The new MC model is generally the same length as their other models, however has a larger wingspan. The larger wingspan will help stabilize the plane, allowing for more controlled landings. This design change is part of the plan to take over the flight training segment.

The fuel capacity is a bit on the smaller size. Again, this is more suited for flight trainers looking to have a stable and fuel efficient aircraft. Flight Design is hoping this new model will takeover the flight training segment.

Mary Jones

The LSA is a special aircraft having specific features like seating capacity of two, a maximum takeoff weight of 1320 pounds, a maximum stall speed of 45 knots, non-pressurized cockpit, single engine that is non-turbine, a fixed landing gear system and so on. LSAs are given FAA registration “N - number”. Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) is those LSAs meant for sale to the general public. Since this is emerging as a new sport, there are number of people looking to buy LSAs. One company from where you can procure LSA is SportairUSA. The company is the distributor for StingSport, Sirius airplanes and the amphibious aircraft SeaRay. The company is situated at Little Rock, Arizona.

The LSA from the stable of SportairUSA is the StingSport. It meets all the requirements prescribed for qualifying as an LSA. The aircraft does not need assembling, as it is ready for flying when it is delivered at your doorstep. The StingSport has got a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) certification on account of which new pilots can fly the plane safely. The StingSport can also be flown by private pilot certificate holders whose medical certification has lapsed. You can fly the StingSport if you have a driver’s license and a flight medical certificate. It can also be flown for those wanting credits for obtaining advanced certification. The StingSport from SportairUSA is fun to fly and is available for less than the cost of other such aircrafts in the market. The plane is easy to handle with light control touch and has power necessary for recreational flying. You will love flying the StingSport.

Another product from SportairUSA is the Sirius that is basically a high-wing SLSA that is manufactured in the Czech Republic by TL-Ultralight. It is made from the carbon fiber materials used for StingSport. Rotx 912 engines will power the plane. Sirius has been designed for more space with 48” cabin and has room even for your golf clubs. At the AERO Friedrichshafen held in Europe in 2007, the Sirius got rave reviews.

SeaRay is the amphibian aircraft distributed by SportairUSA. The plane can make 300 feet takeoffs and lands with absolute ease. It can make 50’ radius while flying at 35 mph turns without any problem. So if you are the kind who wants to fishing very often, then think of buying an amphibian airplane, think SeaRay. The plane is easy to fly and dependable.

The other products distributed by SportairUSA are Woodcomp propellers and the GreenLine^TM EMS, manufactured by I-K Technologies.

You can get in touch with the company at www.sportair.aero.

Do you ever dream of owning your own plane? There are many advantages of building your own plane.

The main advantage is the cost. The cost of a homebuilt plane can vary from $5,000 upwards to $200,000 depending on the kind of engine, performance characteristics and instruments. For instance, the Mooney Bravo which is basically a four-seater that can fly at 270 mph with a 1000 mile range, costs around $399,000 while the Lancair IV experimental plane which is also a four-seater, costs anything between $174,000 to $200,000, almost half the cost of the Mooney Bravo. The break-up of costs for the Lancair IV is like this; the standard kit costs around $52,000 while the fast-build kit costs $77,000, the engine costs $32,000, the propeller costs $10,000, avionics cost $60,000 while the interiors can cost $20,000. The Lancair can go up to 375 mph with a 1459 mile range that is better than the Mooney Bravo. The difference in cost is on account of the cost of labor, the cost of tools that you use and the costs of the certification that are saved when you build your own kit plane.

Another advantage of building you own kit plane is that you get access to the latest technology. With the flying space heating up, many manufacturers are coming out with new designs, albeit at a higher cost to comply with the standards of FAA. The new planes come equipped with the latest equipment and state-of-art technology. However, experimental planes are cheaper as they don’t have to go through elaborate certification regulations and hence have great speed and great looks.

Yet another advantage of building your own plane is that you get to do its maintenance yourself. The maintenance of a manufactured plane is to be done by a certified aviation mechanic. This will cost around $60 to $100 per hour. Further, the annual inspection will set you back by $1000 to $5000. When you build your own plane, you save thousands of dollars over the years in maintenance and inspection costs as you would be doing this yourself. You can also pick up an auto engine like the rotary from Mazda or the Chevy or the air-cooled Volkswagen engine. The maintenance of these engines can be done at a lower cost as compared to normal engines fixed on planes.

One major worry about home-built planes is safety. FAA has rules that ensure that a plane built by you undergoes FAA tests and is test flown by the builder of the plane for about 40 hours in and around a range of 25 miles. The safety record of home-built planes is comparable to that of manufactured ones.

Cost is not the only factor to be considered when you build your own plane. You cam also involve the entire family in building the plane and this become family-bonding time.

Last but not least, the sheer joy of working with your hands and building the plane with commitment and perseverance will fill you with the pride of achievement. It is a challenge that many people enjoy.

In 2007, the FAA announced its intention to tighten up its treatment of the 51% Rule. FAA officials are concerned that some practices, including some commercial assistance and some quick-build kits, might be stretching the limits of the 51% Rule. The agency has expressed particular concern that some high-performance, pressurized, and composite kits cannot be built without substantial commercial assistance.

The FAA has repeatedly stated its commitment to preserve the Amateur-Built Category. Last fall, EAA represented amateur builders and the amateur-built industry on an advisory committee on the 51% Rule and continues to advocate for the amateur-builder community. At April’s Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, the agency announced that it has adopted one of EAA’s key recommendations—that any kit already evaluated and approved under the Amateur-Built rules will be “grandfathered” under any new FAA policy.

The FAA’s proposed new policy is expected be issued prior to AirVenture 2008, where EAA will lead a number of public forums on the issue. Members of the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council (HAC) and FAA officials will also participate in those forums.

There will be a public comment period before the new policy is finalized and EAA will provide a detailed analysis of the proposal, at AirVenture and through its website and publications. EAA members are encouraged to comment on the proposed policies when they are made available.

For the complete story, so far, on possible changes ahead for amateur builders, visit EAA’s Government Advocacy website, www.eaa.org/govt/.

So you are above 18 years of age and can speak, read, write and understand English and want to fly…here are a few tips on how to pass those exams that allow you to become a Sport Pilot.

Let’s run through the stages you have to clear before you get the Sport’s Pilot License.

Stage A: Pre Solo

You will receive 5 hours of ground instruction and about 15 – 20 hours flight instruction. You will learn the basic maneuvers like take off, airspeed changes, straight and level flight, descents, landing, turns and Air Traffic Control procedures. As this is the basic learning stage, pay heed to the instructions, revise the maneuvers regularly and be thorough with the Air Traffic Control Procedures. It would be best to receive instructions from a trained flying instructor.

Stage B – Solo and Post Solo

At this stage, you will have to pass exams on Federal Air Regulations and Air Operational Characteristics. These exams are administered by an instructor. You will have to fly solo for a minimum of 5 hours. This includes 3 solo flights under supervision. At this stage, things get a little tougher. As you will be flying solo, take care to follow flight regulations and read up the manuals. You learn additional maneuvers like flight test maneuvers, advanced take off and landing techniques, airport pattern entry and exit procedures and performance maneuvers.

Stage C- Cross Country Preparation, Cross Country Flight

Here you will be receiving 3 hours of instruction on cross country flight instruction and will also have to fly solo for 3 hours of cross country flight. The manoeuvres you will learn navigation techniques using pilotage and dead reckoning, optional radio navigation. Navigation is an important part of flying. So be thorough with these techniques.

Stage D – Flight Test Preparation

Here you would be learning flight test maneuvers as laid down by FAA Practical Test Standards. This is the stage where you will have to take up the FAA sport Pilot examination which is a written one. To pass the exam you will need to score above 70. You will also have to give a Flight test that consist of about 90 minutes ground time and 90 minutes of air time with the examiner.

Make sure to buy the recommended study material, plotter, study kits, log books and maps to make your study easy.

When you study, you build up knowledge that stays with you through your life time. So apply yourself diligently from the very beginning and it will pay dividends.

Before you take up the exam, make sure that you have made a study of the background subjects. Take help of a checklist. Don’t waste time studying those topics that are not relevant. Topics like supersonic aerodynamics, studying gas turbine engines, cockpit voice recorders, high altitude IFR charts, instrument landing systems etc are irrelevant for obtaining a Sports Pilot License.

Don’t waste time studying huge reference manuals. If you want to read for the sake of building your knowledge base, do it after you have written you exam.

Make sure you learn from current materials only. Practice writing the exam. Don’t cheat yourself by looking at the answers before finishing the test.

It is better to avoid last minute study just before taking up the exam. Have a good rest, the night before the exam so you don’t wake up sleepy eyed and dull. Arrive at the venue before time.

Before the exam starts, note the start time. Take up the questions you know you can answer and don’t waste time on those questions that confuse you. You can always come back to it later. Try to finish your exam in the allotted time and revise the answers.

During your flight test, make sure that you don’t get nervous. Be relaxed and keep your cool.

These tips should help you get your Sports Pilot License. Happy flying!

You can join a club and fly the LSA or you can even buy one for your personal use. With LSA gaining a good following, let us examine the variety of aircraft that are available for you to buy or fly.

A22 Valor: The A22 Valor is a fun aircraft to fly and has great maneuverability. The turning radius of this plane is very small. It can land and take of with ease and the crosswind capability is good. The plane can cruise comfortably at 85-90 kts reaching the highest speed of 106 kts with ease. It can climb to a height of 1000 fpm

There is ample space inside the aircraft, ideal for those who feel claustrophobic. This plane works well for people interested in aerial photography.

The A22 Valor comes in 7 colors, White, Blue, Red, Silver, Yellow, Black and Green

Tecnam P2004 Bravo: If you want to fly cross-country over long distance, this is the ideal plane for you. The plane combines high performance with easy flying and is also ideal for just flying around, enjoying the feeling of being airborne. This plane comes from Italy and has a state-or-art design. This plane is suitable for new pilots as well as experienced ones. The plan can climb comfortably to a height of 900 fpm and can attain a top speed of 120 kts.

The manufacturers of Tecnam P2004 Bravo have drawn from their experience of assembling components for Boeing and ATR.

Tecnam P92 Echo Super: An LSA that has proved its reliability and safety, this plane has proved to be economical and stable. The Echo provides excellent visibility and serves well as a trainer aircraft. You can also spend time building hours of flying in the Echo. The plane can fly to a maximum height of 1067 fpm and attain top speed of 118 kts. The fuel consumption of the Echo is around an economical 3.8 gallon per hour. This is really a ‘flyable’ plane that can give you a fun flying experience.

Tecnam P2002 Sierra: Yet another LSA from the Tecnam series, this is plane comes with a spacious cockpit, great controls and stylish Italian design. The maximum climb attained by the Sierra is 750 fpm with a top speed of 120kts.

Evektor Sportstar: This plane comes with the backing of 35 years of experience. The plane is one of the best- designed ones that can be flown with ease. Made in Czechoslovakia, this has great flight characteristics and makes an ideal choice if you are thinking of buying an LSA.

Stingsport: The Stingsport from Czechoslavakia is one LSA that has a great list of standard features that focus on performance and safety.

These are just a few of the LSAs available in the market for recreational flying. With LSA becoming popular, many more companies are coming out with new models to add to your flying experience. So take a flight and enjoy it.

For a sport that is still in the stage of infancy, the future looks bright. Light Sport Aviation is set to rejuvenate the world of flying and fulfil the dreams of people who want to fly. For these people, light sport aviation (LSA) offers a faster, safer and simpler way to fly.

What are your requirements?

• Performance - The small plane you want to fly should be able to go three times faster than a car.
• Comfort - The element of comfort should be ensured, otherwise, flying will tire you out.
• User friendly – Flying above the clouds or during the night, if deemed necessary should not be a frightening experience. Small planes need to equipped with displays that can help expel anxiety.
• Safety- The safety record of aviation is said to be 26 times better than travelling by road. So the plane you fly should be safe.

These features are available to an extent in Light Sport Aircraft. From the industry figures, it is revealed that there has been a 56% increase of Special-LSAs (factory built) delivered on a monthly basis, even though registration for S-LSAs are down by about 15% in 2008.

The number of companies entering the nascent industry and the number of new models for two-seat aircrafts are on the up, indicative of the growing popularity of Light Sport Aviation. The Expo in Florida held in January 2008 had nearly 12 new aircraft entering the market. The European aviation industry is set to bring the costs of light sport aviation (LSA) and this will lead to an increase in the market; in fact double and triple the market in Europe, Australia and the USA.

The demand for light sport aviation (LSA) has gone up all over the world, with people from countries like New Zealand, South America and parts of South American taking up recreational flying. This means that many of the production companies have a back-log of one year in meeting orders!

Personal Aviation has resurged and this will be the theme for the aviation sector in the next few decades, before a new revolution in flying comes. This is a viable solution as compared to the huge costs of the commercial segment. Although, LSAs are being touted as ideal of recreational flying, the day is not far off when a new industry of ‘air taxis’ comes into existence. You need to fly urgently, call an air taxi, and fly to wherever you want. The light sport aviation (LSA) will serve this niche segment. Forget about traffic glitches!

The future of light sport aviation can expand as far as the clear blue skies.

In 1964, the precursor of the present day powered parachute (PPC), was patented. It was called a “Multi-Cell Wing” or “Parafoil”. In 2004, the present day version was made by Don Shaw who mounted an engine from a two-wheel motor scooter with a propeller and a parafoil. Powered parachutes are also called motorized parachutes or PPC. This is a parachute with a difference. It has a motor and comes equipped with wheels. It can fly at speeds of 25-35 miles per hour. These parachutes can operate at heights close to the ground or as high as 18,000 feet or more.

The powered parachute (PPC) generally has fuel tank of 5 -10 gallons capacity and can be airborne for about 3 hours. They have short take offs and landings.

Did you know that the powered parachute is the least expensive among light sports aircrafts? It costs around $5000. A two-seater may cost you around $10,000 while a top end model may cost anything between $15,000- $ 20,000.

Do you want to fly but don’t have the time to obtain a pilot license? Then try flying a powered parachute. As per part 103 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations, single parachutes can be flown without license or for that matter without receiving flight instruction. However, it would be best to undergo minimum training. All a person needs is to learn flying instructions. This can be learnt in 5 to 10 hours.

A PPC with two seats is classified as light sport aircraft (LSA). For flying an LSA, one needs to have a sport pilot certificate. This is issued by the FAA. The flight training takes 12 hours.

With powered parachute (PPC), one can enjoy sightseeing. Photography from the powered parachute (PPC) is awesome. A powered parachute (PPC) can be used in agriculture for spraying operations. Law enforcement agencies also find a powered parachute (PPC) useful for surveillance.

You don’t require an airport for take off and landing operations. A powered parachute (PPC) can be flown from back yards, hay fields that have been recently mowed and small airports. Generally, night flying was not allowed for a powered parachute (PPC). However, in 2004, FAA amended the rules. A powered parachute (PPC) that is correctly equipped can fly legally.

Normal aircraft with fixed wings are not considered as safe as a powered parachute (PPC). A powered parachute (PPC) has inherent safety on account of stall resistance, limited response and because of the inherent stability. However, the main hazards for a powered parachute (PPC) is wind and other obstacles. It is best not to fly the powered parachute (PPC) when there are winds that exceed 10-15 mph.

The fun from flying a powered parachute (PPC) is incomparable. So get into your powered parachute (PPC), strap on your helmet, check the radio batteries and take off for the ultimate flying experience.

ANNOUNCEMENT AT ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT SYMPOSIUM DRAWS APPLAUSE

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (April 26, 2008) — In an effort to gain attention and support for electric aircraft innovation and to help advance efforts to bring affordable electric aircraft to recreational aviators, EAA at today’s CAFE Foundation 2008 Electric Aircraft Symposium announced a significant advocacy measure. As the final speaker on the Symposium agenda, EAA Lifetime Member Craig Willan wrapped up the one-day event in San Francisco by announcing that EAA has filed a request to the FAA for regulatory exemptions that would allow the use of electric motors in ultralight and light-sport aircraft.

“The announcement drew enthusiastic applause,” Willan reported shortly after the event’s conclusion. “After a full day’s in-depth exploration of the cutting-edge work being done, the group was already energized by the promising developments in the science and engineering arenas. When I announced at the end of the day EAA’s action in the regulatory arena aimed at allowing the application of this technology, it was like an additional shot of adrenaline,” he said.

“I also informed the group that this is only a first step. I’m participating on an EAA task force charged with further facilitating progress in the use of electric energy to power aircraft,” he said. “The EAA community is committed to this direction. More announcements are coming.”

EAA’s petition to the FAA specifically proposes specifications for battery-pack weight limits on ultralight aircraft and the development and adoption of electric-motor ASTM standards for light-sport aircraft. “The request for those specifications, combined with suggested language changes to remove exclusive references to reciprocating engines, would make electric motors legal for these aircraft,” said Earl Lawrence, EAA’s vice president of industry and regulatory affairs.

The request for exemption highlights developments already made in the automotive, radio-controlled aircraft, and light-aircraft industries. “As electric technology advances, the practicality and, particularly, the flight range and duration of electric aircraft will drastically increase, while the weight of battery packs will decrease,” the petition reads.

According to Lawrence, this initiative matches well with the EAA community’s most fundamental values. “For 55 years we’ve championed affordability, access, and innovation in the world of aviation,” he said. “Today, the cost of fuel, its composition, and the difficulty in ensuring the availability of aviation-appropriate fuel threaten both the affordability of and access to general aviation flying.

In making the announcement, Willan pointed to the EAA community’s proven capacity for creativity as a call to action behind this initiative. After citing numerous examples of breakthroughs resulting from EAAers’ passion for designing, building, and flying their own aircraft, he quoted Thomas Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence: “Those who have the ability to take action also have the responsibility to take action.”

Willan added, “We have the responsibility to be part of the solution. We in the EAA family have the intellect, the drive, and the passion to do something that can change the world. We have the ability - now we must take the responsibility.”

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.

The FAA has created a certification program called ‘Repairman-Light-Sport aircraft’, with two ratings, one for Inspection and the other is for Maintenance. The requirements for undergoing this course are very simple. You need to be a US citizen or a permanent legal resident, above 18 years of age. You should be able to read, write and speak English. You should be able to put in the number of hours prescribed for the certification as a prior requisite for obtaining the certification. You should also be able to assess the condition of the (Light Sport Aircraft) LSA for performing maintenance operations.

When you get through the maintenance Rating module, you will be in a position to carry out maintenance and inspection of LSAs. Maintenance requirements for all kinds of LSAs form part of the training. There are prescribed time schedules for each component of the training. You will have to undergo classroom instruction on the LSA for 120 hours, followed by 104 hours of Weight-shift control. Additionally, you will also under 104 hours on Powered Parachute, 80 hours on Lighter than Air and training on Glider for 80 hours. The total number of hours of training is around 712 hours. By doing this course, you will be in a position to maintain, repair and inspect LSAs on a commercial basis. The repairs and maintenance that you can carry out are laid down in the manufacturers’ manual for LSAs.

If you want to go through the Inspection rating module which allows you to conduct the annual inspection of the LSA, than you will require to undergo a further 16 hour training course on the inspection of the class of LSA you own or want to inspect. By undergoing this training course, you can conduct the annual condition inspection of your own Experimental LSA.

While anyone who has undergone the maintenance-rating course can perform maintenance operations on LSAs, it is imperative that they follow the instructions given in the manual brought out by the aircraft manufacturer. The tasks given in the instructions of the manufacturer must be followed to a T. This is to ensure airworthiness of the LSA.

Once a person has obtained the necessary qualifications for performing maintenance operations, he or she can also perform maintenance operations on other aircrafts. If major repairs are to be performed, the necessary qualification has to be obtained as prescribed by FAA. LSAs could also be maintained by mechanics and repair stations that are authorized to do so.