BY J. DOUGLAS HINTON With the meltdown of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence, causing private enterprise to bloom, including Kiev-based Aeroprakt company, founded the same year and bolstered by an investment by Saudi Sheik Hussein. The result was several Light-Sport Aircraft, principally the Aeroprakt A22-LS. Designed by Yuri Yakovlev, the LSA […]
LSA
LSAs vs. Cessna 150s
The downside for LSA: They aren’t as well known, they cost a lot more (new always does), and the mechanics don’t know them as well.
Welcome to Sling
Have you been thinking that it’s been some time since a new Special LSA was announced? While the torrid pace of yesteryear has abated, it ain’t over by a long shot. I know of at least a dozen aircraft still in progress to achieve SLSA status. Now, welcome to Sling, SLSA #125. Back on April […]
Pipistrel’s Alpha Trainer takes off
After the successful conclusion of its test flight program, Pipistrel has released its newest aircraft, the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer. The name “Pipistrel Alpha Trainer” describes the exact purpose of this new aircraft designed for flying schools, company officials said. The aircraft has been engineered with the “essence of training” as its primary design goal, they […]
Cessna suspends Skycatcher sales in Europe
According to a French dealer for Cessna, 80 Skycatcher orders have been cancelled, but Cessna officials in the U.S. say the Wichita giant has just temporarily suspended taking orders for the LSA in Europe. For many months, my Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) Europe colleague Jan Fridrich and others have tried to convince EASA to […]
Familiar frame, different name
For some planes, it’s the (air)frame, not the name, that sells it. Such is the case with the Polish-built AT-4, an airframe that was introduced to the American market a few years back as the Gobosh 700. Gobosh, which stands for Go Big Or Stay Home, went out of business in 2009, but the AT-4 […]
Flight Design reports a successful Sun ’n Fun
Flight Design officials are pretty happy after Sun ’n Fun, reporting several sales, including a trend that could suggest anew avenue of growth for Light-Sport Aircraft. John Gilmore, national sales manager for Flight Design USA, reports that the company’s newest model, the CTLSi, which features the new Rotax 912Si engine, was a hit with distributors, […]
Terrafugia flies first production prototype
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – The first production prototype of Terrafugia‘s Transition flying car flew from Plattsburgh International on March 23. The aircraft has “also successfully conducted initial drive and conversion testing,” stated a company press release. The flight reached an altitude of 1400-feet AGL and last eight minutes while remaining in the vicinity of the airport. Two […]
Flying the Alto 100
While Sebring 2012 crowds were the best ever and plentiful aircraft made for good shopping resulting in a flurry of sales, one of the best aspects of Sebring 2012 was ideal weather. Numerous pilots experienced some of their final choices before handing over the cash. Such perfect conditions also allowed reporters to get in on […]