HOMEDALE, Idaho – Kitfox Aircraft hung a 180-horsepower Titan X340 engine on an airframe and took it flying the first week of January. “Flight testing is partially complete, but so far we are seeing massive climb performance,” reported Kitfox on its Facebook page. “We are seeing numbers at 2500 fpm cruise climb and are hoping for […]
Light Sport Aircraft
Flight Design inks deal for second source of airframes
Flight Design USA has contracted for a second source of completed airframes for import into America. This means more aircraft will be available for new customers, according to company officials. Flight Design USA signed a production and distribution agreement with AeroJones Aviation of Taichung, Taiwan, to supply Flight Design aircraft and spare parts for the […]
LSA breakthroughs featured at U.S. Sport Aviation Expo
By BILL WILSON The promise of light-sport aviation began with hopes of a cheaper way to get into or stay in aviation. These hopes focused around lower prices for new aircraft and the potential for reduced operating costs. This year’s U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, held Jan. 20-23 at Sebring Regional Airport (KSEF) in Florida finally delivered on that […]
Murphy Aircraft begins S-LSA certification for Rebel
Murphy Aircraft has begun the process to take the Murphy Rebel through the Special-Light-Sport Aircraft certification process. “We have received numerous inquires for an S-LSA certified Rebel, as well as E-LSA Rebel kits,” said Darryl Murphy, owner and founder of Murphy Aircraft Mfg., based in Chilliwack, BC, Canada. “The number of inquiries are too large to […]
SAM Aircraft acquired by Heintz brothers
The assets of SAM Aircraft have been acquired by the sons of aircraft designer Chris Heintz, owners of Zenith Aircraft Company in the U.S. and Zenair Ltd. in Canada. Founded in 2009 by Thierry Zibi in Quebec, Canada, SAM Aircraft was developed as a modern light-sport aircraft (LSA). A low-wing all-metal tandem two-seater, the SAM Aircraft design is […]
Highlights from Day 1 of the Sebring LSA Expo
The 2016 U.S. Sport Aviation Expo — also known as the Sebring LSA Expo — launched Jan. 20. Organizers noted that while the day started out a bit chilly, it got warmer as the day went on, with even better weather expected for the rest of the show, which runs through Saturday, Jan. 23. “A […]
CubCrafters adds emergency aircraft parachutes
YAKIMA, Wash. — CubCrafters has introduced new emergency parachute systems for the company’s line of backcountry tailwheel airplanes. The systems were developed in conjunction with BRS Aerospace. The BRS parachute systems are offered on CubCrafters’ production Carbon Cub SS aircraft, as well as the company’s Carbon Cub FX Builder Assist model and its EX-2 kit. Systems are also available […]
Sebring LSA Expo gears up
In just two weeks, the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo will open its gates Jan. 20 for its 12th annual run. With the Expo NOTAM released, pilots can begin their flight planning. More than 140 exhibitors are expected to display a variety of aircraft and aviation supplies, while more than 60 educational forums offered during the four days of […]
Flight Design passes FAA audit
Light-Sport Aircraft manufacturer Flight Design reports that an FAA audit was closed successfully in late 2015. The three-day audit was conducted at the Flight Design headquarters facility in Kamenz, Germany, by a team of three auditors from different sections of the FAA. “Given our goal to ensure the highest quality aircraft meeting customer safety requirements and government […]