By Dan Johnson
SeaRey LSX; Popular U.S. Seaplane Launching SLSA
Seaplane enthusiasts comprise a niche of American aviation but are some of the most passionate of all powered aircraft pilots. Among these, owners of almost 500 SeaRey aircraft belong to one of the tightest knit communities I've seen. Kerry and Wayne Richter, the son and father team that gave birth to the SeaRey, have quietly built one of the strongest brands in light seaplanes... and now they are moving into the Special Light-Sport Aircraft space with their new LSX. Kerry says the new model, while visually similar to earlier SeaReys, possesses no fewer than 78 new or revised features including a custom interior and complete rework of the panel. I flew with Kerry in the new machine from my Florida home base at Spruce Creek Fly-in. We hopped LSX over to a nearby lake and Kerry executed a couple perfect water landings. Taxiing back is equally exhilarating with SeaRey behaving like a powerful speedboat. The "swept V-hull" cuts the water more smoothly than any seaplane I've flown. Stalls are extremely docile and this seaplane's speeds are impressive at better than 100 mph. Both qualities are aided by small, clear vortex generators along the leading edge.
Lighter-Than-Air... But Not An Airship
Research and practical applications are developing rapidly for electric-powered aircraft. Given my personal fascination, I'll follow this regularly. So far, most electric power has been supplied by batteries, even in such as Flight Design's hybrid aircraft engine unveiled at Aero 2009. However, that's only one way to generate electric "fuel." Hydrogen is another. Forget fears of a Hindenburg airship exploding; even that fireball was likely precipitated by something other than hydrogen in the envelope. Today, the source is a relatively small tank of hydrogen, supplied by companies like Messer which is sponsoring the work of Gerard Thevenot in creating his hydrogen fuel cell-powered trike. Ultra-lightweight aircraft like trikes are a perfect platform for experimentation and Thevenot knows all about them. Gerard founded La Mouette, once the world's largest producer of hang gliders. He's highly inventive and well suited to such a project. The fuel cell project is not for sale but you can follow Gerard's ground-breaking progress on his Hydrogen Flying Tour.
Roko NG 4 LSA Preparing to Cross the Atlantic
The troubles of Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) in their titanic battle with financier Slavia Capital are known to some readers. Despite this challenge the American-run, Czech-based company increased the fleet of their SportCruisers by 69% in 2008. One of CZAW's key people didn't stay through the war that ensued between company management and money people. His name is Milan Bristela and he is a talented designer who preferred to focus on airplane development rather than corporate politics. His disappearance from the payroll of CZAW became clear after he launched his own aircraft in December 2007. The NG 4 UL is presently selling in Europe and the NG 4 LSA will come to America, probably by Oshkosh 2009. NG 4 bears a clear resemblance to the SportCruiser, which design counted Milan as a key developer. Roko's design brings changes to differentiate the product and first flew in mid-2008. The Czech company has been adding dealers in European countries and has made preliminary arrangements with a U.S. distributor, United States Sport Aviation. NG 4 LSA uses the 100-hp Rotax 912S, paired with a ground adjustable Woodcomp Klassic propeller and features a 50.7-inch wide cabin.
Terrafugia Escapes Terra Firma on First Flight
Massachusetts-based Terrafugia announced today the first flight of its proof of concept Transition "roadable aircraft." The maiden flight occurred on March 5th and followed six months of static, road, and taxi testing. Transition made its first escape from Earth at the Plattsburgh, New York airport, flown by retired Air Force colonel Phil Meteer who reported, "Transition flew like a really nice airplane." Terrafugia said their Transition can cruise 450 miles at 115 mph and can drive at highway speeds on the road. Designers say it fits in a standard home garage. Transition uses front wheel drive on the road; both ground and flight modes are powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912S. Terrafugia CEO Carl Dietrich said that transforming Transition from plane to car takes the pilot a mere 30 seconds. Then you can drive your airplane off the airport to a local gas pump and fill up at a substantial discount to 100LL avgas For info. call 781-491-0812.