|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
We have just returned from Sun-N-Fun. Because it was held during Easter week, it was probably the smallest crowd anyone remembers for the big Florida airshow. Even with the light turnout there was a lot of interest in our R-220 7 cylinder 125hp radial engine. We brought the big engine fresh from its first successful test run. Now that we're back in Missouri, we intend to run about 5 hours full throttle, disassemble for inspection, and then run another 5 full throttle hours. When this is done, we will start flying the new engine. Because of our experience with the 5 cylinder engine, we are confident that there will be no problems. This engine has a few small improvements but the two models are fundamentally the same.
There was a lot of talk at Sun-N-Fun about the new Sport Pilot rating proposed by the FAA. The NPRM for new rating is expected at the OshKosh show in August. We have been approached by several airframe manufacturers who consider our new 7 cylinder engine suitable for their planes in the Sport Pilot category. It is possible that when the final rule is made we will become quite busy certifying and manufacturing engines for those companies. Anyone who is seriously interested in having an R-220 soon might consider ordering an engine now.
We also showed a simple, inexpensive towbar at Sun-N-Fun. This plane mover uses a drillmotor, either battery 0r line, for power. At $20, the plans for this towbar sold well. We will have pictures and specs on the web soon.
 |
|
|
|