Kappa Aircraft

ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Many international aircraft manufactures are quickly adapting to the new FAA categories for light sport aircraft. An impressive contender is the Kappa KP-5, ready-to-fly, two place airplane.

Just walking up to it impresses one with the smooth lines and all metal monocoque construction. Company President Edwin R Miller II told ANN that this is a factory (Czech Republic), turn-key buy-and-fly airplane. It is imported to Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport for factory assembly. "There are 200 of these planes flying internationally," he reported to ANN. "This one," he said waving toward the display model, "is the first one we have brought into this county for debut at Sun 'n Fun."

Powered by the well-known Rotax 912 UL (80 hp) engine, it sports an ground adjustable prop, fowler flaps which account for the exceptional speed range, hydraulic brakes with a parking brake, full dual controls electric trim, two strobe lights, and 4-point safety belts. The KP-5 stalls at 38 mph but can go 138 max cruise-a 100mph speed range (!) according to factory specifications. Empty weight is 683 pounds with max takeoff weight at 1,199 pounds resulting in a useful load of 516 pounds. The optional long range tanks the KP-5 can propel one 630 air miles before fuel starvation necessitates landing.

In the interview with ANN Miller said, "This plane is better than its competitors in that the control surfaces are all connected with push-rod control linkage (no cables), it has staggered seating by about 6 inches so that big folks are not shoulder-to-shoulder, and trailing-link landing gear for rough field capability. 'We (Kappa) have timed our entry to the U. S. with the new light sport aircraft regulation and expect a significant market because so many have wanted to fly for recreation. The initial U. S. customer base seems to be those 'gentlemen' who have medical issues and those who are worried that the may develop medical issues."

Price for the standard KP-5 ready-to-fly airplane is $85,000. Optional accessory packages ladder the price to $92,500 for the LE, the Tourer model is $99,500. Or it can be purchased in kit form for $44,900. The factory also offers a 100 horsepower model which, they report, also meets light sport aircraft parameters.

FMI www.KappaAircraft.com