The Industry Continues to be Rocked By Some Questionable Operations

Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican SportPlane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the convoluted troubles documented by at least one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years. This, while also dealing with excuses, an absentee dealer that was highly recommended by the factory, some bizarre post-agreement pricing escalation for the aircraft he did not get (and reportedly won't get until he agrees to pay more than originally agreed), and then... there is another report of pricing escalation issues, as well as bad business dealings and such, from an owner who brought his bird to SnF in an attempt to sell it and “be done with it.”

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Company Now Marketing Under Its Own Brand…

The Czech Sport Aircraft Company has had a presence in the U.S. market for some time, most notably, perhaps, as it's brief association with Piper, when it was marketed as the Piper Sport LSA. That partnership didn't work out as either company had expected, but the company is back with the Cruiser Aircraft, which it now plans to market in the U.S. under its own brand. At the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January, Czech Sport Aircraft CEO Martin Jurik told ANN news editor Tom Patton that when he was hired to operate the company in 2013, he wanted to have U.S. marketing and sales under the control of the company.

...Spatial Disorientation, A Loss Of Control, Exceedance Of The Airplane’s Design Limitations, And In-Flight Breakup...

Analysis: The non-instrument-rated pilot and student-pilot rated passenger were en route during a crosscountry flight when they encountered instrument meteorological conditions. Air traffic control (ATC) communications and flight track data were consistent with the pilots being aware of deteriorating weather conditions along their desired route of travel and attempting to navigate around clouds before the pilot reported to ATC that they were in the clouds. The pilot’s final radio call to ATC was that they were “still in the soup” and the airplane subsequently descended rapidly and exceeded the airplane’s do not exceed airspeed (Vne) by 70-80 knots true airspeed (TAS) before the radar data ended.

Test Flight Of Customer-Built Aircraft Results In Wing Failure

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, where he was supporting the attendance of Pitman, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-build Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida. Airport manager, Eric Williams, a friend of Bailey's for a number of decades, reported that a California customer brought the aircraft to the field for a test flight but allegedly did not complete the wing assembly properly. “The plane was not assembled correctly,” claimed Williams in local media reports. 

From 2009 (YouTube Version): Organization’s Annual Fly-In Makes ‘Golden Age’ Come Alive for Enthusiasts

Founded in August of 1953 by Robert L. Taylor, the Antique Aircraft Association is the world’s oldest organization specifically devoted to antique and classic aircraft. Committed to “keep the antiques flying,” the AAA has dedicated its fifty-six years to the preservation of this “Golden Age of Aviation.” AAA members have access to the organization’s vast historical library, as well as its large assortment of spare engine and aircraft parts available to assist in restoration projects. With twenty active chapters across the U.S., the AAA works closely with many type clubs including the Interstate, Culver, Corben, Fairchild, Great Lakes, Pietenpol, Rearwin, Parakeet, Hataz, and Travel Air clubs.  The organization’s headquarters, located near Blakesburg, Iowa, at Antique Field, serves as