And It’s A Neat Little Buggy!

It is a radical departure from most of the other light sport aircraft on display at AOPA Expo... and the Nexaer prototype was drawing a crowd in Palm Springs.

“The bottom line is that we are going for a paradigm shift by creating a whole new sub-category of LSA.” says Scott Belliveau, a member of the Nexaer design team.

The Nexaer is aimed at a broad cross-section of LSA customers, with a special emphasis on the flight training market. The theory is that people will buy what they train in, and they are looking at some unconventional dealership options. Boat and motorcycle dealerships and other off-airport locations are among the possibilities.

Aside from its unique look, the Nexaer incorporates other unique attributes. Most visible is the lavish interior, which is immediately noticeable. Echoing a trend we're seeing more and more in larger -- and far more expensive -- planes, the Nexaer cockpit and instrument panel resembles that of a luxury car.

Granted, the prototype on display at Expo is an example of the LE (Luxury Edition), but even the downscale models the company will offer are well equipped compared with many other LSA options.

Not visible is the unique wing construction, which features a large carbon fiber box spar. The oversized spar eliminates the need for much of the internal wing structure, and is a major factor in keeping the weight of the aircraft within LSA limits.

Also, the fuselage shape acts as a lifting surface... although no data is available to indicate how much lift is gained.

To date, the prototype is the only copy of the Nexaer, and is being used for continued R&D. Nexaer anticipates delivering 35 aircraft in its first year of production, with ongoing production of 50-60 per year within 12-18 months of gaining S-LSA certification.

Currently, “placeholder” deposits of $100 are being accepted, and to date they have received 40 reservations. Customers will be notified 90 days prior to the start of construction of their aircraft, and at that time a deposit will be necessary to hold their delivery position.

With an estimated price of $90-$125,000, depending on the model, the Nexaer is generally priced in line with other LSA choices. The SE (Standard Edition) features the 80hp Jabiru 2200 engine, a standard six-pack of flight instruments, analog engine gauges, fabric upholstery and pilot-side-only controls.  The TE (Trainer Edition) features all of the above, plus dual controls and a recovery parachute.

The LE will have the 120hp Jabiru 3300, dual EFIS, Dual GPS, a 2-axis digital autopilot, recovery parachute and leather seats. The LE has only pilot side flight controls, however.

All models feature navigation, strobe and landing lights. According the Belliveau, the 54 inch cockpit is the widest in the LSA market, and is almost as wide as the Cessna Citation Mustang.

Large doors also promise easy entrance, even for larger than FAA standard pilots.

FMI: www.nexaer.com