIC as</p> <p>An amendment to the rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport aircraft. The FAA says that the proposed amendments would enable enhancements in safety and performance and would increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. MOSAIC would expand what aircraft sport pilots may operate.</p> <p>I’ve gone into depth presenting the details of MOSAIC. The short version is that MOSAIC is overall a pretty good rule, but is flawed as it was presented to the public in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or NPRM.</p> <p>The NPRM was published in the summer of 2023. Yes, that long ago. The comment period came to a close in early in 2024. Since then, the rule has been studied by the FAA with a mind to incorporating or rejecting changes suggested by the public. And there were quite a few suggestions! 1,357 comments to be exact! Many of those comments were different people suggesting the same thing. Some comments probably were conflicting with other comments. I’m sure it was a lot for the FAA to sort out. Then there has been the editing of the rule and the intra-agency process that comes with that, especially since MOSAIC cuts across so many parts of the FAA.</p> <p>But the work isn’t finished. And even if it was finished, it wasn’t published. That means that the Regulatory Freeze will affect it. Let’s look at the language of the freeze and see what may apply.</p> <p>The 1st paragraph of the executive order says…</p> <p>(1) Do not propose or issue any rule in any manner, including by sending a rule to the Office of the Federal Register (the “OFR”), until a department or agency head appointed or designated by the President after noon on January 20, 2025, reviews and approves the rule. The department or agency head may delegate this power of review and approval to any other person so appointed or designated by the President, consistent with applicable law. The Director or Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (the “OMB Director”) may exempt any rule that he deems necessary to address emergency situations or other urgent circumstances, including rules subject to statutory or judicial deadlines that require prompt action.</p> <p>This will delay things simply because it takes time to hire new department and agency heads. First, the candidates have to be found. I’m sure many candidates have already been screened since the election in November. But the process of Senate confirmations has only just begun. I don’t know how high of a priority the department of transportation or the federal aviation administration is for confirmations. But the period may take well over 60 days. In fact, this executive order may be part of President Trump’s leverage to get his candidates for these positions confirmed by the Senate.</p> <p>After the department and agency heads are selected and confirmed, they have to review all of the new rules. Of course they will have their own teams for that, but it takes time to hire those people. So it will take time to review all of the individual rules.</p> <p>The 2nd paragraph of the executive order says…</p> <p>(2) Immediately withdraw any rules that have been sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not published in the Federal Register, so that they can be reviewed and approved as described in paragraph 1, subject to the exceptions described in paragraph 1.</p> <p>This may or may not affect MOSAIC, I really haven’t checked on where the rule is right now. I believe it’s still with the FAA.</p> <p>The 3rd paragraph of the executive order says…</p> <p>(3) Consistent with applicable law and subject to the exceptions described in paragraph 1, consider postponing for 60 days from the date of this memorandum the effective date for any rules that have been published in the Federal Register, or any rules that have been issued in any manner but have not taken effect, for the purpose of reviewing any questions of fact, law, and policy that the rules may raise. During this 60-day period, where appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider opening a comment period to allow interested parties to provide comments about issues of fact, law, and policy raised by the rules postponed under this memorandum, and consider reevaluating pending petitions involving such rules. As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, and where necessary to continue to review these questions of fact, law, and policy, consider further delaying, or publishing for notice and comment, proposed rules further delaying such rules beyond the 60-day period.</p> <p>This paragraph seems to be pretty big to me. Why? Because it signals a new way of doing business. What the president is saying here is that rules should be looked at after they are published and before they become effective. This is a major change in the way the federal government publishes rules. The way it currently works is that Rules are proposed. There is a discussion between the government and the public. Then there is a time while the FAA huddles and writes the proposed rule. When that’s done, the government publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking. Then there is a comment period. That comment period is usually the main opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed rule. After the comment period is over, the FAA or whatever organization goes into hiding and writes the rule without any outside interference. At least allegedly. Then the rule is published. After the rule is published, there is no opportunity for the public to comment or change the rule without starting the whole process over again. In the case of Sport Pilot, it took over a decade to even start the process. In fact it is already twenty years since sport pilot first became a rule and we are just now getting close to finally, hopefully, solving some of the problems with the original rule.</p> <p>What the president seems to be saying here is that the public gets another chance to respond to a rule before it becomes an active rule. This could be a big deal that will affect all kinds of rules coming from the federal government. For MOSAIC, it means that there are probably a lot of things that the FAA really wants in the rule but the public doesn’t want. If the FAA has to publish the rule and then go through another comment period, this could slow down the effective date of the rule.</p> <p>Of course this may be just a temporary process to slow down potentially bad rules that have already been published but aren’t quite effective yet.</p> <p>I have to say that I would like to see this become a regular part of the rulemaking process. In the case of the FAA, it would give pilots, aircraft manufacturers and other interested parties a chance to hold the FAA accountable for their final rulemaking products. I remember back when the Sport Pilot rule was first published. The preamble of published rules is where the FAA addresses comments from the general public. I and others made several suggestions. Many of my suggestions were based on observations from Australian pilots who already had a similar system in place. They warned me that several aspects of the Sport Pilot rule would really hurt Powered Parachutes. They were speaking from experience.</p> <p>Ultimately, the FAA never really addressed those concerns. All they said was that the FAA does not concur. As it turns out, I was right about the effects Sport Pilot would have on powered parachutes and the FAA was wrong. But there never has been any accountability. And there never was a chance to ask the FAA what reasoning they had behind the statement, “The FAA does not concur.”</p> <p>The FAA also said at the time that it did not concur that gyroplanes should be allowed to be manufactured as special light sport aircraft. That mistake is taking 21+ years to correct, and it still isn’t yet officially corrected.</p> <p>Personally, I don’t believe that any agency should be able to say that they don’t concur with a public comment without some kind of justification. Saying “the FAA doesn’t concur” seemed arrogant and dismissive at the time, especially since the FAA turned out to be dead wrong.</p> <p>Perhaps allowing another comment period after the rule was published would have prevented some of that.</p> <p>An ability to challenge a federal agency AFTER a rule is published is a big positive that may slow things down in the short term, but will make the FAA and the rest of the government more responsive to the public in the future. What do you think? Should the rulemaking process be more responsive to the public or are things just fine as is? Let me know in the comments.</p> <p>The 4th paragraph of the executive order says…</p> <p>(4) Following the postponement described in paragraph 3, no further action needs to be taken for those rules that raise no substantial questions of fact, law, or policy. For those rules that raise substantial questions of fact, law, or policy, agencies should notify and take further appropriate action in consultation with the OMB Director.</p> <p>This means that MOSAIC could sail swiftly through the process. But I don’t know that it will. I can see some things being challenged, like the FAA’s discrimination against aircraft they don’t fully understand like gyroplanes, powered parachutes, and weight-shift control trikes. Then there is the arbitrary and unnecessary new rules on light sport aircraft noise, which was literally put in there because they could. Not because there was a demonstrated need. That unnecessary rule will cost manufacturers and the public money to conform to.</p> <p>The 5th paragraph of the executive order says…</p> <p>(5) Comply in all circumstances with any applicable Executive Orders concerning regulatory management.</p> <p>This is a catchall that seems to imply that more is coming. Overall, this may be a very good thing. Perhaps this will motivate the FAA to reconsider public comments, especially the ones that point out real flaws in MOSAIC. Hopefully, “The FAA does not concur” will be augmented with real reasons, if those real reasons even exist.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-or-no-mosaic-yet-that-is-the-question/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-or-no-mosaic-yet-that-is-the-question/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Mosaic%21%20%E2%80%A6Or%20No%20Mosaic%20%28Yet%29%3F%20%E2%80%94%20That%20Is%20the%20Question&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fmosaic-or-no-mosaic-yet-that-is-the-question%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Now comes reality. Will our new president do what he said? Regular readers will recognize Roy Beisswenger. Roy and I made several trips to Washington, DC in an attempt by <a href="http://www.LAMA.bz">LAMA</a>, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, to encourage FAA to make changes to the then-10-year-old Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft regulation. Our work, starting in 2014, began a few years before anyone knew anything about Mosaic. Being involved for ten years provided lots of knowledge about FAA rule making, leading to actions later known as Mosaic. In his day job, Roy is the proprietor of <a href="http://easyflight.com">Easy Flight</a>, the nation’s premiere <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/he-wrote-the-bible-now-hes-offering-the-premium-training-option-for-powered-parachutes/">powered parachute educator</a> and flight trainer. Follow the link to learn more.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/lama-light-aircraft-mfrs-assoc/">LAMA - Light Aircraft Mfrs. Assoc.</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71948 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-mach-9-aero category-shark-aero category-splog category-sport-aircraft-canada tag-mlsa tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/shark-attack-review-and-video-of-a-striking-mosaic-ready-aircraft/">Shark Attack — Review and Video of a Striking Mosaic-Ready Aircraft</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">January 20, 2025</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/shark-attack-review-and-video-of-a-striking-mosaic-ready-aircraft/#respond" >Leave a Comment</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>Readers who scour the Internet looking for fascinating Light-Sport Aircraft may already know Shark. Conceived by <strong>Jaro Dostal</strong> in the Czech Republic, this design is the latest from a man who has a long, storied history of aircraft for the light aviation set.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71945 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20269'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="269" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-540x269.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-300x149.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-150x75.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-768x383.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-330x164.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-540x269.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71945 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-540x269.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="269" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-540x269.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-300x149.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-150x75.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-768x383.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight-330x164.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-profile-in-flight.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Jaro’s work included the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Skyboy">Skyboy</a> from the early days of LSA and later the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sportrider-wins-slsa-approval/">MD-3 SportRider</a>. Both won approval from many pilots.</p> <p>All Jaro’s designs have one common easily-seen design characteristic: his shark fin vertical tail. Of course, this one is no different in that respect but it is the first to openly embrace the name. With this speedy aircraft already flying in North America and with more on the way, I couldn’t resist the compelling “Shark Attack” title. Let’s check it out.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Shark.Aero</h3> <p>Shark is built at a factory in the country of Slovakia in a region said to be well known for producing innovative designs. Shark Aero s.r.o. built a reputation and history producing composite structures for Diamond Aircraft. “These manufacturing and production capabilities were an instrumental part of how the <strong>Shark 600</strong> became one of the top performing and safest sport aircraft in the world,” said the factory. The company manufactures the entire airframe in-house, including welded components like landing gear and engine mounts. “Only very specific parts like avionics, engines, and propellors are produced outside the Shark factory,” they emphasized.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71946 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20298'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="298" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-540x298.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-300x166.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-768x425.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-540x298.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71946 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-540x298.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="298" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-540x298.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-300x166.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-768x425.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-tail-fin.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>As North American importer, <strong>Chris Horsten</strong>, details in the video below, Shark 600 uses 3D-printed parts in non-critical, non-structural areas. The factory makes good use of this technology to facilitate and streamline production in areas that would be cost-prohibitive or time-consuming. “Examples of visible parts are the stick and throttle,” said Shark Aero. Chris noted other uses like gear-door latches.</p> <p>Chris runs <a href="https://www.mach9aero.com">Mach 9 Aero</a>, <a href="https://www.sportaircraftcanada.com/">Sport Aircraft Canada</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportaircraftcanada.com/kanardia-avionics">Kanardia</a> plus he represents the <a href="https://www.sportaircraftcanada.com/aerolite">Aerolite 103</a> ultralight and expects to resume with the BushCat. He is based near Toronto, Canada and in DeLand, Florida.</p> <p>If you are interested in Shark, the company welcomes pilots to visit their factory in Europe. “Pre-arranged visits to the factory can be booked,” said Shark Aero, “especially for new owners who would like a factory check ride.”</p> <p>How does this sound? “Visitors can fly into Vienna, Austria, rent a car and drive about one and a half hours to Senica where the factory is located. Our staff is very happy to provide you with a tour while you fly your new plane and enjoy the stunning local countryside.”</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Flying Shark</h3> <p>As a Mosaic LSA, Shark is not inexpensive. Features like a hydraulic constant-speed prop, fully retractable gear, emergency airframe parachute system, an all-carbon-fiber airframe with Kevlar reinforcements and many refinements throughout do not make for a bargain-priced airplane. At $300,000 well-equipped, you’ll need a bigger budget or partners but this aircraft can cruise well above LSA speeds.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71944 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20351'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="351" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-540x351.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-300x195.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-150x97.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-768x499.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-330x214.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-540x351.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71944 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-540x351.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="351" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-540x351.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-300x195.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-150x97.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-768x499.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up-330x214.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-gear-up.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>In my experience Shark handled beautifully. Roll control was moderate, not touchy. Elevator and rudder controls felt solid, befitting an aircraft of this size and construction. In turns, Shark held bank and altitude easily. Being tandem, the pilot always sits at the lateral center of gravity so the airplane quickly begins to feel like a part of you. We did nothing very radical but 720° steep turns at 45-60° bank revealed an aircraft that grips the air firmly. Shark always felt predictable.</p> <p>As Chris notes in the video, stall is very slow on Shark. It looks like it is a speedster — and it does well — but the slow speed capabilities surprised a number of experienced pilots who examined the aircraft while I was setting up to interview Chris. A flaps-extended stall well below 40 knots is much lower than most expected.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71942 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20302'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="302" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-540x302.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71942 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-540x302.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="302" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-formation-in-flight.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>In flight we dawdled along at 50 knots with relative ease, especially knowing the stall was still 10-15 knots slower. Stalls tend not to drop a wing depending somewhat on how you enter the condition. Controls become softer, of course, but remained authoritative.</p> <p>That translates to an aircraft that can accommodate fairly short runways. Takeoff is typical between 400-600 feet, said Chris. We landed on two long, confortable runways but we didn’t use much of either. Climbout was brisk, 800-1,000 feet per minute at sea level with two aboard and three quarter tanks. Shark’s deck angle remained shallow. This gives better forward visibility but some pilots may tend to raise the nose depending on what they flew earlier.</p> <blockquote> <p>Readers seeking a <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flight-review-riding-the-shark/">thorough Shark flight review</a> can check out <strong>Dave Unwin</strong>‘s review from August 2024.</p> </blockquote> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71947 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20259'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="259" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-540x259.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-300x144.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-768x368.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-330x158.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-540x259.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71947 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-540x259.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="259" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-540x259.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-300x144.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-768x368.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing-330x158.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shark-taxi-Spruce-wing.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>The price of the Shark aircraft “reflects the cost of thousands of precision-engineered parts, an all-carbon fibre structure with a Kevlar cage, and approximately 4,000 hours of skilled craftsmanship,” noted the factory. They’ve delivered more than 100 aircraft, mostly around Europe.</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;">No question:</span> Shark is striking, performs well, and handles easily. Pilots who like tandem will love Shark.</p> <hr /> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Record Setting Shark</h3> <p>In January 2022, Shark demonstrated its reliability by carrying 19-year-old Zara Rutherford around the world. Later, in August 2022, her 17-year-old brother Mack followed suit, each breaking multiple Guinness World Records. Zara became the youngest woman, and Mack the youngest man, to circumnavigate the globe solo. Together, their record-breaking missions spanned an impressive 106,000 km (57,000 nautical miles), covering 43 countries and 5 continents, and enduring extreme climates with temperatures ranging from -35°C to +48°C.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full-column-width wp-image-71969" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20305'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="305" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-540x305.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-300x170.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-150x85.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-768x434.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-330x187.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-540x305.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full-column-width wp-image-71969" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-540x305.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="305" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-540x305.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-300x170.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-150x85.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-768x434.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record-330x187.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Zara-Rutherford-record.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>One of the most remarkable achievements came during Mack’s journey. In the longest flight of the missions, Shark carried him non-stop for 10 hours from Kushiro, Japan, to Casco Cove, USA, without any refueling or stopovers. This flight also set a record for the longest distance flown over water.</p> <p>In 2015, a new FAI world speed record was set by Eric de Barbarin-Barbarini, who clocked in at 303 kilometers per hour (163.6 knots). This record was set with a Rotax 912 ULS 100-horsepower naturally-aspirated engine, and without some of the more recent aerodynamic refinements which have since been incorporated into the airframe. <em>—Shark Aero</em></p> <hr /> <p style="text-align: left; padding-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TECHNICAL</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SPECIFICATIONS</span></strong><br /> <strong>Shark 600</strong><br /> <em>all specifications provided by the </em><i>importer</i></p> <ul> <li>Empty Weight (basic operating weight)* — 750 pounds</li> <li>Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW)* — 1,320 pounds</li> <li>Economy Cruising Speed — 135 knots</li> <li>Maximum Cruising Speed (VH) — 157 knots</li> <li>Never Exceed Speed (VNE) — 180 knots</li> <li>Stall Speed, full flaps — 35 knots</li> <li>Stall Speed, clean — 43 knots</li> <li>Maximum Climb Rate — 1,475 feet per minute</li> <li>Maximum Range (long range cruise configuration)** — 1,350 nautical miles</li> <li>Fuel Consumption (long range cruise configuration)** — 3.5 gallons per hour</li> <li>Maximum Range (fast cruise configuration)** — 1,036 nautical miles</li> <li>Fuel Consumption (fast cruise configuration)** — 5.5 gallons per hour</li> <li>Maximum Positive Load — + 4 G</li> <li>Maximum Negative Load – 2 G</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><em>* including emergency parachute system<br /> ** with 29.6 gallon fuel tank capacity<br /> </em></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Video recorded November 2024 at Spruce Creek Fly-In airport (7FL6) with North American importer Chris Horsten.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; 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Conceived by Jaro Dostal in the Czech Republic, this design is the latest from a man who has a long, storied history of aircraft for the light aviation set. Jaro’s work included the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Skyboy">Skyboy</a> from the early days of LSA and later the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sportrider-wins-slsa-approval/">MD-3 SportRider</a>. Both won approval from many pilots. All Jaro’s designs have one common easily-seen design characteristic: his shark fin vertical tail. Of course, this one is no different in that respect but it is the first to openly embrace the name. With this speedy aircraft already flying in North America and with more on the way, I couldn’t resist the compelling “Shark Attack” title. Let’s check it out. Shark.Aero Shark is built at a factory in the country of Slovakia in a region said to be well known for producing innovative designs.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/mach-9-aero/">Mach 9 Aero</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/shark-aero/">Shark.Aero</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/sport-aircraft-canada/">Sport Aircraft Canada</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71900 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct category-flight-design-gmbh category-icon-aircraft category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/big-changes-for-major-lsa-producers-icon-aircraft-and-flight-design/">Big Changes for Major LSA Producers, Icon Aircraft and Flight Design</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">December 24, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/big-changes-for-major-lsa-producers-icon-aircraft-and-flight-design/#comments" >1 Comment</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><h3 style="text-align: center;">Icon Informs Customers</h3> <p>Longtime Icon PR guy Brian Manning wrote recently. He informed me he would leaving Icon at the end of this year, adding, “I’ve experienced all the ups and downs of a startup aircraft company over the years, and I’m very proud of the accomplishments along the way. I’m still yet to meet anybody who’s been up in the A5 who came away disappointed in the experience. It’s an incredible airplane that’s been a passion project for so many talented people over the years.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-56291 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20349'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="349" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-540x349.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-300x194.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-768x497.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-330x213.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-540x349.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-56291 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-540x349.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="349" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-540x349.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-300x194.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-768x497.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit-330x213.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Icon-Exhibit.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Brian has been a dependable contact at the company for nine years. His talents will readily transfer elsewhere but his departure signals more than his own situation. He continued, “I would like to share a note that <strong>Jason Huang</strong>, the current but outbound president, wrote to some of our owners recently.”</p> <p>“<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/icon-aircraft/">Icon Aircraft</a> will be transitioning a portion of its manufacturing to a new, state-of-the-art facility in China,” wrote Jason Huang. “At the same time, Icon will maintain a strong North American presence at its headquarters in Vacaville, California.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71921 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20509%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="509" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-509x405.jpg 509w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-300x238.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-150x119.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-768x611.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-330x262.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-509x405.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71921 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-509x405.jpg" alt="" width="509" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-509x405.jpg 509w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-300x238.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-150x119.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-768x611.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water-330x262.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Icon-A5-on-water.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px" /></noscript>Jason elaborated, “On a personal note, I will be stepping down as president of Icon Aircraft. Our incoming president, <strong>Lily Hu</strong>, brings over 17 years of executive leadership experience and a proven track record of success. She will be supported by our exceptional leadership team, including Jason Courtney, Vice President of Production, and Noah Collins, Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Service.”</p> <p>Icon has been significantly owned by Chinese investors for several years but operations remained in North America with facilities in California and Mexico.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-69927 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20305'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="305" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-540x305.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-150x85.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-768x434.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-330x186.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-540x305.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-69927 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-540x305.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="305" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-540x305.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-150x85.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-768x434.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger-330x186.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Icon-A5-in-flight-passenger.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>A move to China may come with benefits such as robotic and other advanced hardware. China has developed immensely in this regard but Icon’s timing may bring political challenges.</p> <p>If China becomes the main manufacturing site for Icon with U.S. operations handling marketing, deliveries, maintenance and other customer services, the company may run into new tariffs proposed by incoming U.S. president Donald Trump. This could significantly increase the cost of an A5 LSA seaplane. Already one of the costliest LSA in the fleet, this wouldn’t help. And in mid-2025, here comes a new wave of competition: Mosaic LSA with higher capabilities. New president Lily Hu may be busy in the years ahead.</p> <p> </p> <hr /> <hr /> <p> </p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Flight Design Reorganizes… Again.</h3> <p>Two months ago, I reported that production was rising for Flight Design’s impressive F-2 that will quickly adapt to Mosaic. Despite that advance, the massive upheaval triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war is still taking its toll on the German designer.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71919 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="360" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-540x360.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71919 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-540x360.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation-330x220.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flight-Design-F2-formation.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/flight-design-gmbh/">Flight Design</a> operates at multiple sites. Currently most manufacturing operations occur in the Czech Republic. The company and many personnel were forced to move after Russia invaded Ukraine. The earliest military operations were in Kherson, where Flight Design fabricated CT-series aircraft and began development of the F-2 line.</p> <p>In a recent announcement the company, headquartered and owned in Germany, reported they had filed for what Germans call insolvency.</p> <p>“The managing director of Flight Design general aviation filed for insolvency at the Meiningen district court on December 3, 2024,” the company wrote. “Outstanding debts in the mid-six-figure range and unpaid undisputed claims led to a liquidity bottleneck.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71621 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20297'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="297" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71621 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="297" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>After proceedings were initiated with the responsible district court in Meiningen, Germany on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the court appointed lawyer Marcello Di Stefano as provisional insolvency administrator.</p> <p>According to an initial assessment, Di Stefano wrote, “After Flight Design general aviation GmbH filed for insolvency… [we see] good restructuring opportunities for one of the world market leaders in the construction of light aircraft.” He added, “The company’s order situation is good and the products have a very good reputation on the international market, and the outstanding debts are manageable.”</p> <div id="attachment_71624" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71624" class="wp-image-71624 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20242'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="242" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71624" class="wp-image-71624 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="242" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71624" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Aircraft on line in Sumperk, Czech Republic.</em></p></div> <p>In the coming weeks, he sees one of his most urgent tasks as enabling the financing of business operations through “intensive negotiations.” Di Stefano continued, “This would make it possible to maintain the Flight Design Group with its EASA Design and Production Organizations and the F-Series and CT-Series aircraft and to finalize the existing orders and hand over the aircraft to the customers.”</p> <p>U.S. importer <a href="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation</a> was sanguine about this move. “Unfortunately [the insolvency filing] did happen,” confirmed <strong>Tom Gutmann, Jr.</strong> “But prospects look better afterwards. We just need to get through this first.”</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Additional Details</h3> <p>According to Flight Design management, the insolvency application became necessary because, on the one hand, an international customer has not yet paid undisputed claims in the mid-six-figure range and another payment in the mid-six-figure range was also delayed. Management was looking for alternative financing channels and investors. In addition to a signed but unpaid contract for €1 million, the main company shareholder could not agree to a short-term offer from an investor.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71628 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20261'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="261" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-768x371.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-330x159.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71628 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="261" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-768x371.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-330x159.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/flight-design-gmbh/">Flight Design general aviation</a> — based at Kindl airfield in Hörselberg-Hainich, Germany and production sites in Sumperk, Czech Republic, and Kherson, Ukraine — claims to be one of the world market leaders in the manufacture of light aircraft. The company is active in 48 markets worldwide.</p> <p>Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the temporary occupation of Kherson, production in Sumperk had to be rebuilt. Deliveries and thus sales were ramped up in the summer of 2024. There are currently 10 employees working in Germany, as well as 70 employees in the Czech Republic and 20 employees in the Ukraine. Since the company was founded in 1988 and the production facility was set up in Ukraine in 1993, the company has delivered more than 2,000 aircraft.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/big-changes-for-major-lsa-producers-icon-aircraft-and-flight-design/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/big-changes-for-major-lsa-producers-icon-aircraft-and-flight-design/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Big%20Changes%20for%20Major%20LSA%20Producers%2C%20Icon%20Aircraft%20and%20Flight%20Design&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fbig-changes-for-major-lsa-producers-icon-aircraft-and-flight-design%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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He informed me he would leaving Icon at the end of this year, adding, “I’ve experienced all the ups and downs of a startup aircraft company over the years, and I’m very proud of the accomplishments along the way. I’m still yet to meet anybody who’s been up in the A5 who came away disappointed in the experience. It’s an incredible airplane that’s been a passion project for so many talented people over the years.” Brian has been a dependable contact at the company for nine years. His talents will readily transfer elsewhere but his departure signals more than his own situation. He continued, “I would like to share a note that Jason Huang, the current but outbound president, wrote to some of our owners recently.” “<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/icon-aircraft/">Icon Aircraft</a> will be transitioning a portion of its manufacturing to a new, state-of-the-art facility in China,” wrote Jason Huang.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation, Inc. (Fly CT)</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/flight-design-gmbh/">Flight Design GmbH</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/icon-aircraft/">Icon Aircraft</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71905 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog category-sport-aviation-center-llc tag-mlsa tag-mosaic tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/year-end-review-of-changes-expected-with-faas-mosaic-rule-in-mid-2025/">Year-End Review of Changes Expected with FAA’s Mosaic Rule — in Mid-2025</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">December 17, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/year-end-review-of-changes-expected-with-faas-mosaic-rule-in-mid-2025/#comments" >22 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>Let me do the obvious first. Mosaic has for some weeks been in what agency personnel call their “quiet period.” This is when FAA is finalizing a regulation and will no longer respond to info requests. Public comment windows are long closed.</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-70487 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20242'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="242" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-540x242.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-70487 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-540x242.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="242" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MOSAIC-crop.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Short take</strong></span> — We know only a little more than we did a few months back. <strong>Major questions remain</strong> about what license level of pilot can fly what configuration of Mosaic LSA using what medical. We have no new information on these questions. In addition, many in the LSR-M mechanic community also have many questions and concerns.</p> <p>The public had a chance to comment, and lots of you did. Now, after reading every single comment, FAA rule writers are head down preparing the final version</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Coming in Mid-205</h3> <p>Word from those who talk to FAA about other matters say the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Mosaic+regulation">Mosaic reg</a> is proceeding well. It is expected by “mid-2025,” though such pronouncements have often proved premature. However, since FAA has been timely with previous forecasts about Mosaic, perhaps by AirVenture 2025 (starting in late July), we will have the new rule to examine.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-53381 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20364'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="364" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-540x364.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-300x202.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-768x518.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-330x223.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-540x364.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-53381 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-540x364.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="364" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-540x364.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-300x202.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-768x518.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older-330x223.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Light-aircraft-collage-older.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Finally, we will learn the answers to many questions.</p> <p>Of course, all this is expected as Trump takes office next month. With his push to eliminate 10 regulations for every new one, federal rule makers may exercise added caution so as not to get in trouble with the new boss — and I don’t mean <em>yet another</em> new FAA administrator… I mean POTUS.</p> <p>The following chart was assembled by longtime industry leader <strong>Paul Hamilton</strong>, proprietor of the <a href="https://sportaviationcenter.com">Sport Aviation Center</a>. In addition to being a flight instructor and Designated Pilot Examiner, Paul has also developed video-based courses to study for Sport Pilot licensing and more. He is a good candidate to create the information shown below.</p> <p>This is about as easy to study as any literature I’ve seen.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #800080;">Happy Christmastime reading!</span></strong></p> <hr /> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-71909 size-large" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20758%201024'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="758" height="1024" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-758x1024.jpg 758w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-222x300.jpg 222w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-111x150.jpg 111w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-768x1037.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-1516x2048.jpg 1516w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-300x405.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-330x446.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-scaled.jpg 1896w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-758x1024.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-71909 size-large" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-758x1024.jpg" alt="" width="758" height="1024" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-758x1024.jpg 758w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-222x300.jpg 222w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-111x150.jpg 111w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-768x1037.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-1516x2048.jpg 1516w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-300x405.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-330x446.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mosaic-chart-PH-vRK-scaled.jpg 1896w" sizes="(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px" /></noscript></p> <hr /> <p>Want <em>LOTS</em> more detail on Mosaic? <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Mosaic+regulation">Click this link</a> for everything I’ve ever prepared about the new regulation.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/year-end-review-of-changes-expected-with-faas-mosaic-rule-in-mid-2025/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/year-end-review-of-changes-expected-with-faas-mosaic-rule-in-mid-2025/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Year-End%20Review%20of%20Changes%20Expected%20with%20FAA%27s%20Mosaic%20Rule%20%E2%80%94%20in%20Mid-2025&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fyear-end-review-of-changes-expected-with-faas-mosaic-rule-in-mid-2025%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Mosaic has for some weeks been in what agency personnel call their “quiet period.” This is when FAA is finalizing a regulation and will no longer respond to info requests. Public comment windows are long closed. Short take — We know only a little more than we did a few months back. Major questions remain about what license level of pilot can fly what configuration of Mosaic LSA using what medical. We have no new information on these questions. In addition, many in the LSR-M mechanic community also have many questions and concerns. The public had a chance to comment, and lots of you did. Now, after reading every single comment, FAA rule writers are head down preparing the final version Coming in Mid-205 Word from those who talk to FAA about other matters say the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=Mosaic+regulation">Mosaic reg</a> is proceeding well. It is expected by “mid-2025,” though such pronouncements have often proved premature.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/companies/sport-aviation-center-llc/">Sport Aviation Center LLC</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71859 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-rans-incorporated category-s-21-outbound category-splog tag-mlsa tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/american-aviation-superhero-rans-and-load-carrying-s-21-outbound-are-mosaic-ready/">American Aviation Superhero — RANS and Load-Carrying S-21 Outbound Are Mosaic-Ready</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">December 7, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/american-aviation-superhero-rans-and-load-carrying-s-21-outbound-are-mosaic-ready/#comments" >3 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>What great to see? How about an American light aircraft producer doing exceptionally well? RANS has been around 50 years<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>*</strong></span>, 40 of them as an aircraft developer and producer. From S-3 to S-21, the designs have varied but the newest is Outbound and it adds capabilities and structure to set it apart from all prior models.</p> <div id="attachment_71871" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71871" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71871" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20337'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="337" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-540x337.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-300x187.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-150x94.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-768x479.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-330x206.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-540x337.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71871" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71871" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-540x337.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="337" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-540x337.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-300x187.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-150x94.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-768x479.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile-330x206.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-low-profile.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71871" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Video capture images thanks to photographer <strong>Vickie Betts</strong>.</em></p></div> <p>Over the years this Kansas company in the geographical center of the USA has delivered around <strong>7,000 aircraft</strong> making it one of the light aircraft success stories of all time. Lead by founder <strong>Randy Schlitter</strong>, the manufacturer has become a leading aviation brand known and flown around the world.</p> <p>In the video interview below, Randy’s wife <strong>Michele Schlitter</strong> walks us through the years and highlights the pinnacle of their achievement, a tricycle-gear, tundra-tired, all-metal creation that can carry 800 pounds, Michele said in the video.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71869 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20302'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="302" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-540x302.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71869 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-540x302.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="302" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-interior.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>You can build it or they can build it. A kit is available faster for obvious reasons. Fully factory-built models have a lengthy waiting list attesting to the loyalty the company has built over the decades. Presently, fully-assembled models are limited to LSA weights (1,320 pounds on wheels) but the airframe is already capable of <strong>1,800 pounds</strong>. As soon as the flag drops on Mosaic, expect the manufacturer to make this available at the higher weight, again as Michele tells us in the interview.</p> <p>I recommend you go right to the video. If you want even more detail, a second video goes into more depth about S-21 Outbound shortly after it was released. Below are a few additional observations…</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Heading Outbound</h3> <p>No wonder the company is enjoying a strong run with their most-evolved aircraft, S-21 Outbound. This makes one handsome taildragger with performance to make STOL designs jealous. Yet, as you see nearby, they now have a tricycle gear version of the rugged aircraft. In fact, buyers are nearly all configuring their new S-21 as seen in the green aircraft pictured here.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71877 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20318'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="318" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-540x318.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-768x452.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-330x194.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-540x318.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71877 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-540x318.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="318" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-540x318.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-768x452.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2-330x194.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-front-qtr-v2.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>A nosewheel Outbound is welcome because generations of pilots have received their instruction in a tricycle airplane and that’s all most have ever flown. Many pilots have heard stories about ground loops causing damage and hurting pride so most stick to the familiar and more-forgiving tricycle undercarriage. Lighter aircraft are less challenging to handle on conventional (tailwheel) gear but for many, it’s simply too big a leap. So, at Sun ‘n Fun 2019, the company brought Outbound in tricycle gear. Despite what many might have expected, the configuration looks good and was warmly received.</p> <p>The nose wheel doesn’t affect handling or performance; “it flies the same as the tail dragger,” said Randy Schlitter when introducing the new configuration.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71870 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20302'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="302" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-540x302.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71870 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-540x302.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="302" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-540x302.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-kit.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Outbound can be powered by a 100 horsepower Rotax 912 that works brilliantly. Or, buyers can choose Continental’s Titan X340 with 180 horsepower. Randy reports climb with the bigger engine is impressive (850 to 1,500 fpm) but fuel usage rises noticeably (from 5.5 to 7 gph). Takeoff is also fast with the big engine: just over 300 feet to leave the runway and just under 400 to land …in skilled hands, of course. However, interestingly the company quoted essentially the same launch and landing values for the Rotax 912, which is considerably lighter. A few of Titan’s horses must be employed to lift its extra weight.</p> <p>With the tricycle gear, you can have robust but smaller tires or you can opt for the tricycle version of bush gear. Doing so gives greater prop clearance as the video below identifies. Nearly all buyers are choosing the tundra option, Michele said. Outbound kits can go either way, taildragger or tri-gear. As Michele informs us, the main gear leg is the same on both aircraft. Company officials indicated it takes about four hours to swap out the hardware but the airframe is built to accommodate either configuration.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71872 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20345'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="345" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-540x345.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-300x192.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-768x491.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-330x211.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-540x345.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71872 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-540x345.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="345" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-540x345.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-300x192.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-768x491.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats-330x211.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/S-21-Outbound-seats.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>When shopping for a light aircraft, it’s hard to beat a homegrown American company. Have it your way and go enjoy one of the best flying (and most popular) aircraft in the LSA fleet.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ARTICLE</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">LINKS</span>:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Get <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/rans-incorporated/">more info on this website</a> — all content on RANS aircraft including S-21 Outbound</li> <li>Go direct to the factory website — <a href="https://www.rans.com/s-21-outbound">RANS.com</a> (this link goes directly to the S-21 page)</li> </ul> <hr /> <p><em><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>*</strong></span> <strong><span style="color: #800080;">Which is it? Is RANS 40 or 50 years old?</span></strong> As the video below clarifies, the brand existed 10 years before Randy got into aircraft design. Earlier, the company built unique bicycles. I ride one of their recumbent bikes (a Stratus) every day I am not traveling so I applaud their aircraft </em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">and</span><em> bicycles.</em></p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DGQhjEtv_Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DGQhjEtv_Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <hr /> <p>If the S-21 Outbound truly interests you, the following video goes into more detail about this model. Recorded six years ago, it is chock-full of information but also reveals how times have changed. At the end of the following video I reported the company offered a six-month wait for a kit. While kits can be delivered faster, fully-factory-built models have many months, even years of wait list in late 2024.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VxUc0Z2ixCY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VxUc0Z2ixCY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/american-aviation-superhero-rans-and-load-carrying-s-21-outbound-are-mosaic-ready/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/american-aviation-superhero-rans-and-load-carrying-s-21-outbound-are-mosaic-ready/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20American%20Aviation%20Superhero%20%E2%80%94%20RANS%20and%20Load-Carrying%20S-21%20Outbound%20Are%20Mosaic-Ready&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Famerican-aviation-superhero-rans-and-load-carrying-s-21-outbound-are-mosaic-ready%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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How about an American light aircraft producer doing exceptionally well? RANS has been around 50 years*, 40 of them as an aircraft developer and producer. From S-3 to S-21, the designs have varied but the newest is Outbound and it adds capabilities and structure to set it apart from all prior models. Over the years this Kansas company in the geographical center of the USA has delivered around 7,000 aircraft making it one of the light aircraft success stories of all time. Lead by founder Randy Schlitter, the manufacturer has become a leading aviation brand known and flown around the world. In the video interview below, Randy’s wife Michele Schlitter walks us through the years and highlights the pinnacle of their achievement, a tricycle-gear, tundra-tired, all-metal creation that can carry 800 pounds, Michele said in the video. You can build it or they can build it. A kit is available faster for obvious reasons.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/rans-incorporated/">Rans Incorporated</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/rans-incorporated/s-21-outbound/">S-21 Outbound</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71800 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-bluff-city-aircraft category-dingo category-future-vehicles-s-r-o category-polini-motori-s-p-a category-splog tag-3-axis-1-place tag-midwest-lsa-expo tag-part-103 entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/bingo-its-dingo-a-charming-fun-affordable-part-103-ultralight-biplane/">Bingo! It’s Dingo… A Charming, Fun, Affordable Part 103 Ultralight Biplane</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">November 25, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/bingo-its-dingo-a-charming-fun-affordable-part-103-ultralight-biplane/#comments" >2 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>If you look at Dingo and smile, you may be an ultralighter. Appearance and qualities about <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1286-future-vehicles-s-r-o/">Future Vehicles</a>‘ single seat bi-wing flying machine attract certain pilots like bees to a bright flower.</p> <div id="attachment_71817" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71817" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71817" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20323'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="323" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-540x323.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-300x179.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-150x90.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-768x459.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-330x197.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-540x323.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71817" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71817" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-540x323.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="323" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-540x323.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-300x179.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-150x90.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-768x459.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2-330x197.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-overhead-in-flight-v2.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71817" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Future Vehicles’ Dingo Part 103 biplane is represented in the USA by Bluff City Aircraft.</em></p></div> <p>If you must have two seats, large flat screen displays, an autopilot, and luxurious appointments, you probably are not attracted to Dingo. Fine. The good news is that you’ll have plenty of choices among Mosaic LSA.</p> <p>Those of us still smiling at the nearby images might already be captivated. If you are caught by Dingo’s interesting specs and its affordability, you might want to learn more. So, here’s more…</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Dingo Is for Fun</h3> <p>Shown to Americans for the first time at <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/maxed-out-popular-mt-vernon-il-show-reveals-dozens-of-aircraft-sets-new-records/">MAX 2024</a> (Midwest Aviation Expo) by <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/bluff-city-aircraft/">Bluff City Aircraft</a>, Dingo drew steady interest from the fun flying crowd. For a grin-producing flight at the end of your workday, Dingo might be just about perfect. Bluff City displays at Sun ‘n Fun, AirVenture (as seen in the first video below), and MAX 2024 brought awareness to a large swath of the aircraft-buying public. Read two earlier articles, from <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/super-affordable-part-103-dingo-low-20000s-complete-enters-production/">July 2023</a> and <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/maiden-flight-of-dingo-an-affordable-part-103-biplane-honoring-hoveys-whing-ding/">July 2022</a>.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71811 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20350'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="350" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-540x350.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-300x195.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-150x97.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-768x498.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-330x214.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-540x350.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71811 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-540x350.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="350" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-540x350.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-300x195.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-150x97.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-768x498.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile-330x214.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-yellow-black-profile.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Created by widely-known European designer <strong>Marek Ivanov </strong>beginning with 3D images at the beginning of 2021, Dingo rapidly took form and was put through test flights by <strong>Jan Jilek</strong>. The new creation entered production only two years later, in summer of 2023. Marek has lead development of several aircraft that show his great range. About Dingo he said, “My long-time dream was to build something like Hovey Whing Ding because I like it, but a little bigger so I can fly it.” It’s here in America now.</p> <p>“No Americans had seen Dingo before,” said <strong>Rick Bennett</strong>, one of two partners in the U.S. import business. “They flipped out over the design. We experienced strong attention.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71808 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20389'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="389" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-540x389.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-300x216.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-150x108.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-330x238.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass.jpg 677w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-540x389.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71808 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-540x389.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="389" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-540x389.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-300x216.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-150x108.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass-330x238.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-grass.jpg 677w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Knowing they were launching a new design in the giant U.S, market, <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/bluff-city-aircraft/">Bluff City Aircraft</a> collaborated with manufacturer Future Vehicles to appear at all the major U.S. airshows in 2024. Of even greater interest, other partner <strong>David Eubanks</strong> said, “Future Vehicles has agreed to build and put 10 kits on the shelf so that we can <strong>deliver in seven to 10 days</strong>.” Compared to most LSA that have delivery delays running several months to literally years, getting a Dingo shipped in barely over one week is a remarkable feat.</p> <p>In a time when it seems the price of everything goes always higher, here’s a complete airplane you can own for around <strong>$25,000, in kit form</strong>. To get that lowest price, do the assembly yourself but if you’re not up for that and have a somewhat larger budget, Bluff City will build it for you at a typical cost of less than $40,000. Buyers electing options like custom paint will pay more but Dingo clearly qualifies as a great value (though I recognize those prices may not fit every budget).</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71812 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20289'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="289" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-540x289.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-300x161.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-150x80.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-768x411.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-330x177.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-540x289.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71812 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-540x289.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="289" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-540x289.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-300x161.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-150x80.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-768x411.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by-330x177.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-fly-by.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Those who want to hold the cost to the minimum — “$25-27,000 is a reasonable estimate for most buyers,” Rick estimated) — should plan on 300 hours of build time. However, no special jigs are needed as match-hole assembly assures accurate joining of components. Such sophisticated kits are now common in larger kit aircraft but not on a flying machine selling for such a modest price.</p> <p>Bluff can legally deliver a fully-built aircraft because Dingo easily fits the parameters of Part 103 ultralights. As you see in the factory specs below, Future Vehicles can deliver an aircraft weighing only 210 pounds, a rather amazing 44 pounds under Part 103’s limits. Americans fitting Dingo with a more powerful engine and high quality paint will weigh more but Rick and David both emphasized that it is easily possible to stay within Part 103 meaning no pilot medical is required nor are N-numbers.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71804 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20332'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="332" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-540x332.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-300x184.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-150x92.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-768x472.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-330x203.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-540x332.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71804 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-540x332.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="332" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-540x332.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-300x184.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-150x92.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-768x472.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp-330x203.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-black-yellow-ramp.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>The engine Rick and David like best is the Thor 260 Polini producing 36 horsepower. This much juice means spirited performance for Dingo even with the largest pilot the design can accommodate at 240 pounds. Since the seat is bolted to the aircraft, ballast is needed for the heaviest pilots, with the weight placed aft. If you are as light as David (160 pounds), you’ll need ballast up front instead. Rick weighs 180 pounds; he made no mention of ballast. Polini is a popular choice for the lightest aircraft and boasts dual starting — hand-pull or electric — plus a centrifugal clutch yields an easier and smoother start.</p> <blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>See all tech specs, kit info, and more details about <span style="color: #00ccff;"><a style="color: #00ccff;" href="https://www.futurevehicles.eu/dingo-en/#contact">Dingo</a></span></strong></span></p> </blockquote> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71809 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20328'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="328" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-540x328.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-300x182.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-768x467.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-330x200.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-540x328.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71809 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-540x328.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="328" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-540x328.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-300x182.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-768x467.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp-330x200.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-red-fat-tires-ramp.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Rick and David use a two-place Quicksilver for intro flights as a way to assure pilots can handle the very light Dingo. Rick indicated that even though Dingo offers responsive handling, he believes it is more stable than a Quicksilver. Since Quicks are widely known for docile performance, that is a substantial claim.</p> <p>American pilots used to a huge variety of aircraft choices additionally asked about features such as brakes, floats, folding wings, and tricycle gear. Future Vehicles is evaluating all these options, however, that 254-pound Part 103 empty weight will limit how much a buyer can add.</p> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-6f9d633 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="6f9d633" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Is America Dingo-Ready?</h3> <p>A new aircraft progressing from an idea less than three years ago to a finished and available product in the USA demonstrates what a small, determined team can accomplish.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71806 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20292'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="292" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-540x292.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-300x162.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-150x81.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-768x416.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-740x400.jpg 740w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-330x179.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls.jpg 1022w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-540x292.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71806 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-540x292.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="292" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-540x292.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-300x162.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-150x81.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-768x416.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-740x400.jpg 740w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls-330x179.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-instruments-controls.jpg 1022w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>A legal Part 103 ultralight for the mid-$20,000s has the potential to generate plenty of interest.</p> <p>Sure, if you need to travel or carry a bunch of gear, or if you must be enclosed for comfort, you’ll need to look beyond Dingo. However, for weekend fun or simply a 45-minute flight at the end of your workday, this sweet, affordable flying machine might be just the ticket.</p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-327c63c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="327c63c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TECHNICAL</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SPECIFICATIONS</span>:<br /> Future Vehicles Dingo</strong><br /> <em>all specifications provided by factory</em></p> <ul> <li>Wingspan — 21.56 feet (6,57 meters)</li> <li>Wing area — 135.1 square feet (12,55 square meters)</li> <li>Length — 14.6 feet (4,45 meters)</li> <li>Elevator Span — 7.35 feet (2,24 meters)</li> <li>Elevator Area — 18.1 square feet (1,68 square meters)</li> <li>Empty weight — 209.4 pounds (95 kilograms)</li> <li>Max Take-Off Weight — 485 pounds (220 kilograms)</li> <li>Fuel Tank Capacity — 2.64 gallons (10 liters)</li> <li>Average Fuel Consumption — 1.32 gallons per hour (5 liters per hour)</li> <li>Maximum Load Factor — +4 G / -2 G</li> </ul> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71805" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20230'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="230" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-540x230.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-300x128.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-150x64.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-768x327.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-330x141.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-540x230.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71805" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-540x230.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="230" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-540x230.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-300x128.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-150x64.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-768x327.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight-330x141.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dingo-in-flight.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-90ebc11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="90ebc11" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong>Photo credits:</strong></p> <ul> <li>In-flight views by <strong>Ivo Janeček</strong> (courtesy <a href="https://www.futurevehicles.eu/en/">Future Vehicles</a>)</li> <li>MAX ’24 images by <strong>Vickie Betts</strong></li> </ul> </div> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>From our friends at <em>Kitplanes magazine</em> (part of Firecrown, as is ByDanJohnson.com), here’s much of what you want to know about Dingo in only 90 seconds.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCE7n1wz3_M?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCE7n1wz3_M?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <p>Since we are about to enter the holiday season, here’s a fun Christmas video from Future Vehicles showing Santa going aloft using something more realistic than a flock of flying reindeer.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fv1k_QLjwpg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fv1k_QLjwpg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/bingo-its-dingo-a-charming-fun-affordable-part-103-ultralight-biplane/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/bingo-its-dingo-a-charming-fun-affordable-part-103-ultralight-biplane/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Bingo%21%20It%27s%20Dingo%E2%80%A6%20A%20Charming%2C%20Fun%2C%20Affordable%20Part%20103%20Ultralight%20Biplane&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fbingo-its-dingo-a-charming-fun-affordable-part-103-ultralight-biplane%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Appearance and qualities about <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1286-future-vehicles-s-r-o/">Future Vehicles</a>‘ single seat bi-wing flying machine attract certain pilots like bees to a bright flower. If you must have two seats, large flat screen displays, an autopilot, and luxurious appointments, you probably are not attracted to Dingo. Fine. The good news is that you’ll have plenty of choices among Mosaic LSA. Those of us still smiling at the nearby images might already be captivated. If you are caught by Dingo’s interesting specs and its affordability, you might want to learn more. So, here’s more… Dingo Is for Fun Shown to Americans for the first time at <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/maxed-out-popular-mt-vernon-il-show-reveals-dozens-of-aircraft-sets-new-records/">MAX 2024</a> (Midwest Aviation Expo) by <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/bluff-city-aircraft/">Bluff City Aircraft</a>, Dingo drew steady interest from the fun flying crowd. For a grin-producing flight at the end of your workday, Dingo might be just about perfect.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/bluff-city-aircraft/">Bluff City Aircraft</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/future-vehicles-s-r-o/dingo/">Dingo</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/future-vehicles-s-r-o/">Future Vehicles s.r.o.</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/polini-motori-s-p-a/">Polini Motori S.p.A.</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71779 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/gami-releases-g100ul-into-the-wild/">GAMI Releases G100UL Into the Wild</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 31, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/gami-releases-g100ul-into-the-wild/#comments" >4 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71780" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201920%201080'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1.jpg 1920w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-540x304.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-330x186.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71780" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1.jpg 1920w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-540x304.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GAMI-fuel-1-330x186.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></noscript>This week <a href="http://www.g100ul.com">GAMI</a>, which developed the STC-approved G100UL high-octane avgas replacement, announced that a shipment of the fuel has been delivered to the <a href="https://www.airnav.com/airport/KRHV">Reid-Hillview</a> airport in California. A load of 7500 gallons will be sold by the county-owned fueling service via truck. Currently, the only fuel available at KRHV is mogas, Jet A and <a href="https://www.swiftfuelsavgas.com/stc">Swift’s UL94</a> unleaded. Cost of a gallon of G100UL is expected to be close to what the County of Santa Clara is selling UL94 now, $7.59. Note that fuel prices in this part of California vary greatly, from $5.37/gallon at Tracy to $10.87/gallon at San Jose. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">G100UL received supplemental type certificate approval for all gas engines in fixed-wing aircraft so certified airplanes will need this STC to legally use the fuel. Experimentals do not require the STC. To encourage aircraft owners to try G100UL, <a href="https://g100ul.com/dl/GAMI%20Reid%20Hillview%2010%2028%202024.pdf">GAMI is offering the STC for free</a> at a rollout event this Saturday, November 2, from 9am to 6pm, and will “provide the services of an I.A. at KRHV during the day on Saturday, November 2nd, to ‘sign-off’ the required Form 337 at no charge.” Also, according to GAMI, “Residents of KRHV who purchase a G100UL STC between now and midnight on November 1st, 2024, will receive a full refund of the purchase of that set of STCs. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moreover, by having G100UL “commercially available,” GAMI believes it will have tripped a requirement established by a consent decree that will force some California FBOs to sell any fuel that has lower lead content than 100LL.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/reid-hillview-airport-launching-sales-of-g100ul/">As reported by AVweb</a>, the load of G100UL had to come from its origin in Louisiana to California entirely by truck. GAMI previously announced that Vitol Aviation has refined some 1 million gallons of G100UL currently being stored in Louisiana.</p> <p><em>Finally, a note on comments. Previous coverage of the transition from leaded to unleaded fuel has prompted notably heated debate. Whether or not you believe that lead in aviation fuels constitutes a verifiable health hazard, the truth is that industry and legislative action will push general aviation toward an unleaded future. It is inevitable. Please refrain from making this political.</em></p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/gami-releases-g100ul-into-the-wild/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/gami-releases-g100ul-into-the-wild/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20GAMI%20Releases%20G100UL%20Into%20the%20Wild&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fgami-releases-g100ul-into-the-wild%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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A load of 7500 gallons will be sold by the county-owned fueling service via truck. Currently, the only fuel available at KRHV is mogas, Jet A and <a href="https://www.swiftfuelsavgas.com/stc">Swift’s UL94</a> unleaded. Cost of a gallon of G100UL is expected to be close to what the County of Santa Clara is selling UL94 now, $7.59. Note that fuel prices in this part of California vary greatly, from $5.37/gallon at Tracy to $10.87/gallon at San Jose. G100UL received supplemental type certificate approval for all gas engines in fixed-wing aircraft so certified airplanes will need this STC to legally use the fuel. Experimentals do not require the STC. To encourage aircraft owners to try G100UL, <a href="https://g100ul.com/dl/GAMI%20Reid%20Hillview%2010%2028%202024.pdf">GAMI is offering the STC for free</a> at a rollout event this Saturday, November 2, from 9am to 6pm, and will “provide the services of an I.A.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71746 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog category-vickers-aircraft-company-ltd category-wave tag-lsa-seaplane tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/changing-lsa-seaplane-market-vickers-wave-progress-update-others-hmmm/">Changing LSA Seaplane Market — Vickers Wave Progress Update — Others, Hmmm…?</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 30, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/changing-lsa-seaplane-market-vickers-wave-progress-update-others-hmmm/#comments" >9 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>Winter is coming, so naturally, it’s time to start thinking about seaplanes… right? It always seems weird to write about water-based activities as frost begins to envelop the northern two-thirds of the country. Yet winter is when all the big boat shows happen because buying new vessels requires advance planning. It’s also pleasant to think about spring and summer while snow flurries fly.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68823 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20232'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="232" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-540x232.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-300x129.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-150x64.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-768x330.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-330x142.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-540x232.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68823 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-540x232.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="232" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-540x232.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-300x129.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-150x64.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-768x330.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes-330x142.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Aero-Showcase-seaplanes.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>For many years I’ve written about this sector and names like Searey, Seamax, and Aventura (all in nearby image) have long been the leading brands. Now the first two are in financial trouble and the last has decamped to Brazil from Florida. Whatever is going on, Vickers Wave may represent a breath of fresh air.</p> <p>In articles last fall and this spring, I gave overviews of the entire LSA seaplane market (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/summers-almost-here-state-of-the-sector-report-for-lsa-seaplanes/">read here</a> or <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/ups-and-downs-of-lsa-seaplanes-whos-hot-and-whos-not-in-fall-2023/">here</a>).</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Vickers Wave Update</h3> <p>Vickers previously noted, “Wave has finished its flight testing, resulting in a 120-knot cruise and useful load of 750 pounds powered by a Rotax 916iS (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-ready-powerplant-brp-rotax-surprises-sun-n-fun-with-a-powerful-new-announcement/">reviewed here</a>).”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71755 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20344'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="344" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-540x344.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-300x191.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-768x489.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-330x210.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-540x344.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71755 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-540x344.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="344" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-540x344.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-300x191.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-150x96.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-768x489.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection-330x210.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-on-water-reflection.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>“A frequently asked question I receive is, <em><strong>‘What is taking so long?’</strong></em>,” begins <strong>Paul Vickers</strong>. “Given the scale and complexity of a project like this, it’s worth explaining some of the key challenges we’ve faced and the strategies we’ve employed to address them.”</p> <p>“The process of developing an aircraft like the Wave has spanned nearly 15 years (2009) — approximately one-third of my life,” Paul continued. “The path to this stage has been characterized by sustained focus and incremental progress.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71754 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20325'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="325" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-540x325.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-300x180.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-150x90.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-768x462.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-330x199.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-540x325.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71754 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-540x325.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="325" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-540x325.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-300x180.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-150x90.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-768x462.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water-330x199.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-low-over-water.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Recalling his early days, Paul wrote, “For the first three to four years, I was the only person dedicated full-time to the Wave, working six to seven days a week.” He was focused on ensuring the structural and aerodynamic integrity of the aircraft. Flight testing (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/vickers-wave-first-flight-accomplished-successfully/">report</a>) validated Wave’s performance calculations.</p> <p>Seven years after beginning design work, in late 2016 Vickers began building operations. “This period marked our move to a larger facility and the start of assembling a dedicated team,” said Paul. “Building a skilled team that could effectively collaborate on this ambitious project was a gradual process.” Today, Team Vickers has grown to 20 people. “Despite a modest budget and a streamlined team, we have successfully moved from design to production of a fully operational aircraft,” Paul stated.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68581 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20362'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="362" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-540x362.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-300x201.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-150x101.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-768x515.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-330x221.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-540x362.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68581 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-540x362.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="362" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-540x362.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-300x201.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-150x101.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-768x515.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high-330x221.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wave-on-water-high.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>New Zealand’s strict regulatory environment presented an additional set of challenges. The down-under country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), similar to the FAA, requires LSA manufacturers to meet General Aviation manufacturing standards. “Consequently,” Paul continued, “our company must adhere to rigorous standards and navigate various certification obstacles, including following stringent test pilot requirements.”</p> <p>“Our approach from the beginning has been to construct the prototype with production tooling, molds, and processes,” clarified Paul. “This approach aims to reduce variability in future production stages, though it requires significant up-front investment in research and development, creating production-ready tooling, and composite-structure molds. Many manufacturers prioritize design at the expense of manufacturability, but we have chosen to focus on both, with an emphasis on building production efficiencies from the outset.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-67472 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="285" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-540x285.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-300x158.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-150x79.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-768x405.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-330x174.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-540x285.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-67472 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-540x285.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="285" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-540x285.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-300x158.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-150x79.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-768x405.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action-330x174.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-close-action.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Composite materials, particularly carbon fiber, pose additional complexity due to their variability. Unlike aluminium, for which structural properties and specifications are standardized and readily available, carbon fiber varies depending on the manufacturer. Each type of carbon fabric has unique characteristics based on the material’s weave, the machinery used in its production, and the proprietary resins applied by the supplier. When we receive the carbon fiber, further factors — such as the composition of the mold, oven types and curing cycles, and vacuum application techniques — affect the final product’s structural properties.</p> <p>Each composite assembly undergoes rigorous testing. “We produce hundreds of test samples (coupons) in various weights and configurations, which are sent to certified labs,” began Paul. “These samples are then tested across a range of environmental conditions, including standard daily temperatures, elevated temperatures, hot and wet conditions, and extreme cold. This testing yields ‘material allowables’ which guide the design and size of components to ensure compliance with our structural requirements. We repeat these tests with various adhesives to validate bonding integrity under similar environmental stresses.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-63821 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20319'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="319" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-540x319.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-768x453.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-330x195.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-540x319.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-63821 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-540x319.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="319" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-540x319.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-768x453.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing-330x195.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wave-manuever-taxiing.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>“This technical and regulatory rigor provides a snapshot of what’s involved in bringing a greenfield aircraft design to life,” Paul continued. “In addition to fundamental requirements, we have introduced unique features, such as automatic wing-folding, anti-flip landing gear, and water thrusters. Integrating these innovations on an amphibious aircraft, while staying within the weight constraints of the LSA category (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/vickers-wave-light-sport-aircraft-gets-a-weight-increase-from-faa-first-flight-approaches/">article on Wave’s FAA weight exemption</a>), adds another layer of engineering complexity. Yet, these features are critical to achieving the performance and usability targets we have set for the Wave.”</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Getting Specific</h3> <p><strong><span style="color: #800080;">Water Thruster Testing</span></strong> (nearby image) <strong>— </strong>“Our recent water tests of the Wave’s water thrusters were a resounding success,” boasted Paul. “The results showed excellent maneuverability, as well as impressive control and docking ease, underscoring the thrusters’ efficiency and responsiveness.” View a brief video below illustrating how these work.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71753 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20338'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="338" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-540x338.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-300x188.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-150x94.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-768x480.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-330x206.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-540x338.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71753 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-540x338.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="338" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-540x338.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-300x188.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-150x94.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-768x480.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters-330x206.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wave-bow-thrusters.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><strong><span style="color: #800080;">Flight Testing</span> — </strong>“We are embarking on a new phase of flight testing to finalize the remaining design elements. This testing phase includes assessments of new propellers and production-ready anhedral tips for the horizontal stabilizer, all of which are designed to enhance stability, performance, and handling, while improving aesthetics.”</p> <div id="attachment_67471" style="width: 528px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67471" class="wp-image-67471 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20518%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="518" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-518x405.jpg 518w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-300x234.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-150x117.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-768x600.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-330x258.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-518x405.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67471" class="wp-image-67471 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-518x405.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-518x405.jpg 518w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-300x234.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-150x117.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-768x600.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair-330x258.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-hull-test-action-pair.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-67471" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Some images in this article reflect earlier iterations of Wave. Those with vertical components on the horizontal stabilizer are the newest photos.</em></p></div> <div><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Future Announcements</strong></span> —Vickers Aircraft updated their schedule for 2025:</div> <ul> <li><strong>Q1 2025</strong>: Initial U.S. sales and distribution location announcement</li> <li><strong>Q2 2025</strong>: U.S.-based manufacturing location selection</li> <li><strong>Post-Production First Flight</strong>: Opening of order book</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Q&A with the Designer</h3> <p><span style="color: #800080;">When will the order book open?</span> “Once we have completed production aircraft test flights and we have a fully accurate costing structure.”</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;"><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68405 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20297'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="297" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-540x297.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-68405 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-540x297.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="297" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vickers-Wave-aloft.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>When may first deliveries happen?</span> “First deliveries are scheduled for Q3 2025, These will be in the USA. We will be holding an unveiling event.”</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;">What is your current expected pricing?</span> “We are keeping this quiet until we have manufactured the first few units; this way, when we announce the price we can stand by and honor it.”</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;">Have you any more detailed specifications or information?</span> “We are confident with 120-knot cruise, useful load of 750 pounds, and 1,100 nautical mile range. Automatic wing fold will operate on the water with engine running. Using thrusters for the first and last few hundred feet of water maneuvering supplies a very controllable and peaceful start and finish to your adventure.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-67470 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20326'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="326" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-540x326.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-300x181.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-768x464.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-330x199.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-540x326.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-67470 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-540x326.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="326" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-540x326.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-300x181.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-768x464.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size-330x199.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wave-cabin-size.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>“We have developed new manufacturing techniques that lower cost, increase strength, and save weight, all helping us achieve the incredible useful load.”</p> <p><span style="color: #800080;">How will you gain approval for Wave?</span> “Wave will also be offered not only as a current LSA and Mosaic LSA, but also as a Type Certified aircraft using the Primary category.”</p> <p>“We have taken the time required to ensure Wave comes to market only when it’s ready, and we make no apologies for taking the time to get it right. Wave will be well worth the wait and will set a new bar for seaplane quality, functionality, and performance.”</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em><strong>—Thanks, Paul!</strong></em></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>ARTICLE</strong></span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINKS</strong></span>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.vickersaircraft.com">Vickers Aircraft</a>, company website</li> <li><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/vickers-aircraft-company-ltd/">All articles and contact info here</a> on ByDanJohnson.com</li> </ul> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>This company video shows testing of the water thrusters on Wave. Note how tightly it can turn on the water.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/499ftkOlArk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/499ftkOlArk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/changing-lsa-seaplane-market-vickers-wave-progress-update-others-hmmm/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/changing-lsa-seaplane-market-vickers-wave-progress-update-others-hmmm/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Changing%20LSA%20Seaplane%20Market%20%E2%80%94%20Vickers%20Wave%20Progress%20Update%20%E2%80%94%20Others%2C%20Hmmm%E2%80%A6%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fchanging-lsa-seaplane-market-vickers-wave-progress-update-others-hmmm%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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It always seems weird to write about water-based activities as frost begins to envelop the northern two-thirds of the country. Yet winter is when all the big boat shows happen because buying new vessels requires advance planning. It’s also pleasant to think about spring and summer while snow flurries fly. For many years I’ve written about this sector and names like Searey, Seamax, and Aventura (all in nearby image) have long been the leading brands. Now the first two are in financial trouble and the last has decamped to Brazil from Florida. Whatever is going on, Vickers Wave may represent a breath of fresh air. In articles last fall and this spring, I gave overviews of the entire LSA seaplane market (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/summers-almost-here-state-of-the-sector-report-for-lsa-seaplanes/">read here</a> or <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/ups-and-downs-of-lsa-seaplanes-whos-hot-and-whos-not-in-fall-2023/">here</a>). Vickers Wave Update Vickers previously noted, “Wave has finished its flight testing, resulting in a 120-knot cruise and useful load of 750 pounds powered by a Rotax 916iS (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/mosaic-ready-powerplant-brp-rotax-surprises-sun-n-fun-with-a-powerful-new-announcement/">reviewed here</a>).” “A frequently asked question I receive is, ‘What is taking so long?’,” begins Paul Vickers.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/vickers-aircraft-company-ltd/">Vickers Aircraft Company, Ltd.</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/vickers-aircraft-company-ltd/wave/">Wave</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71722 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/higher-flyer-the-wt9-dynamic-turbo/">Higher Flyer: The WT9 Dynamic Turbo </a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/dave-unwinbtinternet-com/">Dave Unwin</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 24, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/higher-flyer-the-wt9-dynamic-turbo/#comments" >1 Comment</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p data-wp-editing="1"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71724" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71724" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-14-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript>Lined up on the runway, I open the throttle to the stop. The Dynamic surges forward, my right thumb presses a small button at the base of the throttle quadrant and I push the lever further forward. In an instant there’s 15% more thrust and the speed tape really starts to roll. Ease back on the stick and we’re airborne after a very short ground roll and climbing away at well over 1200 fpm.</p> <p>Flaps up, and 20 seconds later we’re passing through 400 feet, I pull the power back past the detent and the turbocharger control unit (TCU) reduces boost to 35 inches of manifold pressure. I then lower the nose, dial the prop rpm down to 5500 engine rpm and note the VSI is still showing around 1000 fpm before swinging the shapely spinner onto a south-easterly heading. Already I can see that the field of view is phenomenal and feel that the handling is crisp and taut.</p> <p>That’s just a tease of the WT9’s performance. Let’s back up a step and look at the airplane itself. Access to the cockpit is via the trailing edge of the wing, which features sensibly sized non-slip wingroot walkways. It’s easier if the flaps are down, and I note with considerable interest the sportscar-type mirrors on both sides. The enormous canopy hinges forward, opens wide and is well supported by black gas struts. However, these are a bit too “grabbable” for people climbing in and out, and I’d recommend painting red stripes on them. The cockpit has a maximum width of 42 inches but seems wider. It incorporates several stowage options, including being able to carry 88 pounds behind the seats and 44 pounds under the seats.</p> <div id="attachment_71723" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71723" class="wp-image-71723 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71723" class="wp-image-71723 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-15-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71723" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <p>Settling onto the very comfortable semi-reclined seat I study the controls and instruments with considerable interest. When I tested the 100-hp version in 2018 I felt that although the cockpit was extremely well designed there was still room for improvement and made a few suggestions. Gratifyingly, practically the first thing I noticed was that the rather flimsy toggle switches had been replaced by a row of rugged-looking rockers. The seats are fixed but the rudder pedals adjust. Fixed seats can be light and still crashworthy, which is why most Light Sport manufacturers choose this option. Less satisfactorily, the adjustable rudder pedals can be set asymmetrically, and if the pedals are adjusted while the rudder is deflected it is possible for the pedals to be set neutral when the rudder is not. Worth knowing.</p> <p>Once strapped down with the neat four-point harness I re-familiarize myself with the layout of the instruments and controls. The big panel is dominated by a pair of multifunction Kanardia Nesis III displays. Made in Slovenia, they are highly sophisticated electronic devices which present an astonishing amount of flight and engine information. It could be almost too much information on a single page, but is backed up by a block of annunciator lights at the top of the panel, with a standby ASI and miniature standby EFIS, with the transceiver, transponder and intercom underneath.</p> <p>Thus far it wasn’t that different to the 100 hp version, but I noted two significant additions—the two Flybox electronic controllers, one for the Woodcomp constant speed prop and the other for the flaps, which were purely mechanical on the 100-hp variant. The prop can be controlled either manually or left in constant-speed mode, while the electric flaps can be either set anywhere between 0 and 35°, or in Auto travel to the next of the four preset positions (0, 15, 25 and 35°) when the wafer switch is clicked up or down.</p> <p>I like things simple and for the takeoff I elected to leave the prop set to 5700 rpm and in the CS mode and the flaps in Auto with 15° set. Why make work for yourself?</p> <div id="attachment_71730" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71730" class="wp-image-71730 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71730" class="wp-image-71730 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-8-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71730" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <p>The throttle and its operation require expansion. It consists of a big T-handle with a spring-loaded button that must be pressed to push the throttle up to maximum power. There is a detent at the 100% throttle lever position that gives 100 hp, but 100% engine power (115 hp) is only achieved at the 115% throttle position. The TCU uses the throttle position in conjunction with ambient pressure, airbox pressure, temperature and engine rpm to actuate an electronically controlled wastegate.</p> <p>Thus far I’d found nothing really unsatisfactory ergonomically but annoyingly Aerospool dropped the ball at the final hurdle (and how’s that for mixing your metaphors!) The plungers are all a little bit too “samey” to be so closely grouped together, as the choke and cabin heat knobs are identical in shape, color and movement—they really should be different shapes and colors. Of course, I am being very picky. This is a cockpit that has been thoughtfully designed around its occupants and while you may think “surely all cockpits are?” I can assure you this is far from the case!</p> <div id="attachment_71737" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71737" class="wp-image-71737 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71737" class="wp-image-71737 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-1-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71737" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <p>Should you need it, access to the Rotax 914 engine is good as the top cowling is secured by Dzus fasteners and can be readily removed. It is fed from a pair of wing tanks with a combined capacity of 33.2 gallons, of which 32.7 are usable. The Rotax turns a Woodcomp SR-30 three-blade constant-speed prop fitted with a sharp-pointed spinner. Powerful taxi and landing lights are located either side of the radiator air inlet in the lower cowl, while the frangible panel for the EPS rocket to fire through is aft of the cowling. The nosewheel strut and main undercarriage legs look robust and carry Beringer wheels and brakes covered by snug-fitting spats.</p> <h2>Back to the Flying</h2> <p>Taxiing is straightforward as the nosewheel steering through the rudder pedals is precise and the field of view good, except for directly in front as the nose is pitched slightly up. The hand-operated brakes are powerful and progressive. Approaching the runway threshold, I noted the instruments are suggesting a slightly warmer-than-standard day, but at our sea-level airport I don’t even bother to calculate density altitude. We’re well below the 1320-pound max weight, so our power-to-weight ratio is just fine, especially if we use the turbo.</p> <p>However, a previous takeoff had already shown me just how good it can be, so for this takeoff I elected to use only 100 hp and 5500 rpm, not the full 5700, and we were still airborne having used less than half of the 2000 feet of available runway. There’s a slight pitch-up moment as the flaps retract and although the Vy is 69 KIAS, this gives a steep deck angle and a compromised forward field of view, so I trim for 80.</p> <p>Cruising at a representative altitude for UK general aviation (2500 feet) we set 5400rpm and 27 inches of manifold pressure. This gave an IAS of 108 knots for 113 KTAS, on a fuel flow of 4.5 gph. Of course, it will go faster—a lot faster. Open up everything but the toolbox (5500 rpm, which is max continuous, and 33 inches MAP) and the POH claims it’ll do 132 KIAS, although the fuel flow will have increased by almost a third and you’ll be 13 knots past the 119 KIAS top of the white arc.</p> <h2>Feelings</h2> <div id="attachment_71728" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71728" class="wp-image-71728 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71728" class="wp-image-71728 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-10-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71728" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <p>Control harmony is excellent; the ailerons are light, the elevator powerful and the rudder nicely weighted. All the primary controls have low break-out forces and minimal “stiction,” with the ailerons and elevator actuated by push rods. These provide a taut feel and powerful precise control in both pitch and roll. Cables control the rudder.</p> <p>Moving onto an investigation of the stick-free stability proves interesting. Directionally it’s unsatisfactory but not for aerodynamic reasons. It’s simply because when you introduce an extreme sideslip, the nosewheel’s fairing is holding the rudder on. Longitudinally it’s weakly positive. From a 10-knot displacement it took several long wavelength, high amplitude phugoids before it eventually returned to the trimmed speed. Spiral stability is neutral.</p> <div id="attachment_71729" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71729" class="wp-image-71729 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71729" class="wp-image-71729 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-9-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71729" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <p>The slow-speed handling either flaps up or down is faultless, and although the pre-stall buffet is quite subtle, the optional stick shaker isn’t! Post-stall there’s a gentle wing-rock but the ailerons remain effective, while if the airspeed is slowly reduced the aircraft never really drops its nose at the stall. Instead, the sink rate steadily increases and the Dynamic simply mushes with the nose gently hunting in pitch and the sink rate increasing. It remained controllable laterally and directionally.</p> <p>We were about 110 pounds below max-gross weight, but nevertheless with a combination of full flap, a bit of power and very gradual deceleration the speed fluctuated around 30 KIAS, which really is quite impressive. Clean and with the throttle at idle the wing quit at about 40, and recovered the instant I released the backpressure. In fact, the stall is so benign that I can’t help but think that the stick-shaker is a little OTT. Pitch trim changes are noticeable when the flaps are extended or retracted, but changes in power produce only small changes in trim.</p> <p>The new breed of Light Sports just keep getting better and better— and this just might be the best one yet! From the crisp handling and comfy cockpit to the sparkling performance and exceptional field of view, I loved every facet of this outstanding aircraft. Only one thing could make it better: More power. In fact, Aerospool has fitted the WT9 with the Rotax 915 and 916 examples. Can’t wait to fly one of those!</p> <div id="attachment_71736" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71736" class="wp-image-71736 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201333'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71736" class="wp-image-71736 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dynamic-WT-9-2-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71736" class="wp-caption-text">(Keith Wilson photo)</p></div> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/higher-flyer-the-wt9-dynamic-turbo/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/higher-flyer-the-wt9-dynamic-turbo/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Higher%20Flyer%3A%20The%20WT9%20Dynamic%20Turbo%C2%A0&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fhigher-flyer-the-wt9-dynamic-turbo%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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The Dynamic surges forward, my right thumb presses a small button at the base of the throttle quadrant and I push the lever further forward. In an instant there’s 15% more thrust and the speed tape really starts to roll. Ease back on the stick and we’re airborne after a very short ground roll and climbing away at well over 1200 fpm. Flaps up, and 20 seconds later we’re passing through 400 feet, I pull the power back past the detent and the turbocharger control unit (TCU) reduces boost to 35 inches of manifold pressure. I then lower the nose, dial the prop rpm down to 5500 engine rpm and note the VSI is still showing around 1000 fpm before swinging the shapely spinner onto a south-easterly heading. Already I can see that the field of view is phenomenal and feel that the handling is crisp and taut.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71701 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-tecnam-p2008/">Buying Used: Tecnam P2008</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/mark-timney/">Mark Timney</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 24, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-tecnam-p2008/#comments" >5 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><div id="attachment_71706" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71706" class="wp-image-71706 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%20950'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="950" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-300x143.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-1024x486.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-150x71.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-768x365.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-1536x730.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-540x257.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-330x157.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71706" class="wp-image-71706 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="950" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-300x143.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-1024x486.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-150x71.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-768x365.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-1536x730.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-540x257.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-4-e1729799339877-330x157.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71706" class="wp-caption-text">(Tecnam photo)</p></div> <p>Most of the factory-built Light Sport aircraft that rolled after the FAA defined the category in 2004 were rather utilitarian—with rudimentary avionics and spartan interiors. Some of today’s Light Sport planes, however, are better equipped and more luxurious inside than GA planes that cost significantly more. <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=tecnam">Tecnam Aircraft</a> was among the first manufacturers to recognize there was a market for upscale LSAs, and it responded with the P2008. The plane has become one of the company’s most popular aircraft.</p> <p>“I don’t think there’s a better value out there when you look at ownership costs and resale price,” contends Mark Gregor, a former Tecnam dealer and long-time P2008 owner. “I don’t consider it an LSA…just a top choice for a two-seat aircraft.”</p> <p>If buying a used P2008 is something you’re contemplating, then this article is for you. It will introduce you to the aircraft, model variations and flight characteristics, as well as provide advice for a pre-buy inspection and long-term ownership.</p> <h2>Development, Features & Flight Characteristics</h2> <div id="attachment_71718" style="width: 2010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71718" class="size-full wp-image-71718" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%20902'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="902" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-300x135.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-1024x462.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-150x68.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-768x346.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-1536x693.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-540x244.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-330x149.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71718" class="size-full wp-image-71718" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="902" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-300x135.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-1024x462.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-150x68.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-768x346.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-1536x693.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-540x244.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1-330x149.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71718" class="wp-caption-text">(Tecnam photo)</p></div> <p>Tecnam had been making aircraft for the general aviation market for several decades before it began deliveries of the P2008 late in 2009. While the strut-braced high-wing is similar in appearance to Tecnam’s earlier all-metal P92 and P2004 aircraft, the P2008 features a sleek carbon-fiber fuselage and integrated fin to go with its aluminum skinned wings and tailplane. Tecnam has offered three, VFR-only P2008 variants over the years, including a base model powered by a Rotax 912 (both the carbureted ULS engine and fuel injected iS), t<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flying-tecnams-p2008-turbo-is-a-used-lsa-right-for-you/">he TC model with Rotax’s turbo 914</a>, and the JC for the European market.</p> <p>About 75% of the P2008s flying in the United States are likely to be base model planes, with the remaining 25% being turbocharged. Round gauges are standard, but even early buyers seemed to prefer optional glass avionics. Almost all later model P2008s can be found with top-of-the-line Dynon and Garmin panels with autopilots. Featuring Frise ailerons and inner slotted flaps, the plane has cantilever main legs and a castering nosewheel with a compressed rubber suspension system. Unlike most LSA, the seats in the P2008 are adjustable and a vast majority of pilots should find there’s plenty of room inside.</p> <p> </p> <p>The specifications for various models of the P2008 vary due to the powerplant choices, avionics and whether or not a whole-aircraft parachute is installed. It was difficult to find consistent numbers for this article, but a P2008 is likely to have a top cruising speed around 120 knots, stall around 44 knots, climb between 500 & 800 fpm, weigh between 780 and 925 pounds and have a useful fuel load of 30 gallons.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71705" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201334'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="2000" height="1334" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-330x220.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71705" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5.jpeg" alt="" width="2000" height="1334" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5.jpeg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-5-330x220.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript></p> <p>Those who’ve flown the plane say engine choice does make a noticeable difference in performance. P2008s are typically heavier than comparable LSAs. Pilots who’ve tried the 912 and 914 versions say the extra horsepower of the turbocharged Rotax greatly improves the plane’s rate of climb, especially on hot days.</p> <p data-wp-editing="1">Regardless of engine, however, the P2008 reportedly handles exceptionally well. “This is the plane I’d want my wife or kids to fly,” Gregor says. “It doesn’t have any bad qualities, and it provides just the right feedback for easy control… not overbearing, but not overly light either. It’s just a whole lot more stable and predictable compared to other LSAs, and I’ve flown most of them.” Reviews of the aircraft also note its gentle stall characteristics, good sight picture over the nose and easy ground handling. If most of your flying is in a Cub or something similar, you’ll have to adapt to the P2008 “sleekness.” The plane’s flowing composite body means less drag, so it doesn’t slow down quite as quickly in the pattern as other light aircraft with boxy metal or cloth fuselages.</p> <h2>Pre-Buy Inspection</h2> <p>Gregor suggests looking for a P2008 with a Rotax 914. Although it will be considerably more expensive than one with a 912, he thinks the performance gain is worth the cost and that you’ll recoup the difference upon resale. That’s not to say you should rule out one with a 912. If you live in a cooler climate and near sea level, the significantly cheaper price may well be worth the difference in performance.</p> <div id="attachment_71702" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71702" class="wp-image-71702 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20302'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="302" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-540x302.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-300x168.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1024x572.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-768x429.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-330x184.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1.jpeg 1200w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-540x302.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71702" class="wp-image-71702 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-540x302.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="302" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-540x302.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-300x168.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-1024x572.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-768x429.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1-330x184.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-1.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71702" class="wp-caption-text">(Tecnam photo)</p></div> <p>But before you buy a used P2008, or any used airplane, you should have a pre-buy inspection done by an A&P who’s familiar with the model. “A pre-buy with somebody who hasn’t worked on that type of plane is probably a waste of money,” contends Gregor. The powerplant should also be gone over by someone familiar with Rotax engines. They are different from conventional GA engines, especially the fuel-injected 912 iS, and even veteran A&Ps can miss things if they’re unfamiliar with how a Rotax works.</p> <p>The P2008, like all new planes, experienced some growing pains, but it seems to have a good reputation overall. Experts do suggest paying a little extra attention to the tail and the fuel system during the pre-buy inspection. They say it’s not uncommon for the bushings in the stabilator to loosen during the plane’s first 200 hours. It’s a simple fix, just tighten a few bolts and the issue is resolved. If the bushings did loosen and bolts were not tightened, they warn some parts may need to be replaced. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be a difficult or expensive repair. As for the fuel lines, check the fittings where they attach at the fuselage. There are some complaints about leakage, possibly due to improper Assembly or owner inattention over time.</p> <h2>Maintenance & Ownership</h2> <div id="attachment_71704" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71704" class="wp-image-71704 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-540x405.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-330x248.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6.jpeg 2000w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-540x405.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71704" class="wp-image-71704 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-540x405.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-540x405.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6-330x248.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tecnam-P2008-Buying-Used-6.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71704" class="wp-caption-text">(Tecnam photo)</p></div> <p>Owners seem to be very happy with their P2008s. There isn’t a P2008 community like those around the Ercoupe or Champ, but the <a href="https://tecnamtalk.proboards.com/">Tecnam Talk</a> forum has quite a number of active P2008 pilots willing to offer advice. Reported maintenance issues are typical, and the plane isn’t any more difficult to work on than any other high wing. Parts are available since the aircraft is still in production, but some owners report there have been delivery delays in the past.</p> <p>The stabilator should be checked during every pre-flight because of the previously mentioned potential for the bushings to loosen up. Gergor suggests gently trying to move the stabilator side to side and front to back. If it budges, have the plane looked at before taking it in the air. While some in aviation aren’t keen on composite-bodied aircraft, the P2008s carbon-fiber fuselage has proven to be durable. Gregor reports no areas are prone to cracking, and more and more A&Ps can easily repair composite aircraft.</p> <p>You’re likely to pay more for a used P2008 than other LSAs, but the plane’s fans say you’re getting a lot of aircraft for the money. They say it’s a great flier and has all the avionics, safety and luxury features you could possibly want. And, says Gregor, it’s a great traveling machine. “I have access to a lot of planes, but if I have to fly cross-country I’ll always pick the P2008. I regularly flew mine from Sebring to Minnesota and back and was always very comfortable,” he said.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-tecnam-p2008/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-tecnam-p2008/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Buying%20Used%3A%20Tecnam%20P2008&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fbuying-used-tecnam-p2008%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Some of today’s Light Sport planes, however, are better equipped and more luxurious inside than GA planes that cost significantly more. <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=tecnam">Tecnam Aircraft</a> was among the first manufacturers to recognize there was a market for upscale LSAs, and it responded with the P2008. The plane has become one of the company’s most popular aircraft. “I don’t think there’s a better value out there when you look at ownership costs and resale price,” contends Mark Gregor, a former Tecnam dealer and long-time P2008 owner. “I don’t consider it an LSA…just a top choice for a two-seat aircraft.” If buying a used P2008 is something you’re contemplating, then this article is for you. It will introduce you to the aircraft, model variations and flight characteristics, as well as provide advice for a pre-buy inspection and long-term ownership.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71693 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/where-are-we-on-unleaded-avgas/">Where Are We On Unleaded Avgas?</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 17, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/where-are-we-on-unleaded-avgas/#comments" >10 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><div id="attachment_71694" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71694" class="wp-image-71694 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20560'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1200" height="560" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954.jpg 1200w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-300x140.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-1024x478.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-150x70.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-768x358.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-540x252.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-330x154.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71694" class="wp-image-71694 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="560" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954.jpg 1200w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-300x140.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-1024x478.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-150x70.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-768x358.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-540x252.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AOPA-Baron-e1729211600954-330x154.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71694" class="wp-caption-text">AOPA’s Beech Baron ran 200 hours with 100LL fueling one engine and GAMI’s G100UL the other (Photo: AOPA)</p></div> <p>Industry wide progress on a so-called drop-in replacement for high-octane avgas always seems to go in fits and starts. Lots of noise then a period of silence. Is anyone actually doing something on this, you may ask? The answer is most definitely yes, but the recent news has come more in dribs and drabs than the full-firehose effect we expect around the major airshows.</p> <p>But let’s start here. The other shoe dropped on the sale of leaded avgas in California. There had been a legal agreement (a consent decree) that depended on the availability of an alternative to 100LL but now <a href="https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/california-leaded-avgas-ban/">the transition is being forced by new legislation</a> <a href="https://trackbill.com/bill/california-senate-bill-1193-airports-leaded-aviation-gasoline/2518595/">signed into law this month</a> that “would prohibit an airport operator or aviation retail establishment, as defined, from selling, distributing, or otherwise making available leaded aviation gasoline to consumers on or after January 1, 2031.” Coincidentally, the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) program has as its goal a replacement in place by the end of 2030. Reportedly, the California effort was originally slated to take effect earlier but was pushed back with the help of aviation special interest groups.</p> <p>According to reports, there are still three candidates in the unleaded-avgas derby, so to speak. <a href="https://www.g100ul.com/">General Aviation Modifications</a>, Inc. (GAMI) has had its G100UL fuel in development for decades and received a fleetwise STC in 2022 for virtually all fixed-wing aircraft. GAMI has chosen not to participate in either the current <a href="https://www.faa.gov/unleaded">EAGLE</a> or its predecessor PAFI programs that are pushing for an ASTM spec for the replacement fuel. GAMI’s path has got it well and truly cross-threaded with the industry groups.</p> <p>One could argue that GAMI is trying to “go it alone,” but recently <a href="https://www.swiftfuels.com/">Swift Fuels</a>, which, in addition to VP/LyondellBasell, makes up the remaining contestants on the scene, has received an STC for its 100R to be used in Cessna 172R and 172S models. Swift CEO Chris d’Acosta said, “Our 100R unleaded avgas product will be the preferred fuel to eliminate toxic lead from avgas. We are actively working with industry and OEMs on FAA-certifications and ASTM International specifications. Yes, the FAA recently approved a critical part of our engine and airframe (STC) certification program. This follows a similar FAA / ASTM approval pattern we architected for UL94 avgas over 9 years ago.”</p> <p>Getting the Swift 100R into public use would help the company gain real-world experience with the fuel. Similarly, the demonstration program undertaken by AOPA last year has concluded, according to reporting by the association. AOPA had run a Beech Baron for 200 hours with one engine consuming just 100LL and one consuming only GAMI’s G100UL. “The pilots who have flown the AOPA fuel demo Baron have been unanimous that the unleaded fuel used—GAMI G100UL—acts just like avgas in flight. No special techniques are required for engine starts, full-power takeoffs and climbs, cruises, or descents. If the airplane didn’t have decals and placards proclaiming the presence of unleaded fuel in the left engine, pilots would be hard pressed to notice,” the association said.</p> <p>Testing did reveal some peculiarities. Apparently an overly rich mixture will leave a dark, ashy deposit on exhaust pipes and spark plugs. In addition, the fuel will apparently stain paint if not carefully cleaned up. In the AOPA report, GAMI founder and developer of the G100UL fuel, George Braly, said “If the fuel is left on the surface and exposed to the UV from sunlight, then that will cause some brown discoloration.”</p> <p>Finally, there was a very public display of a leaking fuel bladder in the Baron on the side that was using G100UL. According to AOPA, the culprit was more likely old fuel bladders, which were originally made in the 1970s (but later “refurbished”), than a corrosive effect of the fuel.</p> <p>So where does that leave us? GAMI has approval for fixed-wing aircraft now but has yet to make G100UL widely available. Swift will be seeing 100R flying in certain Cessnas. And VP/LyondellBasell is still in the development phase, which is working toward getting an ASTM spec. With California backing down from making leaded avgas illegal until 2031, some of the pressure might seem to have come off, but the clock is still very much ticking.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_FOMu2dFq8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_FOMu2dFq8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/where-are-we-on-unleaded-avgas/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/where-are-we-on-unleaded-avgas/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Where%20Are%20We%20On%20Unleaded%20Avgas%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fwhere-are-we-on-unleaded-avgas%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Lots of noise then a period of silence. Is anyone actually doing something on this, you may ask? The answer is most definitely yes, but the recent news has come more in dribs and drabs than the full-firehose effect we expect around the major airshows. But let’s start here. The other shoe dropped on the sale of leaded avgas in California. There had been a legal agreement (a consent decree) that depended on the availability of an alternative to 100LL but now <a href="https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/california-leaded-avgas-ban/">the transition is being forced by new legislation</a> <a href="https://trackbill.com/bill/california-senate-bill-1193-airports-leaded-aviation-gasoline/2518595/">signed into law this month</a> that “would prohibit an airport operator or aviation retail establishment, as defined, from selling, distributing, or otherwise making available leaded aviation gasoline to consumers on or after January 1, 2031.” Coincidentally, the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) program has as its goal a replacement in place by the end of 2030.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71667 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-powrachute-corporation category-splog tag-mlsa tag-mosaic-lsa tag-powered-parachute entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/a-multicopter-current-pilots-might-enjoy-developed-within-our-lsa-industry/">A Multicopter Current Pilots Might Enjoy? …Developed Within Our LSA Industry</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 16, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/a-multicopter-current-pilots-might-enjoy-developed-within-our-lsa-industry/#comments" >2 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>Here’s a helicopter-like aircraft you might actually consider. I have often reviewed what I call <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/3/?s=multicopter">multicopters (several articles)</a>. I searched for aircraft you might fly for fun; several of them can enjoy the freedom and special benefits of Part 103. I’ve stayed away from commercial “air taxi” projects.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20200%20227'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="200" height="227" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-23898" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Future-of-LSA-Series.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="227" /></noscript>But what if a longtime producer of Light-Sport Aircraft entered the space? What if the aircraft looked like a helicopter but one you could fly without the steep learning curve? What if it offered 45 minutes of flight with a 15-minute reserve?</p> <p>The earliest entries had short flight times, 15-20 minutes. Most of them cost too much. For example, Opener’s Blackfly (now called Helix) was first promoted at the cost of a “luxury SUV,” perhaps meaning $80,000 at the time. It has since more than doubled in price.</p> <div id="attachment_71670" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71670" class="wp-image-71670 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20328'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="328" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-540x328.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-300x182.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-768x467.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-330x200.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-540x328.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71670" class="wp-image-71670 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-540x328.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="328" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-540x328.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-300x182.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-150x91.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-768x467.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background-330x200.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-no-background.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71670" class="wp-caption-text"><em>From the people that manufacture Powrachute powered parachutes, here comes Velocitor X-1.</em></p></div> <p>You may doubt or dislike these flying machines, especially when you don’t know the people behind the projects. To my knowledge, no entries to-date have emerged from “our industry.”</p> <p>That’s changing.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Consider Velocitor</h3> <p><a href="https://veloxaerospace.com">Velo X Aerospace</a> is a new venture, the brainchild of light aircraft industry veterans <strong>Galen Geigley</strong> and <strong>Jeff Williams</strong>. These names have long been associated with <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/powrachute-corporation/">Powrachute</a>, the leading producer of powered parachutes with more than 2,000 aircraft delivered (see video below). These two and their growing team are people who enjoy the same aircraft you do.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71672 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20292'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="292" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-540x292.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-300x162.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-150x81.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-768x415.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-740x400.jpg 740w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-330x178.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-540x292.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71672 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-540x292.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="292" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-540x292.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-300x162.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-150x81.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-768x415.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-740x400.jpg 740w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static-330x178.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-static.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Look at the nearby renderings. A prototype is flying now in tethered radio-controlled flight. Two more development aircraft will follow in preparation for the coming Mosaic regulation. Galen said they expect to fit in as a helicopter or powered-lift aircraft; both categories are included in the proposed new rule.</p> <p>Going this regulatory route means Velocitor does not have to meet Part 103’s restrictive rules. This allows a strong fuselage with enough battery energy to give you a reasonable flight time. It also means the aircraft can be recharged with a single plug. Batteries don’t have to be swapped out as on other entries.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71671 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20281'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="281" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-768x399.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-330x171.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-540x281.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71671 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-540x281.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="281" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-768x399.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1-330x171.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Velo-X-render-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <p>Eight motors on four booms offers safety redundancy; other models use up to 18 motors with a battery for each.</p> <p>Velocitor’s empty weight is about 500 pounds but it has four times more battery energy than other entries.</p> <h4><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Velocitor Factoids:</strong></span></h4> <p>Larger batteries allow 45 minutes of flight time with a safety reserve of 15 minutes.</p> <p>Under expected Mosaic rules, the single-seat Velocitor X-1 can deliver aerial enjoyment around town or over scenic terrain.</p> <div id="attachment_69389" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-69389" class="wp-image-69389 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20319'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="319" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-540x319.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-768x453.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-330x195.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-540x319.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-69389" class="wp-image-69389 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-540x319.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="319" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-540x319.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-300x177.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-768x453.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots-330x195.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lift-Hexa-SVS-Ursula-pilots.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-69389" class="wp-caption-text"><i>Among competitors (more below), Lift is taking a different approach with their <strong>Hexa</strong>. Several people with no prior experience have flown it successfully and the company is planning to offer introductory flights at “Vertiports.”</i></p></div> <p>Velocitor is operated by the pilot with a “collective” control on the left governing ascent and descent. On the pilot’s right is a joystick moving the usual ways but also twisting for yaw control. No rudder pedals are needed.</p> <p>This machine was not designed to do the flying for you; as pilot, you choose where to fly although a sophisticated LiDAR system will help avoid obstacles such as power lines, trees, and structures.</p> <p>“Velocitor X-1 features auto take-off and landing capabilities,” said Galen, in coordination with a Garmin 760 and its autopilot capability.</p> <p>“With eight propellers and motors plus multiple controllers, and batteries, there is no single point of failure that cannot be compensated for, allowing for a safe landing,” said Galen. “A very robust computer with three levels of redundancy handles the fly-by-wire controls.”</p> <div id="attachment_64905" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-64905" class="wp-image-64905 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20281'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="281" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-768x400.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-540x281.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-64905" class="wp-image-64905 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-540x281.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="281" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-540x281.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-768x400.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BlackFly-at-rest-aft-LEAD.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-64905" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Earlier entries in the eVTOL or multicopter field were innovative but not produced by people from the light aircraft industry. Opener’s Blackfly is now <strong>Helix</strong> by Pivotal.</em></p></div> <p>Capable of cruising up to 70 miles per hour, Velocitor is speed limited so pilots don’t get in over their head; it could reach 120 miles per hour, engineers calculate.</p> <p>Slowing to a hover to check out the scene below, Velocitor will hold position using GPS input. “Simply release the controls and it will maintain its position,” Galen added.</p> <div id="attachment_21457" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-21457" class="size-full wp-image-21457" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20259'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="400" height="259" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props.jpg 400w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props-300x194.jpg 300w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-21457" class="size-full wp-image-21457" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="259" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props.jpg 400w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kitty-Hawk-Flyer-above-props-300x194.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-21457" class="wp-caption-text"><i>Since discontinued, <strong>Kitty Hawk Flyer</strong> was a first entry using Part 103. This second-generation model never made it to market.</i></p></div> <p>A rapid-deployment ballistic parachute system has been demonstrated after dropping from a 200-foot-tall crane; deployment uses five ballistic rockets to extract and pre-open the parachute. In tests, video shows it opens very quickly. “The system identifies loss of control and triggers a series of safety measures including parachute deployment,” explained Galen.</p> <p>After flying for 45 minutes, Velocitor X-1 can charge up to 80% in less than one hour using existing automobile charging solutions. The design team is leveraging a growing system for EV cars. Charging with household current will take 8-10 hours, Galen estimated.</p> <div id="attachment_59721" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-59721" class="wp-image-59721 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20282'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="282" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-540x282.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-768x401.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-540x282.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-59721" class="wp-image-59721 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-540x282.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="282" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-540x282.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-300x156.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-150x78.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-768x401.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD-330x172.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jetson-One-LEAD.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-59721" class="wp-caption-text"><em><strong>Jetson</strong> gained early recognition as an aircraft regular pilots might enjoy. We are still waiting to see a flying model in the USA though the company reports 462 orders</em>.</p></div> <p>While most Part 103 multicopters state prices from $200,000 to $400,000, Velocitor is forecast at <strong>$150,000</strong>. While this won’t meet all budgets, it is one of the most “affordable” of these eVTOLs I have seen.</p> <p>“Our plan is to make our reveal at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025,” noted Galen. “Here we plan to introduce the world to Velo X Aerospace’s Velocitor X-1 and open the books for pre-orders.” The plan is to ship their first aircraft and begin full distribution by end of year 2026.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">Meet the Man</span><br /> <span style="color: #800080;">Behind Powrachute<br /> and Velocitor X-1</span></h3> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9DtoDCmYB-k?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9DtoDCmYB-k?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/a-multicopter-current-pilots-might-enjoy-developed-within-our-lsa-industry/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/a-multicopter-current-pilots-might-enjoy-developed-within-our-lsa-industry/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20A%20Multicopter%20Current%20Pilots%20Might%20Enjoy%3F%20%E2%80%A6Developed%20Within%20Our%20LSA%20Industry&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fa-multicopter-current-pilots-might-enjoy-developed-within-our-lsa-industry%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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I have often reviewed what I call <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/3/?s=multicopter">multicopters (several articles)</a>. I searched for aircraft you might fly for fun; several of them can enjoy the freedom and special benefits of Part 103. I’ve stayed away from commercial “air taxi” projects. But what if a longtime producer of Light-Sport Aircraft entered the space? What if the aircraft looked like a helicopter but one you could fly without the steep learning curve? What if it offered 45 minutes of flight with a 15-minute reserve? The earliest entries had short flight times, 15-20 minutes. Most of them cost too much. For example, Opener’s Blackfly (now called Helix) was first promoted at the cost of a “luxury SUV,” perhaps meaning $80,000 at the time. It has since more than doubled in price. You may doubt or dislike these flying machines, especially when you don’t know the people behind the projects.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/powrachute-corporation/">Powrachute Corporation</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71619 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct category-ct category-f2 category-flight-design-gmbh category-splog tag-lsa-business tag-mlsa tag-mosaic tag-mosaic-lsa entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flight-design-increases-f2-production-moves-ct-series/">Flight Design Increases F2 Production — Moves CT-Series</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 9, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flight-design-increases-f2-production-moves-ct-series/#comments" >2 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>As we Floridians prepare to face Hurricane Milton starting later today, I’m pleased to give an update on one of our leading companies in the LSA space. I refer to Flight Design, which gained fame for the enviable success of its CT-series aircraft (CT2K, CTSW, CTLS, CTLSi, CT Super). In the United States, more of these models fly as LSA than aircraft from any other brand.</p> <div id="attachment_71621" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71621" class="wp-image-71621 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20297'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="297" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71621" class="wp-image-71621 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="297" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-540x297.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-300x165.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-150x83.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-768x423.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT-330x182.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-flying-over-CT.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71621" class="wp-caption-text"><em><strong>Tom Peghiny</strong> flies the first F2 in America. Note the “Experimental” status at the time. F2 has since been accepted by FAA in the LSA category and is “Mosaic-ready.”</em></p></div> <p>In the USA, importing Flight Design aircraft is now handled by <a href="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation</a>, a leader in its own right. For two decades, Airtime has been the nation’s #1 seller of Light-Sport Aircraft, delivering to American pilots a large percentage of those hundreds of CT-series aircraft. Importing was previously handled by Flight Design USA; regional dealers also contributed to enlarging the CT fleet in this country. The German designer has enjoyed good success in numerous countries.</p> <div id="attachment_71622" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71622" class="wp-image-71622 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20278'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="278" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-540x278.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-300x154.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-150x77.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-768x395.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-330x170.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-540x278.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71622" class="wp-image-71622 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-540x278.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="278" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-540x278.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-300x154.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-150x77.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-768x395.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-348x180.jpg 348w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA-330x170.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-in-flight-AOPA.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71622" class="wp-caption-text"><em>image by AOPA courtesy of Flight Design USA</em></p></div> <p>In addition to those many sales, Flight Design has long been a leader among western producers moving into Eastern Europe to take advantage of skilled technical workers and engineers.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Changing with Global Events</h3> <p>On October 8th, 2024, <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturer/flight-design-gmbh/">Flight Design</a> announced, “We have good news to share.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71627 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20259'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="259" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-540x259.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-300x144.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-768x368.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-330x158.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-540x259.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71627 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-540x259.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="259" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-540x259.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-300x144.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-768x368.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk-330x158.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-triangle-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>With headquarters in Eisenach, Germany, the company’s primary production facility is now located in Sumperk, Czech Republic. For years, the Western European producer has been building aircraft in Kherson, Ukraine. Given daily news coverage, every American knows by now Ukraine has been in defense mode following the Russian invasion almost three years ago. After the situation became completely unworkable — Kherson was an early area to be bombed, then occupied by Russian troops — the company quietly removed tooling, inventory, raw materials, and even some workers to less hazardous facilities in the nearby Czech Republic.</p> <div id="attachment_71620" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71620" class="wp-image-71620 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20391'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="391" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-540x391.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-300x217.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-150x109.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-768x557.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-330x239.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-540x391.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71620" class="wp-image-71620 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-540x391.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="391" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-540x391.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-300x217.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-150x109.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-768x557.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019-330x239.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-at-Aero-2019.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71620" class="wp-caption-text"><em>First unveiled at Aero 2019, F2 is a second-generation design following the very popular CT-series.</em></p></div> <p>“F2 series is a very advanced light aircraft,” said Flight Design, “available as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft and an EASA CS-23 type-certified aircraft. They are built and production test flown in Sumperk, in the Eastern Moravia region.” Flight Design first used Sumperk as an R&D and flight test center during the development of the F2 series before developing production tooling at this location in 2023.</p> <div id="attachment_71630" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71630" class="wp-image-71630 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20330'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="330" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-540x330.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-300x183.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-150x92.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-768x470.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-330x202.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-540x330.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71630" class="wp-image-71630 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-540x330.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="330" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-540x330.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-300x183.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-150x92.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-768x470.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2-330x202.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-interior-panel-v2.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71630" class="wp-caption-text"><i>Those black vertical stripes inside the Garmin G3X screens are panel-mounted airbags, a first in the light aircraft space.</i></p></div> <p>F2 is an all-composite high-wing lightplane with many unique safety features including passive stall and spin resistance, a rigid, crashworthy cockpit design and Garmin ESP envelope protection as a part of its advanced, twin-screen Garmin G3X panel. All Flight Design aircraft come with a standard Stratos Magnum Ballistic Parachute System installed. See this <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/third-generation-flight-design-flying-the-new-f2-at-midwest-lsa-expo-2020/">prior article</a> explaining F2’s stall resistance plus a pilot review.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Increased Production</h3> <p>“The best news is that we are [now] ramping up production in Sumperk after the big task of moving our people and tooling from Ukraine,” said <strong>Daniel Guenther</strong>, Managing Director of Flight Design. “We are currently shipping two F2-LSA a month to Airtime Aviation, our distributor in the USA.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71624 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20242'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="242" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71624 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="242" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-540x242.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-300x134.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-150x67.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-768x344.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk-330x148.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2-line-Sumperk.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>“We are very happy to be receiving more and more F2 aircraft,” said <strong>Tom Gutmann Jr.</strong>, manager of <a href="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation</a>. “With the extra allowances under Mosaic we believe that sales will only go up from here as it will increase the utility of the F2-LSA for <em>existing planes</em> we delivered as well as newly-built models. An additional benefit of the increased production is improved quality of the planes as delivered.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71628 alignright" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20261'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="261" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-768x371.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-330x159.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full-column-width wp-image-71628 alignright" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="261" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-540x261.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-150x72.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-768x371.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly-330x159.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/F2s-assembly.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>FAA’s proposed Mosaic regulation is widely expected to allow higher gross weights and double the speed envelope for the SLSA category. Flight Design envisioned this regulatory overhaul as engineers designed F2. The company believes their planning “will allow previously-delivered F2s to benefit from this significant rule change.”</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Changes for CT-Series</h3> <p>While the company’s focus is clearly on F2 as a next generation model following their solid run with the CT-series, they continue to build the CT-series and offered news on that, too.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-26240 alignleft" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20257'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="400" height="257" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low.jpg 400w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low-300x193.jpg 300w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-26240 alignleft" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="257" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low.jpg 400w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-SuperSport-nose-qtr-low-300x193.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></noscript>“We have recently moved production of the CT-series — including CTLSi and CT Super (nearby image), which continue to be popular worldwide — to our new partners in <strong>Kazakhstan</strong>. This allows us to focus more on the F2 at Sumperk,” said Daniel.</p> <p>If you can’t recall where Kazakhstan is, don’t fret. Such remote fabrication has been used by Boeing and Airbus for many years. The parent company in Germany is permitted to sublet work to off-site facilities so long as they maintain control of the design and conduct regular oversight of production and quality control. After many years of doing exactly that in Ukraine, Flight Design is well equipped to pursue building its CT-series in Kazakhstan, Central Asia.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%2053'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="53" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full-column-width wp-image-57033" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="53" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-540x53.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-300x29.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-768x75.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar-330x32.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Video-Bar.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript></p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Enjoy Two Videos<br /> </strong></span><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>— F2 from 2021 —</strong></span></h3> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dxpFU7UfsQo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dxpFU7UfsQo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAs_ocUd77E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAs_ocUd77E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flight-design-increases-f2-production-moves-ct-series/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/flight-design-increases-f2-production-moves-ct-series/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Flight%20Design%20Increases%20F2%20Production%20%E2%80%94%20Moves%20CT-Series&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fflight-design-increases-f2-production-moves-ct-series%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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I refer to Flight Design, which gained fame for the enviable success of its CT-series aircraft (CT2K, CTSW, CTLS, CTLSi, CT Super). In the United States, more of these models fly as LSA than aircraft from any other brand. In the USA, importing Flight Design aircraft is now handled by <a href="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation</a>, a leader in its own right. For two decades, Airtime has been the nation’s #1 seller of Light-Sport Aircraft, delivering to American pilots a large percentage of those hundreds of CT-series aircraft. Importing was previously handled by Flight Design USA; regional dealers also contributed to enlarging the CT fleet in this country. The German designer has enjoyed good success in numerous countries. In addition to those many sales, Flight Design has long been a leader among western producers moving into Eastern Europe to take advantage of skilled technical workers and engineers.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/">Airtime Aviation, Inc. (Fly CT)</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/flight-design-gmbh/ct/">CT</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/flight-design-gmbh/f2/">F2</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/flight-design-gmbh/">Flight Design GmbH</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71525 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flying-dynons-emergency-glide-feature-go-down-easy/">Flying Dynon’s Emergency Glide Feature — Go Down Easy (UPDATED)</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 9, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flying-dynons-emergency-glide-feature-go-down-easy/#comments" >3 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71527" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-540x405.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-330x248.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-540x405.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71527" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-540x405.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-540x405.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide1-1-1-330x248.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>I probably shouldn’t admit this, but some features that come with the latest electronic flight instruments have left me a little, um, disinterested. Until I try them, that is. A good example is the concept of “safe glide” or even autoland. Garmin introduced both concepts a few years ago, though the full-autoland idea is more recent and limited to high-end aircraft where the system can control the engine directly. That’s not at my pay grade.</p> <p>The more common version is what Garmin calls Smart Glide and, more recently, Dynon rolled out what it calls Emergency Glide. They work similarly: When commanded, they set up a controlled descent to the nearest viable airport and let the pilot concentrate on other things. To be honest, I was a bit <em>meh</em> about them as safety features. After all, you’re trained to set the airplane up for best-glide speed as soon as you recognize a power failure and all good pilots fly along considering which airports beneath them are reachable. Things like terrain-aware glide rings on MFDs and EFBs take much of the guessing out of that.</p> <p>So I was skeptical until I flew with the Dynon version in my own airplane. To get this new functionality in the Dynon universe, you need to be running at least a Dynon HDX system—it is not offered for the Classic or Touch models—or one of the later AFS systems. You need a two-axis Dynon or AFS autopilot. There are a few other requirements, including an up-to-date database and the airplane’s best-glide speed entered into the setup menu. Moreover, you have to have the autopilot’s “expert” mode enabled; but this is what most do and there’s no cost involved, just a setting.</p> <h2>Let’s Try It</h2> <p>Updating the software took but a few minutes and it didn’t break a thing—early success! In fact, there’s no outward indication you have the extra features. Until, that is, you press and hold the NRST key. Doing so brings up a notification on the primary flight display: HOLD TO ENABLE EMERGENCY GLIDE. Continue holding and the mode engages. The first thing it does is engage the autopilot in pitch and roll regardless of the previous autopilot mode. Then it syncs the indicated airspeed (IAS) bug with the preprogrammed best-glide speed and sets the AP to hold that value. Depending on how much power you still have available and your current speed, the autopilot might well pitch up to capture IAS hold but in my experience it does so gradually. Once captured, the AP will hold this IAS value plus or minus about 3 knots. (This could be an artifact of how my system is configured and/or the airplane’s responses.)</p> <div id="attachment_71531" style="width: 1290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71531" class="wp-image-71531 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1280" height="800" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-330x206.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71531" class="wp-image-71531 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="800" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-8-330x206.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71531" class="wp-caption-text">Once activated, Dynon’s Emergency Glide system tells the pilot it’s active right in the PFD section of the screen. You can’t miss it.</p></div> <p>So that’s pitch, and it’s the right way to go—quickly getting the airplane to its best-glide speed and holding it there while you troubleshoot. If that’s all the system did, it would be valuable as a way to manage energy and relieve the pilot of some workload.</p> <p>Of course, this was the easy part of the programming. Much harder is calculating where the airplane might end up. Dynon’s approach is reasonably conservative. It needs to see an airport within the predicted glide circle that’s reachable given the existing winds and not blocked by terrain. This last feature depends on a 1000-foot buffer and worked well in my tests. Emergency Glide will not point you at a nearer airport if there’s terrain in the way. Two outcomes are possible once you engage Emergency Glide. Either the system sees a viable airport or it doesn’t. In the second case, you get a NO VALID AIRPORT annunciation and the autopilot defaults to a track lateral mode that syncs with the current heading when Emergency Glide is enabled.</p> <div id="attachment_71532" style="width: 1290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71532" class="wp-image-71532 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1280" height="800" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-330x206.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71532" class="wp-image-71532 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="800" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-6-330x206.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71532" class="wp-caption-text">If there are no airports in range, the Emergency Glide system warns the pilot and engages a track-hold feature on the last heading.</p></div> <h2>Head This Way</h2> <p>For airports within range, the system sets the candidate as a direct-to waypoint, the autopilot to GPS NAV, calculates a desired vertical profile to the target and sets the altitude bug for field elevation. Moreover, if you have a Dynon or AFS com radio, the feature will pre-program the needed frequencies. In my case, with the Dynon HDX talking to a Garmin GTR 200, it loads the target airport’s UNICOM or tower frequency into the standby slot. All of this takes but a few seconds, giving the pilot a chance to begin troubleshooting while the airplane is headed in a good general direction at a speed that prolongs the descent.</p> <div id="attachment_71534" style="width: 1290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71534" class="wp-image-71534 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1280" height="800" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-330x206.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71534" class="wp-image-71534 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="800" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-3-330x206.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71534" class="wp-caption-text">When you’re close to the airport, Emergency Glide prompts you to take control.</p></div> <p>Let’s say you have not discovered a tank run dry or some other fixable reason the engine went quiet. The Emergency Glide feature keeps doing its thing. If you have altitude to spare, about a minute before reaching the airport, the system will annunciate NEARING AIRPORT TAKE CONTROL. It doesn’t kick the autopilot off at this point but is warning you that you’re close—time for the pilot to set up for the landing. If you arrive with altitude to spare and have crossed the midpoint of the airport, Emergency Glide will change to CIRCLING APT mode, which is simply a 20° left turn. Dynon notes that because this is a roll-only mode it’s no longer taking wind into account so you could drift away from the airport.</p> <div id="attachment_71530" style="width: 1290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71530" class="wp-image-71530 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1280" height="800" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-330x206.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71530" class="wp-image-71530 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="800" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9.jpeg 1280w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-150x94.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-540x338.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dynon-Emergency-Glide-9-330x206.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71530" class="wp-caption-text">If you get to the target airport with altitude to spare, Emergency Glide will set up a 20-degree left turn around the runway for you. It does not account for wind, though.</p></div> <p>Should the airport originally designated become untenable—perhaps the winds have changed or atmospheric conditions have created more sink—Emergency Glide will return to track-only mode with IAS hold. It’s clearly annunciated on the PFD but it’s worth understanding that it could change modes on you.</p> <p>These are all worthy goals but what the Dynon system can’t do—and the company is explicit that it doesn’t—are advanced functions like lining up for a particular runway or even committing the landing. The pilot remains on the hook for configuration control and the hopefully successful touchdown. But there’s little doubt that Emergency Glide is a valuable tool to give the pilot some breathing room to troubleshoot in the air and have the controlled descent handled by the EFIS. The altitude saved or energy preserved by quick actions of the Emergency Glide feature could make the difference between getting back to a runway or putting it down somewhere a lot less hospitable.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FUNZeIwk3Q?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FUNZeIwk3Q?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <p> </p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/flying-dynons-emergency-glide-feature-go-down-easy/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/flying-dynons-emergency-glide-feature-go-down-easy/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Flying%20Dynon%27s%20Emergency%20Glide%20Feature%20%E2%80%94%20Go%20Down%20Easy%20%28UPDATED%29&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fflying-dynons-emergency-glide-feature-go-down-easy%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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Until I try them, that is. A good example is the concept of “safe glide” or even autoland. Garmin introduced both concepts a few years ago, though the full-autoland idea is more recent and limited to high-end aircraft where the system can control the engine directly. That’s not at my pay grade. The more common version is what Garmin calls Smart Glide and, more recently, Dynon rolled out what it calls Emergency Glide. They work similarly: When commanded, they set up a controlled descent to the nearest viable airport and let the pilot concentrate on other things. To be honest, I was a bit meh about them as safety features. After all, you’re trained to set the airplane up for best-glide speed as soon as you recognize a power failure and all good pilots fly along considering which airports beneath them are reachable.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71599 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/">Buying Used — Zenith STOL CH 750, Backcountry on a Budget</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/mark-timney/">Mark Timney</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 3, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/#comments" >3 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-71602" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201918%201004'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1918" height="1004" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5.jpeg 1918w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-300x157.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-1024x536.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-150x79.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-768x402.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-1536x804.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-540x283.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-330x173.jpeg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1918px) 100vw, 1918px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-71602" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5.jpeg" alt="" width="1918" height="1004" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5.jpeg 1918w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-300x157.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-1024x536.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-150x79.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-768x402.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-1536x804.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-540x283.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-5-330x173.jpeg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1918px) 100vw, 1918px" /></noscript>Purchasing a used airplane can be risky because it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether the aircraft has been taken care of properly. Buying a used kit aircraft? Even riskier. Not only do you have to worry about wear and tear, but also whether the builder knew what they were doing. But that doesn’t mean buying one is foolish. It might allow you to find an aircraft that truly fits your needs, and possibly save you money because its home-built origin will likely reduce the price.</p> <p>If you feel comfortable going this direction, then a used Zenith is worth looking at—and if you don’t, remember that Zenith has also made the CH 750 as a factory-built SLSA, of which there are currently 42 registered in the U.S. Anyway, the company has been making kits for three decades and it has a great reputation in the Light Sport world. Its STOL CH 750 model is especially popular among builders, and you can find used ones up for sale fairly often. This article is an introduction to the aircraft and will address some important considerations if you’re thinking of buying one that’s already been in the air.</p> <h2>Development, Features, Flight Characteristics</h2> <div id="attachment_71604" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71604" class="wp-image-71604 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="360" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3.jpeg 2000w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-540x360.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71604" class="wp-image-71604 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-540x360.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-540x360.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-3.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71604" class="wp-caption-text">The Zenith family. CH 750 Cruzer in front, CH 750 and CH 750 SD behind. (Photo: Paul Andrews.)</p></div> <p>The Zenith Aircraft Company was born in the early 90s in Mexico, Missouri. Its kit planes are based on the work of designer Chris Heintz of Zenair Ltd. His son, Sebastien, is the owner of Zenith. Both have been inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame for their contributions to aviation. The senior Heintz has designed a number of aircraft, but at present Zenith offers three of them in kit form: the STOL CH 701 high wing; the CH 750 high wing, with STOL, Cruzer and Super Duty (SD) variations; and the CH 650 low wing. All models are set up with tri-gear and, with the exception of the SD, all are Light Sport eligible. The SD variant can’t make Light Sport limits as it has a third seat and a 1900-pound gross weight.</p> <p>While Zenith did produce some pre-built aircraft early on, the company is now entirely focused on making kits—and, as mentioned, there are fewer than 50 out there in the world. Zenith reports it’s sold more than 2000 kits all over the world, and Heintz estimates that at least 1000 of them are flying. Our own data, taken from FAA registrations, <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/U_S_LightSportAircraftRegistrations/All-YrRanking?&%3Adisplay_count=yes&%3AshowVizHome=no">shows 1301 of them registered</a>.</p> <p>The CH 750 STOL has proven to be the most popular model for builders. “It’s often called the ‘Sky Jeep’ because of its off-airport capabilities, and people love it because it offers a relatively inexpensive way to get into backcountry flying,” Heintz says.</p> <p>The CH 750, like all Zenith aircraft, is an all-metal aircraft featuring matched hole construction. The kits come with pre-drilled holes so that components easily line up with their corresponding parts. This means builders don’t have to worry as much about measuring and alignment during construction, saving them time and allowing them to put together a straighter plane. This accuracy potential, especially for the airframe and wing, means it should be easier to find a used 750 that flies as well as it should because part misalignment during construction is less likely.</p> <p>Since the STOL CH 750 is a kit aircraft, there’s no such thing as a standard configuration. “You’re not buying a Zenith as much as you are buying a Zenith kit put together by someone else,” explains Heintz. “Every one of them will be a reflection of the person who built it. And since people are different, you’ll have different airplanes.” Builders have tried a wide variety of engines and avionics packages, and while interiors tend to be spartan some go beyond utilitarian. The basic specifications for the model can be found on Zenith’s website (zenithair.net), but generally speaking a STOL CH 750 is likely to have a maximum speed of around 100 mph at sea level, TAS cruse at 8000 feet of 100 mph, a stall around 35 mph and takeoff and landing distances of 100 and 125 feet, respectively.</p> <div id="attachment_71603" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71603" class="wp-image-71603 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20304'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="304" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-540x304.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-1024x577.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-1536x865.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-330x186.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4.jpeg 2000w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-540x304.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71603" class="wp-image-71603 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-540x304.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="304" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-540x304.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-1024x577.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-1536x865.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4-330x186.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-4.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71603" class="wp-caption-text">Short takeoffs and landings are the CH 750’s forte. (Photo: Paul Andrews.)</p></div> <p>The builder’s choice of engine should be a big part of your purchase consideration, according to Randy Shannon, a Zenith SD owner in Drexel, Missouri. The engine’s weight and horsepower can make a significant difference in a Zenith’s performance. “A lot of kit planes are focused toward a particular brand of powerplant, but here you can use an automobile-adapted engine… a non-certified engine like one from Rotax or a number of certified engines,” he explains. “Consider your budget, mechanical ability and knowledge, service possibilities and what you want to be able to do in the plane.”</p> <p>CH 750s are known for their excellent low-speed handling, gentle stalls, good visibility over the nose, and their short takeoff and landing capability. Some pilots may not like the Y-shaped center stick, but it shouldn’t be hard to adapt to and it does make it easier to get in and out of the plane compared to one with yokes or control sticks. The 750 is fairly roomy for a side-by-side Light Sport, and larger pilots should fit fine unless they’re the size of an NFL or NBA player. As for having a nose wheel on a backcountry airplane? Owners argue you shouldn’t be put off by that. While taildraggers may be the norm, a STOL 750 can handle the rugged terrain that most pilots are qualified to fly into.</p> <h2>Pre-buy Inspection</h2> <p>As with any used aircraft, having an experienced A&P perform a pre-buy inspection is highly recommended. This is especially true for a kit-built aircraft as it was probably put together by someone who wasn’t an A&P. “You’re going to have some beautifully built aircraft… where someone took a lot of time and care…but you’ll also find some that have been slopped together,” warns Heintz. Judge the quality of workmanship and level of finish carefully, he says. A pretty aircraft isn’t necessarily one that’s well built, and an ugly duckling might be perfectly fine. Fit and finish can also impact the price of the aircraft. Heintz encourages potential buyers to do a bit of fact finding. “Learn why the builder made the choices they did, what their mission was and whether that matches up with your needs,” he says.</p> <div id="attachment_71600" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71600" class="wp-image-71600 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20304'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="304" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-540x304.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-330x186.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7.jpeg 2000w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-540x304.jpeg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71600" class="wp-image-71600 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-540x304.jpeg" alt="" width="540" height="304" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-540x304.jpeg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7-330x186.jpeg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-7.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71600" class="wp-caption-text">Used CH 750s may have any kind of avionics on board. That and the type of engine up front will help dictate value and desirability.</p></div> <p>Being a backcountry type aircraft, Heintz says the landing gear is where the plane is most likely to have damage. “Some owners take the ‘Jeep’ part of ‘Sky Jeep’ a little too far,” he says, but he believes most backcountry pilots maintain their planes at a higher level because they are going into places where they really don’t want to have problems. The 750’s all-metal construction should make it difficult for someone to hide any serious damage, Heintz adds. He also suggests that since many backcountry aircraft are not hangered, you’ll want to look for signs of corrosion and UV damage.</p> <h2>Maintenance & Ownership</h2> <p>You shouldn’t have additional maintenance concerns for a kit plane in comparison to a factory-built one—IF it was put together properly in the first place. A good pre-buy inspection should reduce the size of that ‘if.’ Hank Morgan, a Zenith owner in Strawn, Texas, jokingly warns that you might end up doing extra work on the plane regardless of how well it was built. “Every aircraft needs to be kept up,” he says, “but with a kit plane you sometimes work on it and think ‘I can make this better.’ And then you find yourself saying ‘if I do this, then I have to do that…and that will affect this so I… etc.” Morgan should know, as he and his pilot wife are in the middle of rebuilding a 750 and a Zenith 701. He says one of the great joys of owning a Zenith is making it your own.</p> <p>Morgan adds that another thing that makes ownership of a Zenith great is the <a href="https://zenith.aero/forum">company’s builder forum</a>. “There’s a lot of good information there about troubleshooting and making improvements,” he says. And, the forum can help you become part of a welcoming community of Zenith pilots. The company recently held a <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/midwest-expo-2023-zeniths-homecoming-aero-showcase-and-a-new-owner-of-jabiru/">Zenith Homecoming</a> at its Missouri factory, which was <a href="https://www.kitplanes.com/hands-on-kit-airplane-building-workshop-classes-at-the-zenith-aircraft-factory/">very well attended</a>.</p> <p>Looking for a used CH 750? Check out this <a href="https://aircraftforsale.com/aircraft?pub_make=64&pub_model_family=750">filtered page on Aircraft for Sale</a>.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Buying%20Used%20%E2%80%94%20Zenith%20STOL%20CH%20750%2C%20Backcountry%20on%20a%20Budget&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fbuying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. You may need to create a new email yourself." data-email-share-nonce="6a355ad581" data-email-share-track-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/?share=email"><span>Email</span></a></li><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/" data-text="Buying Used — Zenith STOL CH 750, Backcountry on a Budget" data-via="bydanjohnson" >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-jetpack-whatsapp"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-jetpack-whatsapp sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/?share=jetpack-whatsapp" target="_blank" title="Click to share on WhatsApp" ><span>WhatsApp</span></a></li><li class="share-print"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-print sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/" target="_blank" title="Click to print" ><span>Print</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-126563591-71599-67f000aae61cd' data-src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/?ver=14.3#blog_id=126563591&post_id=71599&origin=bydanjohnson.com&obj_id=126563591-71599-67f000aae61cd&n=1' data-name='like-post-frame-126563591-71599-67f000aae61cd' data-title='Like or Reblog'><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class="loading">Loading...</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color'></a></div><p class="compress-full-post"><a href="#">Compress Post ... </a></p></div><div class="excerpt-holder"></div><div class="entry-content"><a class="entry-image-link" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/buying-used-zenith-stol-ch-750-backcountry-on-a-budget/" ><img width="2000" height="1176" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202000%201176'%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2.jpg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-300x176.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-768x452.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-1536x903.jpg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-540x318.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-330x194.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2.jpg" /><noscript><img width="2000" height="1176" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2.jpg" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2.jpg 2000w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-300x176.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-150x88.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-768x452.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-1536x903.jpg 1536w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-540x318.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zenith-CH-750-Buying-Used-2-330x194.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></noscript></a>Purchasing a used airplane can be risky because it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether the aircraft has been taken care of properly. Buying a used kit aircraft? Even riskier. Not only do you have to worry about wear and tear, but also whether the builder knew what they were doing. But that doesn’t mean buying one is foolish. It might allow you to find an aircraft that truly fits your needs, and possibly save you money because its home-built origin will likely reduce the price. If you feel comfortable going this direction, then a used Zenith is worth looking at—and if you don’t, remember that Zenith has also made the CH 750 as a factory-built SLSA, of which there are currently 42 registered in the U.S. Anyway, the company has been making kits for three decades and it has a great reputation in the Light Sport world. Its STOL CH 750 model is especially popular among builders, and you can find used ones up for sale fairly often.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71610 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/">FAR Revisions to Fix the “LODA Problem”</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 3, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/#comments" >2 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-71612" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp 1500w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-150x100.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-540x360.webp 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-330x220.webp 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-71612" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp 1500w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-150x100.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-540x360.webp 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-330x220.webp 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></noscript>The FAA has <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-22009.pdf">published a glut of rule changes</a> affecting CFR Part 1, 11, 61 and 91 regulations that affect, among other things, pilot privileges across a wide range of activities. But for owners of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft, the best news is the rescinding of the so-called LODA rule. Recall that in 2021, the FAA changed its stance on owners getting flight instruction in their own homebuilts, which resulted in the need for a “letter of deviation authority.” The FAA, to its credit, quickly came up with a system to issue LODAs to owners and flight instructors, but the underlying requirement flew in the face of precedent.</p> <p><a href="https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/T-Flight-28.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-195490" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" data-lazy-src="https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/T-Flight-28.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-195490" src="https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/T-Flight-28.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" /></noscript></a></p> <p>The FAA takes this explanation further in today’s ruling published in the Federal Register and to become effective December 2, 2024. “Previously, §§ 91.315, 91.319, and 91.325 generally prohibited flight training, checking, and testing when compensation is provided. In 2020, the FAA issued Warbird Adventures, Inc. an emergency cease and desist order restricting the operation of aircraft that held special airworthiness certificates carrying people for compensation or hire. The operator brought a <a href="https://www.avweb.com/flight-safety/faa-regs/organizations-ask-faa-to-clarify-flight-training-rules/">petition for review</a> of the emergency order before the court. On April 2, 2021, the court <a href="https://www.flyingmag.com/fars-interpretation-threatens-flight-instruction/">dismissed</a> the petition for review of the cease and desist order. Following the court’s dismissal, several aviation industry groups sought clarification from the FAA on how the decision affected flight training in experimental aircraft since the prohibitory language of § 91.315 for limited category aircraft is the same as that in § 91.319 for experimental aircraft (notably, the same prohibitory language exists in § 91.325 for primary category aircraft). As a result of this court case, in the NPRM, the FAA proposed to clarify prohibitory language and to explicitly enable flight training, checking, and testing under certain conditions in aircraft holding special airworthiness certificates.”</p> <p>That clarification is here. The new rules include a “self-implementing provision that amended the operating rules to permit certain flight training, testing, and checking in experimental aircraft without a letter of deviation authority (LODA). Likewise, section 814 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-63) directed that, under certain conditions, flight training, testing, and checking in limited, experimental, and primary category aircraft do not require a LODA from the FAA. The NPRM proposed to modify §§ 91.315, 91.319, and 91.325 to clarify prohibited operations, as well as direct stakeholders to a newly proposed regulation, § 91.326, that provided instruction on conducting certain operations for compensation or hire.” Incidentally, since the rules are not yet in force, you will not find a copy of FAR 91.325 online.</p> <p>Finally, there is some cleanup work around ELSAs. “Lastly, on October 24, 2018, the FAA published an NPRM titled ‘Removal of the Date Restriction for Flight Training in Experimental Light Sport Aircraft.’ For the reasons provided in the document withdrawing the ‘Removal of the Date Restriction for Flight Training in Experimental Light Sport Aircraft’ NPRM, the FAA withdrew the NPRM and, instead, developed this rule to resolve the discrepancy more broadly for all experimental aircraft.” Meaning ELSAs are to be lumped in with other Experimentals in this category.</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20FAR%20Revisions%20to%20Fix%20the%20%E2%80%9CLODA%20Problem%E2%80%9D&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Ffar-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. You may need to create a new email yourself." data-email-share-nonce="2178b9b02c" data-email-share-track-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/?share=email"><span>Email</span></a></li><li class="share-twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/" data-text="FAR Revisions to Fix the “LODA Problem”" data-via="bydanjohnson" >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-jetpack-whatsapp"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-jetpack-whatsapp sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/?share=jetpack-whatsapp" target="_blank" title="Click to share on WhatsApp" ><span>WhatsApp</span></a></li><li class="share-print"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-print sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/" target="_blank" title="Click to print" ><span>Print</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-126563591-71610-67f000aae7b81' data-src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/?ver=14.3#blog_id=126563591&post_id=71610&origin=bydanjohnson.com&obj_id=126563591-71610-67f000aae7b81&n=1' data-name='like-post-frame-126563591-71610-67f000aae7b81' data-title='Like or Reblog'><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class="loading">Loading...</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color'></a></div><p class="compress-full-post"><a href="#">Compress Post ... </a></p></div><div class="excerpt-holder"></div><div class="entry-content"><a class="entry-image-link" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/far-revisions-to-fix-the-loda-problem/" ><img width="1500" height="1000" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp 1500w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-150x100.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-540x360.webp 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-330x220.webp 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp" /><noscript><img width="1500" height="1000" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1.webp 1500w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-150x100.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-540x360.webp 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/T-Flight-28.jpg-1-330x220.webp 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></noscript></a>The FAA has <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-22009.pdf">published a glut of rule changes</a> affecting CFR Part 1, 11, 61 and 91 regulations that affect, among other things, pilot privileges across a wide range of activities. But for owners of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft, the best news is the rescinding of the so-called LODA rule. Recall that in 2021, the FAA changed its stance on owners getting flight instruction in their own homebuilts, which resulted in the need for a “letter of deviation authority.” The FAA, to its credit, quickly came up with a system to issue LODAs to owners and flight instructors, but the underlying requirement flew in the face of precedent. <a href="https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/T-Flight-28.jpg"></a> The FAA takes this explanation further in today’s ruling published in the Federal Register and to become effective December 2, 2024. “Previously, §§ 91.315, 91.319, and 91.325 generally prohibited flight training, checking, and testing when compensation is provided. In 2020, the FAA issued Warbird Adventures, Inc.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71592 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/see-this-radiants-low-coast-angle-of-attack/">See This — Radiant’s Low-Coast Angle of Attack</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">October 1, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/see-this-radiants-low-coast-angle-of-attack/#comments" >1 Comment</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71593" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201040%20840'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1040" height="840" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1.webp 1040w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-300x242.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-1024x827.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-150x121.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-768x620.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-501x405.webp 501w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-330x267.webp 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1.webp" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-71593" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1.webp" alt="" width="1040" height="840" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1.webp 1040w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-300x242.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-1024x827.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-150x121.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-768x620.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-501x405.webp 501w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-1-330x267.webp 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" /></noscript>Sometimes the simpler the better. At least that’s the philosophy James Weibe has always seemed to follow. He’s definitely embraced that approach with the <a href="https://www.radiantinstruments.com/product-page/visual-angle-of-attack">new visual angle of attack (AoA) indicator</a>. No electronics. No special pitot tube.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71594" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20501%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="501" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-501x405.webp 501w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-300x242.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-1024x827.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-150x121.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-768x620.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-330x267.webp 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2.webp 1040w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-501x405.webp" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71594" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-501x405.webp" alt="" width="501" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-501x405.webp 501w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-300x242.webp 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-1024x827.webp 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-150x121.webp 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-768x620.webp 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2-330x267.webp 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radiant-aoa-2.webp 1040w" sizes="(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" /></noscript>The Radiant AoA is a simple vane-style pointer you mount to the wing nearest you—well, because you want to see it. According to Radiant, “Our new Visual AOA provides direct visual feedback of the aircraft’s Angle Of Attack. Any pitch change or power change is immediately reflected in the indication. It is designed to mount on the leading edge of an experimental aircraft. It is available with a generic mount for the leading edge of aircraft. A top side mount for Sonex (low wing) aircraft is also available.” The instrument is easily removable to prevent skewering your next Young Eagles ride. (Mom says thanks.)</p> <p>Weibe includes a demo video for your consideration. “When viewed in flight, the responsiveness to pitch change is immediate, and the vane position precisely shows the changes in airflow and AOA. The best example of this is a 30 second demo clip. In the video, James manipulates the pitch of the aircraft, thus causing the AOA vane to show the effect immediately and precisely.”</p> <p>Prices start at $59.95.</p> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fy3llLbcWp0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fy3llLbcWp0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="about:blank" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" data-rocket-lazyload="fitvidscompatible" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lB1pJj9RKro?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent"></iframe><noscript><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lB1pJj9RKro?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></noscript></span> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/see-this-radiants-low-coast-angle-of-attack/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/see-this-radiants-low-coast-angle-of-attack/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20See%20This%20%E2%80%94%20Radiant%27s%20Low-Coast%20Angle%20of%20Attack&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Fsee-this-radiants-low-coast-angle-of-attack%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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At least that’s the philosophy James Weibe has always seemed to follow. He’s definitely embraced that approach with the <a href="https://www.radiantinstruments.com/product-page/visual-angle-of-attack">new visual angle of attack (AoA) indicator</a>. No electronics. No special pitot tube. The Radiant AoA is a simple vane-style pointer you mount to the wing nearest you—well, because you want to see it. According to Radiant, “Our new Visual AOA provides direct visual feedback of the aircraft’s Angle Of Attack. Any pitch change or power change is immediately reflected in the indication. It is designed to mount on the leading edge of an experimental aircraft. It is available with a generic mount for the leading edge of aircraft. A top side mount for Sonex (low wing) aircraft is also available.” The instrument is easily removable to prevent skewering your next Young Eagles ride. (Mom says thanks.) Weibe includes a demo video for your consideration.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><article class="post-71510 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-atec-aircraft category-faeta category-splog tag-3-axis-1-place entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/">Go Solo! Atec’s Solo 212 Let’s You Fly Yourself in Style, Yet It’s Affordable</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/bydanjohnson/">Dan Johnson</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">September 26, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/#comments" >11 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p>Was this aircraft the star of MAX, the airshow? Maybe. “It drew a lot of attention,” said a company representative, “a sleek taildragger single seater with a 912 up front.” That it was accented with red inside and out helped, as proven by big auto companies that spend millions to advertise <em>red</em> cars when they want to catch your eye. (<span style="color: #ff0000;">Updated 2/27/24</span>: new images at bottom)</p> <div id="attachment_71548" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71548" class="wp-image-71548 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20248'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="248" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-540x248.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-300x138.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-150x69.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-768x353.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-330x151.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-540x248.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71548" class="wp-image-71548 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-540x248.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="248" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-540x248.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-300x138.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-150x69.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-768x353.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris-330x151.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-and-Robert-Harris.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71548" class="wp-caption-text"><em>RT Aviation partner and LSR-M <strong>Robert Harris</strong> poses by the Atec Solo 212 at Midwest Aviation Expo 2024. </em>all photos of Atec Solo at MAX ’24 by <strong>Vickie Betts</strong></p></div> <p><a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com/atec-212-solo">Atec Solo 212</a> is the name of the airplane. It will not be their top seller but for plenty of pilots (me included) this was a charmer. Plus, let me spill the beans on its affordability. I don’t know your budget but this beauty could be had, in America, for $100-110,000 reported <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com">RT Aviation</a> partner <strong>Todd Livingston</strong> a couple weeks after MAX ’24 concluded. That price won’t work for everyone, I know, but it’s <em>half the cost</em> of many “reasonably” priced SLSA in fall 2024.</p> <p>The Solo 212 seen at Max ’24 is the one and only example in the USA but it is the designer’s favorite of his several models. Could it be for you?</p> <div id="attachment_71543" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71543" class="wp-image-71543 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20262'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="262" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-540x262.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-150x73.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-768x372.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-330x160.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-540x262.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71543" class="wp-image-71543 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-540x262.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="262" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-540x262.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-300x145.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-150x73.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-768x372.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight-330x160.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-in-flight.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71543" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Atec Solo 212 is an all-carbon fiber single seat taildragger with impressive performance and a fair price.</em></p></div> <p>If you must have a second seat to justify your purchase, don’t worry. RT’s two seater <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com/atec">Atec 321 Faeta NG</a> will arrive later in 2024.</p> <p>Of course, you’ll pay more to have that second seat. One vendor drily observed, “It’s a seat for your cell phone.” Many pilots are aware that most two-seat LSA are flown solo almost all the time, so why pay for an extra seat? Some pilots will agree. To carry the weight of a second occupant, the whole airplane has to be made stronger and a bigger engine may be needed. Translation: it will cost more.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">One Rare Bird</h3> <p>Solo drew a steady stream of viewers at MAX ’24. No one had ever seen it here in the USA before. Indeed, this is the only one in the country. Todd described a lengthy effort to track it down and acquire it. The example at MAX ’24 had only 25 hours on it when RT purchased it.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-71546 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20254'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="254" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-540x254.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-300x141.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-150x70.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-768x361.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-330x155.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-540x254.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-71546 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-540x254.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="254" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-540x254.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-300x141.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-150x70.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-768x361.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24-330x155.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-ramp-MAX-24.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>Based in the Czech Republic, Atec is lead by <strong>Petr Volejník</strong>, company owner, general and production manager, designer, and test pilot.</p> <p>“Our special, maneuverable, and quite fast Atec 212 Solo is a non-certified, experimental single-seater airplane designed for experienced sports pilots,” the factory states. “This small and enjoyable aircraft is a rarity of its category,” they added, one the manufacturer claims can “bring an adrenaline satisfaction” to those excited by its performance.</p> <p>“This one can hit 140 knots,” said Todd, though he described a few minor changes to keep it in the current LSA speed limit of 120 knots. With these changes it can be flown by a Sport Pilot using a drivers license in lieu of an aviation medical.</p> <div id="attachment_71547" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71547" class="wp-image-71547 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20256'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="256" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-540x256.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-300x142.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-150x71.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-768x364.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-330x156.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile.jpg 1154w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-540x256.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71547" class="wp-image-71547 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-540x256.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="256" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-540x256.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-300x142.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-150x71.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-768x364.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile-330x156.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-profile.jpg 1154w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71547" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Solo 212 seen at its home field in the Czech Republic.</em></p></div> <p>“Solo 212 is a single-seater, cantilever low-wing aircraft of carbon composite construction,” explained Atec. “A high volume of carbon together with honeycomb sandwich reinforcement provides a very low weight, but high structural strength. Its aerodynamically-pure design is derived from the well-proven Zephyr 2000. This exceptional airplane has no certification, therefore we offer it only in Experimental kit version.”</p> <p>Built using a monocoque fuselage, Solo 212 is “made of carbon composite, reinforced with carbon bars and honeycomb sandwich bulkheads,” said Atec. An 80-horsepower Rotax 912UL gives this single seater great power while using regular unleaded fuel (the 100-horsepower 912ULS or 912iS requires premium fuel at added expense).</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-71545 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20405'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="405" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-540x405.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-150x113.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-768x576.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-330x248.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls.jpg 1024w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-540x405.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-71545 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-540x405.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="405" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-540x405.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-150x113.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-768x576.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls-330x248.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-panel-controls.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>The panel can be equipped with a complete set of standard flight and engine monitoring instruments including modern flat screen avionics. Solo 212’s upholstered pilot seat is supported by ergonomically-shaped PU foam.</p> <p>Solo’s elevator is controlled by pushrods and can be electrically trimmed. The rudder is controlled by stainless steel wire cable.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Looking for Two Seats?</h3> <p>Already flying in Europe for some years, a new <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com/atec">Faeta 321 NG</a> will be seen at American airshows in 2025. The side-by-side tricycle-gear two seater is a true LSA with approval in the Special category.</p> <div id="attachment_71542" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71542" class="wp-image-71542 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20244'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="244" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-540x244.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-300x135.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-150x68.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-768x347.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-330x149.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up.jpg 1167w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-540x244.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71542" class="wp-image-71542 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-540x244.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="244" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-540x244.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-300x135.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-150x68.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-768x347.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up-330x149.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-line-up.jpg 1167w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71542" class="wp-caption-text"><em>A line of Atec Faeta 321 aircraft at the Czech factory. Note the T-tail construction.</em></p></div> <p>“Our full-carbon composite airplanes are each individually customized,” said Atec. “Since 1992, when the factory was established, we have produced hundreds of airplanes being operated worldwide. We believe that all pilots enjoy Atec airplanes, appreciate their flight characteristics and low-cost operation.”</p> <p>With 32 years on the market, more than 100,000 flight hours accumulated and more than 800 airplanes produced, Atec feels comfortable giving Faeta 321 a 10,000-hour operating lifetime.</p> <div id="attachment_71541" style="width: 550px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71541" class="wp-image-71541 size-full-column-width" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20271'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="271" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-540x271.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-300x151.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-150x75.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-768x386.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-330x166.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail.jpg 956w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-540x271.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71541" class="wp-image-71541 size-full-column-width" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-540x271.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="271" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-540x271.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-300x151.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-150x75.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-768x386.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail-330x166.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Faeta-321-NG-tail.jpg 956w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71541" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Atec Faeta 321 NG now features a cruciform tail replacing the older T-tail.</em></p></div> <p>Introduced in 2016, the two-seat Atec 321 Faeta NG came from the earlier not-NG model (nearby images), which itself came from the Zephyr, Atec’s first aircraft (1996-2003). Zephyr was updated to a Zephyr 2000 model from which evolved the Faeta 321 series.</p> <p>Faeta 321 can be equipped with a Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engine producing 100 horsepower or the carbureted Rotax 912ULS also producing 100 horsepower though the fuel-injected iS engine can achieved better fuel economy.</p> <p>Check with U.S. importer RT Aviation regarding price and availability of either Solo 212 or Faeta 321 NG.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS</strong><br /> <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com/atec-212-solo"><strong>Atec Solo 212</strong></a><br /> <em>all information provided by RT Aviation; for aircraft in stock</em></p> <ul> <li>Wingspan — 24 feet 6 inches</li> <li>Length — 17 feet</li> <li>Height — 5 feet</li> <li>Wing Area — 78 square feet</li> <li>Tailspan — 7 feet 2 inches</li> <li>Minimum Empty Weight (Rotax 912ULS, central fuel tank) — 518 pounds</li> <li>Max. take-off weight — 827 pounds</li> <li>Fuel capacity (central tank) — 13 gallons</li> <li>Optional Fuel — 2 wing tanks at 9.25 gallons each, 18.5 gallons</li> <li>Powerplant — Rotax 912UL, 80 horsepower</li> <li>Cruising Speed — 140 knots <em>(can be slowed for operation by Sport Pilots)</em></li> <li>Never exceed speed — 167 knots</li> <li>Stall speed (flaps extended) — 27 knots</li> <li>Stall speed (flaps retracted) — 38 knots</li> <li>Max. horizontal speed — 157 knots</li> <li>Rate of climb — 1,680 feet per minute</li> <li>Load Limit — +6 / -4 G</li> <li>Flight Range — 560 nautical miles</li> <li>Fuel consumption — 4.5 gallons per hour</li> </ul> <p>The Atec line is represented by RT Aviation based at Hesler Noble Field (KLUL) in Laurel, Mississippi. Learn more about their aircraft and find their contact information on the <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com">RT Aviation website</a>. RT Aviation is also the new importer for the Aero Pilot Legend 600 (<a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/video-pilot-report-examining-aeropilot-usas-l600-light-sport-aircraft/">pilot report</a> on this website).</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div id="attachment_71572" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71572" class="wp-image-71572 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20682'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1024" height="682" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-330x220.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71572" class="wp-image-71572 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-150x100.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-540x360.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-in-production-330x220.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71572" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Atec Solo 212 in production in Czech Republic (delivered in 2024 with Rotax 912 UL).</em></p></div> <div id="attachment_71573" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71573" class="wp-image-71573 size-full" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20761'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="1024" height="761" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-300x223.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-150x111.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-768x571.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-540x401.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-330x245.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-71573" class="wp-image-71573 size-full" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="761" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-300x223.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-150x111.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-768x571.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-540x401.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-seat-330x245.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></noscript><p id="caption-attachment-71573" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Atec Solo 212 seat, shoulder belts, joystick.</em></p></div> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a 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Atec's Solo 212 Let's You Fly Yourself in Style, Yet It's Affordable" data-via="bydanjohnson" >Tweet</a></li><li class="share-jetpack-whatsapp"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-jetpack-whatsapp sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/?share=jetpack-whatsapp" target="_blank" title="Click to share on WhatsApp" ><span>WhatsApp</span></a></li><li class="share-print"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-print sd-button" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/" target="_blank" title="Click to print" ><span>Print</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-126563591-71510-67f000aaec567' data-src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/?ver=14.3#blog_id=126563591&post_id=71510&origin=bydanjohnson.com&obj_id=126563591-71510-67f000aaec567&n=1' data-name='like-post-frame-126563591-71510-67f000aaec567' data-title='Like or Reblog'><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class="loading">Loading...</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color'></a></div><p class="compress-full-post"><a href="#">Compress Post ... </a></p></div><div class="excerpt-holder"></div><div class="entry-content"><a class="entry-image-link" href="https://bydanjohnson.com/go-solo-atecs-solo-212-lets-you-fly-yourself-in-style-yet-its-affordable/" ><img width="1024" height="536" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20536'%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-300x157.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-150x79.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-768x402.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-540x283.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-330x173.jpg 330w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD.jpg" /><noscript><img width="1024" height="536" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD.jpg" class="alignright wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD.jpg 1024w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-300x157.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-150x79.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-768x402.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-540x283.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Atec-Solo-212-LEAD-330x173.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></noscript></a>Was this aircraft the star of MAX, the airshow? Maybe. “It drew a lot of attention,” said a company representative, “a sleek taildragger single seater with a 912 up front.” That it was accented with red inside and out helped, as proven by big auto companies that spend millions to advertise red cars when they want to catch your eye. (Updated 2/27/24: new images at bottom) <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com/atec-212-solo">Atec Solo 212</a> is the name of the airplane. It will not be their top seller but for plenty of pilots (me included) this was a charmer. Plus, let me spill the beans on its affordability. I don’t know your budget but this beauty could be had, in America, for $100-110,000 reported <a href="https://www.rtaviationllc.com">RT Aviation</a> partner Todd Livingston a couple weeks after MAX ’24 concluded. That price won’t work for everyone, I know, but it’s half the cost of many “reasonably” priced SLSA in fall 2024.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class=entry-categories">Read More About:   <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/atec-aircraft/">Atec Aircraft</a>    <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/category/manufacturers/atec-aircraft/faeta/">Faeta</a>  </span></p></footer></article><article class="post-71512 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-splog entry "><header class="entry-header"><h2 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/aopa-to-get-new-prez-in-2025/">AOPA To Get New Prez in 2025</a></h2><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-author">By <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/author/marc/">Marc Cook</a></span> || <time class="entry-time">September 25, 2024</time> <span class="entry-comments-link"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/aopa-to-get-new-prez-in-2025/#comments" >4 Comments</a></span></p></header><div class="full-post-hidden"><p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71514" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20540%20303'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="" width="540" height="303" data-lazy-srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-540x303.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance.jpg 880w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-540x303.jpg" /><noscript><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full-column-width wp-image-71514" src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-540x303.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="303" srcset="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-540x303.jpg 540w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-150x84.jpg 150w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-768x430.jpg 768w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance-330x185.jpg 330w, https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Darren-Pleasance.jpg 880w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></noscript>The <a href="http://www.aopa.org">Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association</a> has announced a successor to current president Mark Baker, who is set to retire at year’s end. In his place comes Darren Pleasance. The association notes that this is only the sixth president in its history, dating back to 1939. Baker has been on the job for more than 11 years. Somebody buy that man a beer!</p> <p>AOPA notes that Pleasance has more than 8000 hours in 50 different types and currently owns three airplanes: A Piper Meridian, a Van’s RV-6 and a <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=searey">Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey</a>.</p> <p>“I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly,” says Pleasance. “I’m grateful for the privilege I’m being given to lead this incredible organization that has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of all of us who love aviation.”</p> <p>Pleasance joins AOPA at a time when there are pressures across the spectrum, from finding a leaded-fuel replacement to rapidly rising aircraft-ownership costs. But there are opportunities, too, such as with the <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=mosaic">MOSAIC</a> program expected to become a reality sometime in 2025.</p> <p>For his part, outgoing president Baker says, “I’m confident that Darren is the right person to lead AOPA into its next chapter. He is a pilot’s pilot with a genuine passion for flying. He combines that excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and tech firms, giving him the right balance of business skills and kinship with our members.”</p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://bydanjohnson.com/aopa-to-get-new-prez-in-2025/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-linkedin"><div class="linkedin_button"><script type="in/share" data-url="https://bydanjohnson.com/aopa-to-get-new-prez-in-2025/" data-counter="right"></script></div></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20AOPA%20To%20Get%20New%20Prez%20in%202025&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbydanjohnson.com%2Faopa-to-get-new-prez-in-2025%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. 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In his place comes Darren Pleasance. The association notes that this is only the sixth president in its history, dating back to 1939. Baker has been on the job for more than 11 years. Somebody buy that man a beer! AOPA notes that Pleasance has more than 8000 hours in 50 different types and currently owns three airplanes: A Piper Meridian, a Van’s RV-6 and a <a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/?s=searey">Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey</a>. “I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly,” says Pleasance. “I’m grateful for the privilege I’m being given to lead this incredible organization that has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of all of us who love aviation.” Pleasance joins AOPA at a time when there are pressures across the spectrum, from finding a leaded-fuel replacement to rapidly rising aircraft-ownership costs.<p class="expand-full-post"><a href="#">Expand Post ... </a><p></div></article><div class="archive-pagination pagination"><ul><li class="active" aria-label="Current page"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/">1</a></li> <li><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/2/">2</a></li> <li><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/3/">3</a></li> <li class="pagination-omission">…</li> <li><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/121/">121</a></li> <li class="pagination-next"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/page/2/">Next Page »</a></li></ul></div> </main><aside class="sidebar sidebar-primary widget-area" role="complementary" aria-label="Primary Sidebar"><section id="featured_ac_sponsors-2" class="widget widget_featured_ac_sponsors"><div class="widget-wrap"><img id="featured-ac-header" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BDJ-2-Featured-Aircraft-3.jpg" /><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-14988"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/aerotrek-aircraft/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_201_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_201_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Aerotrek Aircraft</span> imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="engine-sponsor" id="en-15008"><a href="https://continental.aero/titan-experimental-engines/?utm_source=ByDanJohnson&utm_medium=banner-210x200&utm_campaign=Titan" target="_blank"><div class="featured"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EN_Continental_215x200_Titan_animated.gif" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EN_Continental_215x200_Titan_animated.gif" /></noscript></div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="firm-list-sponsor" id="fi-15353"><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/brp-powertrain-rotax-aircraft-engines/"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_339_4.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fap-23936"><hr /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/texas-aircraft-manufacturing/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Colt-in-flight-front-qtr-107.jpg" /></div><div class="sponsor-right-small-photo"><img src="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Colt-interior-seats-panel-107.jpg" /></div><span class="FeaturedName">Texas Aircraft</span>, from the Lone Star state, offers a bright new entry: <b>Colt 100</b>, a descendant from an established Brazilian light aircraft. Colt is a handsome, clean-sheet design built of aluminum with a steel safety cell structure, performing strongly with its Rotax 912 engine, and showing a well-equipped, modern, deluxe interior that any pilot can love.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fap-15946"><hr /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/aerojones-aviation/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FA_973_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FA_973_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><div class="sponsor-right-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FA_973_4.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FA_973_4.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">AeroJones Aviation</span> builds the very popular <b>CT-series</b> of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fap-26515"><hr /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/airtime-aviation-inc-fly-ct/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CTLS-front-angle-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CTLS-front-angle-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><div class="sponsor-right-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-Super-nose-ground-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CT-Super-nose-ground-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Airtime Aircraft (FlyCT.com)</span>, is the nation's largest seller of Light-Sport Aircraft, focused on the: <b>CTLS and CT Super</b>, the top-selling LSA in America. Airtime has represented Flight Design's CT series since Day One and knows more about the model than anyone outside the manufacturer. Run by a father and son team, Tom and Tom Gutmann Sr. and Jr. are enthusiasts that can get you in the aircraft you want and can help you maintain, upgrade, or enjoy your aircraft.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15111"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/the-airplane-factory-usa/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_644_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_644_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">The Airplane Factory</span> (TAF) produces the Sling series of world-circling aircraft (literally) and now this fine-flying, all-metal beauty is available in the United States as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Here is an LSA to follow.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-64021"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/montaer-aircraft-usa/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Montaer-right-col-banner-e1670531250441.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Montaer-right-col-banner-e1670531250441.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Montaer Aircraft USA</span> </div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fap-16686"><hr /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/us-sport-planes/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Jabiru-J230-in-flt107.jpg" /></div><div class="sponsor-right-small-photo"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Jabiru-sky-clouds107.jpg" /></div><span class="FeaturedName">US Sport Planes</span> offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15041"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/aero-adventure-inc/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_62_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_62_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Aero Adventure</span> offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-67105"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/gyro-technic/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Gyro-Technic-small-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Gyro-Technic-small-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Gyro Technic</span>, builder of the <span class=FeaturedName">GT-VX1</span> single-place gyroplane, has a machine-shop relationship that shows in this handsome fabrication. VX-1 comes with Rotax 692 or Rotax 912, making it one awesome performer that works well even in strong winds.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15036"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/arion-aircraft-llc/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_284_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_284_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Arion Aircraft</span> has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15071"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/lockwood-aircraft-corp/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_384_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_384_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Lockwood Aircraft</span> is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-57481"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/aerosport-llc/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_689_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_689_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">AeroSport, LLC</span> <span class=FeaturedName">BushCat</span> offers a distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget and available in multiple configurations. BushCat by SkyReach is fun and capable and available as a kit fully-built SLSA or ELSA."</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-67978"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1286-future-vehicles-s-r-o/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dingo-in-flight-close-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dingo-in-flight-close-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Future Vehicles</span> created, builds, and delivers worldwide the charming Dingo, a modern version of a popular design from the '60s (Hovey Whing Ding). Dingo is fun, super-affordable, and is easy to fly, operate, and maintain. Available in kit or ready-to-fly for a price you can probably afford!</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15046"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/brm-aero-s-r-o/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_946_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_946_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">BRM Aero</span> manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15086"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/north-wing-design/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_17_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_17_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">North Wing</span> is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-64590"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1430-the-aviator-family/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Magnus-Fusion-banner-107-1.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Magnus-Fusion-banner-107-1.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">The Aviator Family</span> and <span class="FeaturedName">Magnus Aircraft</span> sell the aerobatically-capable Fusion 212, the only LSA fully supported for upset recovery training. Fusion is a part of Aero Affinity at the DeLand Airport, which offers aircraft to suit every need. The Aviator Family provides American sales, flight training, and maintenance for Magnus Aircraft of Hungary.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-47959"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/cgs-aviation-ohio/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawk-in-flight-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawk-in-flight-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">CGS Hawk</span> is much-beloved by owners, with more than 2,000 aircraft flying. With wonderful flying qualities, Hawk is available in a variety of models, including Part 103. Build a kit or buy a ready-to-fly Hawk Special LSA. An enduring pioneer among light aircraft, Hawk hails from Ohio with additional operations in Florida.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-67286"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1427-tl-sport-aircraft/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TL-SparkerSirius-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TL-SparkerSirius-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">TL Sport Aircraft</span> offers a range of LSA including the popular low-wing Sting, high-wing Sirius, tandem Stream, and now the bold new Sparker, a Light-Sport Aircraft made for Mosaic's new larger aircraft rules.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-16451"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/fly-light-sport-ca/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Whisper-in-flt-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Whisper-in-flt-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Fly Light Sport CA</span> offers the super-speedy Whisper from South Africa. A kit with a LSA model in the works brings this sleek aircraft to American skies. Build time is half of an RV (to which Whisper is often compared), and the delivery time is shorter.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-57942"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/1019-composite-fx/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Composite-FX-in-flight-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Composite-FX-in-flight-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Composite-FX</span> manufactures a line of light helicopters. Choose a fully-built Part 103 model or the exciting turbine-powered XET kit-built model. Whatever you pick, the price is remarkably low for any ultralight of this sophistication and stunningly low for a helicopter. Learn more about this fascinating entry…</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15056"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/evolution-trikes/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_550_3.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FA_550_3.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Evolution Trikes</span> developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15864"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/bristell/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bristell-inflight-107.jpg" /><noscript><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bristell-inflight-107.jpg" /></noscript></div><span class="FeaturedName">Bristell USA</span> distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="featured-aircraft" id="fa-15121"><hr class="hrFat" /><a href="https://bydanjohnson.com/sponsors/sportairusa/"><div class="featured"><div class="sponsor-left-small-photo"><img src="https://www.bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Savage-Nomad-Shock-Ultra-nose-107.jpg" /></div><span class="FeaturedName">SportairUSA</span> is a pioneering LSA distributor featuring the top-performing STOL, the Savage Nomad Shock Ultra, and Z~Floats—amphibious floats for light aircraft. It is a full-line, mid-America operation providing LSA & Part 23 airframe, engine & prop maintenance, repair and avionics.</div></a><div class="clear"></div></div><div class="engine-sponsor" id="en-61470"><a href="https://zenithair.net" target="_blank"><div class="featured"><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ZAC-banner1-0522.gif" /><noscript><img src="https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ZAC-banner1-0522.gif" /></noscript></div></a><div class="clear"></div></div></div></section> </aside></div><aside class="sidebar sidebar-secondary widget-area" role="complementary" aria-label="Secondary Sidebar"><section id="square_banner_sponsors-3" class="widget widget_square_banner_sponsors"><div class="widget-wrap"><a href="/lsa-marketplace/"><img id="lsa-marketplace-header" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BDJ-2-LSA-Marketplace-3.jpg" 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