Unique Offering Also Attracting Attention From Law Enforcement

by ANN Correspondent James Aronovsky

Sky Arrow, manufactured by 3I of Italy, is coming to Oshkosh, and this time it looks to be the right aircraft at the right time. The unusual configuration of a tandem pusher in a world of side-by-side front engine planes had caused Sky Arrow to search for years for the right demographic for its slightly unusual features.

Fewer than two dozen part 23 and kit models had been sold in the decade or so Sky Arrow has been in the US, though well over 250 are flying worldwide. Now the light sport phenomenon, and Sky Arrow’s unique qualities position it to make a big impact for Oshkosh attendees who have found production airplanes too big, ultralights too small, and kit planes too daunting.

Pacific Aerosystems, the importer and distributor of Sky Arrow, was originally formed in the late 70’s to build and modify Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) for the military. It suffered the fate of many other defense contractors as the Cold War wound down in the early 90’s. Downsized, but determined to still be in the aircraft business, PA looked to the Sky Arrow which was itself an offshoot of a UAV design. It is the modern version of the swords into plowshares story.

A carbon-fiber aircraft of impeccable fit and finish, the Sky Arrow appears from a distance to be just a very large 2-place ultralight. Indeed, it was originally designed to meet European light aircraft standards. It was initially imported into the US as a kit and was restricted to the Experimental category.

In the cockpit, the pilot sits in a snug but comfortable seat, secured by a 5-point harness. The forward seating arrangement reminds me of nothing less than an F-16 cockpit. The wing is well aft, and the giant canopy provides jet fighter-like visibility ending practically down to your thighs.

The narrow panel does not provide for the standard six-pack of instruments, which is one reason the plane is only certified for day and night VFR (the LSA version, obviously, only for day). The other slight disadvantage of the small panel and the lack of a glareshield is that having no structure in your peripheral vision makes straight and level flying a little unnerving... and steep turns embarrassing... until your experience level improves.

It is slightly ironic that this VFR aircraft with the superb visibility requires frequent scanning of the instruments to make sure you’re flying straight.

Howard Hawkins, a retired California Highway Patrol Officer and an experienced CFI, runs Pacific Aerosystems based in San Diego, CA. After he showed me the minor differences between the LSA and standard models, he invited me up for a short flight. Taxiing with the canopy open in the California sun felt a little like being on motorcycle. With the canopy closed, our take-off run was fairly short and the plane showed a rate of climb well above the typical Cherokee or Skyhawk.

Flight characteristics of the Sky Arrow seemed perfectly pleasant and predictable. Stalls are not much more than a mush, and cruise with the 100hp Rotax is around 95 knots.

Did I mention the phenomenal visibility? I’ve been in helicopters that had less Plexiglas. This in-flight visibility has caught the attention of the US Dept. of Justice -- and Howard has been invited to demonstrate the aircraft for possible use by smaller law enforcement agencies not able to afford much more expensive helos.

One other unique feature of this T-Tailed pusher bird is the phenomenal ability to slip for altitude loss. Howard demonstrated a nearly 2000 fpm decent that pinned me to the canopy and then straightened it out to bring us in for a quite uneventful landing.

While the Sky Arrow is not for everyone, its unique qualities seem to make it a perfect fit for those pilots looking for an airplane that won’t get lost on a crowded ramp.

FMI: www.skyarrowusa.com