ELSA ALERT: EXPERIMENTAL LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT DEADLINES APPROACH
The FAA's Aircraft Registration office and the Light-Sport Aircraft Branch would like to remind all individuals converting aircraft into an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA) per FAR 21.191(i)(1) that there is a January 31, 2008 deadline to complete the ELSA aircraft registration, the ELSA airworthiness inspection and the ELSA certification process.
Remember: Your "Non-owner built" two seat ultralight aircraft must be converted to an ELSA by January 31, 2008 or it can no longer be flown legally!!!! You will have a large bucket of spare parts.
The FAA will guarantee that your registration and certification packet will be reviewed and your ELSA aircraft inspected in sufficient time to meet the January 31, 2008 deadline if:
- By August 15, 2007, you submit your aircraft registration (N-Number) request to the Aircraft Registration office; and
- By October 1, 2007, you call your local ELSA DAR to schedule your ELSA airworthiness inspection; and
- By November 31, 2007, you submit your airctraft airworthiness certification request packet to either a FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), a FAA Manufacturing Inspection Office (MIDO), or your local ELSA DAR. Ask your local ELSA DAR which office should receive this packet.
Stellar Aircraft Announces New 100 HP Astra S2
Allistair Wilson at Stellar Aircraft has announced the releases of the new Astra S2. The new machine is powered by the Rotax 912S, 100 HP engine. The "S2" is capable of cruising at 100 MPH and comes with an electric trim system that allows for lower landing and takeoff speeds. The new aircraft has a sleeker body style than the conventional Astras and has a smaller wing with a mini keel. With a taller wind screen for better pilot wind protection, new enlarged wheel spats and an improved front suspension, the Astra S2 will be the new "animal" on the block. Contact us at Softwing for more information on this amazing new aircraft.
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Destiny Purchased By Fantom Aerosports
Destiny has been purchased by Fantom Aerosports and Destiny's new name will be Destiny Aerosports. The initial offering from Destiny Aerosports will be 3 two-seat models. The old "ST" single seat model will be re-engineered and made available for anyone wanting to continue in the FAR 103 program and not have to deal with Sport Pilot. It will be brought back into the lineup at a later date. The mainstay of the new company will again be the reliable "XLT" and will be priced in line with competitors similar two-seat models. In addition, Fantom is dropping the "Paracraft" and "Falcon" names, and returning to the market with a new and improved glass fiber bodied "Fusion II" for that high end niche.
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One of the really exciting things announced by Troy and Jeff Schroeder, brother owners of Fantom, is that they will also be producing the long awaited "Ducted Fan" Destiny. This model will be the midpriced model of the three and will offer, not only the super quiet ducted fan, but a removable nosecone similar to the one used on the Fusion II.
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Fantom will be moving the production for Destiny Aerosports from Alliant's facility back to it's original plant in Three Rivers, Michigan. They expect to make the move right after the 4th of July and plan on bringing their first models off the assembly line as early as August 1, 2006.
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Patty and I are thrilled with this turn of events and will keep you updated as the transition takes place. We will be posting pictures and specs as soon as available. Contact us for pricing and pre-production orders. Don't wait ! Order now !!
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SoftWing to open new "Semi-Soft Division"
SoftWing Flight, LLC is proud to announce that we are now the Northeastern Illinois/Southeastern Wisconsin dealer for Stellar Aircraft of Bloomfield, Indiana. Stellar is the manufacturer of the great, new Astra Trike line of weightshift ultralights.
Astra Trike is available in two models:
The base model that is not very basic, is the Astra HKS with the 60 hp Japanese HKS, twin cylinder, four stroke engine. The performance on this aircraft in nothing short of remarkable. At a base price of $22,995.00, you can be in a truly cross country flying, capable aircraft at a price that is easy on the pocketbook. Maintaining the Astra HKS will be easy too, with a just over 2.5 gallons per hour burn rate at a 65 mph cruise.
Astra 912
The deluxe model is the Astra 912 with the 80 hp Rotax 912, four cylinder, four stroke engine. At a base price of $32,495.00, this aircraft really screams. Cruise speed up to 80 mph and a VNE of 90 mph.
Both aircraft have a host of standard equipment including the Astra 15.6 m double surface wing, as well as many optional items and more coming all the time.
If you want to get into fixed wing flying at a reasonable price, contact SoftWing Flight today and we can put you in the seat of one of these fine aircraft.
See our Products Page for more information.
"Sun N Fun"
April 12 - 18, 2005
Lakeland, Florida
The 31st Annual "Sun 'n Fun Fly-In" will be coming to Lakeland, Florida next week to usher in the 2005 flying season. The "second largest" fly-in in the United States is alway a great event for both flyers and spectators. For information on all the events, seminars, and sponsors just contact: www.sun-n-fun.org
Sport Pilot Rules
Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft
This is a synopsis of the definition of a light-sport aircraft category, the requirements to obtain a sport pilot certificate, and requirements to obtain a repairman certificate with a maintenance or inspection rating.
Light-Sport Aircraft:
- Maximum gross takeoff weight-1,320 lbs (599 kg.), 1,430 lbs for seaplanes.
- Lighter-than-air light-sport aircraft maximum gross weight-660 lbs (300 kg.)
- Maximum stall speed-51 mph (45 knots)
- Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)-138 mph (120 knots)
- Two-place maximum (pilot and one passenger)
- Single, non-turbine engine only, includes rotary or diesel engines
- Fixed or ground adjustable propeller
- Unpressurized cabin
- Fixed landing gear
- Repositionable landing gear for seaplanes allowing the wheels to be rotated for amphibious operation.
- Can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new Special Light-Sport aircraft certification without FAR Part 23 compliance. Aircraft must meet consensus standards. Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.
- Can be licensed Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if kit- or plans-built. Aircraft under this certification may be used only for sport and recreation and flight instruction for the owner of the aircraft.
- Can be licensed Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if it was kit- or plans-built and operated as an ultralight trainers. Aircraft must be transitioned to E-LSA category no later than August 31, 2007.
- Will have FAA registration-N-number.
- Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control (Trike Land/Sea), and Powered Parachute.
- U.S. or foreign manufacture of light-sport aircraft is authorized.
- Aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate that meet above specifications may be flown by sport pilots. However, that airworthiness certification category will not be changed to a light-sport aircraft. Holders of a sport pilot certificate may fly an aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate if it meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
- May be operated at night if the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.209 and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot certificate and a minimum of a third-class medical.
The Sport Pilot Rule:
A sport pilot may exercise flight privileges in one or more of the following aircraft categories:
- Airplane (single-engine only)
- Glider
- Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon)
- Rotorcraft (gyroplane only)
- Powered Parachute
- Weight-Shift control aircraft(e.g. Trikes)
Sport Pilot:
- Creates a new student sport pilot certificate for operating any aircraft that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
- Creates a new sport pilot flight instructor certificate.
- Requires FAA knowledge (written) and practical (flight) test.
- Credits ultralight training and experience toward a sport pilot certificate.
- Credits sport pilot flight time toward more advanced pilot ratings.
- Requires either a 3rd class FAA medical certificate or a current and valid U.S. driver's license as evidence of medical eligibility (provided the individual does not have an official denial or revocation of medical eligibility on file with FAA).
- Does not allow carrying passengers for compensation or hire
- Allows sharing ("pro-rata") operating expenses with another pilot.
- Allows daylight (civil twilight) flight only.
- Allow sport pilots to fly vintage and production aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate) that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
Sport Pilot Flight Instructors:
- Creates new sport pilot flight and ground instructor certificates.
- Allows instructors to use ultralight exemption experience.
- Allows conversion to sport pilot instructor status for ultralight instructors.
- Allows current CFI's to train sport pilots.
Light Sport Aircraft Repairmen:
- At least 18 years old
- Speak, read, and understand English
- Demonstrate the requisite skill to determine whether an E-LSA or S-LSA is in a condition for safe operation
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for a Inspection rating-complete a 16 hour course on the inspection requirements of the particular class of light-sport aircraft;
- for a Maintenance rating-complete a course - 120 hours (airplane category); 104 hours (weight shift or powered parachute); 80 hours (glider or lighter-than-air) -- on the maintenance requirements of the particular class of light-sport aircraft.
Other LSA Maintenance Options
The annual condition inspection on special light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft--can be completed by:
- An appropriately rated mechanic-that is, A&P
- An appropriately rated repair station; or
- A light-sport repairman with a maintenance rating.
Preventive maintenance can be performed by a certificated pilot (Sport Pilot rating or higher)
The annual condition inspection on experimental light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft--can be completed by:
- An appropriately rated mechanic-that is, A&P
- An appropriately rated repair station; or
- A light-sport repairman with a maintenance rating; or
- A light-sport repairman with a inspection rating (only on your own aircraft).
No rating is required to perform maintenance on experimental light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft.
For more information on Sport Pilot go to: www.sportpilot.org.
First Annual PPC AErial Ballet Championships
May 28, 29, 30, and 31, 2004
Double JJ Resort Ranch
Rothbury, Michigan 49452
Alliant Aviation, LLC. the makers of the "Destiny" line of powered parachutes and Shelby Paraflite hosted the "Spring Fling Mega Show" for PPC pilots this Memorial Day weekend in Western Michigan. At this event was held the First Annual World PPC Aerial Ballet Championships.
This first ever event was won by Steve "The Red Baron" Sprague of San Antonio, Texas. Steve flies a chute manufactured in South Africa that is red in color, with a large Iron Cross in black and white at each wingtip. The things Steve can make that red chute do were marvelled at by all that saw him perform. I have never seen "verticle barrel rolls" done better by anyone.
Second Place was won by Keith Storrs, who flies with us out at Winfield Airport. Keith flies his Chrome Blue Destiny D-2000 with his "shades of purple chute", which can be seen so often in the skies above SoftWing Flight Park as he trails smoke behind from the smoke generator he built and installed himself. Keith put that smoke to good use in the competition as it gracefully billowed behind him on each of his three one wheel touchdowns and outlined the "figure eights" he flew down the field just a few feet above the ground.
We feel the World PPC Aerial Ballet Championship are destined to be one of the premier events of the powered parachuting world in years to come. It is the only true "flying" competition out there. Most all of the other competitions are really "landing competitions" in one form or another. The power, beauty and grace of the Aerial Ballet was something that was greatly appreciated by spectators and the other non-competing flyers at Double JJ Ranch facility on this stormy Memorial Day weekend.