EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Exhibitors - American In the Name

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

What's in a name?  Well, it means a lot to have American in the name of two aircraft companies that bring about a revival of classic general aviation aircraft as well as with another that introduces imported aircraft to specialty U.S. markets.  At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 we visited the exhibits and saw visiting aircraft from these three companies featured here.

American Champion Aircraft Corporation manufactures and markets new-build designs based on the Champion line (Champ, Citabria, Decathlon, etc.), introducing this line of classic aerobatic and general aviation aircraft to another generation of aviators.  The use of metal spar wings and other modern enhancements have made these 50+ year old designs even better, improving their aerobatic and utility performance and safety.  The Rochester, WI company is also known for sponsoring Greg Koontz airshows in the Xtreme Decathlon.

       
American Legend Aircraft Company produces the Legend Cub, a modern, Light Sport version of the classic Piper Cub.  Modifications to the cabin, wing spars and fuel tanks improved the pilot experience, while updates to the electrical system, radios, flight instruments and powerplant transformed the classic design into the modern age.  The aircraft comes in kit form and fully assembled factory models, with many options and price ranges to consider.  American Legend Aircraft Company operates out of Sulphur Springs, TX.

Americana Aviation seeks to provide the right aircraft for specialty markets in the U.S. and Latin America through its association with aircraft manufacturers Vulcan Air of Italy and Flight Design of Germany.  In 2012, Americana became a distributor of Flight Design Light Sport aircraft in the SE U.S., Caribbean and South American markets, and will include the upcoming four-seat General Aviation design as well.  In 2014, Americana began partnering with Vulcan Air to market the P68 light twin-engine aircraft for civil and defense uses, including aerial photography and video, surveillance and patrol missions.  Americana is based in Miami, FL.

 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Exhibitors - The Airplane Factory and Arion Aircraft

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 exhibitors continues with a double-feature - The Airplane Factory and Arion Aircraft - two Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturers gaining favorable attention for their aircraft in the U.S. The Sling and Lightning models illustrate the increase in quality and style found on the current LSA market.

The Airplane Factory, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, produces the Sling 2 and Sling 4 aircraft models and has distributors around the world, including in Torrance, CA for North America.  The Sling 2 is a LSA class aircraft of aluminum construction available in kit or finished form.  It offers a variety of cockpit instrumentation and color options, and optional ballistic emergency parachute for aircraft recovery.  The Sling 4 is a four-seat model based on the Sling design, with upgraded engine and additional configuration options.  We visited the exhibit and viewed a Sling 4 taxiing.

Arion Aircraft, based in Shelbyville, TN manufactures the Lightning series of welded steel and fiberglass LSAs featuring three different models. The Lightning Classic kit comes with a firewall forward kit that includes a Jabiru 3300 engine. The Lightning XS kit offers more options, including Jabiru, UL and Lycoming engines and airframe improvements. The Lightning LS-1 factory-built model is similar to the Classic but comes ready to fly.  

   
  

2016: Year In Aviation Service Begins

The Aero Experience begins 2016 by including the Year In Aviation Service theme in our continuing coverage of Midwest Aviation.  Included in our coverage will be a regular rotation of stories and events highlighting the use of aviation to serve mankind and nature in unique ways, including in use of aviation to support:
 

Emergency and charitable medical and on-going therapeutic services;

Veterans and First Responders needing assistance before, during and after service;
Nature conservation through species protection;
Media productions and community events supporting charitable causes;
Youth programs that promote life skills and positive role models;
Other related stories as discovered or suggested by our audience.

The Aero Experience coverage of these Aviation in Service stories can only be accomplished through the generous contributions of sponsors and advertisers through the 2016 Aviation In Service Fund.  To encourage businesses and individuals to contribute to this fund, we offer advertising for a nominated charity in our prime ad column space.  The ad will be exposed to thousands of current and potential customers, providing a direct link to the charity’s website.       
2016 Year In Aviation Service Fund Advertising Plan:

Donor nominates a charity to be featured in the ad/link – 1 month-long ad for each $50 donated; multiples of $50 can extend the same ad for additional months or include other charity ads for one month each

Donor and The Aero Experience agree on the charity to be represented

One logo/link ad with donor recognition will be posted in right column prime advertising space

Promotion of the charity in the ad will be made through social media

Charity logo/link will remain on 2016 Year In Aviation Service introductory story throughout 2016 along with all charities nominated by donors.  

Please consider a generous contribution to highlight your favorite charity and help The Aero Experience bring out the best in the aviation community throughout 2016! 

Click on the link above to make your contribution and nominate a charity in the comments area.

About The Aero Experience http://aeroexperience.blogspot.com

The Aero Experience is a celebration of Midwest Aviation and aerospace achievement. Our contributors strive to provide original media material that we gather from our base in St. Louis, MO for the enjoyment of enthusiasts worldwide.  We regularly contribute media coverage of Air Associates, Fly Now! Productions, ExtremeFlight Airshows, Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, Missouri Aviation Historical Society, and St. Louis Biplane Rides.  Photography and background material has been provided for articles in Aviation Week, Arabian Aerospace Magazine, World Airshow News, Aviation News Journal, Skyways Magazine, Mentor Monitor Magazine, numerous aviation group newsletters and local news publications. 

The Aero Experience has contributed to significant media productions, including:

Emmy Nominated HEC-TV Specials:

Explore! Flying, October 2014 (Emmy Nominated)
Impact: Honor Flight for 92 Year Old Tom Mohan November 2014 (Emmy Nominated)  

Feature-Length Movie and Promotional Book:

Fly Now! The Movie, October 2015; Fly Now! book, December 2015

Regional Events:

Midwest Airport Fun Days, St. Louis Downtown Airport, June 2014
NIFA Safecon Region 6 Competition St. Louis University Parks College, October 2015

The Aero Experience will continue to expand our coverage of Midwest Aviation and promote 2016 as the Year In Aviation Service.  Join our team and support our efforts through sponsorships, advertising and donations to the Aviation In Service Fund today.   

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Exhibitors - Aerotrek Aircraft

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

Aircraft producers have to differentiate themselves in the crowded field of light aircraft products these days, and over the years we have had no difficulty finding the Aerotrek Aircraft exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh or at the Midwest LSA Expos we visit. (Aerotrek is the Bloomfield, IN company that markets Aeropro aircraft and ELA gyrocopters imported from Europe).  You can always find the bright red and yellow aircraft on display next to their trailers, and that's just the beginning.  The more unique feature of the aircraft design is the wing folding mechanism that allows the wings to pivot for storage or transport in its custom-built trailer.  The light sport aircraft (LSA) comes in the A220 conventional gear and A240 tricycle gear models.  The ELA G8 and G10 gyrocopters are in the light sport category and are available in kit form.  Both aircraft product lines include flexible cockpit instrumentation and landing gear configurations.  The company claims it offers value by providing complete, high-quality and efficient aircraft at a lower than market cost.  More coverage of Aerotrek and other LSAs can be found in The Aero Experience coverage of the 2014 Midwest LSA Expo.