Manufacturers

You’ve seen this airplane before but recreational flying enthusiasts with a good memory may ask, “Hmm, that looks a lot like an older LSA …what is it?” Those LSA veterans may be recalling Kappa KP5, one of the earliest entries on our SLSA List (#9). It was originally sold under the European brand name Jihlavan […]

UPDATE 11/28/21 — Vickers Aircraft sent fresh images and additional comments. See ••• below. —DJ Excitement is in the air, even as the season wraps up activity here in the USA. Remember, while winter approaches for Americans, summer is coming to New Zealand. That might explain an information deficit of late from LSA seaplane developer, […]

A few years back at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, I discovered a good-looking design but I did not see it each year. When I talked to developer Steve Martin, the project appeared interesting but it was not complete (at that time). The next year, I’d look for Ion Aircraft and might not find them. Such is […]

Two decades into the new millennia, few aviation companies can claim impressive growth. In two decades, one company that everyone now recognizes as a climber is Cirrus Design and their successful SR-series of general aviation aircraft. Back in 1998 many pilots were doubtful about Cirrus. I was close to the company during these years. Over […]

Over many years, many people have done solid work to accommodate people who are physically challenged in one way or another. That’s great! More opportunities to bring in motivated pilots is worthwhile. Yet designers have been hampered from making such changes, partly as they are burdened by a certification system that is simply too rigid […]

North American’s World War II-era P-51 Mustang has consistently won polls of pilots asking to identify their favorite aircraft. You may love your LSA or Sport Pilot kit or an ultralight aircraft, but nearly all pilots occasionally dream of owning — or at least flying — a P-51 Mustang. Let’s face it. You probably can’t […]

Video Updated 10/25/21 — See at bottom for a video recorded at Sun ‘n Fun 2021… —DJ Ever in search of recreational aircraft pilots can afford, I had a closer look at Excalibur’s display at Sun ‘n Fun 2021. I’ll excuse you for thinking this is a Quad City Challenger. It’s not. I’ll also excuse […]

Probably like a lot of you, I enjoy different kinds of flying but if asked to state one favorite, it’s an easy question to answer. I’m a great enthusiast of soaring flight. Over decades of sampling a large number of aircraft of every description, I’m still drawn to a machine, which lacking any kind of […]

Since Chuck Slusarczyk’s first Hawk won Best New Design at Sun ‘n Fun in the spring of 1982 — the same year Part 103 was released — this affordable series of models has continued to increase its flock of smiling owners. Today around 2,500 Hawks of all varieties are flying. By my benchmark, that number […]

Let’s keep a focus on aircraft affordability. Look, we love recreational aircraft. In how they deliver enjoyment, they are closer to boats, RVs, and motorcycles than they are to a Cirrus SR22 or a Bonanza. Some owners justify the latter saying they use their airplane for company travel. When an airplane’s price tag approaches $1 […]