www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 3 2 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying We have the new improved Rotax 912 oil filteRs in stock. Benefits include improved filtration during cold start up and new anti back-flow valve. $19.95 Part # 825 012 laRge inventoRy of Rotax parts and accessories with same day shipping on in stock orders placed by 1:00 pm EST. Call 1-800-laRotax Parts: 863-655-5100 Service: 863-655-6229 www.lockwood.aero Phil lockWood Shopping for ROTAX just got easier Visit Lockwood Aviation’s newwebsite at www.Lockwood.aero We’ve revamped our website to take advantage of the latest in internet innovations and technology. More than 4,000 of our parts and supplies are now available for OnLine ShOpping! Using more than 2000 photos of engines, airframe parts, tools and supplies, our customers can completely configure and purchase Rotax Aircraft engines online — including the new 912 iS! USER FRIENDLY REAL-TIME ONLINE INVENTORY Executive Editor Subscriptions Classified Sales Vickie Betts (800) 867-5430 E-mail: vickie@easyflight.com Web site: www.psfmagazine.com Technical Editor Layout & Design Display Ad Sales Roy Beisswenger PO Box 38 Greenville, IL 62246 800-867-5430 roy@easyflight.com Publisher Sport Aviation Press, llc 16192 Coastal Hwy Lewes, DE, 19958 Photography Valerie Layne Jim Smith Cliff Tucker Graphic Artist Tim Dilliner FeatureWriters Zen Boulden Kai Bode Dr. Bruce H. Charnov John S. Craparo Phil Dietro Jeff Goin Greg Gremminger Michael Hudetz Jeff Hamann Geoff Hill Dan Johnson Doug Maas Ira McComic Jim Smith Jim Sweeney Willi Tacke © 2018 Sport Aviation Press llc Powered Sport Flying™ Magazine is published monthly by Sport Aviation Press llc, PO Box 38, Greenville, IL 62246, (800) 867-5430. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorials. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Sport Aviation Press llc: Powered Sport Flying™ Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. Periodicals Postage Paid number 000228 at Greenville, IL, 62246 and at an additional mailing office. postmaster: send address changes to: Sport Aviation Press, PO Box 38, Greenville, IL 62246. Volume 25, Number 5. Subscription Rates Annual subscription rates: $36.95 U.S. $48 Canada $90 International All monies US Funds Subscribe online at: www.PSFmagazine.com For more information call: (800) 867-5430 Welcome to a new year and another issue of Powered Sport Flying Magazine! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that you’re ready for an exciting year that will hopefully be filled with lots of flight. For those of you who are somewhat local, I’m busy helping plan the 2019 Illinois UL/lsa Symposium – look in our calendar section for the date, and check out the iuac FaceBook page for details as I get them arranged. As you can see by our spectacular cover, Jeff Hamann got to have an adventure that I truly envy, as that’s the area of the globe that I’d most like to visit. He got to fly his powered paraglider around the Great Pyramids at Giza, Egypt, and he’s been good enough to share the story with us. I wish we could have included all the wonderful photos that Jeff took, since they were breathtaking! Along with his reports on recreational aircraft news, Dan Johnson has a report on the 3rd Annual DeLand, Florida, Sport Aviation Showcase 2018. Sounds like they had a successful year. We have a story from Canadian reader Gaetan Bourgault on how he overcame a disability that most would think would make him unable to fly. Instead, he’s now a proud pilot of multiple aircraft and legal to fly in both Canada and the usa! A few years ago, John Rountree had his first, exciting ride in a gyro during the annual pra convention in Mentone, Indiana. He still remembers the experience quite vividly, and has a humorous reminiscence for us to enjoy. After the DeLand Showcase, Roy went on to visit Eric Dufour to learn about his new SkyKart and to watch some folks being trained in the machine. It sounds like a much more safe way to train Part 103 students than the old methods. We also have some short videos on our FaceBook page. In his Incidents column, Jeff Goin reminds us of the importance of actually using our brain cells when flying in front of spectators. It doesn’t do much for the sport if you crash during a demo flight, after all! Chris Pine tells us of some of the things that he learned while flying over the Grand Canyon many years ago. As always, we also have some press releases for you, great products from our advertisers, and a calendar of upcoming events so that you can start to plan your travels for this year. Have a happy 2019! Editorial
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 5 4 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying FREE CATALOG! 1-877-4SPRUCE www.aircraftspruce.com 7 7 7 8 2 3 ROTAX 912 iS ROTAX 914 UL TURBO ROTAX 915 iS ROTAX ENGINE HEADQUARTERS The CPS Facility at the Corona Airport has the latest tools & equipment to service all Rotax engines. CPS also provides full service & maintenance on LSA’s. CALL 1-800-247-9653 • WWW.CPS-PARTS.COM BRYAN TOEPFER CPS Operations Manager California Power Systems 225 Airport Circle Corona, CA 92880 951-549-7786 24-Hour Fax: 951-372-0555 Tech Support Hotline: 951-317-8677 SALES • OVERHAUL SERVICES • ROTAX PARTS • ANNUAL INSPECTIONS • TECHNICAL SUPPORT • ROTAX CLASSES Press Pass The Experimental Aircraft Association reports that orders are now being accepted for the eaa’s new Flight Test Manual, which brings the processes and procedures of professional flight testing to the amateur-built aircraft community. The 47-page manual is a comprehensive program for amateur-built aircraft flight testing. It includes outlines for each essential test point, as well as a booklet of 19 test cards that can be carried in the aircraft for quick reference and data collection while in flight. Those test cards are similar to those used by professional civilian and military test pilots, and are an exclusive resource for amateur-built aircraft pilots using the eaa manual. “This manual is the result of many years of work by eaa, our volunteer Homebuilt Aircraft Council, and the eaa board of directors’ safety committee,” said Sean Elliott, eaa’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “It builds on other recent eaa projects to improve flight test safety, such as the Additional Pilot Program approved by the faa. In addition, this manual is part of eaa’s comprehensive effort to meet and exceed the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations for enhancing amateur-built aircraft safety, especially in the initial hours of flight testing.” The EAA Flight Test Manual provides the guidance and data collection process to bring simplicity to a flight testing program. It allows pilots to have a full understanding of an aircraft’s performance, characteristics, and limitations. It is also designed to be a handy reference that accompanies the aircraft for future flights. The manual is one segment of eaa’s work with the faa to create a new, alternative Phase I flight testing program using a requirements-based foundation. That could bring a significantly reduced flight-test hour requirement in exchange for successful completion of the step-by-step flight testing program. “The accident rate for amateur-built aircraft is at a historic low, but we are relentless in seeking continuing improvement through education,” Elliott said. “eaa has been a leader in this area for more than 60 years and continues to develop new resources that benefit recreational aviation.” The manual is available online for $17.95 for eaa members and $22.95 for nonmembers. EAA Flight Test Manual Brings Professional Pilot Resources To Amateur-Built Aircraft Community New publication includes quick-glance test cards for in-flight reference
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 7 6 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying • EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Eugene Smith (posthumous) • Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Ron Alexander (posthumous) The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation. Eugene Smith (pictured above), the Ultralight Hall of Fame inductee, was a Missouri native, earned a mechanical engineering degree and eventually started a flight training and crop-dusting operation while also owning a farm in Missouri. His gift and passion for mechanical design and innovation led him in 1998 to start Valley Engineering with his son, Larry. That company designed the popular Back Yard Flyer ultralight. Smith also created more than 20 other aircraft. In 2001, he acquired Culver Props, and his two businesses have long supplied the ultralight and light sport aircraft communities with complete aircraft, as well as components such as reduction drive systems, engines, and propellers. He died in December 2016. Press Pass EAA Honors Five Aviators With Halls of Fame Induction The Experimental Aircraft Association recognized the contributions made to the world of flight by five people as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame on November 8 during a ceremony at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The five inductees represent a spectrum of aviation within the EAA community and have achieved notable successes within their particular realm of flight: • EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Darryl Murphy of Chilliwack, British Columbia • International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Thomas Adams Jr. of Brenham, Texas • Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Jack Roush of Livonia, Michigan All-Time List of Inductees EAA Hall of Fame Ultralights 1999: Homer Kolb, John Moody, Chuck Slusarczyk 2000: Boris Popov, Wayne Ison 2001: Mike Sacrey 2002: John Chotia, Tom Peghiny 2003: Mike Jacober 2004: Klaus Hill, Bert Howland 2005: Larry Mauro 2006: Bob Lovejoy, Volmer Jensen 2007: Mike Markowski 2008: Mike Loehle 2009: Roy Pinner 2010: John Ballantyne 2011: Jack McCornack 2012: Taras Kiceniuk Jr. 2013: Frank Beagle 2014: Lowell Farrand 2015: Leonard Milholland 2016: Tracy Knauss 2017: Mary Jones 2018: Eugene Smith
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 9 8 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Press Pass The faa published a notice of proposed rulemaking (nprm) on 10/24/2018 that would eliminate a prohibition on using experimental light sport aircraft (elsa) for flight training. The old rule was a holdover from when the Sport Pilot Rule was established in 2004. Changing this has long been a priority of the United States Ultralight Association (usua), the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (lama) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (eaa). If this rule change becomes reality, then it should expand training opportunities for student pilots and make flight instruction that much more economically viable for sport pilot cfi's. The comment period was a short one, but still nearly 100 people and organizations responded. There was 100% support for such a change, which should make it that much easier to move it through the faa’s rulemaking process. Following are some of the things the faa itself said about the proposed rule. faa Summary The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to revise its rules concerning the operation of experimental light sport aircraft. The current regulations prohibited the use of these aircraft for flight training for compensation or hire after January 31, 2010. Allowing the use of experimental light sport aircraft for compensation or hire for the purpose of flight training would increase safety by allowing greater access to aircraft that can be used for light sport aircraft and ultralight training. The proposed rule would add language that permits training in experimental light sport aircraft for compensation or hire for the purpose of flight training through existing deviation authority. Executive Summary This rulemaking would amend Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (cfr) § 91.319(e)(2) to add language that permits training in experimental light sport aircraft (elsa) for compensation or hire through existing deviation authority provided in paragraph (h) of that section. The faa proposes this change to allow for increased availability of flight training aircraft with similar performance and handling characteristics to light sport aircraft and ultralights. This would be accomplished through the issuance of a letter of deviation authority (loda). lodas provide regulatory relief to enable certain operations to be conducted in the interest of safety under specific conditions and limitations. Background Effective September 1, 2004, the faa defined (1) characteristics for a category of simple, small, lightweight, low-performance aircraft; identifying them as light-sport aircraft. (2) Along with defining this group of aircraft, the faa created a new special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category (special light sport aircraft—slsa) in § 21.190 and added light sport aircraft to the existing special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category (experimental light sport aircraft—elsa) in § 21.191(i). (3) slsa include aircraft manufactured according to an industry consensus standard rather than a type certificate. (4) elsa regulations include provisions for (1) a temporary allowance for migration of so-called “ fat ultralights” that did not conform to 14 cfr part 103, (5) (2) kit-built versions of slsa aircraft, and (3) aircraft previously issued a special airworthiness certificate in the light sport category under § 21.190. Prior to the 2004 light sport rule, the faa had granted exemptions to permit “ fat ultralights”—which did not meet the part 103 requirements—to be used for compensation or hire for the purpose of flight training. Although allowing for greater access to flight training was seen by the faa as having a positive effect on safety, some of the exemptions were used for operations other than for the intended purpose of flight training. With the 2004 light sport rule, the faa eliminated the need for the ultralight flight training exemptions by allowing instructors to conduct flight training in these aircraft until January 31, 2010. As stated in the final rule, a significant purpose of the rule was to certificate those two-seat “ fat-ultralights” previously operated under part 103 training exemptions and those two-seat and single-seat unregistered “ fat-ultralight” aircraft operating outside of the regulations. The faa anticipated that the newly manufactured slsa would replace the former “ fat ultralights” (newly certificated FAA Proposes Rule Change Allowing Training in ELSA Aircraft Support Our Advertisers as elsa) such that flight training in elsa would no longer be necessary. The faa, knowing that the manufacture of the new slsa aircraft would take time, used § 91.319(e) to allow for an extension of the time period to permit the use of properly registered “transitioning” aircraft with elsa airworthiness certificates to be used for flight training by the same owner until January 31, 2010. After that date, those elsa aircraft would no longer be permitted to be used for flight training for compensation or hire and no further ultralight flight training exemptions would be granted. The faa estimated that 60 months would be an adequate amount of time for the new slsa to enter service to replace the elsa and meet flight training demands. The faa also expected that the 60 months would provide the owners of the transitioning elsa with additional time in which to purchase slsa to provide flight instruction under the new rule, thereby delaying replacement costs. In addition, the faa believed the action would further expand the growth of the industry as a whole. However, the anticipated arrival of the new slsa has not materialized in the way that the faa had projected in the final rule, especially for two-seat aircraft used for light sport and ultralight training. There are some two-seat light sport low mass/high drag trainers with slsa airworthiness certificates available on the market for use in flight training, but not in numbers that provide for widespread availability for use in training. Experimental light sport aircraft are good training aircraft for light sport aircraft and ultralight vehicles because they are typically low-mass/high-drag aircraft and have a second seat, which can be occupied by an faa certificated flight instructor. The use of elsa as a training option for light sport aircraft and ultralights provides an avenue for structured flight instruction from an faa certificated flight instructor. While the faa does not see a risk-based need to expand the training requirements for light sport aircraft or ultralights, it does not want to impede individuals who wish to take advantage of flight training that is relevant to the type of aircraft they operate. Additionally, the faa would like to facilitate the availability of training aircraft for new light sport pilots or existing pilots who are transitioning to a low-mass/high-drag aircraft from conventional aircraft. Discussion of the Proposal Recognizing the currently limited supply of adequate aircraft for the flight training of light sport and ultralight operators, the faa proposes to amend § 91.319(e)(2) to add language that permits training in experimental light sport aircraft for compensation or hire through existing deviation authority (loda) provided in paragraph (h) of that section. If adopted, the proposed rule would allow for an owner, operator, or training provider to apply for and receive a training loda, which would allow for the use of experimental light sport aircraft for flight training for compensation or hire. The proposed rule would also allow a flight instructor to receive compensation for providing flight instruction in an experimental light sport aircraft in accordance with the conditions and limitations of a loda.
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 11 10 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Light Sport Aircraft Gyroplanes Are Big Overseas — First Market Share Info for the USA Over many years, you have found lsa market share information on my website. Many have found this of interest …from businesses learning more about their market; to customers doing careful investigation before paying tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new aircraft; to government fulfilling its task of regulating industry; to insurance companies assessing risk of providing their product; and many other actors in the blockbuster movie that is light, recreational aviation. I will have more to say about the broader lsa market share reports below but now I want to present the best information I have seen for Light Sport Aircraft Gyroplanes. …uh, except for one problem. No such aircraft category exists, slsa gyroplanes, that is. FAA has denied fully-built Special lsa status to rotary-winged aircraft such as gyroplanes. LAMA thought this was on track for a solution as recently as two months ago, but today, the matter is back in doubt, truly a shame as these aircraft are thriving around the world. Rotax has reported for some time that they sell more 9-series engines to gyroplanes as a specific category than to other groups. Indeed, sellers like Germany’s AutoGyro have more than 2,500 units flying. faa’s rotorcraft personnel are living in the past, remembering the problems of early machines like the Bensen Gyrocopter. Before training and before design evolution, those aircraft did have an undesirable safety record. However, that has been remedied… long ago, actually. Our new associate, Steve Beste, wrote an excellent article for his club newsletter and I will summarize that piece elsewhere. In his article, he wrote, “[Along with better training] the other change since those days is the large horizontal stabilizer, mounted well aft. Some machines were prone to pio, pilot-induced oscillations in pitch. The pilot would chase the oscillations, only making them worse until the gyro did a fatal bunt over. The large tail that Magni invented – as is used on all modern gyros – has fixed that.” Welcoming Steve Beste “I’m a retired computer guy and trike pilot who loves databases,” Steve told me. He used his special set of skills to download faa’s aircraft registration database to compile statistics on gyroplane registrations, focused on the new European-style gyroplanes. As you can see, AutoGyro is the clear market leader at 52% with 163 aircraft of 312 gyroplanes registered with faa. The German builder is trailed by Magni in the #2 slot at 18% with 56 registrations. A new American manufacturer, SilverLight Aviation, has quickly tied Spanish producer ela for third at 8% with 26 aircraft registered for each. After that it trails off more quickly as Steve’s chart shows. More details about other brands will be chronicled in an article to follow. For 2018 through July 23rd, Magni shows its strength by slightly beating AutoGyro U.S. registrations. As always, note that confirmed sales and registrations may not match precisely. In addition, much more of 2018 remained when the data was reviewed. In slightly more than half a year, gyroplanes registered 58 aircraft putting them on track to exceed 100 for the year. To offer perspective, this figure is approaching half as many as slsa fixed-wing registrations in recent full years. So far this year, Magni has 15 registrations to AutoGyro’s 14 for 26% and 24% shares totaling half of total U.S. gyroplane registrations. SilverLight has registered 8 aircraft in 2018 for a 14% yearly share of 2018 to date. A less well-recognized U.S. producer, Tango, is having a respectable year, with 9 registrations accounting for 16% in 2018 so far. Tango is trailed by ela with 6 registrations by Dan Johnson (10%), Australia’s Titanium and Italy’s Brako tied at 3 for 5% each. One interesting point: only Tango and Brako offer a single-place gyroplane; all others are two-place machines. Much More Data to Follow! Steve Beste and I have been discussing him providing database research to allow my website to continue providing lsaMarket Share Info. Many visitors have written to ask; indeed, we are way behind on this effort. The delay is ending. After Steve gets time to study the previous work and methods, he has proposed some wonderful improvements. About the special skills he can offer, Steve wrote, “I’m a retired computer guy and trike pilot who loves databases.” Well, that certainly sounds perfect to me. “I’m also the president of Flying Club 1, which was the original usua Chapter 1,” Steve added. “Regarding the faa database, I’d very much like to reach beyond just [fixed-wing] airplanes, partly because I’m a trike pilot, myself. I think that ’s entirely possible.” Given this background, his obvious enthusiasm for this work, and the keen interest of many in light aviation, I am exceedingly pleased to welcome Steve to my website. “[However, faa’s] data is not clean,” Steve observed. I am well aware of this problem. Uncertainty about data accuracy of ‘alternative’ lsa is why we have reported fixed-wing Gyroplane Market Penetration in the USA Make & Total Number # # Enclosure Seating Registered in the US Model Reg'd Seats Open Closed Tandem Side by Side AutoGyro 163 MTO 65 2 � � Calidus 49 2 � � Cavalon 49 2 � � Magni 56 M-16 35 2 � � M-22 6 2 � � N-24 Orion 15 2 � � Silverlight 26 AR-1 26 2 � � � ELA 25 ELA 10 Eclipse 20 2 � � � ELA 07 Cougar 3 2 � � ELA 07 Scorpion 2 2 � � Celier 13 Xenon 13 2 � � Titanium 9 Explorer 9 2 � � Brako 3 GT 2 2 � � � Sprint 1 1 � n/a n/a DTA 1 J-Ro 1 2 � � Data assembled in July 2018 by Steve Beste
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 13 12 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Light Sport Aircraft Special lsa, only offering guesses for weight shift trikes, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, motorgliders, and more. However, we hope that will now change and our market share reporting will be more inclusive. Hurray! Problems in faa’s database is not caused by incompetent clerks. Agency personnel must sort through inconsistently-reported aircraft. If, as Steve pointed out in one example, the registered name of the aircraft is slightly different, it won’t show up on a casual investigation. He added, “There’s no end of that kind of thing …just so we know the limitations on this exercise. But with that understanding, I love this kind of thing, I have the skills to do it, and would be honored to support your good work for the sport.” All such reporting will be available on the home page when fresh and catalogued on its own space. Wonderful, simply wonderful! Please welcome Steve Beste as a new contributor to ByDanJohnson.com! update — In the story above, I inadvertently suggested SilverLight with their American Ranger gyroplane was the first or only U.S. producer of such aircraft. That is not what I intended but some readers viewed it that way. Allow me to bring your attention to two other producers. Sport Copter and Rotor Flight Dynamics Based in Oregon, Sport Copter is a long established, second-generation family business started in 1958. Chuck Vanek was one of the early pioneers of gyroplane design and development beginning his work in 1957. Chuck’s son Jim Vanek took over the business and revamped the Vancraft designs. He said his “award-winning, world’s-first, two-place gyroplane took the prestigious Charles Lindbergh award at the Oshkosh airshow in 1985.” The company also reports his Sport Copter II design was voted as one of the Top Ten Best Designs at AirVenture in 2011. An airshow performer, Jim said he wrote the parameters and guidelines for gyroplane looping for the faa in 1998 after performing the world’s first loop in a conventional gyroplane, in 1997. The company’s website reports, “He is the only gyro pilot in the world that holds an International Council of Air Shows card for gyroplane looping and rolling.” Don’t even think about trying this yourself, however. Rotor Flight Dynamics, founded and run by Ernie Boyette, produces two- and single-place variations of their Dominator line. Sold as kit aircraft, the two-place model can be powered by Hirth four-cylinder engines, Subaru/ AutoFlight EA-81, or the 115-horsepower Rotax 914 Turbo. The company said, “We offer 22- thru 28-foot rotor blades of our own design with a lift capability from ultralight thru 1,200 pounds gross weight.” They added, “We are the only manufacturer that test flies all blade sets prior to shipping.” For export, Rotor Flight will fully build their aircraft but in the usa, faa will only permit them to deliver kits, the same as all gyroplane producers. As with all the modern gyroplanes, Rotor Flight uses a substantial tailplane. “The Dominator [series of one- and two-place machines] incorporates the Tall Tail design for stability.” Asked how their product differs, the company’s website states, “What makes the Dominator so unique is its high profile design. It sits up very high off the ground.” An example of the Florida-based Dominator The Sportcopter II First Lighter-than-Air Light Sport Aircraft — FlyDoo with VTU FAA’S Light Sport Aircraft category involves quite the intriguing mixture of aircraft. Fixed-wing aircraft of many descriptions, weight shift, powered parachute, gyroplanes, motorgliders, seaplanes, of course, and, lighter-than-air. Every niche has been well explored…except for that last one. Now comes FlyDoo from France, an lsa-category-fitting hot-air balloon. Designer Leandro Corradini thought he could deliver something that didn’t exist in the market so he set up shop to supply envelope, basket, burner, and more in a practical, lightweight, compact, and easy-to-transport and -store package. FlyDoo breaks down compactly enough that you could easily store it in your house or apartment. He even shows pictures of transporting it to a flying field by adding a wheel and tow bar kit to the gondola making the aircraft into a small trailer that can be towed by a bicycle. Leandro observes that established balloon manufacturers are accustomed to working in the faa or caa certified aircraft environment, often building large balloons used commercially to give rides. These producers have smaller aircraft but evidently pursue the higher cost variations. Corradini views hot-air balloon flying as a simpler, easier, friendlier way to fly that can relieve stress rather than create it. To add to the relaxing outcome of a balloon flight, Leandro also gave his lsa lta a vtu. VTU probably threw you as it is not a term you hear for aircraft, unless it’s a Harrier jet or the newer F-35. Either of those seems about as far away from FlyDoo as you can get. VTU stands for Vectored Thrust Unit and it is something unusual for a hot-air balloon. Corradini’s vtu can be attached to the basket or gondola and provides directional control and thrust. His vtu is powered by an electric battery pack. The whole system adds only 55 pounds. Maneuvering with the vtu appears surprisingly simple. Using a steering rudder with a push-button throttle, the pilot can rotate the balloon by angling the prop until balloon and gondola reach the desired position. Then the pilot centers the rudder and applies thrust to move forward in the desired direction. Current lsa regulations do not allow his electric powerplant, but that might be solved by the time FlyDoo is fully ready for market. Although he has not yet gotten faa acceptance, Leandro said he has designed from the beginning to comply with astm standards for lta that some years ago were completed by the F37 committee of astm. Because no prior company has offered an aircraft using those standards, it seems likely faa will want to audit this first lta entry. Until passing muster with faa, FlyDoo can be made available as an Experimental Amateur Built. Aiming for production in 2019, Leandro is currently estimating FlyDoo’s price at about $21,000 covering foldable gondola, the custom burner unit and controls, plus the balloon envelope. You may add the vtu, with batteries and chargers, for an additional $14,000. American balloon enthusiasts could see FlyDoo at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico over October 6 to 14, 2018. The Albuquerque gathering is enormous with many hundreds of colorful balloons — including some with rather fantastic shapes. The main event is a mass ascension that has become one of the most photographed spectacles in the country.
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 15 14 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Van’s Aircraft RV-12iS DeLand 2018 Sunshine and blue skies prevailed as the DeLand City Officials and Airport Staff welcomed the exhibitors, media, volunteers, speakers, and attendees to the 3rd annual DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase, held November 1-3, 2018 at the DeLand Municipal Airport. Following the presentation of the Flag by the DeLand High School Junior rotc, a Fly-Over by the Spruce Creek Gaggle, and a welcome from Mayor Robert Apgar, the Qatar Military Skydiving Team dazzled the crowd with a 24-member jump featuring a diamond formation with their colored parachutes replicating the American Flag. And for the next three days, DeLand fulfilled their commitment to host a show dedicated solely to the sport and recreational aviation communities. Dan Johnson was there and following is his travel log… Day One: DeLand Showcase 2018 Off to a Good Start; Industry Players Generally Upbeat as Year Closes Day One of the third running of DeLand Showcase had Videoman Dave and me scouring the show grounds looking for good stories. We spoke to a few vendors reporting that 2018 has been a good year. Our video news gathering exercise brought a pleasant discovery. Many companies are reporting a solid year of sales. The light aviation industry is composed of many small companies. None are corporations the size of Cessna or Cirrus so they don’t require hundreds of unit sales to break even. A U.S. importer delivering 20 aircraft can experience a good year from sales and other services they offer. When several companies report noteworthy sales success it suggests the market is healthy and customers are buying airplanes they want to enjoy. In parallel, the used lsa market also appears active and a virtuous circle begins to take form. The show itself enjoyed the great organization we have come to expect from director Jana Filip. She’s an impressive and experienced leader of these shows, backed up by her multi-talented husband Gary and a strong core of volunteers, many now with three years of experience in their logbooks. These sector-dominated shows —most vendors are in the light aircraft game though some display larger aircraft— usually have modest foot traffic. If you crave dense crowds, go to Oshkosh or Sun ‘n Fun and get in line for, well… everything. However, if you want face time DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase 2018 BRM Aero Bristell M-Squared SLSA version of Zenith’s Cruzer Icon Aircraft A5 by Dan Johnson with someone from whom you are considering an airplane purchase, DeLand and the other lsa shows have a clear edge. Who Is Succeeding? In one day, we did not speak to every vendor and we did not get to the smaller booths inside a tented area. However, those we did approach for news and updates provided feedback that was significantly on the positive side. Here is a partial recap (again cautioning that this is not inclusive): Icon Aircraft‘s production engine appears to be firing on all cylinders, according to Tampa Regional Sales Director Scott Rodenbeck. We heard about delivery numbers growing from five aircraft a month to 10 a month and a forecast for 15 shipments in December. These numbers will show up on our market share report based on N-number registrations. Increased production has reduced the delivery wait to only seven or eight months, down from literally years, back when the California company was taking deposits left and right but not yet manufacturing. Bristell usa is having a banner year that should end with close to 20 units sold for the deluxe and superbly equipped Bristell lsa, reported company leader Lou Mancuso and right hand man, John Rathmell. Besides delivering strong sales for Czech producer Milan Bristela, Lou’s growing enterprise is also establishing a flight academy at the Sebring airport to offer younger pilots a lower cost path to careers as pilots. Duc Hélices is another company choosing Sebring for their operation, reported Michael Dederian, the company’s main face at airshows — after a few seasons nearly all producers know him. The popular French prop maker is opening a subsidiary in early 2019 to better serve U.S. customers. They plan to celebrate the start of the American enterprise at the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo on January 25th. Van’s Aircraft made a big change this year. After bringing in ready-to-fly manufacturing to the world’s largest manufacturer of aircraft kits — the immensely popular RV line —Van’s is backed up for nearly a year, reported Atlanta-based Vic Syracuse. That wait may come down as the company ramps up its new in-house production, but it’s clear RV-12 is a success story. We recorded an interview with Vic about the new model, now known as RV-12iS. Yes, it uses the Rotax engine but that’s not all the changes in the renewed model. Paul Mather of M-Squared Aircraft is opening new doors. He continues to build his M-Squared models as he has for many years but now the longtime veteran of light aircraft manufacturing has diversified to provide builder assistance to owners wanting a Zenith CH-750 Cruzer powered by the Continental Motors O-200D engine. After a slow start activity has picked up and Paul is pleased with the aircraft he’s added to his stable. Chip Erwin of Aeromarine-lsa also reported growing sales for his well-priced, fast-assembling Merlin psa (Personal Sport Aircraft). Besides sales to customers, he is
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 17 16 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying DeLand 2018 Aeromarine-LSA's Merlin PSA using the single place aircraft for some government duties and these activities are keeping the Florida businessman on the move, literally, and from a business evaluation. We shot a video with Jay Kurtz of South Lakeland Airport (which many Sun ‘n Fun attendees know very well). After building 40 (yes, 40!) aircraft, his most recent project has been the Quick-Build Merlin. After just a single day, I’m excited to see what happens in two more days of the DeLand Showcase 2018. Day Two …the Good Times Continue At a reception ending Day Two, DeLand Showcase Director Jana Filip reported that front gate receipts were greater on Thursday than either Thursday of the two prior years of the Showcase. Then she announced Friday’s gate was greater than the two previous Fridays. DeLand Showcase 2018 is the third running of the event. Showers rolled in threatening Showcase’s perfect weather record, although the rain didn’t start until exhibitors and sponsors had gathered in the main show center tent. Under shelter, live music was presented by the Flying Musicians Association, lead by professional music man Gary Filip. A beautiful 2013 SportStar Max brokered by Evektor dealer Dreams Come True. Used aircraft sales are a growing part of their enterprise. A catered dinner fed the group and as the evening concluded, the rain died off as if on cue. A couple of tents were damaged by strong winds, including one in the Dreams Come True booth of Steve and Debbie Minnich and an eaa Chapter food tent. No airplane damage was reported. On the final day we hope to capture several Video Pilot Reports (vprs) as we are scheduled to fly Jabiru‘s new J-230D, the SeaMax lsa seaplane, the 912iS-powered Aeropilot L600, and M-Squared’s CH750 Cruzer. VPRs require more than two hours each to mount and later demount multiple cameras inside and out, fly for 45 minutes to an hour examining multiple characteristics of each airplane, followed by a stand-up review of the aircraft. We will work as hard as possible to get all four done in the remaining day. (Then the true time-consuming job of editing begins for YouTube Ultralight News publisher, Videoman Dave.) 2018 Results Keep Adding Up Yesterday I heard from several companies giving satisfactory results for their sales this year. Perhaps encouraged by a buoyant economy, pilots are choosing new lsa but in parallel more importers and manufacturers are helping to move used lsa. The fleet has grown enough to generate a good supply of low-time, desirable Light Sport Aircraft. Any representatives looking to sell new machines can boost their enterprise by also facilitating the sale of used aircraft. In either new or used transactions, pilots win as they can acquire aircraft that interest them. It’s all good and 2018 is proving to be a respectable year. Seamax is another company pleased with their U.S. developments. We interviewed lead designer and business owner Miguel Rosario to find his lightest-of-the-lsaseaplane-fleet Seamax is developing their business on the campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. With care and long experience, Miguel has built an active enterprise that has supplied more than 150 aircraft around the globe with about 10% flying in the usa. That number is sure to grow with the Brazilian company’s American operation, an excellent price point among lsa seaplanes, and sprightly performance. SuperPetrel reports delivery of eight units in the last year after establishing their U.S. base. Global sales over many years are now approaching serial number 400 according to representatives from the Ormond Beach, Florida enterprise of Brazilian investors associated with Scoda Aeronautica. This seaplane maker is also growing its installed base in America for this long-established design that was thoroughly updated when Scoda (formerly Edra) Aeronautica took over Super Petrel. An faa audit proved the quality of their work as they earned slsa credentials. Inside the vendor tent, we did an interview with Sensenich president Don Rowell. The very popular maker of wood, metal, and composite props reported strong business that is challenging the company to keep propellers in stock. To address the demand, Sensenich is expanding and bringing new cnc equipment on line. As with yesterday’s report, this is not an exhaustive review of each exhibiting company. Yet the sum of reports from company after company reinforces the view that 2018 qualifies as a solid year. I see the happy smiles of new pilot owners on the field. A Wrap after a Strong Third Day with Plenty of Flying A front was set to pass during the night and weather already looked much improved for the third and final day on Saturday so I’d still judge DeLand’s weather to be an unblemished record even if blustery winds on Friday slowed flying activities. DeLand Showcase 2018 is wrapping up, which signals that the airshow season is over for this calendar year. At the end, many concluded the showwas good for customers and vendors. Pilots placed orders for new aircraft and left with smiles on their faces; I spoke to a few of them. Many of you also said hello during the event; that’s always fun. Despite my positive words, some feel these “regional shows” aren’t as meaningful as the large shows. Is that right or not? It depends on the observer to some extent. I venture to say that if you could evaluate orders placed with cash and create a ratio of those people compared to the number of persons coming in the gate, DeLand (or the other lsa- and light kit-specific shows) would smoke all others. No question the big shows with their thick crowds satisfy the soul of attendees and vendors alike. However, the vast majority of all attendees walk right by most aircraft or product displays en route to their main interest; many will never even take note of a given airplane or accessory item; and a vanishingly small share of those big attendance numbers become buyers. Conversely, sector-specific shows attract a high percentage of interested pilots so events like DeLand and the others can continue to deliver despite their much smaller gate counts. I unscientifically surveyed sellers about business conducted at the show. I’d love to know what each attendee thought but time is insufficient to talk to many people to survey so I go the business route. I talked to at least five vendors that reported 1-3 sales — signified by cash changing hands — at DeLand. Several others reported gathering some good prospects. A few inside tent people said they sold enough to pay their costs and considered their participation a net benefit, a form of advertising. On the customer side, I did speak with a number of pilots who did one thing you cannot do online or via magazines: they tried on various lsa to see if they fit. Another activity
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 19 18 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying DeLand 2018 happens regularly at these events that cannot be duplicated any other way: lots of demo flying occurred, even more than I recall from previous DeLand Showcase events (though this is mere observation; I did not count movements). These two activities are perhaps the main reason you should consider DeLand, Sebring, Copperstate, and Midwest lsa Expo. Go fly! Loud kudos to the AirBoss group of former faa air traffic controllers who did a masterful job of handling traffic. They were clearly aware of the show goals of demo flying or showcase flying and appeared to fit in everybody according to their wishes. However, they did much more. DeLand is a very active skydiving center and it did not stop for the show — providing regular spectacles of canopies filling the sky; kinda cool, like an airshow for a recreational aviation event, and all for free! In addition, the temporary control tower team handled business jet arrivals and departures and lots of other non-show traffic. DeLand normally has no tower meaning pilots and atc guys had to adapt for a few days. All seemed to go very smoothly. The Used LSA Factor One conversation happened many times. While sellers of new lsa seek those customers, the almost 15-year-old lsa industry has now accumulated a solid and growing supply of quality used aircraft. Sellers are realizing that their enterprise can be composed of both. Used lsa can serve two important goals: First, they give buyers with tighter budgets more choices. Secondly, they give sellers more product to offer. Think of any automobile dealership. If you ask the owner, he or she will likely say they actually make more on used cars while satisfying customers who don’t choose to pay the price of brand new. Everyone seems fairly well served by this approach. A year ago I had a conversation with main representative Robert Meyer of Lockwood Aircraft. He and boss Phil Lockwood are always attentive to the best used AirCams they can find and regularly acquire them for resale. Robert reported this does not detract from their new AirCam sales and serves two goals: First, it gives some customers a chance to buy a ready-to-fly AirCam. Secondly, it gives Lockwood Aircraft more product, thus augmenting their new kit business. As the factory, they can choose the best used examples and give them factory makeovers (as needed). They turned a problem into a solution. Not bad! John Hurst is another Florida lsa expert making this idea work. He was at DeLand representing longtime market leader Flight Design and their high-tech ctls. While John sells new ctlss, he also brokers in used aircraft and this proves useful to his enterprise. Scott Severen is the newNorth American representative for the Jabiru line of aircraft. Before he got involved with new aircraft he brokered used Light Sport Aircraft, an activity he continues even as he logged more new sales in his first year than he projected. As with Lockwood and Hurst, Scott reports used aircraft sales are a viable partition of his enterprise. Many general aviation types wonder how Light Sport Aircraft purveyors — small businesses of one to a dozen or more people—can build a sustainable business model and the answer almost surely involves multiple activities; new and used aircraft can complement one another very well. Still, Questions About 3,600 lb LSA Frequently at DeLand, I had discussions about news concerning a huge weight increase for Light Sport Aircraft. I did an interview with AVweb‘s Paul Bertorelli, who also interviewed other industry leaders. And Videoman Dave recorded my commentary. Both should emerge soon on YouTube. I hope these and other efforts will quiet the concerns of pilots and airplane sellers by presenting real information and less of the sensational stories of early October. CGS Hawk is another company and product (the two-place Hawks) that described a good 2018. SilverLight‘s American Ranger AR1—now available with optional full enclosure—continues to grow. More Stats and News Deland noted a few developments that support sport aviation at the airport and about the event itself. As far as the airport is concerned, they are rolling out the red carpet for aviation business in the following ways. 1. The Village – the DeLand Sport Aviation Village is a 40-acre commerce park being developed specifically for the Recreational Communities. The airport is currently accepting Applications for the Land Leases in the Village for Phase 1A. 2. An Airport Administration Building has been built at 1000 Flightline Blvd and the Airport Staff will be moving in just before the holidays. The Matusick Airport Management Center will be home to the airport staff and provide a 24-hour locker room for travelling pilots as well as meeting facilities to support the many airport tenants. As far as the event itself goes, here are the people who make it work. 1. There were 119 Volunteers credentialed with another 11 walk-ons for a perfect 130 volunteers to orchestrate Showcase 2018. Jana Filip, Sport Aviation Administrator, noted, “The Showcase Volunteers have quickly created a reputation as the absolute best in the industry, and come to Showcase from Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.” 2. Exhibitors numbered just over 100 on the Showcase Field. A pleasant improvement for the indoor exhibitors was a new display design this year that was comprised of two clear-span tents side by side with a courtyard in the middle. It allowed people on the outside to see that something was going on in the tents and allowed vendors inside to feel a little more connected to the rest of the show and the nice Florida weather. All-in-all, it was a great wrap-up to an overall good year for light sport aircraft!• Support Our Advertisers
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 21 20 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying
www.PSFmagazine.com | December 2018 - January 2019 | 23 22 | December 2018 - January 2019 | Powered Sport Flying February 23, 2019 2019 Ultralight/Sport Plane Safety Seminar. American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville, Illinois. Safety seminar will cover a broad range of subjects including regulatory issues on Sport Pilot, engine maintenance, safety and equipment. There will also be displays representing aircraft and accessories. www.safety-seminar.com February 23-24, 2019 Washington: Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show. Western Washington Fairgrounds, Puyallup, Washington. Technological advances in the industry are showcased. Hundreds of exhibits and more than 75 hours of educational and entertaining aviation seminars. For directions, schedules, and information see www.washington-aviation.org. March 4-13, 2019 Rotax Service and Maintenance Training Courses. Corona, California. During this 10-day period, California Power Systems will be offering service and maintenance courses for the Rotax line of aviation engines including: 2 Stroke Maintenance 9 Series Service 9 Series Maintenance 2 Stroke Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Service Renewal 9 Series Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Heavy Maintenance For specific dates, prerequisites, pricing and more, call 1-800-AIRWOLF (247-9653) or visit www.800-airwolf.com March 15-17, 2019 9th Annual Palm Bay Para-Flyers Fly-In. Palm Bay, Florida. Escape the cold and come to Florida for the Palm Bay Para-Flyers Fly-In. Organized by Eric Dufour and 82-year-old veteran PPG instructor Don Jordan, it is the first Southeast gathering of the year. Don't miss this opportunity to get some sun and fly with friends! To register, contact Eric Dufour at info@paratour.com. Learn more at www.ppg-flt-trng.com. March 16, 2019 (tentative) 24th Annual Wisconsin Light Aviation Safety Seminar. EAA Founder's Wing, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Topics covered include pilot safety, engine and aircraft maintenance, and weather. This free seminar counts towards the faa Wings program. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be available for a modest cost. Contact: Steve Krueger, phone: (715) 204-2928 • e-mail: kruegerfly@aol.com or visit www.av8safe.org Your trusted source for all your powered paragliding needs since 1988. Paramotor training all year round in sunny Miami. Paramotors, paragliders, helmets, engines, parts and general accessories. Best prices guaranteed! WWW.AEROLIGHT.COM / 305-256 5650 Support Our Advertisers What Is Happening Where One of the best ways to get started with flying is to visit others already involved in the sport. And one of the most relaxed ways to do that is by participating in fly-ins and other events. You can normally find someone there who will be glad to help you and get you started in the right direction. If you would you like to see your event listed here, visit www.psfmagazine.com/list-your-flying-event. January 14-22, 2019 Rotax Service and Maintenance Training Courses. Sebring, Florida. During this nine-day period, Lockwood Aviation will be offering service and maintenance courses for the Rotax line of aviation engines including: 9 Series Service 9 Series Maintenance 9 Series Injected Installation Course 2 Stroke Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Service Renewal 9 Series Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Heavy Maintenance For specific dates, prerequisites, pricing and more, call (863) 655-5100 or visit training.lockwood.aero. January 21-30, 2019 Rotax Service and Maintenance Training Courses. Lucedale Mississippi. During this tenday period, South Mississippi Light Aircraft will be offering service and maintenance courses for the Rotax line of aviation engines including: 2 Stroke Maintenance 9 Series Service 9 Series Maintenance 2 Stroke Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Service Renewal 9 Series Maintenance Renewal 9 Series Heavy Maintenance For specific dates, prerequisites, pricing and more, call (601) 947-4953 or visit visit www.flysmla.com Calendar January 23-26, 2019 US Sport Aviation Expo. Sebring Regional Airport, Sebring, Florida. The Expo is the place to see, try, buy and sell Light Sport Aircraft. It is also where to go to establish new business relationships and learn about Light Sport Aircraft, the Sport Pilot Certificate and other LSA related certifications. This was the first and is the largest annual event totally focused on LSA and Sport Pilot. www.sport-aviation-expo.com January 28-February 1, 2019 Rotax Service and Maintenance Training Courses. Sebring, Florida. During this five-day period, Lockwood Aviation will be offering service and maintenance courses for the Rotax line of aviation engines including: 9 Series Service 9 Series Maintenance 9 Series Injected Installation Course For specific dates, prerequisites, pricing and more, call (863) 655-5100 or visit training.lockwood.aero. February 8-10, 2019 Copperstate Fly-In & Aviation Expo. Buckeye Municipal Airport, Buckeye, Arizona. Free admission, air show, 100 plus vendors, STEM contingent, technical forums and lots of food. In excess of 400 aircraft on display with aircraft judging. www.copperstate.org February 14-17, 2019 Arizona Flying Circus. Maricopa, Arizona. Held at the Motown Airport, tucked away in a pristine desert flying oasis. This event attracts a most eclectic mix of flyers and their unusual flying machines, including powered paragliders, hot air balloons, fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, gyrocopters, hang glider trikes, powered parachutes, and more. Certainly a large variety of pilots make it out every year with their flying contraptions, but you will also find wild costumes, great food, explosions, enormous fires, fireworks, firearms (yes, there is a shooting range on site), and the infamous bowling ball cannon. www.arizonaflyingcircus.com
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