Sport Pilot Talk

C'mon, Paul...you know you're dying to post pics of the new bird.

Soon, Andy! I did the prebut and test flight yesterday, but don't take delivery for a week or two. Found some minor squawks which the seller has agreed to clear first. But, here's a pic of how it looked at the Evektor display at Expo in January:

Nice looking plane!

Just curious -- is the canopy just painted on the top for shade or is there structure added?

It appears to be structural composite.

very nice

How about a shake out flight to ME and visit

Pretty!

David, would be much more convenient if you were still in Pottstown.

Andy, since you asked:



At New Carlisle, Ohio (3OH0) Monday evening, instructor Scott rode along with Paul on a test flight of the new SportStar Max. Watch this space for reports of AvSport taking delivery in the near future.

Yes! Paul's guitar DOES fit in the baggage compartment of the new SportStar!

drseti wrote:David, would be much more convenient if you were still in Pottstown.

Yes that is true, but the lobster is great up here!

I have to ask the obvious question.

Evektor has a reputation as being the LSA most likely to be involved in an accident.

Why an Evektor, Paul?

The accident reputation comes from it having been the very first SLSA, thus the first one widely imported (100 in the first couple of years) and the first widely used in flight schools. The industry was in its infancy then, and training accidents were common. (Fortunately, most were run-off-the-runway non injury accidents) . I think we CFIs have learned a few things during the past 10 years - especially those of us who specialize in LSA training.
My experience using a SportStar as a primary trainer for 5 1/2 years has been very positive, with no mishaps.

drseti wrote:The accident reputation comes from it having been the very first SLSA, thus the first one widely imported (100 in the first couple of years) and the first widely used in flight schools. The industry was in its infancy then, and training accidents were common. (Fortunately, most were run-off-the-runway non injury accidents) . I think we CFIs have learned a few things during the past 10 years - especially those of us who specialize in LSA training.
My experience using a SportStar as a primary trainer for 5 1/2 years has been very positive, with no mishaps.

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the Evektor being first merely a formality with a handful of aircraft receiving approval in the same ceremony?

No, Evektor was first because they took an existing EASA microlite design (that predated the US LSA standard but was almost compliant), tweaked the specs on paper to meet the US limitations, and started importing it while the competition was still working on clean sheet designs for the US market.

Some of the other aircraft existed on paper and as prototypes, while Evektor was already shipping SportStars which were essentially tweaked EuroStars.

drseti wrote:No, Evektor was first because they took an existing EASA microlite design (that predated the US LSA standard but was almost compliant), tweaked the specs on paper to meet the US limitations, and started importing it while the competition was still working on clean sheet designs for the US market.

Some of the other aircraft existed on paper and as prototypes, while Evektor was already shipping SportStars which were essentially tweaked EuroStars.

Flight Design also had a EASA microlite flying. The CT line of aircraft has been flying since 1996. I have not been able to find any info on the FAA press conference granting SLSA approvals, but both Evektor and Flight Design both received approval in April 2005 for their aircraft.
Allegro was third in April 2005, and I thought there was one or two more. IIRC the announcement came at Sun'nFun 2005. While Evektor was first I think the others were announced just moments later. One thing for certain Flight Design sold more airplane than anyone else in the first few years.