Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

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3Dreaming
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by 3Dreaming »

Atrosa wrote:The only reason I like low wings is aesthetics, nothing more. If high wings were my only choice I would buy one, but given the choice I like the low wing. They look more sporty.

My mission is to get to and from central CT and northern NH without spending 4 hours in a car. But honestly it is not very practical from a cost perspective and my dear wife won't get in a plane with me. She barely gets on a commercial 737 to go to Florida. She has a genuine fear of flying.

I used to watch planes as a kid going in and out of Goodspeed Airport and the Cessna's were fine but the Cherokee was definitely my cup of tea. The shape of the SportCrusier and Arion are visually appealing. Sure a Flight design will do the job but for about the same money i can get what I think is gorgeous. I have a 1971 Corvette, it is not the fastest car or the most refined cars but I love the lines of it.
As Tim has already pointed out there is more to consider than just an airplane that look pretty. The most important thing is support for the product. The nicest looking airplane isn't worth a pile of beans if you don't have support. Parts availability, and being able to make upgrades with factory support are very important issues. Also check on insurance. At times there have been LSA's that the insurance companies haven't wanted to touch, because of accident rate, and the ability to make repairs.

Also I suggest that you try on the different airplanes. As I have gotten older I find low wing airplanes harder to get in and out of.
Atrosa
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by Atrosa »

I weigh 205. That plus a CFI, which I deciding on now. The Arion Lightning is 850 empty. Take away another 30 pounds for a BRS which leaves me 250 pounds useful. So I have to find a 70 pound CFI so I can load 30 gallons of fuel. :)
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ShawnM
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by ShawnM »

3Dreaming wrote:As Tim has already pointed out there is more to consider than just an airplane that look pretty. The most important thing is support for the product. The nicest looking airplane isn't worth a pile of beans if you don't have support. Parts availability, and being able to make upgrades with factory support are very important issues.
Well, if product support is important to you then I'd suggest looking at aircraft other than the SportCruiser. In my experience the factory "support" is practically non-existent. The number one reason I converted from S-LSA to E-LSA. They FINALLY just introduced a LOA process after 9 years of begging for one but it's so lengthy, difficult and it's going to be VERY, VERY expensive I doubt anyone will even take advantage of it. Probably just what the factory wanted.
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Warmi
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by Warmi »

Atrosa wrote:I weigh 205. That plus a CFI, which I deciding on now. The Arion Lightning is 850 empty. Take away another 30 pounds for a BRS which leaves me 250 pounds useful. So I have to find a 70 pound CFI so I can load 30 gallons of fuel. :)
I remember Nick ( Arion designer ) mentioning that he can only offer an ELSA version of the plane if you want it with the BRS installed since it was so heavy that adding the chute would put it over the minimum limit on empty weight for the LSA planes ( yes, that’s different that the max gross limit )
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
TimTaylor
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by TimTaylor »

Warmi wrote:
Atrosa wrote:I weigh 205. That plus a CFI, which I deciding on now. The Arion Lightning is 850 empty. Take away another 30 pounds for a BRS which leaves me 250 pounds useful. So I have to find a 70 pound CFI so I can load 30 gallons of fuel. :)
I remember Nick ( Arion designer ) mentioning that he can only offer an ELSA version of the plane if you want it with the BRS installed since it was so heavy that adding the chute would put it over the minimum limit on empty weight for the LSA planes ( yes, that’s different that the max gross limit )
I would definitely advise against buying an LSA as weight challenged as that. There are plenty of other options available.
Retired from flying.
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HornedFrogGrant
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by HornedFrogGrant »

By dismissing all high wings out-of-hand, you could be missing out on a lot of great airplanes.

But if you have your heart set on low wing, it’s hard to go wrong with a Sportcruiser. They’re well regarded for good reason. I’ve really enjoyed each time I’ve been in one.
Grant
Sport Pilot - ASEL
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ShawnM
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by ShawnM »

HornedFrogGrant wrote:But if you have your heart set on low wing, it’s hard to go wrong with a Sportcruiser. They’re well regarded for good reason. I’ve really enjoyed each time I’ve been in one.
Yeah, what he said, I love my SportCruiser. Just got back from a beautiful, morning flight today. :mrgreen:
TimTaylor
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by TimTaylor »

I love both high-wing and low-wing aircraft. A few things I like about high-wing...sun not beating down on canopy, easier to get in and out at my age, less danger of getting trapped inside if you flip upside down.
Retired from flying.
amster105
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Re: Arion Lightning Partnership KMMK

Post by amster105 »

ShawnM wrote:...keep in mind the older ones have a far better useful load than the new ones...
Thanks for confirming this for me. I learned to fly on a 2007 SportCruiser, but haven't flown it or another SportCruiser in over 6 years.

Until recently that is, when I got a chance to fly one of the newer models. I believe it was a 2016. The empty weight was significantly higher than I recall it being when I was learning to fly. I chalked it up to poor memory, but seems I wasn't going crazy after all.
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