LSA Buyer’s Guide

Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or Fudge-Ribbon Granola-Mocha Delight? How’s a pilot to choose which bird to buy?

ZENITH STOL CH 750
(www.zenithair.com)
Zenith Aircraft aims to market this kit as an S-LSA in early 2009. Based on the 20-year-old Chris Heintz–designed CH 701, the all-metal CH 750 launches in 100 feet, lands in 125, climbs at 1,000 fpm and cruises at 87 knots. Price: $99,900.

URBAN AIR LAMBADA
(www.urbanairusa.com)
A well-balanced hybrid (S-LSA cruiser and 30:1 L/D soaring machine), the Lambada is the only ASTM-approved motor glider. The roomy tri-gear design comes standard with wing extensions and an all-aircraft parachute. Power is delivered by an 80 hp Rotax 912. Price: $99,000.

SPORTAIR STING S3
(www.sting.aero)
Refining the successful StingSport, the S3 has a lower stall speed (39 knots) and higher climb rate (1,000+ fpm). The all-composite ship includes a 360-degree canopy with a roll cage, ballistic all-plane ’chute, steerable nosegear and differential toe brakes. Cruise is 116 knots. Price: $119,900.

INDUS T211 THORPEDO
(www.indusav.com)
Evolved from John Thorp–designed kitplanes, the low-wing, all-metal T211 Thorpedo is powered by a 120 hp Jabiru 3300 cc engine. The aircraft features a strong useful load of 605 pounds, a 1,000 fpm climb and a 115-knot cruise speed. Diesel and primary trainer versions are also available. Price: $90,000.

SKYLEADER 500
(www.kappaaircraft.com)
Originally the Kappa KP-5, this bubble-canopy, low-wing, all-metal aircraft has Fowler flaps, trailing link gear and a 47-inch-wide cockpit. Produced in the Czech Republic, the airplane’s speed range is a wide 31 to 120 knots. The Skyleader 500 comes standard with the Garmin 396 GPS. Price: $118,950.

GOBOSH 800XP
(www.gobosh.aero)
Sister ship to the Gobosh 700S, the 800XP updates the (Czech) Aveko VL-3 as an LSA. All-composite construction, high-performance specs (119-knot cruise, 730 nm range, 850 fpm climb) and lots of options. Price: $123,700 (Elite Edition).

RANS S-19LS
(www.rans.com)
Longtime U.S. innovator Randy Schlitter offers this low-wing, aluminum monocoque flivver, powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS. It comes equipped with bubble-canopy visibility, a 13-cubic-foot (70-pound) baggage area, spring-steel nosegear, a 28-gallon fuel capacity, electric pitch and Dynon’s D100 EFIS and EMS-D120. Price: $120,000.

TERRAFUGIA TRANSITION
(www.terrafugia.com)
Described as a “proof-of-concept roadable” LSA, this innovative, American-designed and -built vehicle folds its wings out electrically from inside the cockpit. It’s projected to have a 100-knot airborne cruise, highway speeds and a 460-mile range (20-gallon fuel capacity). Anticipated price: $194,000.

AIR ELITE STORM RALLY
(www.lightsportamerica.com, www.aireliteaviation.com)
The Italian-designed Rally has an all-carbon-fiber/Kevlar-strengthened composite construction. Unusual is the limited 1,000-hour/two-year warranty. Cruise at 75% power is 107 knots. Price: $124,000.

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