www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 3 2 | May-June 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 FLYWHEEL Balance Masters BALANCE MASTERS ROTAX 912 and 914 E n g i n e B a l a n c e r Balance Masters are Manufactured By: Sun-Tech Innovations Northridge, CA Sun-Tech@sbcglobal.net • BalanceMasters.com TEL: 818.882.8431• For Help Call 1-800-786-8324 Balance Masters-Rotax-912-ads 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 © 2019 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 26, Number 3. 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 another great issue of Powered Sport Flying! Are you planning to attend events and do some fun flying this summer? If you’re gong to either Mentone for the pra Convention or to the Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Expo, then look for Alec and me and say howdy! We’ll be there for Saturday for the pra, which is coming soon. You can find these two events, and many more, of course, in our calendar section! We also have some great news: the usua insurance program is back in business! To all of you who called with suggestions, you have our thanks. And to all who called and were so understanding, you have my personal thanks as well! You can get the details for the new agent in Roy’s column. From Dan Johnson, we have a report on Sun ‘n Fun 2019, as well as a sad report on the end of the Sebring Expo. This seems to be a time for endings, as Geoff Hill reports for us the details of the closing down of P&M Aviation, a trike manufacturer. However, there’s also a merger of two powered parachute companies, thus keeping the Six Chuter brand alive. The new company will also be bringing back the Predator. We have the details for you! Are you a gyro instructor or pilot? There will be a conference on gyros held in Arizona at the Biosphere. There will be separate sessions for instructors, as well as sessions meant for both pilots and instructors to attend. Kai Bode went to New Zealand to test fly the Kallithea gyro. He’s written about the flight and the characteristics of the plane. Ever thought about planning a fly-in? Roy is something of an expert on the subject, having held the Powered Parachute World Championships here in Greenville for many years. He’s got some advice for putting together a fly-in. On a slightly related note, Christopher Pine writes about the camaraderie of flying, and how a lot of that can be experienced at fly-ins. This spring, the wildflowers had a spectacular blooming season. Jeff Hamann’s Colombia adventure is again interrupted so that he could share with you the gorgeous scenes that he was able to capture from his powered paraglider. From Jeff Goin, we have some thoughts on surviving training by choosing the right wing. So pull up a lawn chair, grab the refreshing beverage of your choice, and enjoy this issue – and this summer! Editorial
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 5 4 | May-June 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 JohnDow Introduces 15 Gallon Portable Fuel Station JohnDow has introduced a 15 Gallon Portable Fuel Station (JDI-FST15). The new Fuel Station is un/dot approved for the transport of gasoline by motor vehicle and to gravity dispense fuel into gas powered portable equipment, vehicle fuel tanks or other approved containers. Brian Morgan, National Sales Manager for JohnDow Industries stated: “we are very excited about the huge potential that our new Fuel Station represents. It will open up numerous new markets for our Fuel Handling product line and increase our customer base in a big way.” Built with safety the number one priority, this Steel Portable Fuel Station has been vigorously tested for leakage, rupture, stability, abuse and endurance. The UN/dot approval speaks volumes for the quality of the product. It was specifically designed to be bolted into a trailer for those needing to transport fuel working in the landscaping, farming, recreational, construction and golf course maintenance fields, greatly reducing the number of trips to the gas station to refuel. It also seems like it would be ideal for those needing to transport automotive fuel to airports that don't provide the gasoline needed for two-stroke and Rotax 912 series engines. Fuel Station Features Include: • Full retail packaging • Durable welded steel tank • un/dot approved • Gravity feed tank • 10’ dispensing hose • Built-in shut off valve • Ground wire for safety • Squeeze handle dispenser • Nominal capacity: 15.0 gallons • Gross weight filled: 116 lbs. • Dimensions: 38.3” x 11.15” x 15.9” JohnDow Industries is a manufacturer of automotive shop equipment and supplies providing professional equipment and product solutions. Products include fuel storage & handling equipment, used oil & fluid handling equipment and auto service equipment. Learn more at www.johndow.com.
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 7 6 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Light Sport Aircraft by Dan Johnson Sebring Expo Is Shutting Down After 15 Years of Promoting the Central Florida Airport “It ’s a wrap” as the iconic lsa show called Sebring Expo (full name Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo) is shutting down after 15 years. The show started the same year lsa arrived on the scene — barely a month after faa announced the new airplane and pilot certificate category — as the event was initially held in October before shifting to January to avoid the hurricane season disruptions that affected the first year. Sebring was hardly on the aviation map as the show began. A notable early success was in attracting Phil Lockwood and his multiple enterprises. Those who know Phil are aware that he is a particularly careful and deliberate planner so his selection of ksef was significant and perhaps presaged the long and successful run of Sebring Expo. Over the years, airport executive director Mike Willingham and those he retained to operate the event tried various tactics including a night airshow, adding drone racing and exhibits to the mix, plus relocating the center of activity, finally ending up right in front of the new beautiful airport terminal Mike initiated during his equally long run as the man in charge. The lsa community embraced Sebring enthusiastically as the new segment roared into the aviation space. Dozens of new aircraft producers and the many customers who loved them enjoyed having an event where lsa and Sport Pilot kit aircraft plus ultralights were the leading attraction. A primary reason for the event’s success was the sector-specific nature of the show. Pilots could comb the field for the best choice for them and they could take multiple demonstration flights to zero in on the right aircraft for them. The smaller nature of the event assured that prospective buyers could get plenty of face time with suppliers of their favorite lsa or kits and they could have long enough conversations with them to be sure before making a substantial investment in a new aircraft. “Beginning as a small, local event, Expo has grown to become an international trade show with exhibitors, vendors, and visitors from all over the globe,” reported the airport authority in announcing the event shutdown. “Airport management, board and staff are extremely appreciative of the support shown by exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and participants.” What will Sebring Regional Airport do to promote itself and aviation in the future? “[We] will continue to focus resources and energy toward the development of new programs in emerging aviation areas including manned, optionally manned, and unmanned systems. This focus will include aerial, terrestrial and marine platforms.” One of the success stories for the Sebring airport is attracting tenants and increasing aviation activity at the airport. The authority assures those tenants and their customers, “Sebring Regional Airport will continue to vigorously support existing aviation-related tenants with a focus on growth and vibrancy of our region. Commitment to all segments of aviation has always been a cornerstone that will continue to be a core value.” lsa and Sport Pilot kit-oriented enterprises based at Sebring include Lockwood Supply and Lockwood Aircraft, Tecnam usa, Duc Propellers, Sebring Flight Academy run by the folks behind Bristell usa, and AB Flight, a representative for Evektor. Several other companies have also called Sebring home over the 15-year-run of the show.
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 9 8 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying So What Happened? It may be unfortunate that bad news attracts us so powerfully but that is reality. Many people have asked a similar question: “Why?” Sebring airport resident Tecnam placed their P2008 lsa in front of the airport terminal building. While some other media outlets clearly speculated over the reasons for the shutdown decision, I did not buy all the explanations. One writer guessed that exhibitors had decreased. While the number of vendors buying space has fluctuated over the years, as it does for all other shows, I’m lead to believe that was not a primary reason. Another reporter said ‘foot traffic’ was too low, but that probably shows that the writer compares every aviation event to Oshkosh and if it does not draw similarly-dense crowds, then something is wrong. Instead, these events — that I call sector-specific shows — are more focused. That makes them far more accessible to serious buyers wanting extra time with the representatives of the aircraft that have drawn their interest. People like to ask many questions — as I believe they should before making a six-figure purchase. Sebring, plus events like Midwest lsa Expo and DeLand Showcase, can deliver on this goal of attendees very well. Crowds may indeed be lower but that can be fairly regarded as a feature not a problem. Indeed, those attending sector-specific shows are obviously interested in the aircraft on display and vendors have repeatedly said they make more sales at these smaller events while spending far less money on displays. Why Did Sebring Shut Down? One man very close to the Sebring Expo knows more than journalists, attendees, and other vendors. I asked Phil Lockwood for his thoughts. He’s been involved since before Day One and was consulted by airport executive director Mike Willingham when this decision drew closer. Following are Phil’s thoughts, presented with his permission. Disclaimer: I caution readers that Phil does not speak for the Sebring Airport Authority but his information is highly reliable. People who know Phil are aware he speaks carefully and tends not to speculate about things he does not know. Phil wrote, “I think the following presents four primary factors that killed it.” (1) “Sebring has always struggled with the local weather during the show, which has not always been friendly, greatly affecting attendance,” Phil said. “Maybe three out of five shows have suffered from unseasonably lousy weather during the history of the show. It ’s an unpredictable and uncontrollable variable that makes the entire process a big gamble. In addition to the local weather issues, we have [often] been hit with a nasty line of intense weather blocking off Alabama and Georgia prior to and during the show, which prevented many small planes and vendors from making the trip into Florida.” In our conversation, Phil observed that he has frequently been out on the ramp prior to and after the show to experience beautiful weather and calm winds, the kind Florida has in abundance while the U.S. northern states are suffering through winters like the one just passed. However, when a three-day show starts it can easily be held hostage to In recent years, Expo was moved to position it directly in front of the airport terminal building, seen here behind Bristell, one of the regular displaying vendors. by Dan Johnson a single weather front passing through. Phil noted a weeklong show can suffer a couple of poor weather days and still be successful but a shorter show can be completely inhibited by lousy conditions. (2) “Sebring is about to begin a year-long program to rebuild the majority of our ramp,” he continued. “Accommodating the Expo during this construction would be very difficult.” In addition, after spending millions of dollars on ramp refurbishing, they may not want to drill holes for tents and tie-downs all over their brand-new ramp, somewhat similar to the way you feel about getting that first scratch or dent on your new car. (3) “The Sebring Airport management expends a large percentage of their staffing resources in the preparation and management of this show,” Phil noted. “They feel those resources can be used for projects that will better benefit the airport and surrounding community.” (4) He went on to say, “Vendors do not want to pay the higher cost needed to allow the show to sustain itself financially, leaving much of the burden on the airport and surrounding community. Although the attendance has been pretty good for a small regional show, and good enough to bring the vendors back year after year, it ’s probably not strong enough to offset the continued local investment dollars required to sustain the show.” “Add up all of the obstacles and you have a difficult mountain to climb,” Phil concluded. “The airport manager would have liked to find another entity to take over running the show but was unsuccessful in finding another group willing to take on the task and expense.” In the end, this was a difficult business decision but it has now been made and it is time to move on. Thanks for the memories, Mike Willingham, Bev Glarner, Janice Rearick, Jana Filip, and Bob Woods (leaders of Sebring Expo over the years). You gave it your all and it was good. Blue skies! And Another One Bites the Dust Perhaps the Sebring cancellation is a sign of the times. Another, even better-known series is also calling it quits. Plane & Pilot magazine’s online outlet reported, “For 16 years now, since its inception in 2003, the Red Bull Air Races have given the aviation world the kind of star power that other motor sports are all about. But the expensive and logistically difficult-to-produce events haven’ t created household names, as is the case with other motor sports, though the company didn’ t cite that as a cause for its decision.” “The news came as a shock,” Plane & Pilot continued, “with the company suddenly announcing on Wednesday, May 29 that 2019 will be its last year. Three races remain for this year’s series, with events in Russia, Hungary and Japan. In all, the series has included more than 90 races.”• This aerial view from aviation photographer Jim Koepnick features an RV-12 flying over the layout as it appeared in 2014.
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 11 10 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying T r i k e s Sun 'n Fun 2019 Sun ‘n Fun 2019 What’s new at Sun ‘n Fun? That’s the question everyone asks before the show opens. Sun ‘n Fun has long been known as the big show that serves as the debut for new designs, features, and sometimes entire companies. That is because wintertime is a natural time for aircraft development and Sun ‘n Fun is the first big airshow of the season. aero serves the same purpose for European designers and aircraft builders. Again, I was at the show early. And again, as I’ve observed at previous airshows, it appeared impossible for all exhibitors to be ready by gates-open on Tuesday April 2nd, 2019. And again, as usual, it somehow, magically came together and most attendees were none the wiser. Other early arrivers know the truth of which I speak. Now Streaming Your Way One fresh entry at Sun ‘n Fun 2019 is one almost no Americans have seen and not too many Europeans. I saw it at Aero as did a few other Yanks, but to 99% of interested aviators, here’s one out of the blue sky yonder. Welcome to Stream, a carbon fiber, low wing, tandem seating, retractable gear lightplane. Stream is clearly part of the TL family but is completely different than the preceding two models — that Americans already know. Sting has been their lead example through four iterations of the sleek low wing design: Sting-S2-S3-S4. Years ago Sting was offered with retractable gear but then came Light Sport Aircraft rules so fixed gear became the norm. Later came the similarly built but high wing, yoke-controlled Sirius. Now, Stream… TL Ultralight has been active in the lsa world for many years and was first represented by Sportairusa. At Sun ‘n Fun 2019 three very different models of Czech Republic manufacturer TL Ultralight were on display near (and in) the lsa Mall. A big difference: the large TL display was mounted by newer representative, TL Aircraft usa, run by Michal Margolien. The U.S. based company, with roots in the origin country of Czech Republic, displayed a Sting, a turbo Sting, the company’s high wing Sirius, and Stream. The example was built, as it must be for the American market, as an Experimental Amateur Built model. A husband and wife team just returned from a month in Czech Republic where they fulfilled all requirements for faa approval. It was their airplane on display. by Dan Johnson Sun ‘n Fun Day 1 — Affordable Aircraft: Evolution RevX, CGS Hawk Ultra, Kolb Trifly, Thatcher CX5 Videoman Dave and I never left Paradise City’s exhibits during our first day of video interviews. Yet we found several airplanes worth reviewing that fit comfortably into the affordable aviation space I enjoy reporting on. RevX — Evolution Trikes has now broadened their line to four trike models: Revo, the top-of-the-line deluxe cruiser; Rev, a Part 103 entry that folds up compactly and securely for trailer transport; Revolt, the tough two-seater to bridge the expanse between Revo and Rev; and now, the newest, RevX, a powerful single seater. This Tampa Bay-area, Florida company based at Zephyr Hills airport has been a fountain of development since its start. How long has that been? Ten years as it turns out, and to celebrate, they’re bringing their latest. Way back when, I wrote a full-length pilot report about Larry Mednick‘s first offering at Sun ‘n Fun 2011, only a couple years after their original model was conceived. In my article I was exceptionally pleased with the trike’s development. I wasn’t the only one. Judges awarded Revo the Grand Champion Light Sport Aircraft at the 2011 Sun ‘n Fun airshow. Since that colorful splash, the company has introduced their Rev (single-place Part 103-capable), Revolt (two-place ruggedized model) and now the RevX. Even with most desirable features delivered as part of the base package, RevX is a relative bargain at around $33,000. Multiple positive qualities suggest RevX could be a big seller, but perhaps the real value is how well it performs. A Rotax 582 with 65 horsepower gives RevX a very short launch roll and steep climbs but it may be the smaller 28-foot-span, 12 square meter wing with its higher wing loading that leaves Evolution factory pilots grinning from ear to ear after a flight. Given its weight with the beefy Rotax, RevX must be delivered as Experimental Amateur Built but Evolution offers a Builder Assist operation to help do the job quicker and better. Hawk Ultra — Despite some speculative rumors, all is well with the dual CGS Hawk project involving two-seat Hawk specialist and primary components fabricator Terry Short, paired with the father and son team of Bob and LB Santom handling the single place Hawk 103, Hawk Ultra and Hawk Plus. Hawks developed a strong following in the U.S. and several countries with more than 2,000 flying. As the design emerged in 1983, it was only single-place. Once Part 103 aircraft were growing and need for a two-seat trainer became apparent, the Hawk Arrow series debuted in several variations. With one or
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 13 12 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Support Our Advertisers Sun 'n Fun 2019 two seats, Hawks won a place in the hearts of many aviators and that continues unabated to this day. In our interview with Bob, he related that the example pictured flew into Paradise City’s grass strip and they are ready to launch into production of the modestly-priced aircraft. Trifly — As is the case for other producers of Part 103 aircraft, Kolb Aircraft boss Bryan Melborn reported strong business with Firefly, the long established airplane manufacturer’s leading model. Like nearly all Kolb Aircraft, Firefly is a taildragger …although the company’s models represent some of the easiest-to-handle taildraggers you’ll find in all of aviation. Cool as taildraggers may be, the fact remains that most pilots trained in the last couple of generations have overwhelmingly learned to fly in tricycle gear aircraft. Most have zero experience with taildraggers, but they’ve heard stories about ground looping and other challenges of handling taildragger designs. To address potential customers telling him they were unsure about their success with a taildragger, Bryan engineered a tricycle-gear version of Firefly. He inventively calls it Trifly. In truth Trifly also comes with a tailwheel; Bryan reports you can definitely perform a three-point landing (main gear touching down in concert with the tailwheel) in Firefly. Or, if you prefer, land Trifly like any Cessna; that works well, too. Kolb’s Trifly can be delivered as a kit or ready-to-fly direct from the manufacturer. CX5 — From dedicated designer David Thatcher comes an established and familiar design, the Thatcher CX models 4 and 5. Displayed at Sun ‘n Fun was the tandem seating CX5. Using Revmaster’s 85-horsepower VW-derived-but-further-developed four-stroke engine, Thatcher CX5 can get in the air for a sum in the $30,000 range. Able to hold two large Americans and fly better than 100 mph very economically, this proven design has attracted enthusiastic supporters. Carefully designed to be an easy build, CX5 rewards the builder with an elegant wing featuring a tapered, upward-angled outer wing with dual taper trailing edge and inboard tapering ailerons. Lastly, while we did not interview U-Fly-It boss Dennis Carley, a conversation with him brought the news that his DeLand, Florida company continues to run at full capacity building bargain-priced Aerolite 103s. Contrary to so-called conventional wisdom, the highly affordable world of Part 103 ultralight aircraft appears to be thriving. Budget-conscious pilots, rejoice! Sun ‘n Fun Day 2 — As Summertime Approaches, Light Sport Seaplanes Draw Interest Seaplane flying is a specialty within aviation but it is one that has steady appeal and develops passionate aviators. I prefer to modify that “gear-up landing” line to… “There are pilots who love seaplane flying and there are those who will love it.” Be forewarned: Once you touch your seaplane* or floatplane* to the water, it may forever change you. If you think I’m being too dramatic, you probably haven’t flown off the water. Great, so it’s magical to see the countryside from a few hundred feet up. Even better, enjoy flying low across the clear, blue, warm waters of the Bahamas. Examine the shoreline of a big lake in a way you’d never do in a landplane. Compared to airports, seaplane pilots have many times more lakes or rivers able to handle a landing. All are fair game in an emergency and many U.S. waterways will permit normal water operations. Are you convinced yet? Water flying does require earning a Seaplane rating for Private Pilots flying a certified floatplane or seaplane. However, for Sport Pilots or those using higher-level certificates to exercise the privileges of Sport Pilot, only training plus a logbook endorsement is needed. Purchase cost of a seaplane can be, well… breathtaking. If you or someone you know has ever priced a general aviation aircraft on floats, you’re aware they can be quite expensive. Flying from water demands a more robust airframe and amphibians add weight and complexity.
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 15 14 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Sun 'n Fun 2019 Finding a qualified flight school and instructors with seaplane trainers and insurance for commercial training operations is another challenge, although organizations like the dedicated Seaplane Pilots Association (spa) can help overcome some of the preceding obstacles. All these facts conspire to make seaplane flying less common than it ought to be. Light Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot kits to the rescue! While still more costly than landline equivalents, lsa seaplanes carry price tags that are a fraction of certified aircraft on floats and they likely outperform their counterparts in general aviation. Even spa — the water flying organization that has been more focused on certified floatplanes — is now flying a loaned Searey for a year or so to learn more about this segment of their community (photo). Here at Sun ‘n Fun 2019, we saw two new entries in the lsa or Sport Pilot kit space. Italian manufacturer icp representative (and airline pilot) Walter della Nebbia presented a bright red stol Savannah on white composite amphibious floats. The floats were designed and built by an Italian organization (Scuola Italiano Volo) with many years of experience providing seaplane-only flight instruction. “He (the designer) is very knowledgeable,” said Walter. “These are very good floats with lots of experience.” Just Aircraft showed a Highlander on aluminum floats built by the owner from a Zenair float kit. Just has become known for their Superstol model with the jaw-dropping performance. Highlander is the company’s original lsa success story (#33 on our slsa List) that, when significantly modified for special use, became Superstol. Besides these two entries the lsa industry offers several more choices of float-equipped land planes plus other boat-hulled seaplanes such as Progressive Aerodyne’s Searey, Aero Adventure’s Aventura, Seamax Aircraft’s SeaMax, Vickers Aircraft’s coming Wave, and others. While waterborne aircraft carry a higher price tag than land-only airplanes, seaplane flying has never been more affordable. My definition of these terms is that a ‘seaplane’ has a boat hull where a ‘floatplane’ is straight or amphibious floats added to a landplane. The terms are not used as official designations. Just Aircraft Highlander on floats ICP Savannah on floats Sun ‘n Fun Day 3 — Lightning Fast Kit Aircraft, lsa Regulation Questions, and a Tribute Lightning Fast — You wanna go fast? Of course you do. What pilot doesn’ t want to go fast? Now, ultralight pilots (me, for instance) will go on enthusiastically about the beauty of flying slowly, of drifting leisurely over the landscape at a ‘human speed’ that allows enough time to enjoy the expanse of an aerial view of your surroundings. Open cockpit flying adds to the joy facilitated by low airspeeds. Yet the allure of going fast is great, zipping over the countryside. I get that and when contemplating a cross-country trip of any real distance, fast cannot be too fast. In addition to a higher tas, we all yearn for a tailwind that will raise our speed by another 20 mph. Arion Aircraft boss Nick Otterback also feels that desire to fly fast. Along with his since-retired but longtime business partner Pete Krotje, Nick created the dashing, sleek and smooth Lightning, first offered as a kit and a compliant Light Sport Aircraft. Lightning has enjoyed and continues to execute a good run, but like many designers, Nick felt the design could handle more speed. He set out to bump the numbers by installing a Titan X340 with 180 horsepower. This triggered other changes such as a new cowl to accommodate the powerplant. “Our Lightning XS kit has a redesigned forward fuselage structure that gives the builder the option to choose engines up to 180 horsepower,” said Nick. “Taller landing gear for bigger props, bigger brakes, and 20 gallon fuel tanks are among some of the features of this new kit.” How fast does Lightning XS go? Testing is not complete yet; it recently took to the air. However, Arion is calculating 165 knots (190 mph) tas at 8,500 feet density altitude at full gross. Climb is a stunning 2,000 fpm. Of course, Lightning XS is not a Light Sport Aircraft and will require a Private or better certificate plus a medical to fly. Stronger Climb–Efficient Cruise–Greater Safety — Rotax, Searey builder Progressive Aerodyne, and RS Technology continue work to acquire knowledge and data about what’s called Single Lever Control (slc). They’ve been at it a couple years or more and RS Tech is pleased with initial results. Since I first interviewed Michael Stock about this, the team has transitioned to Rotax’s newest 915iS engine that supplies 135 horsepower. Combined with the adjustable prop, this becomes an enthusiastic performer. The beauty of the system, in my mind, is that it is so simple. A literal single lever makes the pilot workload no more difficult than a conventional throttle on a fixed pitch prop, yet it can deliver increased performance to shorten takeoff runs without sacrificing cruise at altitude. This is a win-win safety argument that the faa recognizes. In our discussions with top executives with the agency they proved surprisingly and pleasantly receptive to considering slc as they rework the SP/lsa regulation. That’s not a guarantee but the odds seem promising. Nonetheless, that regulation is still years away — how many years is an unanswerable question at this point but the wheels of progress are in motion. In talking about regulation change, lots of folks are still asking about a speculated weight increase. Yes, one is definitely coming but not to a specific number. A formula will develop gross weight, and no, the final version of that formula is not yet established.
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 17 16 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying The Lightning Bug 2 Lightning Bug 2 Encore Appearance — In the lsa–Sport Pilot kit aircraft–ultralight space, we had a rising star, an emerging talent, and one of the nicest people I’ve met. His name was Brian Austein. Sadly, this bright young man succumbed to cancer and died since last Sun ‘n Fun… a terrible loss. However, his unique legacy lives on in Paradise City in 2019. Brian’s last full-sized project, the Lightning Bug 2 (the version number is mine not his), was quite remarkable. LB2 was a 150-pound empty weight aircraft— ponder that weight for a minute — powered by two model aircraft engines. It cost Brian a mere $3,000 out-of-pocket and he produced a man-carrying flying machine. I still find that story rather magical and his one-of-a-kind aircraft design to be utterly a fresh creation. I’ve never seen anything like LB2 and I’m not sure I ever will again. Given his prodigious design ability and inventiveness I found it fun to see some of Brian’s other ideas that he worked on until he died. He bubbled over with ideas as I interviewed him and he wrote from the hospital of another new project in this same ultra-affordable aircraft space. R.I.P. Brian… Sun ‘n Fun Day 4 — Rans Outbound Tricycle, Amphibious Trikes, Electric Powered Paraglider Sun ‘n Fun streaks on with Blue Angels and Stearmans cracking the air. Exhibits are active. People are shopping for the right airplane. Strong crowds are present at peak times. Opening day may have set a record. Generally vendors and customers seemed to be in good spirits. Recreational aviation looks healthy. As I spoke with vendors, one comment I heard repeatedly — freely offered but never requested —was “The economy is good. People have money to spend.” This statement came up often enough to give it weight. Outbound — Rans has enjoyed quite a run with their newest, the S-21 Outbound. It is a handsome taildragger with performance to make stol designs jealous. The trouble is, for the last two generations of pilots, nearly all were instructed in a tricycle gear airplane. Most have also heard stories about ground loops causing damage and hurting pride. They stick to tricycle gear and given their training, that’s probably appropriate. For Sun ‘n Fun 2019, Rans brought Outbound fitted with tricycle gear. Despite what many might have expected, the configuration looks good. The nose wheel doesn’t affect handling or performance; “ it flies the same as the tail dragger,” said Randy Schlitter. Outbound can be powered by a Rotax 912 with 100 horsepower or up to a Titan X340 with 180 horsepower. Randy said the climb with the bigger engine is impressive (850 to 1,500 fpm) but fuel usage rises noticeably (from 5.5 to 7 gph, and pilot real-life experience may result in an even greater gap). 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 Rans quotes essentially the same launch and landing values for the Rotax 912. 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 for larger diameters. All outbounds can go both ways, taildragger or tri-gear. It takes about four hours to swap out the hardware but the airframe is built to accommodate either configuration. Amphib Trikes — Michael Percy and his Airtime Aircraft enterprise deliver a most agreeably priced seaplane, a combination of Krueger floats and a trike carriage built by his organization. Amphibious weight shift trikes are not common, but I have flown a few and they work reasonably well. In fact the way a trike leaves and arrives back on the water seems to jibe with the posture of a trike. If you watch a wheeled trike meet runway, you will observe that the main gear always touch first; the carriage is suspended under the wing in that way to facilitate rotation for lift off. Support Our Advertisers RANS Outbound
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 19 18 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Airtime has the trike carriage attached optimally to the floats to complement this quality of trikes and the results are good. I watched as Michael cycled the gear up and down. It’s a remarkably fast moving system and appears very simple. This system is used in two configurations on both the company’s aircraft. Airtime Aircraft offers two trike models. One is the Cygnet that became a Special lsa ten years ago. It has seen refinements but is essentially the same aircraft, probably because it works well. Explorer 103 is a legitimate Part 103 aircraft using the added weight faa permits under guidance. To look at them, though, the two models appear much the same aircraft except for the extra seat and added structure to accommodate the 912 engine on Cygnet. Electric ppg— One of the rigs I was most impressed with was an electric powered paraglider (ppg). The one I examined was for foot launch but I was told it would work well on a lightweight wheeled, as are becoming common in ppgs. I learned of this from Planet ppg owner Paul Czarnecki, also a popular voice in Paradise City this year along with Stephanie Bensinger. These two did great work announcing activities in the area. The electric ppg was a creation of John Magdic in conjunction with Open ppg. This is a modern-style opensource project (think: Linux operating system) where you can purchase components to make your own electric ppg. How successful could this be? According to information provided to Sun ‘n Fun judges, Magdic’s four-motor system can produce 165 pounds of thrust, comparable to the most powerful gasoline ppg units and substantially more than the average ppg. Magdic’s Open ppg propulsion system has 30 pounds of batteries that can provide 30 minutes of power. If you want more you could double the four to eight batteries and get an hour’s flying time but your rig will then be of similar weight to a gas-powered ppg. For many, 30 minutes of flying time may be sufficient. Cost, according to Czarnecki, is about $5,000 for the electric power frame, $3,000 for a wing, and if you want it, a wheeled carriage is about $1,500 making a full price for a complete aircraft less than $10,000. That’s affordable flying! Sun ‘n Fun Day 5 …Wrap Up — Cub and Mother; Sopwith Camel Replica, Father of Ultralight Aircraft moac — “Tweety” got my, and lots of other’s, well-deserved attention (photo below), being the very first airplane American Legend produced, back in 2005. The original aircraft was on display at Sun ‘n Fun. Since the company has since registered 226 aircraft, Tweety launched quite a good run. However, it was the Mother Of All Cubs that commandeered the focus of many show attendees visiting the American Legend exhibit. This variation on their theme has several wow factors. A handsome young fellow sat in the airplane as I approached. He turned out to be Luke, son of American Legend boss, Darin Hart. I looked again to see he was seated in the third seat. A strut maintains structure in front of the third seat but it removes easily with quick pins. Luke scrambled out of the third seat easily. “It ’s actually easier than entering the front seat of moac,” said Luke. Those seats do more. They can fold forward and with some securing anchors, can haul a different payload. The seating ties in with a whole new “turtle deck” as Darin called it. Not your usual turtle deck, this six-foot-long opening runs from the trailing edge of the wing halfway to the tail. The turtle deck opens wide enough to allow an injured passenger to be loaded head first into moac. For three persons or an air ambulance, moac has plenty of power to carry about 1,000 pounds of useful load thanks to the largest Titan X370 producing 195 horsepower. Darin said climb performance is so strong, he plans to enter three aopa regional event stol competitions and believes moac can do well. “It ’s pretty easy to manage the takeoff to win,” Darin noted. “It ’s landing really short that demands high pilot skills.”
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 21 20 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Sun 'n Fun 2019 Equipped with a rotorhead, big tires, and a big engine, this should be an interesting thing to see fly. Sopwith Camel — Robert Baslee is one impressive creator of old-time replica wwi aircraft. Every year for 30 consecutive years Robert has brought a new design to Sun ‘n Fun. For a movie studio shoot one of his replicas was designed, built, and delivered to the movie set just 30 days after the studio’s request. Think about that! The movie people saw the precision of his replicas. These are vintage aircraft built as closely as possible to their original but using modern materials and techniques. Under the authentic looking exterior is a welded steel frame. Aerodrome supplies these elements for kit builders. Movie studios may stimulate a design, but Baslee’s creations have also enabled a following that loves the vintage look. Of course, the guns in front of the pilot were not real, but they looked it. British military engineers invented a mechanical system to stop the guns from firing when a propeller blade was passing in front of the barrel. Ah, Sun ‘n Fun …where else can you see things like moac, a Sopwith Camel and end the day watching the world’s lightest aircraft fly? But Sun ‘n Fun is over. Even while staff, tent vendors and more had plenty of work to do, customers and vendors all vacated the area, scattering off across the usa as they returned to base. Some have a new airplane. Numerous vendors reported solid sales during the show. Pilots liked what they saw and a good economy is powering activity. It was a fantastic experience for most everybody attending. •
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 23 22 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying n Parts, Repair, Overhaul n Maintenance n A&P Technicians on Staff n Large Inventory of Engines LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS LLC The Central USA independent SERVICE CENTRE PSF57 Check Our Our Easy-to-Use WEBSTORE at leadingedgeairfoils.com 1216 North Road Lyons, WI 53148 1.800.532.3462 Check the Mailing Label on the Back Cover to See if Your Subscription is Running Out Gyroplane • Claim Number: 18926 • Sub-Class: E-3a / Autogyros: take-off weight less than 500 kg • Category: General • Group: 1: piston engine • Type of Record: Speed over a recognized course • Course/Location: Popham, Basingstoke (United Kingdom)–Tartu (Estonia) • Performance: 2.9 km/hr (1.8 mph) • Pilot: James Ketchell (United Kingdom) • Aircraft: M 16 / Magni • Date: 04/28/2019 • Current Record: No record set yet. Gyroplane • Claim Number: 18928 • Sub-Class: E-3a / Autogyros: take-off weight less than 500 kg • Category: General • Group: 1: piston engine • Type of Record: Speed over a recognized course • Course/Location: Popham, Basingstoke (United Kingdom)–Moscow (Russia) • Performance: 3.5 km/hr (2.2 mph) • Pilot: James Ketchell (United Kingdom) • Aircraft: M 16 / Magni • Date: 05/01/2019 • Current Record: No record set yet. Setting a Record If you are in the United States and would like to set an aviation world record, you should first read the current FAI Sporting Code. For Microlights, it is called Section 10 and can be downloaded for no charge from the microlight section of www.fai.org For Rotorcraft, the part of the Sporting Code you need to refer to is Section 9. It can also be downloaded for no charge. Then, contact the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) to learn more about how you can set your own record! Visit them at www.naa.aero World Records and Attempts Fai has received the following Class E (Rotorcraft) World record claims. The details shown below are provisional. When all the evidence required has been received and checked, the exact figures will be established and the record ratified (if appropriate.) USUA News
www.PSFmagazine.com | May-June 2019 | 25 24 | May-June 2019 | Powered Sport Flying Support Our Advertisers August 10-17, 2019 2019 FAI World and Continental Championships. Ignalina, Lithuania. This world championship event will offer competitions single and two place powered paragliders, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, airplanes and weight shift control trikes. www.emc2019.net August 16-18, 2019 2019 Balloon and Airplane Festival. Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, Washington. Anything that involves humans and machines in the air is still our focus: Airplanes, hot air balloons, ultralights, warbirds, drones, and more!. www.arlingtonflyin.org August 22-25, 2019 Nail's 8th Annual Powered Parachute Fly-In. “The Ranch” in Franklin, Illinois. Free camping. YOU are invited. We have ample space for whatever you will be camping in (no hookups of course but LOTS of shade, an outhouse and a lake for bathers!!). The lake is stocked with bluegill, crappie, bass and channel cats...... bring you fishing gear if you like. For more information contact rtoler1@speednet.com or (217) 473-7526 angel-wings-aviation.com August 31–September 2, 2019 Dave Purdin 20th Annual Fly-In. Earl Thomas Conley park, West Portsmouth, Ohio. Beautiful area. Beautiful flying. Great friends. Great times. $25 registration fee. Just pay at the event. For more info: call Dave Purdin at ( 937) 725-4480 or email dave_ppger@yahoo.com September 5-7, 2019 Midwest LSA Expo. Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Learn about the LSA industry including the aircraft, available engines, and LSA performance. Find the LSA’s, for you! On site restaurant with nearly sixty other restaurants in the area. Over 1,111 hotel rooms locally. www.mountvernonaviationexpo.com September 12-14, 2019 Sho-Me Chute Flyers Annual Fly-In. Baugh Flight Park, Reeds, Missouri. All aircraft welcome. We have a 2600 ft. runway. Food on site. We sponsor Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer. Clubhouse with showers and camping. (417) 825-5353 www.baughflightpark.com September 20-21, 2019 28th Annual Zenith Open Hangar Day & Fly-In Gathering. Zenith Aircraft factory, Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ). Aviation enthusiasts, especially builders and owners of Zenith Aircraft kit planes, are invited to drive or fly-in for the day. The Zenith Aircraft kit production facilities will be open for factory tours and Zenith's factorydemonstrator kit aircraft will be on display. Workshop activities, presentations and more. Visit: www.zenithair.com 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. June 22, 2019 from 8 AM-3 PM Aircraft Spruce Canada Customer Appreciation Day. Aircraft Spruce Canada, Brantford Municipal Airport, Brantford, Ontario. This is the time of year when we go all out by offering spectacular discounts on our most popular products and provide a chance for our loyal customers to meet our vendors. So come join the fun and get a chance to win big prizes. Enjoy a free grilled hot dog and cold soda on us! For more information visit www.aircraftspruce.com July 12-14, 2019 Grass Roots Fly-in. Chesaning, Michigan. Howard Nixen Airport (50G). Sponsored by the Chesaning Sport Pilot Association, MULA, and Great Sails. Free camping Friday through Sunday. Fireworks Saturday and pancake breakfast on Sunday. Contact Malcolm Brubaker (989) 513-3022. July 19-20, 2019 PreOsh Wingfest Fly-In/Drive-In. Cushing Field, Sheridan, Illinois. Enjoy a celebration for "very light aviation". For trike pilots, instructors, dealers and enthusiasts. Contact Mike Hudetz at (630) 664-1892 or for more info visit www.airsportster.com Calendar July 22-28, 2019 2019 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The world’s largest airshow features a week-long schedule of forums, activities, and flights geared to every facet of aviation, including ultralights and light sport aircraft. www.airventure.org July 30-August 3, 2019 Popular Rotorcraft Association Convention 2019. Mentone, Indiana. The annual convention for the pra features gyroplanes and helicopters. If you are interested in gyros, this is the place to visit to learn about instruction, aircraft, and more. Visit www.pra.org August 1-4, 2019 3rd Annual “Moonshiners” Powered Paraglider Fly-In. Johnson County Airport, Mountain City, Tennessee. We boast breathtaking mountainous views, friendly locals, interesting side amenities and a supporting Fixed Base Operator. This general aviation airport is perfect for PPG operations with plenty of camping sites, water hook up and waste water dump on-site. You can also stay at one of our many beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inns or a hotel is right around the corner. With both asphalt and grass runways available for take offs and landings this year there will be a live band, fireworks for some night entertainment, food and beverage service will be attempted again and 100LL aviation fuel and 2 stroke oil available in the FBO office. For more information visit www.johnsoncountyairport.com. August 3, 2019 Freedom of the Skies Fly-In. Felt Field Roseburg, Oregon. Free for vendors and public. Set up at 7amwith event from 8am to 2pm. Food and camping available. Meet & greet LSRM from Freedom of the Skies Aviation. Games & prizes. Visit scenic Douglas County close to National Parks and the Pacific coast. This is a beautiful fly-in right on the Umpqua River at a private grass air strip. For more information visit www.fotsaviation.com. August 3-9, 2019 Hillbilly Fly-In. 15372 Airport Rd, Linesville, Pennsylvania. Beautiful scenery on a 27 mile long lake with wide open fields. Going to be a lot of fun. Learn more at (321) 961-3009
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