Sport Pilot Talk

For Canadian ultralight pilots wishing to fly into the US, one must be an ultralight instructor (with the necessary Class III medical). I am and I've done it. There's no inconvenience that a guy with a PPL wouldn't also experience. AOPA or COPA's respective websites include answers to all the questi...

I trained in a Sportstar and yesterday had a chance to fly in what I think might be called a Sportstar Max. It has a 914 and a constant speed prop (legal here in Canada). It is one hell of a plane. I'd liken the build finish to what one gets with a BMW or Mercedes. Everything fits. It is solid. And ...

I trained on a Sportstar and would argue that it doesn't have sufficient rudder authority to slip really well. I now fly a Ran S-7 and can slip perhaps twice as effectively as with the Sportstar. I much prefer to come in with surplus altitude and use a slip to get me down, even with full flaps (my 3...

I've had one for six months. I love it. Good visibility even in direct sunlight. Easy to input everything. Screen management is intuitive. Very pleased but can't comment on anything else.

I should perhaps have referred to "high angle of attack' rather than slow flight. And I think it a prudent area of practise regardless of power setting. While it is true that one is often at low power settings during the circuit, it is equally true that guys often 'drag' their aircraft on to th...

I'm still post-solo myself. I have about 25 hours solo and just finished my tail-dragger rating, which has been a blast. I initially did a bunch of circuit work, and varied aircraft configuration each time (no flaps, 1, 2 and 3 notches, power on/off etc) so I'd have to fly the plane and plan my appr...

I'm considering the purchase of a low-hour kit plane. The kit was made in about 1994, but not completed until 2008. The Rotax engine has just a few hundred hours on it, but is past its 15-year TBO. The engine is running well and there is no reason to think the lengthy storage was harmful. Question: ...

I'd be grateful if anybody with experience with a Rans short-tail S-7 might offer their views on its flying characteristics (ie how it might compare to the current S-7). I'm also interested in views on the suitability of the 80hp 912 UL in comparison to the 100hp 912 ULS.
Thanks very much.

I have about 1.5 in a Eurofox. I found it a great little aircraft. It is very well finished. The panel is superb. Visibility is great. It is responsive. It is stable. And I liked it a lot. If there is one thing that I wasn't wild about, it would have been the relatively modest space for baggage. I'm...

I say 'almost' because I need a signature before the paperwork is complete. I flew with a variety of instructors in a variety of LSAs out of a number of aircraft. Some were familiarization flights, rather than true instructional flights, but I never made a flight during which I didn't learn somethin...

I'm no expert, but I have flown the Eurofox (now Aerotrek). And I loved it. I've also flown a Savage (and I loved it, too), and been a passenger in a Highlander. I'd respectfully suggest that you prioritize your needs (STOL, useful load, seating arrangement etc etc). Any of the Savage, Aerotrek, Sav...

and I no that ansur should have a 'u'

http://www.slate.com/id/2217353/

regards,
Chip

I've subsequently had a very helpful exchange of emails with the guys at Lockwood. Your views echo their own and I'm completely satisfied that the 914 is, with the proper set-up and appropriate care, as reliable as the 912.
Regards,
Chip

I have no idea, but imagine they're trying to rebrand to ensure they're not confused with other manufacturers. The one thing I do know is that it is a great little aircraft. I flew one this winter and I was very impressed. It was crisp and stable, and it's hard to imagine there is a better LSA value...