First Showing in the USA

ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

In an exclusive interview with AveoTech International Inc Vice-president of Sales and Marketing, Edward Ricks, he reported that this is the first showing in the United States and the company is very excited about the potential of the new FAA rules for sport pilot and light-sport aircraft.

The MD-3 Sport Rider has been built in Italy and soon will also be some built in the Czech Republic. The MD-3 Sport Rider from FlyItalia consists of an all-metal semi-monocoque blind-riveted airframe with composite cowlings and covers. The factory says it has been engineered to meet the design standards of factory-produced Light Sport Aircraft regulations. Wings are all metal with faired struts and integral fuel tanks and ailerons with either 15 or 42-degree flap settings.

Ricks points out that the visibility from the cockpit is great with the large doors that open fully to the front for easy entry/exit and even a skylight for looking up (assuming you are not inverted). There is also a folding wing option for only $2,000.

Motivation comes from either the Rotax 912UL (80 HP) or 912ULS (100 HP) and the electronics of the basic plane includes radio, transponder and all glass instruments.

The MD-3 Sport Rider will become a certified Special light-sport aircraft within a few weeks and insurance will be available, assured Ricks.

Base price will be $79,900.

"Initial acceptance is good, " said Ricks, waving toward the people around his plane. He believes that Sport Pilot and LSA's time that has finally come.

These rules will make flying more affordable. "LSA is here, thank goodness," he said. "Right now, very few people know about this plane and the opportunities that sport pilot brings. When they learn through advertising and seeing them fly, everybody from 30-60 years old will want to fly," Ricks concluded.

AveoTech International is a privately-held aviation engineering, manufacturing and sales firm involved in avionics products and aircraft primarily focused at the light sport and recreational aircraft markets. The company has large design engineering and manufacturing facilities and is managed by a former Navy pilot and engineer. In the US market, Ed Ricks manages the sales operation.

FMI: www.aveousa.com/aircraft/SportRider