Ultralight Aircraft, Light Sport Aircraft at E.A.A.'s Sun N Fun Convention, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Lakeland Florida, Sport Aviation Magazine.

Sport Aviation Magazine - Welcome to the Sport Aviation Magazine our goal is to cover as many aircraft expositions that host aircraft described as ultralight aircraft, light sport aircraft, experimental light sport aircraft, amateur built aircraft, ELSA or homebuilt aircraft that fit into the definition of ultralight aircraft in Canada or light sport aircraft, or experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft in the United States.

These include three axis control aircraft, weight shift control aircraft, more commonly known as trikes, powered parachutes, helicopters, gyrocopters and powered para-gliders that meet the light sport or ultralight aircraft definition.

Airshows and aircraft expositions that we plan on covering include, the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, E.A.A.'s Sun N Fun, E.A.A.'s Airventure, the Midwest LSA Show, and Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany. We are also hoping to attend regional shows like the Arlington Fly-In, and Rocky Mountain Fly-In.

E.A.A. Sun N Fun Convention - Paradise City Lakeland Florida.

It is hard to believe that nearly 40 years have gone by since my 1st Sun N Fun. Over those years I have watched as the ultralight movement grew and expanded to become one of the most vibrant segments of aviation. The reason for this was the affordability and variety of aircraft available to pilots and enthusiasts. We started out in simple weight-shift aircraft powered by single cylinder two-stroke engines modified from other applications.

Many of our parts and pieces came from go karts, motorcycles and sailboats. From this we grew into 2 axis control aircraft, like the Quicksilver MX and American Aerolites Eagle. We then evolved into true three axis aircraft like the CGS Hawk, Challenger, Reliant, Quicksilver Sprint, T-Bird, B1 RD, Rans Coyote, Preceptor Pup, Buccaneer, Carrera, and the full line of Team and Fisher aircraft - the list could go on for pages.

Then we had the influx of trikes. Most of these came from Europe, Britain and Australia. But it didn't take long for enterprising U.S. manufacturers to recognize the potential for this market and jump on board. Next came powered parachutes and if that wasn't enough backpack powered para-gliders. The innovations didn't stop here we still had rotorcraft and of single seat and two seat ultralight helicopters!

Each year for nearly 3 decades I looked forward to arriving at Sun-N-Fun to see what was new and different. Each year the runway at Paradise City was packed with ultralight aircraft and two seat ultralight trainers waiting in line to take to the skies!

That all changed about seven years ago. The commercial displays started to dwindle, as did flying off of the Paradise City runway. The crowds that gathered from early morning until the airshow started, and then again when it was over, weren't there anymore! The reason - very little flying was going on. Like having a barbeque all fired up, but no sound of a streak sizzling, or the aroma being carried on the air!

Last year in an interview while sitting in a two seat Quicksilver Sun 'n Fun President John "Lites" Leenhouts indicated that there were going to be major changes at Sun N Fun. Changes that included pilots being able to fly from "dawn till dusk" and not be grounded by the airshow!

Vendors would be encouraged to make use of the improved and lengthened runway for demo flights, and access to and from their booth space with aircraft would be aided by volunteers and equipment. The LSA Mall was going to be relocated into the heart of Paradise City, and the roadway rerouted so the trams would drive right into the center of it. If that wasn't enough golf carts would be on call for the whole show ferrying people back and forth from the commercial area to Paradise City.

So was "Lites" true to his word? Did he manage to get all this done! YES!

The sights, sounds and vendors returned! Aircraft were again taking flight, spectators were lined up three and four deep from early morning until the lights went out. My hats off to "Lites" Leenhouts, Dave Piper and their staff of volunteers for putting on one of the best shows I have attended at Sun N Fun for many, many years!

So lets take a trip through the Ultralights, Light Sport Aircraft and helicopters at Paradise City 2013

1	Aerolite 103 ultralight aircraft - U Fly It new ultralight aircraft manufacturer in Florida.
	If your in the market for a true part 103 ultralight aircraft, where no medical is required, or an N number, that can be built for you ready to fly, then you owe it to yourself to have a close look at the Aerolite 103 ultralight. The Aerolite 103 ultralight aircraft was formerly manufactured by Terry Raber but has a new home with Dennis Carley of U Fly It in Deland Florida.
	Click here for more information.
2	Belite Ultralight Aircraft - UltraCub ultralight and aluminum amphibious ultralight floats
	To be successful in the ultralight aircraft business you have to do a number if things. 1st you have to be very innovative, and 2nd you have to have your finger on the pulse of the market ready to change and adapt as needed. If there is one individual for the past several years who has succeeded in both of these it has to be James Wiebe of Belite Aircraft. James purchased the design rights to a very successful single seat ultralight aircraft design several years ago. The problem was that the aircraft was too heavy a to be a true part 103 ultralight aircraft.
	Click here for more information.
3	Electraflyer ULS battery powered ultralight motor glider.
	It's funny how you get introduced to some things. Take for instance the Electraflyer. I was attending EAA's Sun N Fun convention about 9 years ago and was over at South Lakeland airport shooting some video of the N3 Pup and the Loehle P51 Mustang when out of the corner my eye I caught a glimpse of a single seat trike coming in for a landing. The unusual thing was that I couldn't hear the engine running, and yet the trike was making a full circuit and the prop was spinning. When the pilot exited the trike I went over and discovered that it was powered by batteries and an electric motor.
	Click here for more information.
4	Just Aircraft Super STOL experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft
	Just Aircraft was at the show with their Super STOL light sport aircraft, which they had introduced at Airventure 2012. The Super STOL is a side-by-side seating two-seat aircraft. It is a taildragger featuring standard stick and rudder controls. It has a large storage area behind the seats, which can actually be used for sleeping in when the seats are folded down. The Super STOL is powered by the Rotax 912 ULS, in a tractor figuration.
	Click here for more information.
5	Rotax Flying and Safety Club - Warranty Extension and How to find an iRMT
	William Burgher of the Rotax Flying And Safety Club was that Sun and Fun 2013 with a special announcement for Rotax 912 iS aircraft engine owners. Until July 31 of 2013, Rotax 912 iS engines purchased in selected areas will be eligible for an extended warranty program.
	Click here for more information.
6	SAM experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft
	Thierry Zibi of SAM Aircraft had his first production SAM LS at Sun N Fun. The SAM LS has just completed certification in Canada under the Advanced Ultralight regulations. The first flights of the SAM LS were carried out just prior to Sun N Fun and Thierry report that the aircraft performed better than expected.
	Click here for more information.
7	Lil Rascal aerobatic experimental light sport aircraft bi-plane
	The Lil Rascal series of light sport aircraft feature a 4130 welded chromoly steel fuselage, spring steel landing gear and are biplanes with 4 ailerons. The wings and many parts of the fuselage are going to be made from carbon to add strength and cut down on weight.
	Click here for more information.
8	Sling light sport aircraft and experimental light sport aircraft from the Airplane Factory
	The U.S. representative for the Sling, Matt Liknaitzy of The Airplane Factory U.S.A. had his Sling on display for the first time at the E.A.A.'s Sun N Fun convention in Paradise City. The Sling is a two seat side by side seating all metal light sport aircraft which holds the distinction of having made a trip circumventing the globe!
	Click here for more information.
9	Midwest LSA Show and Expo September 5-7 2013, Mt. Vernon Airport, Mt. Vernon Illinois
	The Midwest LSA show is not like the larger expositions where you have thousands and thousands of people, and air show going on with all kinds of noise and explosions. Rather, it is as Chris indicates "a more intimate show, where you are able to get more up close and personal."
	Click here for more information.
10	Super Petrel LS amphibious light sport aircraft bi-plane from Edra Aeronautica
	The Super Petrel LS from Edra Aeronáutica made its debut in the LSA mall In Paradise City at Sun and Fun 2013. This sleek amphibious bi-plane is manufactured in Brazil. The Super Petrel is being imported and distributed in the United States by Brian Boucher from Florida Lightsport Aviation located in the Daytona beach area.
	Click here for more information.
11	Wounded Warrior "Broken Wing Project" FREE flight training for Disabled veterans
	From their new facility in Fort Pierce, the Renegade Light Sport Training Division is wasting no time in announcing their new Wounded Warrior Program. Dubbed the “Broken Wing” Project, the company will introduce our injured military heroes to the freedom of flight using two specially designed and equipped SC07 Speed Cruiser light sport aircraft.
	Click here for more information.
12	AMT FlyCool air conditioning system for the Flight Design CTLS light sport aircraft, by US Aviation
	US Aviation previewed their integration of the AMT FlyCool air conditioning system in the Flight Design CTLS at Sun 'n Fun 2013. The Dallas-area, Texas company partnered with FlyCool to develop an installation for the Flight Design CTLS.
	Click here for more information.
13	Aviation Access Project, shared light sport aircraft ownership management program
	The Aviation Access Project announced at the E.A.A. Sun N Fun Convention that they are expanding their program into flight centers and flight training centers. They have had a number of requests from light sport aircraft training centers across the U.S. for the program. They have already implemented the program at the Orlando Gateway Sport Pilot Training Center, formerly the Kissimmee Flight Center.
	Click here for more information.
14	Golden Avio F30 all metal low wing light experimental sport aircraft
	The Golden Avio F30 experimental light sport aircraft the last design from legendary aviation designer Stelio Frati. We first saw te Golden Avio F30 at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in January. Factory representative Luca Ferragatta told us at that time, that he was in the process of finding a U.S. distributor for the F30.
	Click here for more information.
15	Kolb FireFly design changes to wing, and factory built aircraft
	Since Rotax is no longer producing the Rotax 447 which was the preferred power plant for the FireFly Bryan has decided to try out the Hirth F30 single cylinder engine, as well as the Kawasaki 440. Both engines are equipped with belt reduction drives, charging systems and electric starts.
	Click here for more information.
16	Fisher Flying Products, Wildair Aviation Florida
	WildAir aviation runs a full time flight school and light sport aircraft repair center. The Fisher line of aircraft covers the full range of aircraft starting from true part 103 ultralights right on up to WWI replicas.
	Click here for more information.
17	Mosquito XE and XEL ultralight helicopters
	While at the E.A.A. Sun-N-Fun we talked to Kerry Kerwin a Mosquito XE ultralight helicpter owner and pilot about the Mosquito XE single seat ultralight helicpter. The Mosquito helicopter is offered in various configuration, a wide open model, the XE enclosed model, a float version, as well as various experimental versions which do not fit into the ultralight vehicle category.
	Click here for more information.
18	CubCrafters Sport Cub on Mead Amphibious Floats
	The MEAD floats are manufactured from "composite and carbon fiber materials with Kevlar weaves." An advantage of this style of construction is that their are no rivets or seams. The PVC foam core used in the bottom of the float provides for additional puncture protection. Each float has seven different compartments in it, with bulkheads in between each compartment.
	Click here for more information.
19	BushCat light sport aircraft, Bush Cat experimental amateurbuilt aircraft
	While at the E.A.A. Sun-N-Fun convention we had a chance to talk to the the new distributors for the BushCat from AeroSport Aviation Jeremy and Daniela Knoll about their low cost BushCat light sport aircraft built by Skyreach Aircraft in South Africa.
	Click here for more information.
20	Zenith Aircraft's new CH 750 Cruzer experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft kit
	While roaming around the commercial section of the E.A.A. Sun N Fun Convention in Lakeland we came across the Zenith Aircraft booth. Zenith had on display their new CH 750 Cruzer, an all metal, side by side seating experimental light sport aircraft that is available in kit form. Roger Dubbert who has been with Zenith Aircraft for some twenty years, as a test pilot and show demonstration pilot took some time out from talking to customers to give us a quick run down on the new Zenith Air 750 Cruzer.
	Click here for more information.
21	CGS Hawk light sport aircraft, CGS Hawk experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft kits
	By the time you read this the Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) Hawk that Danny had on display at Sun N Fun will be in the hands of it's new owners who will be operating a flight training school using a CGS Hawk in Arkansas. CFIs Glen Suffern and Bob Smith of Dream Air Adventure, LLC in Lonoke, Arkansas, are setting up shop to conduct flight training with the new CGS Hawk SLSA powered by the HKS 700E. Bob and Glen will also be offering flight training for anyone wanting to learn to fly in a light plane or who are transitioning to a Hawk.
	Click here for more information.
22	HKS700T 80 HP turbo-charged aircraft engine installation.
	Paul Mather owner of MSquared Aircraft has been in the ultralight / light sport aircraft business since the beginning. Paul has carved a "niche" for himself with his MSquared line of aircraft and the variety of services he offers to our community. At Sun N Fun 2013 he had on display and was flying his latest creation an MSquared experimental light sport aircraft powered by the HKS700T, 82 HP turbo-charged aircraft engine. Paul is in the midst of doing the flight testing on the HKS700T so that it can meet the ASTM standards for use in light sport aircraft.
	Click here for more information.
23	U.S. Sport Aviation Expo January 16 - 19 2014
	The flying season for in January for me, it kicks off with the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo held at the Sebring Regional Airport in Sebring Florida. This year's show was run under a new management team lead by Jana Filip who is now the Director of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo. Jana took over from Bob Wood who was the man who planted the see for the show some nine years ago. According to Jana the 2013 show did very well in both attendance and aircraft and aircraft accessories sales.
	Click here for more information.
24	UltraCub legal part 103 ultralight aircraft by Belite Aircraft
	Belite Aircraft's James Wiebe made the trip down to Sun N Fun with his part 103 legal, single seat ultralight aircraft. Over the past couple of years James has brought a number of his craft down to the E.A.A.'s Sun N Fun Convention, and went home with a number of awards including Grand Champion Ultralight. This year James came down with his new UltraCub.
	Click here for more information.
25	Garmin Aera 796 GPS with XM weather
	Revolutionary new 3D Vision technology shows a virtual 3-D behind-the-aircraft perspective of surrounding terrain derived from GPS and the onboard terrain database – a feature previously only available in our panel-mount avionics. Simply slide your finger across the touchscreen to rotate the view and show land and water features, obstacles, runways and airport signposts in relative proximity to the aircraft. Using its forward-looking terrain avoidance capability, aera 796 predicts in advance where towers or obstacles may exist and shades the landscape with amber or red overlays to indicate those areas.
	Click here for more information.

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