LSA

Glasair Aviation’s new Merlin LSA had its first flight this week, launching the in-air test phase for the composite light-sport airplane. The flight departed from Arlington, Washington, on Tuesday and lasted for 57 minutes. Following ground tests including engine run-up, high-speed taxi, and ground roll liftoff, test pilot Grant Smith conducted the flight to evaluate […]

Autogyros are big in Europe — but in the U.S., not so much. The reason for that is primarily regulatory. The U.S. light sport rule doesn’t include rotorcraft. As Paul Bertorelli discovered on this AVweb flight demo, that’s too bad. Gyros are fun and easy to fly, but they do take specific training for the […]

Bristell Aircraft has introduced a taildragger version of its LSA. The TDO features carbon fiber and aluminum construction and boasts a 120-knot cruise speed. AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli took a test flight. view on YouTube

Since I’m not the guy for writing apologias for anything, I have to be honest about this: Every year I walk through the main gate at Sebring’s Sport Aviation Expo, I wonder if this show has enough economic momentum to survive for another year. For those accustomed to the size and energy of Oshkosh or […]

Van’s Aircraft comes to the 2015 Sport Aviation Expo with the RV-12 S-LSA equipped with Garmin’s G3X Touch avionics and integrated action camera. In this video, AVweb’s Larry Anglisano, along with Chris Thelan from Van’s Aircraft, took the system flying for a closer look. view on YouTube

For pure, undiluted fun, there’s nothing quite like operating a small flying boat off a remote lake. In this video, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli takes a test flight in a new Searey Elite. The company is now selling these airplanes as SLSA aircraft. view on YouTube

While the romantic bloom toward aviation may be off the rose for the public at large, automobile companies have been smitten on and off with the idea that aircraft features can sell cars. Recall about a decade ago that several car makers–Subaru comes to mind–were flogging aircraft style dashboards. Basically, they turned the soft white […]

AVweb’s weekly search of the news in the world of aviation turned up some updates in the light airplane sector, as well as an award for Airbus’ electric trainer and a first flight for Bell’s new 505 helicopter. Van’s Aircraft and Dynon have worked to create a dual display option for the popular RV-12 LSA. […]

AVweb’s weekly foray into the latest aviation news uncovered news of a new president at MicroAerodynanics, a special aircraft sale by Quicksilver, no delay CFI insurance and staff additions at the EAA. After several years as the Flight Test Director and Vice President at Micro AeroDynamics, Ms. Anni Brogan has become President of the company. […]

AVweb‘s weekly review of what is happening in aviation uncovered news of an invitation to fly in and help out with Bahamas Habitat, a record-setting third quarter for Embraer, a collaboration in the development of the Sun Flyer electric airplane, and an announcement that Hartzell’s developmental activities for its new five-blade prop will be showcased […]