P36_Master Page GA 05/04/2013 16:52 Page 1
LIGHT AIRCRAFT NEWS NEW AIRCRAFT
TECNAM’s ‘SNAP’ AEROBATIC LSA - Twin launching of ‘Snap’ and ‘Astorre’ at Aero event
Tecnam ‘Snap’ Aerobatic LSA
Tecnam have announced that it will showcase its first single seat sports aerobatic aircraft, the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ at AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen, Germany on the 24th of April. AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen will see Tecnam not only launching its all new low-wing Tecnam ‘Astore’ LSA but a number of other new Tecnam innovations developments, including the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ aerobatic LSA. Created by Fabio Russo, Tecnam’s Head of Research and Development, the single
Visit Tecnam at AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen, Germany from 24 to 27 April or contact your local dealer or Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Sales and Marketing, tel +34 616 481143, w.dacosta@tecnamspain.es
“Liftoff was perfect, in about 300 feet,” said Thierry Zibi, President of SAM Aircraft. “We were not at
More information and to view a video of the first flight visit – www.sam-aircraft.com
AVIONICS
The GSA 28 “smart” autopilot servo is a brand new design developed specifically for the experimental market. Weighing only 1.4 pounds, it is over 40 percent lighter than most experimental autopilot servos. A gear train with engagement clutch and ability to back drive the brushless DC motor provide multiple levels of protection without the need to use a shear pin.
GARMIN’s NEW LSA AVIONICS - Introduces New Avionics for Experimental Aircraft, Lower G3X™ System Price, Plus New Autopilot, AOA Options Garmin have announced seven new, affordable products for experimental and light sport aircraft that offer enhanced capabilities, reduced weight and simplified installation. Garmin’s new lower cost and lighter weight Air Data Attitude Heading Reference System Dual G3X™ System (ADAHRS) and new Engine Indication System (EIS) interface module enable a significant reduction in the G3X price, with highly capable systems starting at $4,375. In addition, Garmin has introduced new product options that bring enhanced capability to the G3X system including a fully integrated Garmin autopilot, an angle of attack probe and a remote mount ADS-B receiver. Garmin Introduces G3X Integrated Autopilot Garmin’s new integrated autopilot draws on Garmin’s top-end flight control technology to offer the most sophisticated capabilities available in this class of autopilot including flight director cues, coupled approaches, coupled GSA 28 Servos VNAV, automatic trim and more.
WHEELS
BERINGER’s NEW LSA WHEEL - New Lightweight 6” Main Wheel Assembly for LSA and Other Light Aircraft Beringer Wheels & Brakes has announced a new 2-piece lightweight 6’’ main wheel and brake assembly for LSA and other very light aircraft, featuring greater strength, lighter weight, and longer brake-pad life than ever. The new wheel is a 2-piece design; and the wheel is a tubeless design, further reducing complexity and weight while saving time during tire replacement. Only one O-ring is needed for assembly; and, for the standard-size 4.00-6 tire, no special tire-mounting fixture is required. “This wheel gives aircraft owners a new option in
36 LIGHT AIRCRAFT EUROPE MAY 2013 WWW.AVBUYER.COM
More information visit – www.tecnam.com
First flight of new LSA eligible design met all expectations. The first flight of an all-new design is a thing of beauty, especially when all goes well; and that’s exactly what happened on February 26, 2013, at snow -covered Lachute Airport near Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Sam LSA during the first flight.
We are DCL registered (Defense Contractors List) and we have recently been awarded with a further two year contract to supply the Ministry of
seat, low wing, Tecnam ‘SNAP’ is now available as a LSA, ULM or Experimental category aeroplane. Designed as both a fun and sporty plane, pilots of the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ enjoy an aerobatic aeroplane with a high power to weight ratio (comparable with unlimited aerobatic category airplanes), coupled with low purchasing and operating costs. The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ is specifically designed to ensure that ‘sporty’ pilots can now also enjoy the pleasure of flying a Tecnam aeroplane. The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ offers incredible performance and is easy to fly for anyone having a basic taildragger experience. For 65 years Tecnam has built its reputation through the development of innovative, stylish and affordable aeroplanes for all aspects of General Aviation flying. The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ offers aspiring aerobatic pilots a wonderful flying experience.
gross weight, so our climb of nearly 1300fpm felt like a rocket.” The test pilot, Raphaël Langumier reported that the initial handling was exactly as expected. “With the prop set at a climb setting, we saw a maximum level speed of 127mph.” The 21 minute flight covered the basics - 30-degree banks, straight flight, and gentle control. “There is a lot more to test,” said Thierry, “but all indications are that the aerodynamics are exactly what we have expected all along.” The SAM LS is a roomy tandem, retro-look, metal aircraft, powered by the 100hp Rotax 912S, and sporting the Sensenich ground-adjustable composite propeller, among other high-quality components. Available ready-to-fly or as a kit in three configurations (short, long, and standard wing) as an (available) 250-hour fast build kit, the SAM LS was designed to be comfortable, rugged, easy to repair, economical, fun… and to have the distinctive classic look of a warbird trainer.
SAM LSA’s FIRST FLIGHT SUCCESS
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MAY 2013
With the optional GMC 305 autopilot control panel, GMC305 autopilot control panel pilots gain a dedicated autopilot user interface, as well as additional autopilot functionality including airspeed hold, independent flight director, and optional yaw damper. A control wheel integrated into the GMC 305 makes for easier pitch, vertical speed and airspeed adjustments. A two-axis Garmin autopilot option for G3X is expected to be available in May for $1,500 (installation kit sold separately). The optional GMC 305 control panel can be added for $750. Lighter, Lower-Cost ADAHRS, Optional Angle-of-Attack Garmin has also introduced a new lower-cost and smaller ADAHRS unit. The GSU 25 ADAHRS provides highly accurate and reliable referencing of the aircraft position, rate, vector and acceleration data, while providing the flexibility to be mounted in any of 16 different vertical or horizontal positions. For enhanced system redundancy, G3X customers now have the option to install multiple ADAHRS units, or add one to their existing G3X installation. The GSU 25 ADAHRS is expected to be available in April for $7992. More information on these and other LSA products visit – www.garmin.com
convenience, strength, aesthetics, and of course weight,” said Gilbert Beringer, President of Beringer Wheels & Brakes. “We are happy to offer it to builders and maintainers, alike. Always lighter; always strong.” The new wheel assembly is 6.3 ounces lighter than even the lightweight 3-piece Beringer predecessor; and its static load is increased, for aircraft rated up to 1870 lbs MTOW. The brake pad life projection has been upgraded to 1500 cycles, for further savings in cost and downtime. The new “SL series” wheel is machined from solid 2017 aluminum billet and bright anodized. ISO standard sealed ball bearings and a rigid valve stem are factory-installed, as is the tire. Every assembly is pressure-tested before shipping. The SL- wheel assembly is available immediately. Price (with 6.00-6” or 4.00-6” tire) is $598US, FOB the factory. More information visit - www.beringer-aero.com