Long Time North American Extra Distributor Severs Ties with Factory

This announcement caught us a bit by surprise, in light of the lengthy history involved. 

St. Augustine (FL) based Aero Sport, Inc., the distributor for Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh Aerobatic Aircraft has decided to halt its import and sale of new Extra aerobatic aircraft, "...Due to continued uncertainties with production and distribution plans of the restructured German manufacturer, Aero Sport has made a difficult decision to sever ties with the Extra organization."

Aero Sport will continue to support its current Extra aerobatic customer base without interruption.

Aero Sport, as the exclusive North American distributor for the past 10 years has sold more than 250 Extra aircraft and is widely known as a popular home of aerobatic and sport aircraft. Aero Sport claims that their success in selling aerobatic and other aircraft "is no mystery." They note that their formula of aviation experience and knowledge "comes together in a unique coastal setting resulting in total quality experience for customers." Aero Sport remains committed to its customers and will continue the long tradition of sales and support for aircraft of all types.

Aero Sport, Inc. was founded nearly 40 years ago and has become a leading aviation facility offering a full service FBO, aircraft sales and management services, pilot gift shop, aircraft charter, and fractional ownership options. It is based at St. Augustine Airport and conveniently located near Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and Word Golf Village... it is also a very friendly place to fly into and (deservedly) has built up a cult-following of fans among aviators all over the world... especially during the "Golden Years" when it was run under the guidance of the late (and much-missed) Jim Moser... a true sport aviation advocate and booster.

Extra Provides A Counterpoint

Ken Weaver, who recently took over the manufacture of the highly regarded Extra Aircraft line, seemed a mite dismayed over the way that Extra had been characterized and was quite specific about the future of the Extra 300 two place aerobatic monoplane line.

"Let me state, categorically, that Extra 300 is an important and profitable line for us. I can't imagine any reason why we wouldn't continue with it... and as a matter of fact, we are taking steps to strengthen and reinvigorate the line."

Weaver noted that a new product support center was being brought online to better serve the needs of Extra owners. This addition will eliminate the 6 hour time difference with the West German factory and dramatically improve the customer service experience.

Weaver continued, "The 300 line has remained essentially unchanged for the better part of seven years... so we are currently working on improvements to the line... there are a number of short term 'spruce-ups' in the works. We also have strong plans for the long-term future of this aircraft."

Weaver hinted that the short term improvements were of the kind that would make the Extra easier to import and service, and that a number of "durability" issues were being addressed that would improve the aircraft's exterior appearance and ability to deal with the rigors of the tough aerobatic flight environment. "We're hoping to see some of those things fairly quickly... but most of the (short term improvements) are internal aspects that most customers may not see without close inspection."

Long-term, though, Weaver notes that celebrated aerobat and aircraft designer Walter Extra is 'chomping at the bit.'

"We're looking at some substantial changes to performance, maneuverability, and flying characteristics... Walter is always tinkering and making things better... he'll get his chance. I hope we'll see some of these updates this time next year." 

Extra plans to produce some 30 units in 2004. Since taking over and restarting the Extra line (which had been moribund due to previous legal problems and a bankruptcy of the old company) on August 1st, they have delivered a number of aircraft and expect to finish the year with 8-12 deliveries.

Unfortunately, Weaver regretted that there was not much chance of a start-up of the more basic Extra 200 aerobatic line that was discontinued a few years back.... "It's simply too expensive a line to produce when compared to the 300... we can't make them as inexpensively as people think they should be, since a 200 is so much like a 300 that the only real cost difference is in the powerplant."

FMI: www.aerosport.com, www.extraaircraft.com