Most of our tandem Special LSA — Legend Cub, Courier, SportCub, Hornet, Hawk, and SkyArrow — are recreational airplanes. Except for the last one (Italy’s smooth, composite Sky Arrow) most might also fall into the “bush” category in that they are slower-flying, fabric-covered, rugged aircraft suitable for landing on unimproved airstrips.
A brand-new tandem, not yet officially an SLSA, is the MySky MS-1 (pictured below), which I call a “performance tandem.” MS-1 aims to go as fast as the category allows (120 knots) using its beefy 120-hp Jabiru 3300 powerplant. MySky’s entry also plans a deluxe interior not found in most currently-approved tandem SLSA.
Recently I trekked to California to fly a few hours in the A-16 Sport Falcon (pictured at top) from AviaDesign. Company principal Dave Saunders has enjoyed a long, successful career creating structural improvements for larger aircraft, including several Beech models, and he has now turned his attention to LSA, partly as it means to deal less with the FAA and its bureaucracy.
I’ll report more as this aircraft comes to market, but regarding my experience flying the A-16: Entry is about as easy as it gets, thanks to the “air stair” (just like some larger aircraft have); the interior is spacious and comfortable, more so than many other LSAs; handling is predictable with no bad traits I could uncover; the airplane is well equipped and expects to have a price somewhere in the $110,000 range, though this decision is still being reviewed; visibility is enormous, with the pilot sitting about 4 feet in front of the wing; even the aft seat has good room, very good visibility, and full controls — it turns out my smoothest landings were from the rear.
For more information: AviaProducts.com, MySky.aero.
This plane is not “new.” It was on display at SnF several years ago. Great plane however. Ingress and egress is unparalleled.