Prof: New Plane?

[drseti]

One thing for certain Flight Design sold more airplane than anyone else in the first few years.

Oh, undeniably!

Back to Brian's question of "why Evektor?", it could be rephrased as "why not Flight Design?" My reason is simple: I'm a pretty good sheet metal mechanic. I can pound rivets and drill holes with the best of them. I don't trust myself to fix composites!

[3Dreaming]

One thing for certain Flight Design sold more airplane than anyone else in the first few years.

Oh, undeniably!

Back to Brian's question of "why Evektor?", it could be rephrased as "why not Flight Design?" My reason is simple: I'm a pretty good sheet metal mechanic. I can pound rivets and drill holes with the best of them. I don't trust myself to fix composites!

I was just pointing out that your reasoning of why the Evektor was more likely to be involved in accident was flawed. Evektor only received approval minutes before Flight Design, and Flight Design imported more aircraft in the first few years.

[drseti]

I don't know what FD's import numbers were those first two years (they certainly are impressive now). But more important than totals are the numbers sold to flight schools as primary trainers, vs. to individuals. I would expect that figure to be dominated early on by Evektor, and hence to bear heavily on accident numbers.

My impression is that Evektor marketed heavily to the training market, while FD seemed to be going after the individual buyers at first. (But, I don't have hard figures to back this up.)

[3Dreaming]

I don't know what FD's import numbers were those first two years (they certainly are impressive now). But more important than totals are the numbers sold to flight schools as primary trainers, vs. to individuals. I would expect that figure to be dominated early on by Evektor, and hence to bear heavily on accident numbers.

My impression is that Evektor marketed heavily to the training market, while FD seemed to be going after the individual buyers at first. (But, I don't have hard figures to back this up.)

I don't know about how many were at flight schools, I was simply responding to what you said in your post. As for number of aircraft sold by the end of 2007 Flight Design had sold 226 compared to 81 from Evektor. The source for the numbers is bydanjohnson.com.

BTW, congrats on the new airplane. Is this an addition or a replacement?

[drseti]

BTW, congrats on the new airplane. Is this an addition or a replacement?

Replacement, Tom. My original SportStar is at 1750 Hobbs, so I was looking at a new engine within the next year. One of my graduates is buying it from me (and, given his expected flying hours, will have at least 5 years to go until TBO). The new one is the dealer's demo, with only 365 hours on it, never used for training, and equipped (as are most demos) with every conceivable option!

In another five years or so, I'll probably sell this one and do it all again.

[Flocker]

BTW, congrats on the new airplane.

+1

Now we just need some panel porn...

[drseti]

Soon...

[drseti]

Current plans are to do a three-way aircraft swap this coming Thursday or Friday, wx permitting. I promise more photos when that happens.

[AJChenMPH]

I think Friday looks like the more promising day. Good luck!!

[drseti]

Thanks, Andy. Yes, we've all conclued that Friday will be delivery day.

[drseti]

This afternoon, the ceremonial Handing Over of the Keys:

[SportPilot]

Delete...

[Wm.Ince]

Congrats Paul!

[RTK]

This afternoon, the ceremonial Handing Over of the Keys:

Congrats! She's a beauty!

BTW, really enjoyed your FAAST Webinar. Good advice I'm going to apply for my lesson on Sunday!

[drseti]

Thanks, guys. Now, if I can just learn how to land her.

More pix (including the requested panel porn) later today.