Splog

For most years of Light-Sport Aircraft one aircraft model convincingly lead the parade. That aircraft is broadly identified as the CT-series: CT2K, CTSW, CTLS, and CTLSi. Until CubCrafters caught up and passed Flight Design while the company took a breather to reorganize, the CT-series was the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in America. The aircraft also […]

The aviation industry — led by a flock of alphabet member organizations — is clinking champagne glasses over the “defeat” of ATC Privatization. To some observers, this looks like a case of contented naval-gazing. Meanwhile, another development made the mainstream news today. It may not be reported in the aviation press. Most of the above-referenced […]

Because we promote this website as focused on “affordable aviation,” one of our favorite companies is Sonex. (OK, fine, we like a lot of companies but we are blessed with many doing a good job at holding down prices.) With a big smile, I am pleased to wish Sonex Aircraft a very happy 20th birthday, […]

As the 2018 flying season launches, a long-awaited powerplant from Rotax Aircraft Engines is beginning to arrive in the USA and to be shipped on to customers for installation. Pilots and builders seeking more power can welcome the Rotax 915iS fuel-injected, turbo-charged, intercooler-equipped 135-horsepower engine. Talk about a kick in the pants! The engine recently […]

From Washington State arrives a fresh, new airplane created from scratch to enter the Special LSA space. You don’t know the company but you may know the people, at least indirectly. Welcome to Vashon and their new Ranger R7! Ranger R7 is an all-metal, two-place, high-wing, single engine airplane equipped with tricycle landing gear and […]

Forever, Evektor will remain the very first Special Light-Sport Aircraft approved by the FAA, beating Flight Design’s CT series by a small margin. Both were the first SLSA ever accepted* by FAA and that will never change. Just like in the Olympics, it’s good to come in first. People remember. More recently, Evektor continued their […]

The great spring airshow everyone knows as Sun ‘n Fun starts in about six weeks. One day after the big event kicks off (on April 10th), Time Trials are planned. Such trials are not new but this year brings something new. For 2018… “Sport Pilot-eligible aircraft* cruising 120 knots or less may compete in the […]

Could developments by airliner giants Airbus and Boeing — along with other smaller, lesser-known developers — stimulate new recreational aircraft sport pilots might want to buy and fly? That is not the objective of these deep-pocketed organizations but as flying evolves, who knows what could happen. The wait to know may not be long.

Electric aircraft are often in the news — even mainstream news — although mostly the reporting is about futuristic projects. Alpha Electro is a present-day aircraft being sold and used for flight instruction …just not in the USA where regulations bar use of electric motors as powerplants.

If you could not attend Sebring Expo 2018, we have a 15-minute solution — our “Race-Around Video.” These have proven popular at other events to give you a fast look at most aircraft and exhibitors. Check it out!