Allowable Takeoff Weight Boosted To 1,800 Pounds

SkyRunner, manufacturer of the MK 3.2 Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), announced that the FAA has granted an exemption for a gross weight increase for the SkyRunner to accommodate added safety features. Under Exemption No. 15422A, the MK 3.2 allowable takeoff weight will increase to 1,800 pounds, providing a useful load of 580-pounds. The approval for increased takeoff weight is due to SkyRunner's unique design and innovative operational safety features, not found on typical PPC's or light sport aircraft.

"With a useful load of 580 lb, SkyRunner MK 3.2 has positioned itself among the top 10 S-LSA aircraft in the world with this level of payload while also raising the bar for safety of flight operations," said Brian Nallin, Sr Engineer of SkyRunner.

SkyRunner's MK 3.2 incorporates safety features above and beyond the required ASTM standards. These safety features include: (1) a complete Assisted Ground Roll System with independent power unit and transmission with differential and robust drive axles; (2) robust, active suspension; (3) four wheel braking system; and (4) four robust wheels and off-road tires.  

SkyRunner MK 3.2's robust, active suspension decreases wear and tear on all systems during take off and landings, decreases the risk of hard landings and bouncing during touchdowns, and assists with landing rolls particularly during rough-field landings. All of the added equipment and use of the Assisted Ground Roll System provide dramatic safety improvements and increased utility.

It is important to understand that in the realm of powered parachute flight, additional weight under the wing improves the aircraft's high resistance to stalls. From this perspective, the additional systems and equipment adding more weight to the SkyRunner MK 3.2 inherently make the aircraft safer during flight.

From a flight operations perspective, the SkyRunner MK 3.2's intuitive flight system makes SkyRunner one of the easiest and safest forms of flight to master. Due to the reduced control set, the SkyRunner MK 3.2 is even easier to operate than many other LSA's.

"This exemption represents one of the most significant milestones for our company. I couldn't be more proud of our team for relentlessly focusing on quality, reliability, serviceability, redundancy and safety. The SkyRunner MK 3.2 is truly a marvel," said Stewart Hamel, CEO of SkyRunner.

FAA grant of Exemption No. 15422A issued to SkyRunner MK 3.2 aircraft:

• Additional weight exceeding that specified for a LSA allowing for the incorporation of safety features and operational design elements not found in other typical LSA's
• Operating privileges for sport pilot, student pilot, and flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating. Not only can sport/student pilots operate it, it allows pilot logbook endorsements authorizing LSA flight time privileges rather than by obtaining ratings through flight tests
• Performance of maintenance and preventative maintenance by holders of sport pilot certificates and LSA-repairman certificates with maintenance/inspection rating to perform certain inspections, maintenance and preventative maintenance
• Training: Allows flight instructor with sport pilot rating to provide flight training
• SkyRunner's MK 3.2 is growing the market beyond aviation enthusiasts, attracting heavy attention in the powersports industry. Appealing to a broad audience of large landowners, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, aviation enthusiasts and gov't agencies.

SkyRunner has spent months revamping its US assembly operations and is now delivering orders. Buyers can expect to receive their SkyRunner units between two weeks and two and a half months depending on upgrades. One third of prospective SkyRunner buyers have no aviation experience.

(Images provided with SkyRunner news release)

FMI: www.flyskyrunner.com