EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018: Exhibitors - Experimental Aircraft and Light Sport Aircraft

By Fred Harl

The Aero Experience continues our coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 exhibitors with a look at experimental and light sport aircraft. The week-long aviation marketplace offers a wide variety of aircraft offered in kit form (full-build or sub-assemblies). We start with a whimsical cockpit car from Walt Miller and progress to these aircraft brands: Flying Legends Tucano, ICP Savannah, Kitfox, Mini Jet Airshows (SubSonex and BD-5), Pipistrel, Vans Aircraft, Vashon Aircraft and Zenith Aircraft of Mexico, MO. 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017: Exhibitors - Light Sport and Experimental Aircraft

By Fred Harl

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 exhibitors continues with a look at light sport and experimental aircraft on display. Light Sport Aircraft from Aerotrek, Flying Legend, Pipistrel and Tecnam are featured here, along with experimental aircraft from Kitfox, Rans and Vans. These aircraft generally accommodate two people for local pleasure, and with some models, outback flying excursions. Each model has it's subtle advantages, and each can be fitted with the latest cockpit displays if desired. While nothing in aviation is cheap, these aircraft offer a more affordable entry into aircraft ownership, and with the experimental types, a chance to build them from an FAA approved kit. 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Experimental Aircraft - High Wingers

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 experimental aircraft continues with variations on another theme - high-wing designs.  The high-wing design adds stability and good slow-speed handling to many homebuilt aircraft types, from the vintage Pietenpol to the newest kits.  Our brief alphabetical survey shows how high-wing designs can serve many missions.

Bearhawk Quick-Build LSA

The Bearhawk LSA kit provides an aircraft that weighs under 800lbs empty and provides significant lifting ability and fuel efficiency.  A large cockpit and open windows provide a comfortable and scenic view of the landscape. 
    

Magnaghi Aeronautica Sky Arrow 650T Kit

The kit version of the all-composite Sky Arrow is one of several main models of this multi-role LSA.  The aircraft is adaptable to missions requiring good visibility and aerial sensor work.  The aircraft has been configured by Able Flight for hand controlled flight for disabled pilots. 

Montana Coyote STOL

The Montana Coyote STOL is 1990s-era design that is no longer in production.

Murphy Moose

The Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing Company Ltd. produces seven models, including the Moose.  The Moose is a versatile bush plane that can adopt various engines and even floats.  Various kits are available, including fast-build and sub-kit options.

Pietenpol Air Camper

The Air Camper is a late 1920s design from Bernard Pietenpol.  The aircraft plans were made available in four issues of Modern Mechanics in 1931, and several engines of the time were adaptable to the final product (especially Ford Model T and Model A engines).  The simple structure was meant for those with basic carpentry skills, though a steel tube fuselage construction model was offered. 

Pipistrel Virus

Pipestrel USA markets the Yugoslavian design in quick built kit form as well as factory-built LSA models.  The design demonstrates extreme efficiency and reflects the type's glider heritage. 

Pober Pixie

The Pober Pixie was designed by Paul Poberezny and is a conventional steel tube and spruce aircraft covered in Poly-Fiber.  It is meant for the beginning builder, and can use the VW or Continental A-65 engine.  Plans are available from Acro Sport.

















Rans S-7S

The Rans S-7S Courier comes in quick-build, no welding kits that are delivered in major aircraft section shipments.  Multiple options are available with the Courier and the other Rans models, and customers can also choose from the Ready to Fly inventory.















Progressive Aerodyne Searey

The Searey amphibian comes in LSA and kit form.  The cabin is designed for crew comfort and meaningful cargo capacity.  The design has been in production since the early 1990s and current models are being marketed in Asia as well.

Joe Spencer's SS-1

The SS-1 is an original design by aircraft builder Joe Spencer which takes design ideas from several vintage and current aircraft types.  The design is subject to change, and several engines and tail designs have been used.  This one-of-a-kind aircraft was on display for several days.