For the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, the FAA reported there were 56 fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft over the preceding 12 months, including 39 in amateur-built aircraft. That compares to 42 total accidents — 33 in amateur-built aircraft — during the 12-month period between October 2020 and September 2021.
Experimental Aircraft
First flight for first kit-built Bearhawk Model 5
Besides the successful first flight of the Bearhawk’s newest model, the company reports that a pilot flying a Bearhawk Patrol took first place in the 2022 Northeast STOL series.
Honey, I shrunk the Mustang
The P-51 Mustang has long been at the top of most pilot’s list of planes they’d like to own, but with an average price of well over $2 million, only a few can afford to live that dream. Enter the new ScaleWings SW-51 from Germany, a 70% Mustang replica that debuted in the U. S. in 2022.
CubCrafters goes public
For the first time in its 40-year history, CubCrafters is allowing the public to invest in the company. The grassroots initiative allows investors to invest starting at $400.
New president at RANS Aircraft
“I’m happy to spend more time in the R&D department to further the advancements in sport and utility aviation for RANS,” says Randy Schlitter, designer of the RANS line of airplanes and founder of RANS Aircraft.
Comp Air debuts six-seater
“With a fully carbon composite construction, the CA6.2 provides an aerodynamic airframe large enough to comfortably seat six adults, plus baggage,” company officials said.
Realistic warbird soon to be available as LSA kit
The P-36 replica, 60% smaller than the original, is a single-seat Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) that will soon be on the market in kit form.
DIY at an airshow
The workshops area at SUN ‘n FUN offers instruction on everything you need to know to build your own airplane — and it’s all included in the price of your ticket to get into the fly-in.
Win a new Carbon Cub
You don’t have to be in Alaska to win the experimental aircraft. All proceeds from the raffle go to support general aviation in Alaska.