Dave Martin
Dave Martin served as editor of this magazine for 17 years and began aviation journalism evaluating ultralights in the early ’80s. A former CFI (airplanes, gliders, instruments), he'd flown more than 160 aircraft types plus 60 ultralights (including a single-seat, no-basket hot air balloon). Dave passed away in June, 2021.
Homebuilt Airplanes—A Brief History
History's first aircraft were, for the most part, designed and built by individuals or a small group of experimenters. They were what we think...
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Heres one instance where the sound of silence (as in no engine noise) wont signal the need to start scoping out a place to set down. The Urban Air motorglider offers a compromise that makes the best of both worlds: fuel-efficient powered cruising and exciting powered-off soaring.
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Now in its fourth year, the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, aka Sebring Expo, continues to grow, and presents a golden opportunity for Light Sport aircraft enthusiasts to see the latest and greatest additions to the category. Jim Lauerman of Avemco Insurance was also on hand to present a forum about insurance for LSAs.
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Columnist Dave Martin flies one of the best-selling Special Light Sport Aircraft (factory-built), the Flight Design CTSW. Although he encounters a few surprises, transition training for pilots new to the design would likely alleviate such things.
Unbreaking the Bank
Although many more than eight Light Sport Aircraft can be built for less than $40,000, Dave Martin highlights some of the aircraft he has flown and offers personal insights on why they may be the way to go for you.
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The state of Oregon has a new law that mandates using ethanol in all auto fuel, potentially affecting thousands of pilots, especially owners of most of todays Light Sport Aircraft powered by the ubiquitous Rotax 912 engine. It may not be too late to take action against similar legislation that could be brewing in your state; by Dave Martin.
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The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association presented its 16th annual Presidents Award to Rotaxs Eric Tucker at Oshkosh/AirVenture this year. Tuckers history dovetails with LAMAs history, and each will play a significant role in the growing Light Sport Aircraft market; by Dave Martin.
Light Sport, Done the Van’s Way
Van’s founder Dick VanGrunsven has long been active in the development of consensus standards for Light Sport Aircraft. Until recently, however, no one knew he was developing an LSA of his own. Enter the proof-of-concept RV-12. If testing bears out the viability of the concept, it may become available as an amateur-built kit.
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Shopping for a new airplane is never easy and there is much to consider. This article details one mans purchase decision, as he systematically weighs the pros and cons of various designs and ultimately decides on the Flight Design CT; by Dave Martin.
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The author reviews the Kappa KP-5 LSA, imported by Kappa Aircraft from the Czech Republic. This is a conventional, low-wing, trigear configuration airplane, with a staggered seating arrangement that allows more room for each occupant, while keeping the cockpit narrow. The KP-5 is powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS engine and a Woodcomp three-blade prop, and has a useful load of 583 pounds. Full-power airspeed is stated as 138 mph. Avionics equipment includes a Dynon EFIS and engine monitor, Garmin GPSMAP 496 and Garmin transponder.
In Case You Missed It
Fisher Flying Products
Fisher Flying has been a fixture on the homebuilt scene for 30 years. With a new owner and a new home, the company—whose designs include the classic Dakota Hawk—is ready for a new generation.
What’s New
This months listing covers news from Avemco about aircraft insurance, a Europa update, a Sportys prop lock, and Sigma-Teks new electric attitude indicator; edited by Mary Bernard.
