But, As Dr. John Sang, Would It Go Around In Circles?

ANN April 1st Special Edition: A Korean company plans to exhibit a prototype electric LSA at AirVenture 2011. The company, Birds of a Tether, is entering the market with the an airplane tentatively called the AC110, which the company says is the worlds first plug-in airplane.

"The AC110 is a lot like the old "U-Control" models many pilots had when they were kids," said Ray Ovac, director for U.S. Marketing for Birds of a Tether. "The 1,000 foot extension cord allows for a lot of fun flying ... as long as you don't mind flying around in circles all day. But let's face it. Most recreational flights are under an hour anyway, and end right where they started. So why not just go around and around. It certainly works for NASCAR."

The AC110 requires no fuel, fuel tank, or batteries. A specially-designed electric cable tether attaches the airplane to a counterweighted stake  in the ground and can be connected to common household current. "Then, you just taxi to the end of the tether and go," said Ovac.

The company expects there will be a lot of interest in the AC110 from flight schools who want to give students good lessons in the basics of flying very cost effectively. Birds of a Tether says they are already in negotiations with several FBOs and flights schools to install specially metered tether stations so that students and pilots can be charged for the electricity they use, but "it's always going to be cheaper than avgas," said Ovac. "This airplane allows a student to learn the basics of flight control and airplane handling without getting more than 1,000 feet from home. It's truly the perfect training airplane," he added. The plane can be configured with the extension cord on either the port or starbord side to allow instruction in both left and right turns.

The price for the AC110 has not yet been established. They plan for a demonstration flight around AeroShell Square at AirVenture in July.

FMI: www.AC110boat.com