Aero-TV: Glasair Aviation -Thoughts On The Evolution Of Sport Aviation
A Look At The Changes Taking Place In The Sport Aviation Industry
The future of sport aviation is in flux... the old ways of sport flying are rapidly disappearing and a new reality is coming about. With that in mind, ANN's Tom Patton took a few moments to ask one of the veterans of the sport aviation market, Glasair's Scott Taylor, about what he sees as he works in this ever-evolving industry.
The generation that used to build every single piece of an aircraft, from plans, rather than a kit has all but disappeared and today's SportPlane builder/buyer is a far more discerning and picky individual. Take the Glasair Sportsman 2 + 2 as a case in point... the machine is surviving because of an aggressive marketing program by the manufacturer that not only emphasizes the ability of the aircraft , but has packaged a fast-build program (a legal one!) to offer the more immediate gratification that today's customer's demand. And it is innovative thinking like the 'Two Week To Taxi' program that has made the company successful while dozens of others have all but disappeared.
The Sportsman 2+2 gives its pilots reason to brag about 155-161 mph cruise speeds (180-200 hp), and a Vso of only 48 mph... making the S2+2 an easy STOL performer needing as little as 375 feet for takeoff and 260 feet for landing. Climb rates range from 1950 fpm (solo) to 1000 fpm (gross). At 65% power and standard tanks, the S2+2 will get you 886 sm down the road. It has 1000 pounds of useful load, and a small bench seat behind the two front seats (good for an adult or two small kids... or an amazing load of crap, uh, gear). Even if you fill both seats and gas it all the way up, there's still 300 pounds of useful load left. And its THAT kind of capability that is much in demand by today's SportPlane buyer...
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Glasair: Build an airplane in two weeks
Glasair's "Two Weeks To Taxi" program has been approved by the FAA. Pilots can now build their own experimental category "homebuilt" aircraft with the help of Glasair technicians inside of two weeks vacation time.
T-45 Formation Flight Key West
Student Naval Aviators executing formation training.
These are some of the basic formation manuevers taught to all tactical Naval Aviators.
Music: "Top Gun Anthem" -Harold Faltermeyer, "Beautiful"-Creed, "Higher"-Creed.
Landing a taildragger Smaragd/Peregrine
Describes 3-point and main wheel landing of a rather fast low wing ultralight/lsa. Not perfect but giving a rough idea of what's happening. This is far away from being typical as the aircraft is a taildragger but it doesn't show the beasty stuff of a typical taildragger. This video is just the reaction to the question why someone converts a rock solid nose wheel aircraft into a taildragger. Well, as you can see there are no disadvantages with the conversion but a taildragger just looks that little more "aircraft-like".
The First FLS Microjet Test Flights (BD-5J)
My other FLS Microjet videos:
1) http://youtu.be/V1_y_KXK8Qo Short clip of a low pass.
2) http://youtu.be/3UJCm1Pw7PY A side view looking aft.
3) http://youtu.be/LwoRJdOLiwE Cam attached to the belly.
4) http://youtu.be/wFJ79BtG12k Formation Flight.
5) http://youtu.be/gjyxKmibPb4 Short clip from of flying from the pilots seat.
I'm striving to gain a sponsor and perform in airshows across the country while serving as an A-10 pilot in the ANG. More information and pictures can be found on my website http://www.flsmicrojet.com. Up to date information can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/flsmicrojet/
The FLS Microjet is a small but high performance jet-powered aircraft built from an amateur homebuilder kit. The design was originally developed in the 1970's by Jim Bede of Bede Aircraft, Inc. and designated as the BD-5. The FLS Microjet is an updated version of the BD-5J with today's technology and engineering.
This video highlights the first few test flights of the FLS Microjet that took place in January 2011. Working with BD-Micro Technologies, Inc, I was privileged to be the test pilot and first customer of the FLS Microjet.
If your interested in purchasing an FLS Microjet kit, please refer to BD-Micro Technologies for more information at http://www.bd-micro.com
Sonex EFI-TURBO first flight
First flight since october 2009. Totally rebuildt engine, todds canopy, kevlar cowling, custom yellow perl paint, new instrument panel and wiring. Test flight with mock`up turbo only. The real deal will take the mock`ups place within short time :)
Evening Arrival
A local Glassair checks the runway for deer before setting up to land.
Extra 300 Aerobatic warm-up
Warm up flight prior to the North American Aerobatic Team Championships in Ephrata, WA.
Glasair III Fly-"Bye"
The camera ship is a Vans RV6, and the opening shot is of the EFIS in the RV. Take note that the airspeed on the EFIS is in knots.
