Company Notes 153 US Registrations

Big news at Sun 'N Fun this week continues to come from the light sport aircraft marketplace. While the category has yet to celebrate its third anniversary in the US,  several LSA manufacturers are taking positive steps towards establishing LSA's place in the future of general aviation.

Leading the charge is Flight Design USA, which also leads the category with a commanding 21% of the market, according to 153 US registrations through early April 2007. The company is trailed by American Legend at 13% (93 aircraft) and Evektor at 8% (54 aircraft) of all FAA registrations.

By way of comparison, a total of 49 models built by 38 companies have received their SLSA Airworthiness Certificate since the LSA Rule went into affect in July of 2004.

Flight Design reports more than 900 of its high-wing CT have been delivered worldwide since its introduction in 1997, with over 150 CTs registered as special light-sport aircraft in the USA.

The CT is a two-place, side-by-side airplane made of 98% carbon fiber, with a useful load of over 670 pounds. The powerplant is powered a 100-hp Rotax 912S engine and includes as standard equipment a BRS ballistic parachute.

Flight Design President Tom Peghiny tells ANN his company plans to retain its best-selling title. Company officials on both sides of the Atlantic have spent considerable time developing production capability, as well as building a distribution and service network in the US.

In addition, a standardized maintenance training program will be available to promote consistent technical programs on the Rotax engine and composite repair. The company will initially offer the course for Flight Design technicians in Berlin, but as the program develops plans are underway to bring the program over to the States.

FMI: www.flightdesignusa.com