General Aviation Aircraft

Here’s a glancing blow at some products you might want to check out in depth: *** A cute new LSA named Viper SD-4 showed up, beautifully built (in Slovenia) and should be very attractive to anyone who likes the conventional approach of an all-metal airframe done in the traditional way — with a modern technological […]

Nothing like getting some air. *** Thanks to Jim Lee of Phoenix Air USA, I finally had my desire: Jim and I flew the fabulous new Phoenix LSA motorglider, with both wingtips (max span: 49 feet!) out of his home base at Melbourne International Airport, Florida, and I have to say simply this: it cured […]

In stunning news just before the Sebring LSA Expo starts, Piper Aircraft announced they will be terminating their business relationship with Czech Sport Aircraft, the Czech republic-based manufacturer of the PiperSport (previously known as the SportCruiser from initial developer Czech Aircraft Works). *** “After a year working with Czech Sport Aircraft, Piper determined that it […]

Yesterday, I was again grateful for my residence at Spruce Creek Fly-In, the large airport community near Daytona Beach, Florida. Why? Because after a lucky last-minute phone call, I zipped over to the airport restaurant and went flying with Jim Lee in his new Phoenix. *** Now, I’m a soaring enthusiast, so a LSA motorglider […]

A look at the best aircraft for backcountry exploration

All-inclusive guide to fixed, retractable, single and twin six-seaters

Jacobson passed his checkride in this cessna 170A in 1962, and look at it now

Time for young (and old) pilots’ fancies to turn skyward with 30+ sport planes

Cessna 170B Cessna 172 Cruise speed (kts.) 104 107 Vso (kts.) 45 45 Best rate of climb, SL (fpm) 690 660 Service ceiling (ft.) 15,500 13,300 Max takeoff weight (lbs.) 2200 2200 Empty weight, std. (lbs.) 1205 1260 Useful load, std. (lbs.): 995 940 Takeoff over 50 ft. (ft.) 1820 1650

Looking out the window at falling snow (and it’s only November 8th… Bah!), back from a two week vacation to Europe and Turkey, and mired in writing a big LSA buyer’s guide for Plane & Pilot mag, I’ve only got a few minutes to splash up some photos of what to me is a big […]