Will Debut LS Trainer At Sebring

There's another new light sport aircraft coming to the US sportplane market. X-Air announced Thursday they are nearly complete with the S-LSA status of their LS model aircraft.

"X-Air is excited about the tremendous opportunity afforded by the SLSA status for the US market," said Michael Lemaire, the company representative responsible for the US efforts. "We anticipate great market acceptance and subsequent sales of the X-Air here in the US."

X-Air founder and designer, Joel Koechlin, has been in the aircraft manufacturing business for nearly 30 years, from hang gliders to microlight, three-axis aircraft. Koechlin's X-Air microlight aircraft have been a mainstay in that segment for some 15 years. Building on the success of the company's Standard and F model aircraft -- of which over 1,000 have been delivered throughout the world -- Koechlin set out to build a somewhat larger, more conventional three-axis aircraft.

The result is the LS. Utilizing the latest in high-strength cloth covering around a strong yet lightweight tubing structure, the LS is propelled by the 85-horse Jabiru 2200 powerplant.

"After our first flight we realized this was a very special aircraft and one well suited for just about anyone to fly," said Koechlin. "This aircraft is exactly what the LSA category was meant for, it is light and easy to fly and simply fun!"

The LS comes with an ICom radio, Dynon engine monitor and basic flight instrumentation. Future options will include the Dynon EFIS and Garmin 496, along with extended fuel capability, speed fairings, and other features.

The X-Air LS will be aimed toward the lower-cost, entry-level trainer segment... and, it certainly offers a low price relative to some other LSAs. The company anticipates a starting price of $46,900 US... by far a bargain in the LSA market.

X-Air will exhibit the aircraft at the US Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL next week, with their standardization aircraft on hand. Compliance with the consensus standard for SLSA status is expected in the first quarter of 08’ with deliveries to commence prior to the Lakeland show in late April.

FMI: www.x-airlsa.com