Sport Pilot Talk

cogito · Joined: 24 Mar 2011 Posts: 29 Location: Los Angeles

I’m a new sport pilot looking to purchase a low wing LSA and I see there are currently seven used Sting Sports for sale on-line, approximately 10% of all registered Stings in the US.

I’m trying to figure if this is because there are now so many LSA choices that the early leaders like Sting and Evektor have lost some of their popularity or if there is something undesirable about owning a Sting.

Maybe this is normal and I should appreciate a buyer’s market on Stings. I just don’t wish to purchase a plane I’ll find it difficult to sell when the time comes.

Your thoughts greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

zaitcev · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 256 Location: Albuquerque, NM

Last time I checked, Baron came up to 8.2%. I would not be too concerned. Perhaps it's yet unclear what is normal for LSAs, but Part 23 airplanes always change hands. They last way longer than cars.

bshort · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Ca

I wouldn't be too concerned with the numbers. The numbers could be a reflection of our economy and someones needs to downgrade their "toybox."

I could list my pros and cons about the sting, but they are similar to any other aircraft. I fly a sting and really enjoy it.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

You'll notice that there are also a lot of Evektor SportStars on the market. This is probably because that was the first plane to gain ASTM S-LSA status in the US, so many of them are now old enough to change hands. The bottom line is, good bargains out there on S-LSAs for the discerning buyer. The Sting is a fine plane; I'm sure you'll be pleased if you acquire one.

Good luck with your shopping, and your flying. And, welcome to the forum!

BTW, Cogito, are you related to Ergo Sum? :wink:

ibgarrett · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 147 Location: Westminster, CO

Cogito,

I'm not sure if we spoke the other day or not, but I fly a Sting and it's a really nice plane. I'm working toward a Private Pilot license and am a bit worried because the Sting has spoiled me in the simplicity in how it operates and is such a great plane to fly. I own a 1/4 share and I don't see (at least in the foreseeable future) a time when I would get rid of it because of the low overhead to fly.

The Evektor is a great plane as well (it's what I learned to fly in). I would have bought one of those in a heartbeat except the few that were available in the area have the 1258 weight limit vs. the 1320 lbs of the LSA's. The latest redesign on the Evektor took care of that problem - but it is a great plane as is the Sting. :D

designrs · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 144

Cogito, just curious, where are you searching for sales listings?
I don't see many LSA on Barnstormers.
Thanks!

cogito · Joined: 24 Mar 2011 Posts: 29 Location: Los Angeles

Brian,
I emailed you re: the sting and you gave me lots of great information. at the time I couldn't post on this forum even though I'd joined four months ago, but that's straightened out now. I wanted to open up a discussion and am glad you've joined in.

I'm also thinking of going for my private so I'm making sure the plane I buy is approved for both day and night vfr. most of the stings I've looked at are.

cogito · Joined: 24 Mar 2011 Posts: 29 Location: Los Angeles

Richard,
There are 20 pages of LSA's on Barnstormers, just search for LSA or click "Light Sport" in the left column of the search page. Of course you can narrow the list once you know which planes you're considering.

There are also currently 73 LSAs at "Trade-A-Plane" and 60 LSAs on "Controller."