Thu, Apr 14, 2005
Kappa Aircraft
ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne
Many international aircraft manufactures are quickly adapting to
the new FAA categories for light sport aircraft. An impressive
contender is the Kappa KP-5, ready-to-fly, two place airplane.
Just walking up to it impresses one with the smooth lines and
all metal monocoque construction. Company President Edwin R Miller
II told ANN that this is a factory (Czech Republic), turn-key
buy-and-fly airplane. It is imported to Pocono Mountains Municipal
Airport for factory assembly. "There are 200 of these planes flying
internationally," he reported to ANN. "This one," he said waving
toward the display model, "is the first one we have brought into
this county for debut at Sun 'n Fun."
Powered by the well-known Rotax 912 UL (80 hp) engine, it sports
an ground adjustable prop, fowler flaps which account for the
exceptional speed range, hydraulic brakes with a parking brake,
full dual controls electric trim, two strobe lights, and 4-point
safety belts. The KP-5 stalls at 38 mph but can go 138 max cruise-a
100mph speed range (!) according to factory specifications. Empty
weight is 683 pounds with max takeoff weight at 1,199 pounds
resulting in a useful load of 516 pounds. The optional long range
tanks the KP-5 can propel one 630 air miles before fuel starvation
necessitates landing.
In the interview with ANN Miller said, "This plane is better
than its competitors in that the control surfaces are all connected
with push-rod control linkage (no cables), it has staggered seating
by about 6 inches so that big folks are not shoulder-to-shoulder,
and trailing-link landing gear for rough field capability. 'We
(Kappa) have timed our entry to the U. S. with the new light sport
aircraft regulation and expect a significant market because so many
have wanted to fly for recreation. The initial U. S. customer base
seems to be those 'gentlemen' who have medical issues and those who
are worried that the may develop medical issues."
Price for the standard KP-5 ready-to-fly airplane is $85,000.
Optional accessory packages ladder the price to $92,500 for the LE,
the Tourer model is $99,500. Or it can be purchased in kit form for
$44,900. The factory also offers a 100 horsepower model which, they
report, also meets light sport aircraft parameters.
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