Sport Pilot Talk

designrs · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 144

Quite an attraction at Sun 'n Fun!

http://light-sport-hangar-flyin.blogspot.com/2011/04/komet-acrobatic-slsa-biplane-wows.html

http://www.fk-lightplanes.com/html/comet_special_ltd_.html

Thoughts?
It's not 300hp or an Extra, but it looks exciting!
How much Acro fun is possible in a LSA?

:)

designrs · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 144

Beautiful graphics on the special edition:
http://fk12comet.blogspot.com/2011/01/comet-special-edition-update.html

Just turning on the smoke looks like fun!

HAmike · Joined: 06 Oct 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Marietta, Georgia

designrs, Thanks for the comments! The Fk12 is a blast to fly. :D Very responsive. The controls are well harmonized and very "solid" feeling, no slop. You move the controls and the airplane responds immediately in direct proportion to control deflection/pressure. Ful deflection aileron input from a static 60 degree bank to opposite 60 degree bank measured 1.04 seconds. That's 120 degrees in one second including acceleration and deceleration time. We expect the time for a full 360 degree roll to be about 2 seconds or about 180 degreesper second. Alas, we can't test that until we get the new Lycoming engine for it. Aerobatics with the Rotax are strictly verboten, at least as an SLSA. :( I can't wait to really wring it out!

Before the trolls start grumbling, yes I sell FK products. But I defy anyone to go for a ride in a Comet and not get out with a ear to ear grin!

designrs · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 144

Sounds very exciting Mike.
Thanks for the info & stats.

So when the Lycoming goes in, it will be a full acro SLSA,
to fly legal acro under Light Sport Rules?

Please keep us updated on developments and Acro flight tests.

HAmike · Joined: 06 Oct 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Marietta, Georgia

Yes. There is nothing in the FARs, FAA order 8130, or ASTM standards that prohibit aerobatics in an SLSA. (At least that that we have been able to find after many years of research)The manufacturer determines the approved maneuvers for LSA aircraft. FK is doing the analysis, and testing according to FAA part 23 aerobatic specifications.

As long as Lycoming approves acro and Fk approves acro, theres nothing that prevents a pilot from putting the Comet through a respectable routine 8) However, proper training is highly recommended for any pilot before doing aerobatics, :!:

Lycoming says we will eventually get the O-233 with fuel injection(IO-233, and inverted oil. We may even be able to get a little more than the spec 115 Horse Power. :D

The FK factory says the airframe will be okay for a minimum of +6 / -3 Gs. Structural analysis and testing point towards actual safe G loading of closer to +10 / -6 if they take the max gross weight up to the full 1320 lbs. Based on the data that we have, the max gross weight will be determined by the 45 knot clean stall speed, not the structural strength.

Empty weight of our Comet as a "two holer" with the Rotax engine, Warp Drive prop, ELT, Comm and transponder is a little shy of 640 lbs. The optional "Double Bubble" is about 15 pounds heavier. You wouldn't do acro with the bubble since it has no "Qiuck Release" at this time. The good news is that it only takes about five minutes to convert from one to the other :)

Did I mention the wings fold for storage and trailering? :o

Hambone · Joined: 07 Jan 2011 Posts: 67 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Mike-

Any idea of a projected ballpark cost with the Lycoming aerobatic configuration?

HAmike · Joined: 06 Oct 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Marietta, Georgia

Ham,
Estimated cost for the Lycoming version will be about $5000 more than a Rotax powered version. We don't have a final cost for our version of the engine yet. About, $125K for a day/vfr any airspace aircraft. Glass, lights, two tone paint, leather seats, long range tanks etc. will of course be more.

ArionAv8or · Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 271

I saw the aircraft while at Sun-n-Fun and have to say she was one sexy looking machine. I was the one oggling at her while you were putting the canopy on, LOL. Can't wait to see and hear more about this plane.