Just Aircraft's XL makes an appearance at AirVenture

By Anthony Liberatore
 
Just Aircraft is featuring its Super STOL XL at AirVenture this year.

According to key partner Gary Schmitt, the company's first aircraft offering was the Escapade, followed by the Highlander in both taildragger and nosewheel versions. Since 2002, Just Aircraft has produced a total of 500 of of these two models.

In 2012, the Super STOL was introduced, and since it's introduction 50 Super STOL's have been built and are now flying with 100 more being constructed. Schmitt also discussed the Super STOL's new brethren the Stretch XL. With 2 additional feet in length in aft the fuselage, and 6 inches in front. This fills the desire of customers who wanted to install an engine other than the Rotax 914 used in the Super STOL. The XL can accommodate engines of 300lbs or less which would include the UL power 520 180hp engine, as well as the Lycoming O-320 150/160 hp engine.

At a news conference at AirVenture, Schmitt discussed the Super STOL's aerodynamics, flight characteristics, and design features that are intertwined. Gary noted the automatic moveable leading edge slats, and that you control the angle of attack and airspeed and when you slow down, the slats come out give you a new level of security to fly the airplane slow. In developing the Super STOL they added spoilers to facilitate the ailerons which he called "interceptors" and noted how they help eliminate adverse yaw and when your slow in the wind you have so much more control. Adding to the STOL features, Gary noted the VG's on the Super STOL do make a difference. With all the work that was done to the Super STOL's wing Schmitt and  realized they could take more advantage of it if they didn't have to worry about collapsing the gear. That thought process lead them to the Pilatus type gear the Super STOL is equipped with now.  "You don't even feel it, the shock absorbers absorb it all," Schmitt said. When asked about the takeoff and landing performance Gary noted the Super STOL is capable of takeoffs and landings under 100 ft, and "this opens up a new safety factor."

Schmitt (pictured) noted they have talked to parties that are interested in an air ambulance version but they have pursued that market yet. While there is no Super STOL on floats yet, there are 2 builders who are nearing completion who intend to their Super STOL on floats. When asked about "get togethers" Schmitt noted they have a Highlander flying in North Carolina and the participants get to fly over some very pretty scenery. As to next projects Schmitt said he and founder Troy Woodward have things in the works, but he couldn't say what they are.

If you are at Airventure and want to see the Just Aircraft's Super STOL and Super STOL XL, they are located in the Ultralight area and the North Aircraft Display Area.

(Staff images)

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