There is already some of those around - look at the Jabiru from down here, it has proper solid wings and fuse, and can carry two and in its base form around the same distance and speeds as C150/152, They were selling for what was about the equivalent of around $50K or slightly less US$.
Just so you know, I am not a fan of the type, though there is one or two models that have potential - but... there is an example for you of an aircraft less the 50% of some of the ones you talking about, and fitted correctly, can pretty much go anywhere - at least here in Oz under our rules (which very similar to yours)
There is already some of those around - look at the Jabiru from down here, it has proper solid wings and fuse, and can carry two and in its base form around the same distance and speeds as C150/152, They were selling for what was about the equivalent of around $50K or slightly less US$.
Hello Matthew,
I have heard nothing but good about the Jabiru. In looking at the USA Jabiru [usjabiru.com] website it appears that the cheapest ready to fly aircraft is still $100,000. Do you have a model down there not available to us here maybe?
We've got an Apollo Fox on the line at Boerne Stage. 70 Grand for the 100hp version. Available options include EFIS, autopilot, ballistic parachute... I think it's renting for $70 plus change.
Sheesh. Let's try again, shall we? This post is about the cost of production of a new aircraft. Not the likes and dislikes of ultralight aircraft. I was just using this plane for an example. It only costs a little over $20,000. Complete and ready to fly. Now, add a section to the fuselage for a second seat. A few more ribs in each wing to get some more area. Add some horsepower to the nose. And WALLA. A brand new two seater airplane for a third, half or more, the cost of most other ready to fly LSA's.
Bill Grants Pass, Oregon
I agree with you Bill. I think there would be a real market for a new 2 place production aircraft in the 40K price range. I don't think it needs a glass panel either (though that stuff is getting cheaper all the time). I wish I had the capital and wherewithal to start such a company.
Most people (non-pilots) I know are surprised to find out that I bought a fly-able airplane for $15K. (of course, I've had to sink many more thousands into it to keep it fly-able).
They are surprised to find out that a used small two-seater plane costs roughly equivalent to a new economy car. They expect it would cost much more.
Again, I'm no expert, but I would think that the engineering problem of building a small flying machine capable of getting one person (max 200 pounds) aloft and buzzing around a few miles from the point of departure is fairly easy to solve.
But the problem, complexity, and cost goes up exponentially when you design and build a machine that can lift two or more fat guys, carry them comfortably and safely long distances.
The bigger the plane, the more payload, the larger the engine, the more stress that it must endure on takeoff and landing, the higher the cost -- again -- exponentially.
So, it doesn't surprise me that a sturdy two-seater costs $100K. I was hoping that the predictions of $50K to $75K LSAs would become a reality, but that hasn't happened. $100K seems to be the starting point. Just my thoughts.
Again, I'm no expert, but I would think that the engineering problem of building a small flying machine capable of getting one person (max 200 pounds) aloft and buzzing around a few miles from the point of departure is fairly easy to solve.
But the problem, complexity, and cost goes up exponentially when you design and build a machine that can lift two or more fat guys, carry them comfortably and safely long distances.
The bigger the plane, the more payload, the larger the engine, the more stress that it must endure on takeoff and landing, the higher the cost -- again -- exponentially.
So, it doesn't surprise me that a sturdy two-seater costs $100K. I was hoping that the predictions of $50K to $75K LSAs would become a reality, but that hasn't happened. $100K seems to be the starting point. Just my thoughts.
Scratch built for a total of AUS$15,000 for materials, instruments, Subaru engine, paint, 160 ltr tanks etc. (excluding 2000 hrs of labour)
With a certified engine such as a Rotax or Jabiru, a transponder & a GA pilots licence flight is permitted into controlled airspace.
DJ, That is a very interesting looking plane! With leading edge slats and full span flaps it looks like it could almost hover. The horizontal stabilizer is also quit interesting. Way plenty of visibility too. I’ll just bet that it would be a hoot to fly.
I have heard nothing but good about the Jabiru. In looking at the USA Jabiru [usjabiru.com] website it appears that the cheapest ready to fly aircraft is still $100,000. Do you have a model down there not available to us here maybe?
Unfortunately there are no prices any more, but the J120... offered here a little while back $58K Aus taxes included fly away. The 170 seems quite reasonable to me and starts from around $70K Aus, - they probably look the most balanced from an aesthetic point of view.. but for load carry capacity and registered as a 4 seater VH or 2 seater as what would be your LSA the 430/230 and is probably the one I would get - if I were to get one (which isn't likely). They're about $97K Aus flyaway, which is probably late 80's early 90's your dollars.
The key would be to buy a good second hand one from down here, stick it in a box and take it home...that way you'd probably get it over there flying considerably cheaper than buying a new one locally - if you Google - Recreational Aviation Australia, and follow the links to second hand aircraft, you might find yourself a bargain
DJ, That is a very interesting looking plane! With leading edge slats and full span flaps it looks like it could almost hover. The horizontal stabilizer is also quit interesting. Way plenty of visibility too. I’ll just bet that it would be a hoot to fly.
Thanks for the picture.
Thanks Wayne, you're right, it will almost hover but requires gobs of power to do so once you get it down to just above the stall with full flap. If you pull the power completely on approach it comes out of the sky like a manhole cover so to achieve a short field landing there's a lot of throttle jockeying involved.
In saying that, it was possible to come over the threshold at 500 ft, pull the throttle & push the nose way down to maintain 55 kts, land & taxi off the first taxiway around 450 mtrs down the strip.
It's definitely not a cruiser & I sold it about 2 years ago when I bought my 150 D.
Regardz
DJ
Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
