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Aircraft Spruce Offers New Video on DR-109
 Work has been completed on a 12 minute video tape which demonstrated the inflight characteristics of the Rihn DR-109 aerobatic aircraft. Produced through the studios of Advanced Media Strategies, the video features air-to-air and ground-to-air footage of the DR-109 flying through a variety of aerobatic maneuvers.In a couple of cases the aircraft is flown by Unlimited pilots making their first flights in the aircraft. They are interviewed after their experiences in the aerobatic box. Rory Moore and Chip Beck share their reactions to the capabilities of the DR-109, leaving little doubt about the aircraft’s potential in the competition arena and on the airshow circuit. The two seat, low wing DR-109 is sold in kit form only through Aircraft Spruce & Specialty and can be purchased as a complete package or in seven installments. The airframe will accommodate engines between 200 and 300 horsepower. DR-109 videotape is part of an information package available for $19.95 through Aircraft Spruce and can be ordered by calling (800) 824-1930 or (714) 870-7551; fax (714) 871-7289. Or write the company at PO Box 424, Fullerton, CA 92836. Photo Caption : The DR-109 aerobatic aircraft is featured in a new video offered by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.  |
Yakovlev Design Bureau Issues Warning About Yak 52 Aircraft
The Yakovlev Design Bureau has issued a Service Bulletin and advisory to people owning or intending to purchase a Yak 52. Some of the earlier models are not capable of the aerobatics that can be handled by later copies. The entire production run of Yak 52s has been broken into four groups affected by spar changes:First Group: Aircraft manufactured before 1986, specifically s/n 780102 through s/n 866415 have load limits of +5 and –3 Gs. They should not be used for any aerobatic flight or intentional spins. Second Group: All Yak 52s manufactured prior to 1986 which have complied with Service Bulletin 59P and 60P, spar modifications, can be flown with load factors not to exceed +7 or –5 Gs. These can be used for Sportsman type aerobatics. Third Group: Beginning in the fall of 1986 and s/n 866501, Yak 52s were produced with heavier spars, allowing an increase in aerobatic activity. Load limits are still set at +7 and -5 Gs, but aerobatic maneuvering can include Intermediate activity. Fourth Group: To further enhance the structural integrity of the Yak 52, a spar strap was added through Service Bulletin 107A permitting Sportsman through Advanced aerobatic maneuvering. Load limits remain at +7 and -5 Gs. The terms Sportsman, Intermediate and Advanced aerobatics apply to specific types of maneuvers and sequences flown in contests.Yak 52s have a service life, and once it has expired the aircraft is considered unairworthy. Continued operations depend on compliance with Service Bulletins and advice from the Yakovlev Design Bureau on flight limitations. In the United States, information on limitations for the Yak 52 series can be obtained through the Yakovlev Design Bureau’s worldwide distributor, Northwest Aerobatics Center in Ephrata, WA by calling (800) 468-9257; fax (509) 754-0344. Northwest Aerobatics sells and services reconditioned Yak 52s manufactured after 1986 and can provide Service Bulletin compliance for older models. |
Yak 55 provides Size and Power in all Aerobatics Levels
Though not a newcomer to aerobatics, the Yak 55 has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among aerobatic pilots. It was certainly flown most frequently during the recent Advanced World Aerobatic Championships in Lawrence, Kansas and has been turning up with increasing frequency at more contests and airshows on both sides of the ocean.Several factors have contributed to the increased sightings of Yak 55s in aerobatic boxes. They are being imported regularly by Northwest Aerobatic Center, which has become the worldwide distributor for Yakovlev aircraft and they are being made available at very reasonable prices, especially when compared with new models of the Sukhoi, Extra, Cap and Pitts. They are roomy and will accommodate large pilots with negligible affect on performance. The large M-14 engine produces 360 horsepower, providing reliable energy for executing the full canon of aerobatic maneuvers up through Unlimited. Yak 55s were used frequently in the World Aerobatic Championships in the 1980 and was in the winners’ circle a number of times during the European Championships. Offering load limits of +9 and –6 Gs, the Yak 55 is constructed entirely of aluminum, with measurable strength and predictable durability. The airframe is rated for a life expectancy of 3,000 hours at full design loads. Non-aerobatic flight does not count against life expectancy. Carefully harmonized and balanced controls respond quickly and authoritatively to light input, requiring minimal effort for executing the most difficult maneuvers. The large size of the Yak 55, combined with its straight lines, makes it easy to follow by aerobatic contest judges and airshow audiences. The loud, deep throated sounds of the nine-cylinder engine make it a crowd pleaser in airshow arenas. Mitch Travis, CEO of Northwest Aerobatic Center, admits that buying a Yak 55 changed his life. “I had been trying to fly in aerobatic contests, but my size and the cockpits of the aircraft I was using, required a shoe horn to get in and felt restrictive when airborne. Then I came across the Yak 55. I suddenly found there was a way for a large man to be competitive without a weight penalty. Yaks have performance, style and all the power you need. The rest of it’s a variation on the Victor Kiam story: I liked the product so much, I wound up with the worldwide distributorship. I think we’re going to see a lot more of this aircraft at future contests.” Though the Yak 55 has been out of production for the past decade, there are still a limited number of new Yak 55s available and there are also some low time used models available. For further information on the Yak 55, as well as the Yak 52 and new Yak 54, contact Northwest Aerobatic Center at (800) 468-9257; overseas (509) 754-1922; fax (509) 754-0344. Or write the company at PO Box 1229, Ephrata, WA 98823. Photo Caption: The Yak 55 has been enjoying a renewed interest in aerobatic contests and airshows. |
Coleman/Hillman win Sixth Great Cross Country Flying Race
The team of Charles Coleman and Faith Hillman prevailed in the Sixth Annual Great Cross Country Flying Race which is sponsored by Aircraft Spruce and Specialty. Flying a Lancair IV P, they covered the 766 nautical mile course from Jeffco Airport, near Denver, to Dodge Country Airport, south of Oshkosh in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 20 seconds. Their ground speed averaged 320.65 knots.
It was a one-class contest in Unlimited: the other three competitors in the category were also Lancair Ivs. Second place went to Henry Van Kesteren (2:29:55; 306.57 kts) and Brent Regan, last year’s champion, took third (2:33:48; 298.83 kts). Due to low clouds and limited visibility, all the Unlimited entries had to depart IFR. About half the racers went out IFR, the other half waited until noon nad finally departed VFR. There were some marginal VFR conditions across eastern Colorado and western Nebraska, causing some route deviations for the VFR pilots. After that, it was clear flying. The Production Line Modified category is for factory-built aircraft that have been modified to enhance performance. As with the Unlimited, engines have to be 550 cubic inches or less. This year’s winner was Irwin Feher, in his Rocket Mooney: 3:22:41; 226.76 kts. He was followed by Karole Jensen, flying a Mooney M20K, 3:24:15; 225.02 kts, and James Huff in a Bonanza, 3:29:47; 219.08 kts. Matthew Tignor won top honors in the Production Line Stock group with hs PA-32R, logging 4:16:12 and 179.39 kts. David McElhannon and his father, placed second in their F33A with a time of 4:53:57 and ground speed of 156:35 kts. Michael Chiodo was third, in a PA32R-301 clocking 4:55:42 and 155.43 kts. In Corinthian Experimental (180 hp or less) Richard Reichel took first in his Lancair 360 completing the course in 3:20:24; 229.34 kts. Walter Parker, who also flew a Lancair 360, was second (3:44:28; 204.75) and Thomas Taylor took third in his Glasair IIS-RG (3:58:43; 192.53 kts). Gary Neal won the Corinthian Certified division, flying his Mooney M20K in 3:48:15 for a speed of 201.36 kts. Ron Apfelbaum was second, in the same type aircraft, with 4:05:31 and 187.2 kts. Flying a Mooney M20J, Linda Kenner was third (5:17:21; 144.82). Three pilots entered the Hornet Experimental division (160 hp or less) and Klaus Savier placed first at 3:46:25; 202.99. Bob Eckes was second (4:35:09; 167.04 kts) and Rob Martinson wound up third with an unrecoded finish time. The race was co-sponsored by FLYING magazine and the Experimental Aircraft Association. “It was the first time we’ve have any problems launching a race,” said Aircraft Spruce President Jim Irwin, “but it didn’t detract from the excitement or competition. There was a slight edge for those who were patient and went out VFR. What’s interesting is that the homebuilts continue to dominate the speeds over certificated aircraft with similar engines. Experimental are definitely faster, can fly higher and are generally far more economical in terms of fuel burn.” Photo Caption: Jim Irwin (left) congratulates Charles Coleman and Faith Hillman on winning the Sixth Annual Great Cross Country Flying Race. |
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Aerostar Expands Web Site
Aerostar International has just completed an update of its web site: www.aerostar.com. The new and improved web site contains updated pictures and information on standard shape balloons, special shaped balloons and commercial artwork balloons. Along with the updates to the hot air balloon information, the new web site has expanded its commercial products information which includes cold air inflatables, parade balloons and helium blimps. “The internet is playing an ever expanding role in information dissemination. Aerostar is excited about the opportunity to continually be able to update the market place on our new product innovations and information” says Larry Manderscheid, Vice-President of Sales at Aerostar. The new web site also includes a section for catalogue requests and comments. People seeking information regarding a specific product can simply type in their name and address and a set of brochures will be sent within 24 hours. “Many people don’t realize Aerostar is an extremely diverse and dynamic company” says Manderscheid. “The web site really lets people know that Aerostar has the strength and depth to be there in the future.” Aerostar first created its web page over 18 months ago and the response has been tremendous. Plans are in the works for even further updates in the near future. For more information contact : Allen Schlenker Aerostar International PO Box 5057 Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5057 Phone: 605-331-3500 Fax: 605-331-3520 Internet: www.aerostar.com |
Thunder Mustang Now Offered in Two Packages
Responding to numerous requests from potential builders, Papa 51 Ltd, has announced that the Thunder Mustang is now available in two installments for those who wish to spread out the costs. The company planned to begin shipping kit packages in December.The flying surfaces package will include the wing, main landing gear, ailerons, flaps, horizontal stabilizer, elevater and rudder. Cost of the package is $75,000. Aside from the main gear, all major airframe components are made of carbon fiber. All hardware, electrical and fuel system equipment required for these parts are included. Fuselage and powerplant kits will include all carbon fiber parts, hardware, systems materials and everything firewall forward required to complete the project. Cost of the second kit is $120,000. The Thunder Mustang is a two-place, three-quarter scale reproduction of the popular P-51 Mustang fighter. Powered by a twelve cylinder, 640 hp Falconer engine, the Thunder Mustang has a top cruise of 340 knots. With its power to weight ratio, the kit aircraft will outperform a stock P-51 in climb and cruise. Thunder Mustang kits are sold as complete projects with everything needed to get to the flightline except upholstery, paint and avionica. For information on the Thunder Mustang contact Papa 51 Ltd, Co at (208) 466-5204, fax (208) 446-1385. Their web site is www.thundermustang.com Photo Caption: The popular Thunder Mustang is now available as a two-part kit. |
Kitfox Sales Pass 3000 Mark
Total sales for the Kitfox aircraft recently passend 3,000, making it one of the most popular designs ever sold as a complete kit SkyStar president Ray Caldwell credits several factors to the success of the Kitfox. “It was introduced at a time when the concept of complete kits was just catching on and it had the lines and shape that reminded a lot of people of what they learned to fly in. The Kitfox was designed to reflect a number of classic trainers from the 1940 and it caught the imagination of builders like wildfire. The fact that it has folding wings and can be towed home for storage has generated a lot of interest. Having fittings built in for floats along with provisions for skis definitely enhanced the recreational potential for the aircraft. A lot of pilots have taken up fly-fishing and deep winter flying.”Since it was first developed by Dan Dennyey a decade ago, the Kitfox has gone through a number of model changes, with the maneuverable Speedster, model 4 and Classic model 5 being the three still in production. There are now a wide range of engine options and an excellent purchase plan available through Green Tree Finance Corporation. The Kitfox offers two seat, side-by-side flying with a cruise range of 90 to 137 mph, full span flaperons provide responsive roll control and the rudder and elevator are effective at speeds below 40 mph. The fuselage frame is made of steel tube that is completely welded at the factory. The builder covers the frame with fabric. Wings are still made with extruded aluminum tubes for spars and pre-cut wooden ribs that are glued in place and covered with fabric. Building times for the Kitfox vary, but there have been a number of projects that have made it to the flightline in less than six months. Several people have built at least three copies of the Kitfox and there have been builders over 80 years of age. About a third of the kits have been completed and flown. “The Kitfox has converted a lot of dreams to reality,” said Caldwell. “It’s proved to be a quick and easy project that provides its owners with a lot of opportunities for fun flying. We expect the design will be around for a long time to come.” SkyStar sells an information pack for the Kitfox for $15 and a video is available for $20. Contact the company at (800) 5-KITFOX, overseas (208) 454-2444; fax (208) 454-6464 or write them at 3901 Aviation Way, Caldwell, ID 83605. Their website is www.skystar.com Photo Caption: Kitfox sales have passed 3,000 kits, making it one of the most popular designs in sport aircraft history. |
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OTHER ARTICLES OF ASI JANUARY'98 ISSUE | News In Brief | Letters To The Editor | World Records | | 13th World Hot Air Championship, Saga | | Parachuting and Skydiving at the World Games : Lahti 1997 | | World Air Games 1997 - Turkey | | 20th Australian Free Flight Society Championship | | Long Range Air Race | |
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