Wed, Jun 30, 2010
The future of sport aviation is in flux... the old ways of sport
flying are rapidly disappearing and a new reality is coming about.
With that in mind, ANN's Tom Patton took a few moments to ask one
of the veterans of the sport aviation market, Glasair's Scott
Taylor, about what he sees as he works in this ever-evolving
industry.
The generation that used to build every single piece of an
aircraft, from plans, rather than a kit has all but disappeared and
today's SportPlane builder/buyer is a far more discerning and picky
individual.
Take the Glasair Sportsman 2 + 2 as a case in point... the
machine is surviving because of an aggressive marketing program by
the manufacturer that not only emphasizes the ability of the
aircraft , but has packaged a fast-build program (a legal one!) to
offer the more immediate gratification that today's customer's
demand. And it is innovative thinking like the 'Two Week To Taxi'
program that has made the company successful while dozens of others
have all but disappeared.
The Sportsman 2+2 gives its pilots reason to brag about 155-161
mph cruise speeds (180-200 hp), and a Vso of only 48 mph... making
the S2+2 an easy STOL performer needing as little as 375 feet for
takeoff and 260 feet for landing. Climb rates range from 1950 fpm
(solo) to 1000 fpm (gross). At 65% power and standard tanks, the
S2+2 will get you 886 sm down the road.
It has 1000 pounds of useful load, and a small bench seat behind
the two front seats (good for an adult or two small kids... or an
amazing load of crap, uh, gear). Even if you fill both seats and
gas it all the way up, there's still 300 pounds of useful load
left. And its THAT kind of capability that is much in demand by
today's SportPlane buyer...
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