Looking to help with a great idea!

**foxtrot934** · 11-14-2009 01:38 PM

With the Sport Pilot Industry growing at a rapid rate I have come up with an idea to help fellow aviators. Currently the price for a Light Sport Aircraft can exceed the $100,000 mark. With this type of price there are many pilots who cannot afford to follow their dreams, and continue flying. This is why I have designed a Light Sport Aircraft that can be built and sold for much cheaper. With more and more of our older pilots not being able to stay current with the Private pilot License, the Sport Pilot License is one of the only ways to go. I am currently looking to build my first aircraft design, but will need assistance with capital. My goal is to build this airplane for around $10,000 - $15,000 that way it can be sold at a cheaper rate. Please let me know if you are interested in investing in this great idea!

John Atkinson
Owner
Atkinson Aviation, LLC

**paul2145r** · 11-14-2009 02:27 PM

Seems interesting, but I don't think that I'd want to go thousands of feet into the air in something that costs a third of the price of my car! How did you manage to cut the costs so dramatically?

**foxtrot934** · 11-14-2009 03:03 PM

There are a lot of different prices with light sport aircraft, ranging from 15,000 well over 100,000. These airplanes are built with steel tubing, and then with fabric to cover the tubing. The theme of this project is “A little bit of old.. With a little bit of new". The reason it’s a third of your car is because these aircraft do not require everything that a four or more seat airplane and up would require. Here is the definition of a light sport aircraft.
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has continued to meet the following performance definition:
• Maximum Gross Weight of 1,320 lbs.
• Unpressurized cabin
• Fixed or ground adjustable propeller
• Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power of 120 Knots (138 mph)
• One or two person occupancy (pilot and one passenger)
• Fixed landing gear
• Single reciprocating engine
• Maximum stall speed of 45 knots (51) mph

As you can see these aircraft are not big, do not weigh much, and are just a basic airplane.

**Mega B** · 11-14-2009 03:16 PM

Much like a Microlight i guess ???

**foxtrot934** · 11-14-2009 03:43 PM

Although a Sport Plane is similar to a microlight/ultralight there are big differences like.
Part 103 defines an ultralight as:
• 1-seat
• 254 pounds max. empty weight (powered)
• 155 pounds max empty weight (unpowered)
• 5 gallons max. fuel capacity
• 55 knots max. full power speed
• 24 knots max power off stall speed

**Mega B** · 11-14-2009 03:47 PM

Thats interesting information,i have one of the top world expert on Microlights living in my village Richard Meridith-Hardy he flew over Mount Everest back in 2004 got his own landing stip and own workshop that he builds all his own microlights in.

**foxtrot934** · 11-14-2009 03:53 PM

now that is amazing! I would love to meet him. My goal is to find some start up money so i can build this aeroplane! Im very sure i will get great response since Light sport is in high demand. Do you have any suggestions to get this project up and going?

**Mega B** · 11-14-2009 04:04 PM

I have to admit i have no idea about making small planes etc but i find it interesting when once a year he has a big open weekend that people fly in for the weekend.

This is his website RMH with some fantastic information about his famous flights,this may help you i have just had a look at his flying CV.He is a true pioneer in Microlights and small planes.