Company Says Aircraft Holds Price Advantage Over Other LSAs

Higher Class Aviation, Inc. told ANN this week the Ramona, CA manufacturer recently certified its Sport Hornet factory-built, special-light sport aircraft (S-LSA) to ASTM standards, establishing another choice in the burgeoning LSA market.

While that marketplace may seem increasingly crowded -- at this writing, there are 57 S-LSA available, including the Sport Hornet -- company president Robert Gaither says his plane holds a distinct advantage: a pricetag much closer to what many sport pilots had originally hoped for, when the light sport rule was established in 2005.

"Price has been a major consideration throughout the entire certification process, but so has quality and usability in the tough American marketplace," Gaither tells ANN. "The basic, Sport Pilot version of the Sport Hornet (equipped for day, VFR use) will sell for just under $54,000. The Private Pilot training version (equipped for night, IFR use) will retail for under $65,000. 

"We are proud of the fact that flight schools can put two Sport Hornets on the flight line for about the same cost of only one of the many imported S-LSAs," Gaither added.

As ANN reported, the Sport Hornet is powered by a Rotax 912 mounted in pusher configuration, and sports aluminum tube-and-Poly Fiber construction. The aircraft's dual-spar wing is rated to pull 4 Gs, according to the company.

The aircraft also features air spring suspension on its landing gear, and electric flaps and trim. It may also be equipped with a BRS parachute.

"The Sport Hornet is the culmination of a two year adventure that took one of the best ultra light type aircraft ever flown through the tough process of meeting ASTM industry consensus standards," Gaither said. "We have developed a sophisticated, high performance airplane that is pure fun to fly."

FMI: www.sporthornet.com