n° 1 - August 2004

Welcome

Welcome to the first issue of our occasional newsletter – we’re aiming to keep you up to date, not only with SilverWing products but also with the whole world of Sport and Recreational aircraft. Suggestions for inclusion and/or improvement are welcome. There’s plenty more information on the SilverWing website. Have a look at www.silverwing.com.au

A22 Foxbat at 544kgs!

The Aeroprakt A22 has been certified at 544kgs MTOW in New Zealand as a factory built, ready to fly aircraft. Two customer planes have been delivered so far, with others on the way. Our NZ agent says the response to the A22 has been very positive. ‘People like the robust and corrosion-proof aluminium construction. The safe stall characteristics of the forward-swept wing are also very re-assuring’ he says. ‘Makes a great trainer.’ [There are more than 20 A22s in flying school use in Europe.] NZ agent is Aerovision at Whangarei Airport. Fingers crossed for a weight increase in Australia, at least before the new LSA regs next year!

Evektor SportStar

The SportStar is an all-metal 2-seat recreational aircraft made in a JAR 21 licensed aircraft factory in the Czech Republic alongside its GA certified sibling, the Harmony. Since Australian certification in January 2004, several SportStars have been delivered to Australian customers, with more for delivery in August and September. Typical comments from pilots who fly the SportStar for the first time include: ‘Fantastic view out – like riding on a magic carpet’, ‘Amazing cabin space – particularly under the canopy’, and ‘Superb build quality’. SportStars and Eurostars (the 450kg MTOW version) have been sold in 30+ countries and are in use as flying school aircraft and glider tugs as well as by hundreds of individuals who appreciate a very well made aircraft with excellent flying characteristics. All SportStars come with a 2-year/ 200-hour airframe warranty. All rivets are mastic-filled and all riveted joints are bonded/glued. The whole airframe is corrosion proofed. All of which ensure that your investment will look and feel as good in 10 years as it does the day you take delivery.

FAA announces LSA

The FAA has announced its longawaited rules concerning the definitions of Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) and the LSA Pilot’s Licensing requirements. It is likely that CASA/RAA/SAAA will use these definitions as a basis to establish an Australian LSA set of rules and definitions, so read on!

Light-Sport Aircraft limitations:

- Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control (Trike Land/Sea), and Powered Parachute.

- Maximum gross takeoff weight 1,320 lbs (600 kgs); 1,430 lbs (650 kgs) if float equipped.

- Maximum stall speed clean 51mph (45 kts)

- Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh) 138 mph (120 kts)

- Two-place maximum (pilot and one passenger)

- Day VFR operation only (unless the aircraft is specially equipped and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot Licence).

- Single, non-turbine engine only

- Fixed or ground adjustable propeller

- Unpressurised 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 LSA certification without FAR Part 23 compliance.

- Aircraft must meet ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) consensus standards.

- Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and rental.

- Can be licensed LSA Experimental 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 Light-Sport Aircraft Experimental if it was kit- or plansbuilt
and operated as an ultralight trainer. Application must be submitted within 36 months after the effective date of the rule.

- Will have FAA registration-"N" number.

- U.S. or foreign manufacture of lightsport aircraft is authorised.

- 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 lightsport aircraft.

The way we were…