Gorgeous, Award-Winning Biplane from Duluth

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The EAA Sport Pilot Tour in Minneapolis was successful, drawing over 500 LSA-interested attendees and featuring various Light Sport Aircraft.
  • Among the exhibited LSAs, the award-winning Hatz Bantam biplane was a highlight, noted for its vintage quality and eligibility for Sport Pilots.
  • Builder Mark Marino is now developing "Hatz Partz" (kit components) for the Sport Pilot-eligible Hatz Bantam, which is powered by a 120-hp Jabiru engine.
See a mistake? Contact us.
For those seeking a different kind of LSA with a vintage quality, Mark Marino’s Hatz Bantam could make an attractive choice. You’ll have to build it but if it looks this good (photo), it will surely turn heads. Email Mark.

EAA’s Minneapolis Sport Pilot Tour, plagued at first with some logistical challenges, came off very well. More than 500 LSA-interested attendees showed up at Airlake airport south of the Twin Cities metro. The local Sport Pilot school, LSA North at the Aircraft Resource Center, exhibited their CTs along with the Sportstar, KP-5, RANS S-6 and S-7 and others. One of the charmers was the award-winnng Hatz Bantam from builder Mark Marino. The Bantam is an evolution of the original John Hatz biplane designed in the 1960s. Leap forward in time and the lighter Hatz can be flown by a Sport Pilot. Previously only plans were available but Marino is now working on Hatz Partz, components that represents elements of a full kit. The 1,320 pound Bantam is powered by a 120-hp Jabiru 3300 six cylinder four stroke. It can carry a couple two hundred pounders and fly 110 mph. Check all Hatz Bantam specs.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE