Perhaps it’s because we haven’t had so many new SLSA offerings lately (though don’t look away too long as more are definitely on the way!). Maybe it’s because the new new SD-1 Minisport is a single seater.
Certainly we have not had many single seater SLSA … well, none so far, but that, too, is going to change with the Snap aerobatic aircraft and the electric-powered Yuneec eSpyder working on SLSA approval as one-place airplanes.
It could be the low price tag. No question that a price under $60,000 for a ready-to-fly Special LSA is attractive.
However, I’m always amazed at conventional aviation magazines droning on about the “high cost” of LSA when, in fact, we have many aircraft offered at below $100,000, several below $80,000, and a handful for even less the new SD-1 Minisport (and the other low-priced LSA are all two seaters).
Whatever the reason for the great reporting on the Minisport, congratulations to the importers and producers of this fun-looking single place LSA. To hear more about their project, catch our video about the kit version shot at last year’s Oshkosh. Note that SD-1 has not yet been accepted by FAA as an SLSA.
“I’m always amazed at conventional aviation magazines droning on about the “high cost” of LSA when, in fact, we have many aircraft offered at below $100,000”
With all due respect, IMHO part of the fundamental problem with aviation that is helping to reduce the number of pilots is that some people believe that $100k ISN’T “high cost”. This is simply an unattainable cost for most people. Even $60k is far outside of the means for the majority of families in the US for what is essentially a “luxury” item. $20k will get you a 40+ yr old Cessna 150, or it will buy a very nice car, or a pair of very nice snowmobiles, motorcycles or ATVs, for some examples.
Until the aviation community takes a step back and understands that $30k-$40k is indeed “high cost” for most people, along with $6+ per gallon fuel, we will continue to lose pilots and our community will continue to dwindle.
Agreed, the $100k LSA is 1/3 or less the cost of a new piper, cessna,etc. but certainly much more than many can spend or justify. With the 40+ year old part 23 airplane people need to understand that a non-pressurized airplane really does not wear out. Yes corrosion happens but that can be in a year or less in the right climate, the avionics will go out of date but depending on where it is flown the systems may be just fine. Properly maintained a light aircraft of conventional construction, (not composite), can last for ever.