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Just Aircraft introduces two new models

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 4:05 pm
by drseti
From today's AOPA eBrief:
With the Federal Aviation Agency's new Light Sport rating which allows pilot licenses without medical "tickets", a pair of new kit-style airplanes from Just Aviation in South Carolina might perk the interest of a number of farmers and ranchers.

The Escapade and Highlander models can be ordered with conventional "tail dragger" gear or tricycle landing gear, and can be fitted with a number of popular aircraft engines in the 100 horsepower range.

Just had both aircraft on display at Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., last week, and a number of visitors were quite interested in the potential of a rugged airplane that can take off and land in limited areas and can be built from kits priced from $22,000 to $39,000.

The Just Aircraft "Highlander" is the back-country model of the firm's two Light Sport aircraft that can be ordered in kits starting at $22,000 (w/o engine). The Highlander and 100 horsepower up front is capable of short take offs and landings and a useful load of around 700 pounds.
The planes both feature two-place side-by-side configurations with dual controls, foldable wings that require no disconnection of controls or cables, and a variety of engine, avionic and cabin options.

Now, you have to remember certified engines for these projects can cost about the same amount on top of that kit price -- and if you build the plane yourself, you'll probably have about 700 hours of construction time in them. (You can order one ready-made too, at extra cost.)

With better cruise and climb performance than the standard J-3 Piper Cub of original "Flying Farmer" fame, the Escapade and Highlander offer a sturdy platform for folks wanting to incorporate a "bush type" aircraft into their operations.

Recent innovations from Just on the Highlander include a rough-duty landing gear equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers, 29-inch bush tires, and a slatted wing (more lift at low speeds) that automatically adjusts to air speed and requires no pilot adjustment.

For more information on the aircraft, engine choices, prices and specifications, visit http://www.justaircraft.com.

Re: Just Aircraft introduces two new models

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 4:22 pm
by zaitcev
So, what is the news? I see no change except perhaps new pricing.

When I looked at Just a while ago, they were saying that "sure you can order this with above 49% complete, we'll certify it then". So, chicken and egg. Without S-LSA there can be no E-LSA with more than 49%! Are they saying they finally produced the blasted S-LSA or not?

The release quoted above appears not to contain any answer or any news, but perhaps I need remedial reading comprehension.

Re: Just Aircraft introduces two new models

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 4:29 pm
by drseti
I agree with you, Pete, that the news item contained nothing new. I guess this constitutes free advertising from AOPA.

Re: Just Aircraft introduces two new models

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 4:50 pm
by Jack Tyler
Yup, just free advertising. Friend has finished a Highlander that he's been building for almost 8 years now...

Re: Just Aircraft introduces two new models

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:13 pm
by zaitcev
This sounds awesome, Jack. I love when people complete builds. National completion rate is something like 20%, or so I heard.