Bankruptcy Assets Bought By Well-Known Sportplane Biz

After the untimely demise and bankruptcy of the much lauded Skystar/Kitfox operation, there was great anticipation as to who might wind up attempting to restore the luster to a legacy that has spanned much of recent sport aviation history. As of a short while ago, we finally have an answer... and it looks like a positive one.

The assets of Skystar were purchased from the bankruptcy trustee by Sport Plane LLC owners John and Deb McBean... hardly strangers to the Kitfox line. John was a former Kitfox staffer, demo pilot and company evangelist and has been heavily involved in the design since leaving the company.

Currently the proprietors of Sport Plane LLC, John & Debra McBean opened that business in February 2004, offering a primary focus on the Kitfox family and developing a solid rep in the process. They specialized in Builder Assistance, Sales, Service and Aftermarket parts for Sport Aircraft.

John says that he's been involved in aviation most of his life. As a former Demo Pilot, as well as a Sales, and Technical Support staffer for SkyStar Aircraft, he has an extensive knowledge of the build process, characteristics of the Kitfox and a strong background in aviation. He is a current Flight Instructor and holds a Commercial certificate with Multi-engine, Seaplane and Instrument ratings and has logged quite a few hours in the Kitfox Aircraft.

Debra has a background in business management, with over 20 years in the Auto Finance industry, and also put in time for Skystar Aircraft providing Airshow support and Sales assistance. Debra has also quite a few hours in a Kitfox as a private pilot.

For the moment, John notes that this first order of business is to provide parts and support to existing owners of Kitfoxes and make up for the issues that the previous company left a number of builders and owners. While this is a separate company that is not responsible for the losses that occurred to purchasers who did business with SkyStar, the McBeans promise that they're going to do what they can to get builders back on track and to support the aircraft that are now in the air. John says future production plans are now under consideration and as soon as he has a grasp on parts and support for the current owners, new aircraft production will be pursued -- promising that (at least) both the Model IV and Series 7 have a bright future.

ANN has a full interview planned with the McBeans as soon as (some of) the dust settles within the next week or so.

FMI: www.sportplanellc.com