Independent Aircraft has begun production engineering of an all composite amphibious light-sport aircraft (LSA) called the SeaDragon Gen2. The original proof-of-concept, the SeaDragon, was accredited in Jane’s “All the Worlds Aircraft” for being the first all composite amphib specifically designed for the LSA category. “We have kept our head down, flying under the radar while […]
Light Sport Aircraft
First electric flight for Erik Lindbergh
When a leading proponent of a fresh idea, in this case airplanes powered by electric motors, finally has a chance to use the technology it can significantly heighten his motivation. Such was the case when Erik Lindbergh took the opportunity to fly GreenWing International’s pure-electric eSpyder. About his first flight in electric aircraft Lindbergh observed, […]
Bearhawk ships LSA kits, adds second door to Patrol
Bearhawk Aircraft started delivering kits of the Bearhawk LSA (pictured below) in June. “We offer the Bearhawk LSA as a quick build, a plans-built, and everything in between,” said Mark Goldberg, Bearhawk Aircraft’s owner. Announced last August, the prototype of the Bob Barrows-designed two seater will be on display at AirVenture. In addition to the LSA, feedback from […]
Hartzell X-Drive chosen for Carbon Cub
CubCrafters has selected Hartzell Engine Technologies’ new X-Drive lightweight starter as standard on the company’s upgraded, high-performance Carbon Cub SS light sport aircraft (LSA). “This is our first OEM (original equipment manufacturer) application for the new-generation X-Drive lightweight starter,” said Hartzell Engine Technologies’ President Mike Disbrow Disbrow. “CubCrafters manufactures an exceptional line of certificated, LSA and […]
LISA Airplanes restarts work on Akoya amphib
Le Bourget du Lac, France — LISA Airplanes has restarted development of the Akoya amphibious Light-Sport Aircraft, after the company was put in receivership last August. “LISA Airplanes went through the economic turbulences and is now able to finalize its emblematic airplane and its international business development,” company officials said in a prepared statement. The […]
Company formed to produce electric aircraft
CABLE, Calif. — A new company, GreenWing International, has been formed to handle the production of the eSpyder (pictured below) and e430 electric-powered aircraft from Yuneec International. China-based Yuneec will continue to focus on developing the technologies for electric motors and power systems, company officials noted. “GreenWing International is a new company created to specialize […]
Evektor passes FAA audit
The first Light-Sport Aircraft to win FAA acceptance as an SLSA was Evektor. Now, Midwest U.S. Sportstar and Harmony rep Steve Minnich reports Evektor passed a recent FAA audit. This comes as no surprise because the company has also successfully been ISO-audited, EASA-audited, and LAMA-audited. Still, FAA apparently wanted to go see for themselves after […]
Rotax 912 iS: Better than predicted
While the 912 iS is essentially the same engine as the carbureted 912 ULS, it has seen numerous changes, including fuel injection and computer controls.
Single seat darling
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 […]