Engineers at Pipistrel must not sleep in too often. This company, which won the NASA efficiency challenge several times — in 2011 taking home a $1.35 million cash prize — just unveiled a full-size version of a sleek four-seat design called the Panthera. Now on the other end of the spectrum comes its Alpha Trainer, […]
sport pilot
FAA forecast: Spot on or improbable?
As the Light-Sport Aircraft industry ramps up for a summer of flying and the season’s biggest celebration of flight, AirVenture Oshkosh, I am still analyzing the FAA’s recently issued 20-year forecast for aviation, which shows growth prospects for LSAs, while predicting a decline in the total number of piston-powered aircraft. Viewed from a distance, this might […]
Icon releases spin-resistance video
Earlier this year, Icon Aircraft revealed that it had successfully completed spin-resistance testing of its A5 amphibious Light-Sport Aircraft to the standard specified by the FAA for Part 23 certified aircraft. This achievement will make the A5 the first conventional production aircraft to be designed to and fully meet this standard once it enters production, […]
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 […]
Rotax launches new 912 iS fuel-injected engine
In a product launch somewhat comparable to an Apple product event, BRP Rotax recently drew a large group of attendees to its facility in Gunskirchen, Austria, to launch its new 912 iS engine. In the tech world, “i” means Internet. In the light aviation world, or more specifically BRP Rotax’s world, “i” now means injected. […]
Aerotrek success mirrors other positive news
Aerotrek may be one of those “sleepers.” You know, the kind of company that does well, has few problems, and doesn’t need to make a lot of noise to be successful. Aerotrek’s tri-gear and taildragger models look great, fly well, and are priced so reasonably that sales are remarkably steady. The company ranks #12 in […]
Kodak moment for Quicksilver
Among all aircraft producers in the world, a very limited number have exceeded the daunting barrier of delivering more than 10,000 airplanes. Those in this exclusive club include manufacturers of major aircraft such as Boeing, Cessna, Piper, and precious few others. While Van’s Aircraft is approaching this number with its RV kit-built aircraft series (itself […]