Vista, Varlet, Valor

Spectrum Aircraft Corporation is working with Aeroprakt in developing LSA (Light-Sport Aircraft) versions of the A-20 and A-22 for FAA certification, and production in the United States.

"Both the A-20 and A-22 are unique, LSA-qualified designs, " said John Hunter, President of Spectrum. "The tandem A-20 'Vista Cruiser' has exceptional all-around performance and handling. The shorter winged, 100 hp A-20 'Varlet' handles even better and cruises at the maximum allowable LSA speed of 138 mph."

Aeroprakt has enjoyed record sales worldwide for the two single-engine designs and their delivery backlog currently exceeds 12 months. Aeroprakt is in the process of expanding production by 100 percent in the fall of 2005 to 80 units annually. Aeroprakt has delivered over 150 of the aircraft, in over a dozen countries.

"The side-by-side A-22 'Valor' is a superb trainer that is exceedingly easy to fly." said Hunter. "My 13-year-old son Evan learned to take off, fly & land the A-22 competently after just 3 hours of flight time and very little prior flight experience! The US-spec, short-wing Valor has a 34 mph stall speed, yet cruises at 110 mph on just 80 hp. It has exceptional visibility for aircraft of its type - and the doors are easily removed for flight."

Spectrum has determined that both designs can be produced in the United States at competitive prices by using subassemblies built in Europe, and maintains that both designs are well proven for safety and durability. An early version of the A-20 was the European World Microlight Champion in 2002. In the past 5 years Spectrum has sold and delivered 30 Aeroprakts in the US and Central America, registered as "Experimental".

FMI: www.spectrumaircraft.com