Part ATV, Part Light-Sport Aircraft On Display

A new, innovative recreational sports vehicle is making its public debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Florida this week. Part all-terrain vehicle, part light-sport aircraft, SkyRunner is billed as "the next generation of elite powersports/ light-sport aircraft".

According to a company news release, business and government end users find SkyRunner to be 1/10th to 1/30th the hourly operational cost of small helicopters. SkyRunner provides a low-cost, low-maintenance "go anywhere" asset appealing to large landowners, sportsmen, ranchers, emergency medical teams, film, media, aerial survey companies, bush pilots, border security, police, military and search & rescue.

"Airports are not required with SkyRunner," says Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner Founder and CEO. "SkyRunner is the ultimate recreational toy that not only redefines off-road, but offers one of the safest and purest enjoyment of flight. Imagine driving an all-terrain vehicle that can convert from road to air mode in minutes and can take off or land in just a few hundred feet." SkyRunner uses advanced ram air parachute technology created by world renowned Performance Designs in Florida.

Open fields, grass strips and secluded beaches will be the runways of choice," says Hamel. "In the United States 98% of airspace is open to light sport pilots." SkyRunner weighs 1100 pounds. SkyRunner's off-road top speed is 70 mph and in the air can reach speeds of up to 55 mph. The James Bond looking SkyRunner can travel 240 miles on the ground and 120 nautical miles in the air (3 hours of flight). Priced at $119,000, SkyRunner requires a $5,000 deposit and can deliver in 6 months.

The company says powered parachutes are considered to be safer than normal fixed-wing aircraft because of their inherent stability, limited response to control inputs, and resistance to stalls. They are also considered one of the easiest aircraft to fly. A pilot has only two airborne controls: pitch and

The interior cockpit of SkyRunner is designed to be a comfortable, functional environment absent of redundant dials, switches and excessive buttons.  With reduced input controls and less to manage in the cockpit, the joy and experience of flight are greatly enhanced.

A license to fly SkyRunner can be obtained in days with only 12 hours of flight with a Certified Flight Instructor (which SkyRunner and its partner network offers). Requirements for licensing include a valid driver's license and a minimum age of 17. If applicants are in good health, an FAA medical certificate is not required. Sport pilot regulations will allow flight in daytime, VFR weather in uncontrolled airspace with a ceiling of 10,000 feet above sea level.

(Image provided with SkyRunner news release)

FMI: www.flyskyrunner.com