Throws Down Gauntlet For Competitors To Match

In today's slumping market for new plane sales, manufacturers are looking for any angle that gives their offerings an edge... especially if that advantage relates to low upfront cost, or low cost of ownership. Liberty Aerospace hopes to appeal to both sensibilities with its latest campaign.

The Melbourne, FL-based manufacturer of the two-seat Liberty XL2 recently claimed to have the "World's Most Efficient IFR Trainer & Touring Aircraft."

During an independently-monitored efficiency flight test on Sunday, January 11, 2009, a standard-equipped Liberty XL2 was able to achieve a mileage efficiency of 21.208 nautical miles per gallon over a 165 nautical mile course, from Spruce Creek (7FL6) to Hernando County Airport (BKY) in central Florida.

The test flight was made at a cruising altitude of 7,500' MSL, with power to the FADEC-controlled engine set at 50% with an RPM of 2350. Max power was used in the climb, and 30-40% power on the descent.

Liberty said Average True Airspeed was 106 KTS for most of the flight, resulting in a total elapsed time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Total fuel burn was 7.78 US Gallons, for an average hourly rate of 4.686 US Gallons Per Hour.

"For years we have claimed that the XL2 is the world's most fuel efficient IFR trainer and touring aircraft, and this test was simply one more way for us to prove the point," said Paul Everitt, Business Development Manager for Liberty Aerospace. "With standard equipment and no special pre-planning for weather or winds, we showed what can be done in real-world everyday conditions."

The Liberty flight was independently monitored by retired airline pilot Sal DeVincenzo, who logged departure and return times along with fuel usage. DeVincenzo also documented the flight, which was tracked live on the web via an on-board third party GPS tracking system.

"For the GA industry to grow, light aircraft manufacturers must produce efficient fully-certified two-place aircraft that allow Flight Schools and individuals to continue flying while remaining profitable," said Everitt. "We challenge the aviation industry to beat our record of being the most fuel-efficient and environmentally acceptable Part 23 IFR Certified aircraft available today."

FMI: www.libertyaerospace.com