JMB VL3 915is aircraft - full demo flight + Q&A

This is not just any other aircraft. This is the VL3 from JMB Aircraft. Its a high performance UL made in Europe. We asked the JMB Team some questions and then took it up in the air for a demo flight.
Do you have more questions? Leave them in the comments and I'll try to get some answers in the next video.
Thanks to the FSV Stockerau (www.fsv2000.at) for organizing the demo flights - and thanks to JMB Aircraft for showcasing this plane.
www.jmbaircraft.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 VL3 915is Demo Flight and Q&A
00:19 What is the VL3?
01:01 Who is it made for
02:01 Stall characteristics - how safe is it?
04:02 Landing gear for hard landings and gras?
05:29 Performance Data - Speed and Fuel Burn
07:20 Cost per Hour
08:01 Airframe Design, CAPS & Materials
09:39 Landing Gear durable for flying schools?
10:27 Avionics
11:58 Prices of different models
12:40 Demo Flight VL3 915is
12:55 Run-Up
14:39 Take-Off
15:51 Cruise Climb
16:32 Engine Noise
16:49 Airspeed and fuel burn (4.500 feet) vs. FL100
17:26 Stability and Turns
18:28 Stalls
19:17 SmartGlide
20:21 My first time flying a VL3
21:13 Autopilot
22:23 Endurance Cruise Settings
24:30 Fuel Management
25:11 Approach
27:28 Short Final
28:08 Verdict

[@Dzordzikk]

VL3 is very pleasure and easy to flight, I was impressed by performance and stability, including stall prevention characteristics in straight flight, in turns, with engine, on idle, with flaps and without flaps. And best on that airplane is possibility to land on very short airfields because very efficient flaps. VL3 is my personal TOP in this category from all types I tested in flight.

[@bartdereu9267]

I've flown one a month ago and it's truly a very nice aircraft.

[@veritasmanagement18]

Great Video. Love the VL3 and hope to see more of the 915 turbo in the US over the next year or so. Love the avionics in the model you flew.

[@pumarolz]

What a great video editing and aesthetic

[@JW-gb6hq]

Nice overview.thanks.

[@speedomars3869]

JMB is a dynamic and smart company. I am looking forward to them making Evolution aircraft.

[@naughtyUphillboy]

Evolution aircraft is a failed design, if I am not wrong !!!!!!!!!

[@drstrangelove296]

In this category it seems to come down to the VL3 (is 915) and the Swiss V-†ail, the Risen, that has extraordinary cruise figures. Truly amazing.... but the field requirements of VL3 (915) are quiet exceptional. In Oz I'm inclined to lean to short field performance due to a lack of huge concrete runways at every AIP listed airport, and some of my friends simple gravel/grass runways that exist in their hundreds at remote properties across a vast brown land. Because of the long distances, the speed is a serious factor, as is the fuel burn. But the idea of a slow, short landing, a tough a/c seems slightly better than the Risen. Obviously more to consider here including price, delivery, support, bureaucrats, and many other unexpected interruptions to the fun... I like the JB-3's structural load factor meaning you are unlikely to rip the wings off easily in a simple barrel roll or a nice loop. But there seems to be a shortage of data for the Risen's G limits, and its spin tolerance. I know everyone likes a plane that doesn't stall easily, but I prefer to know what it feels like when you step across the usual boundaries and the aircraft "departs" No nice straight and level stalls with the power coming off slowly, rather, instead, power-on approach config or go around attempts with the nose high, which can come up sharply. I thought that would be an essential part of at least Commercial Pilot handling skills.. That's another story. Pardon me.... These two aircraft define how much the progress tech advances have made in the post 1990s, and have landed in these new aircraft........ Composites, CFD, CAD, Modeling, Avionics, Parachutes, Quality control, automated production, and an exceptional group of ideas people with an esprit du corp, an idea, a vision,........ not just an ROI mob focused on "Value extraction" So... why haven't these kinds of a/c been exploding out of the US? ...... (not interested in bureaucracy stories..). Its a philosophy question, not a political one...... thoughts? The Dr.

[@jj4791]

Lance Neibauer was a fantastic artists and aircraft designer. The highest form of flattery is this.

[@av8rshane491]

It will be interesting to see what the FAA does next year with the changes in LSA rules, hoping it will be like EASA where we can have retracts and cs props and no speed restrictions and get the allowable weight to where we can take 2 -200lb people , full fuel and few few pounds for baggage.

[@vl3gwada64]

great and many thanks for sharing

[@foesfly3047]

Hard to believe it can be operated at less than 1320 pounds, with two men onboard, having the weight of an emergency chute, retractable gear, 40 US gallons, inflight variable pitch propeller, leather interior, at least two autopilot servos, IFR level, dual large-screen avionics, etc. I’m not complaining. I’m just pretty sure the Empty weight is more than 800 pounds with all that equipment- maybe Well Over 800. With those fuel tanks full, pilot better be a 16 year old girl 😮 That being said, this is the most desirable aircraft out there to replace my Baby Lancair 320 (Skystar Pulsar III with Gen-4 Jabiru 3300 @ 120hp).

[@MrTomcat320]

Ours has an empty of 830 lbs which means 492 lbs payload, well, not much indeed, but you can't have it all, it's still an UL, but a fast one :)

[@bbrydr331]

Nice review…impressive performance for sure! What was the baggage/cargo compartment like?

[@cpt_mike]

This version had a cargo door - which was really nice to load the plane. The space was OK for a plane that size. You will fit stuff for a short trip for 2 people. I'll show more of how much fits inside the plane in the next video :)

[@amietinen]

He says still in the UL category, do they have any plans to certify it under CS-23 in the future?

[@MAGApepe]

niceeeeeeee :))

[@marthakrumboltz2710]

Is all of that panel necessary for a simple single engine application?

[@robertchambers5821]

Is the aircraft able to be IFR certified.

[@N.California]

I wish I had money to buy a beautiful plane like this. And to learn how to fly in general.

[@sportaviation2401]

I actually did a demo in the VL3 in Belgium. Can you tell me what video camera you used in the airplane?

[@cpt_mike]

Its really a fun little airplane :) the camera was the Insta 360 ONE R

[@brooksmieure5385]

Is this available in kit form??

[@jurisbruzuks4288]

To the attention of Rotax aircraft engine users! This engine worked for 210 hours and fell apart during the flight in the air. The reason was oil starvation of one crankshaft journal. A preliminary inspection showed that the problem was from the very beginning and the connecting rod at least received lubrication from the crankcase. But it wasn't enough and the connecting rod with the bushing, having received a large gap, collapsed. From beginning of operation with a warm engine, when the speed was reduced to a minimum, the temperature and oil pressure began to rise. By adding speed, everything returned to normal.

[@speedomars3869]

I flew a Rotax 912iS for 1000 hours. They are great engines. Not a lick of trouble if you maintain them properly.

[@terrancestodolka4829]

Shit happens... Yes, the Rotax engine is not a perfect one... Yet through development, they are becoming better, for making a high horsepower and lightweight motor along with low fuel burn has been a tuff nut to crack.

[@flexairz]

Official report please.

[@alphahrd19]

Great airplane.....would you do long cross country flight in this and what is the range at 15000ft 170kt....can you get 1100 to 1200nm out of this plane?

[@rnordquest]

With 10psf wing loading you might want to make sure there is not much turbulence for a long flight.

[@bobreid5079]

At 6:20 he says 5 hrs at 170 - 75% power.

[@cpt_mike]

around 1080nm is possible - according to JMB (not knowing at which power setting). If the power setting is at 75% and the values fit to what they told me - it would be closer do 850nm at your desired power setting - like Bob said!

[@lukasbest2356]

At 170KTAS you will have a fuel burn of 7.2GPH so 867 Nautical miles without reserve in this cruise. You can reduce to extend range.

[@cpt_mike]

@@lukasbest2356 Thank you Lukas for the info :) see you next time ✈

[@Fotovliegtuig]

How does it recover from a spin?

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

The expensive price of the plane defeats the low cost of flight time.

[@clintavo]

Can they land in the displaced threshold in Europe?

[@goldenoldie3524]

The Magnus Fusion is in Deland FL. If it's close, could you do a video on that plane and then compare all three? Thanks. Rick

[@cpt_mike]

I'll try :) but it might take a bit until I am in FL next time.

[@goldenoldie3524]

@@cpt_mike Thx. I think they're made in Hungry. Rick

[@goldenoldie3524]

Now that you've flown the Elixir 915 and VL3 915, which do you prefer? Thanks.

[@cpt_mike]

Hi GoldenOldie - as I am a fan of speed, I would go for the VL3. For easy to fly, efficiency and safety, I would go with Elixir. Probably I need both 😁

[@goldenoldie3524]

@@cpt_mike Thx. Rick

[@Funandflysavannah]

Mike can you have adresse to test this VL3 please thanks Jean philippe

[@Captndarty]

Really wanted to like the VL3 but unfortunately it’s made for tiny people. And yes I sat in both the XL and regular version. Hair touches canopy and that’s without a headset.

[@philippeannet]

Tend to agree… 1.9m is really a max… I’m eager to once sit in a Bristell, but it’s not as fast.

[@mr.stonks695]

Why no autopilot is aloud in Germany?

[@hunglikeadonkeybutnotassmelly]

Ok i'm sold. when are you doing the giveaway?

[@rustuslandon5612]

Oooohhh... What's that hot little T-Tail behind the VL3?

[@cpt_mike]

:) that is a Diamond DA20 (or Katana) - my current weapon of choice!

[@rustuslandon5612]

@@cpt_mike It's definitely sexy.

[@zion3140]

What's the range?

[@cpt_mike]

around 1000nm :)

[@hedonzx822]

Watch it again 😇

[@mikefitzgerald4278]

Great video! Thx! Is it just me or is all the background music annoying? Thx again Mike Fitzgerald

[@cpt_mike]

Yes it is - next time it will be improved :P

[@mikefitzgerald4278]

@@cpt_mike Thank you for making the time to make your videos 😁

[@pduidesign]

It would have been nice if you didn’t stand in front of the plane, blocking the entire view. Maybe show how the plane looks without all of you in the way.

[@UncleWayne5104]

Pity this wouldn't be considered a LSA in Australia

[@angelight85]

What wouldn't make it RAAus compliant?

[@UncleWayne5104]

@@angelight85 with this particular one I think it would be the retractable landing gear and the turbo. They do make models with non turbo engines and fixed gear, but I would want the cool one.

[@angelight85]

@wayne5104 If you hold the appropriate endorsements for constant speed and retractable gear, it isn't a problem. As for the engine, there are a number of aircraft with turbo equipped rotax engines within the RAAus fleet.

[@UncleWayne5104]

@@angelight85 good to know. I was just going off the criteria it was showing under CASA's LSA criteria. All I need to do now is win lotto to afford one.

[@nice2care]

Who is the person on the right? Is he the US dealer? What is his contact info?

[@cpt_mike]

He is the test pilot - from Czech Republic :) I can ask for the US dealer contact info if you want!

[@nice2care]

@@cpt_mike My bad - I was referring to the person standing on the right side at the beginning of the video.

[@cpt_mike]

@@nice2care oh got it - his name is Lukas from Sales -> [e-mail] :) greetings from Captain Mike

[@robertphillips3078]

Gr8 Aircraft. However the new "Dark Aero" will be flying at 275 miles per hour . Pretty sure thats 440 ks per hour . With a Range of 2000 miles . Its called progress

[@hedonzx822]

440 km/h you mean 😇

[@Robert-mn8gc]

@@hedonzx822 well that's 275 mph which is 440 ks . That's what l wrote in the 1st place

[@Robert-mn8gc]

Buy some reading glasses 4 crying out loud.

[@hedonzx822]

@@Robert-mn8gc ks does not exist kph does

[@hedonzx822]

After 20000 hours of flying still no reading glasses needed 😇 And relax plz, ego is not our amigo in aviation

[@sammoradi8647]

just WT9 DYNAMIC

[@kai-ulfheinrichmariakilian9046]

“Cette est a proxy le meme comme l’ATL Avion Tres Legere en 🇫🇷 France” Bon Vol 💙 et bon chance on the market 🇺🇸💙🇪🇺.”

[@DanFrederiksen]

300k is too much. They are getting too comfortable in prices. Risen 915 is a significantly superior plane and doesn't cost more. FK14 should be coming in a 915 version and is much cheaper but they are completely neglecting expansion into demand so you can't even order it. So dumb.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

You can buy one for 200K. If you have money. Which you don't.

[@philippeannet]

Risen the better aircraft ?? How much did they build ?? 5 ? There are more than 400 VL3's out there, the level of reliability also depends on the number of (total) flown hours, which is ridiculously low with the Risen, and its rough field capabilities are still to be demonstrated... Check out the Raid Mermoz to see what a VL3 is good at ! Having better specs on paper (just like the Blackwing) doesn't by far mean they're better planes ! Regarding the FK14, FK has been struggling the last years, and demand is now strong for the FK9 MK6, while resources and parts are scarce, so they're focusing on the FK9... very unlikely to have any 915 FK14 anytime soon... structural changes are most probably required (cowling and engine cooling are to be modified in any case !), and those costs can hardly be justified by the few FK14 they sell...

[@DanFrederiksen]

@@philippeannet FK sell few planes because they don't try to sell more. They are incredibly passive and it's a huge mistake to stop FK14 production for 2 years! to build a dumb retro plane. FK14 is amazing for the price and could sell many in USA and Europe. They should get one in the hands of aviation youtubers like Mojo and Dan Johnson. KZbin exposure is super potent and from what I can tell it's by far the best plane for the money. And Risen simply is the superior plane. They are terrible on promotion too. Their website is a collection of errors and spelling errors. FK should have done the 915 version several years ago. They are completely oblivious on business growth.

[@philippeannet]

FK already went bankrupt once, their financial possibilities are limited, as is their production capacity right now. I flew FK9, FK14, VL3 and others, while the numbers of the Risen or Blackwîng are impressive, I’d never buy a plane of which only a very few were built ! And I don’t like the position in the Risen at all !

[@DanFrederiksen]

@@philippeannet what didn't you like about the Risen? reclined position? visibility too good? too long range? too low fuel burn? too fast?

[@benjaminlevine6499]

Good video... awful music and audio mixing.

[@cpt_mike]

sorry about the music :P won't use it again - what didnt you like about the mixing? Music too loud?

[@davidwoodward6112]

Agree with Ben. Use music to intro, build from one segment to another, build a final crescendo etc. Not during the entire thing. I feel like I'm in a Russian coffee house and can't hear what they are discussing. Not to mention the forever loop just gets old.

[@cpt_mike]

Got it 👍 sorry about that! Won't do it again 😂 big promise!

[@benjaminlevine6499]

@@cpt_mike Thanks for the reply. Sorry if it came off heavy handed.

[@boydw1]

@@cpt_mike Was about to comment to the same effect as David's comment above - keep the music just to intro/outro/transitions etc

[@tonylam9548]

At 2, 300,000 Euros, cost is one barrier this airplane fail to break. The use of Rotax did not help at all for that too is a huge company , and someone have to pay their very high overhead costs. I seen other makes use ATV engines or auto engines and they are trying to get the price down to below 100, Euro. Garmin is another big name which we have to pay for, others I seen use Dynon, and no auto pilots or parachutes. If you start with a basic stripped down airframe and let the customers pick just what they want, you sell more than just load up the plane with everything, and half the stuff many pilots can do without.There is an old say, what is engineering,? it is to make something for $3 that any fool can make for $10.

[@nunyabidness3075]

Bigger isn’t necessarily more expensive or less value. Aviation is a low volume business because governments hate having people fly themselves. This is the cause of the costs in aviation.

[@ExperienceMultilap]

it is not made in china

[@thewaterengine]

Targeted consumer of this plane wants luxury- plenty of other experimentals available w/stripped down options. It competes for example with the euro 915 retract version of the Bristel - both are luxury focused.

[@tonylam9548]

@@thewaterengine The targeted consumer you set made sure this airplane will have a very short production run and be of very limited success.

[@hedonzx822]

For decades I advocate not to wear those baseball caps in general aviation aircraft because in any airborne vehicle it becomes a look-out limiting device 🥶 All that wonderful instrumentation (even much nicer than the B787 I operate) already creates a head in the cockpit complex because 99% of the wanna-bees try to figure it out in the air in stead of on the ground or a classroom

[@cpt_mike]

Hi Hedon - I totally get the point and I agree! However, in airplanes without any sunshades or a wing above the head, if the sun is in a certain point, you wont see much without a cap - and also gives a little protection from the sun. In warm days it can by quite a sauna in there. So I think the answer is not so easy and always a trade off.

[@hedonzx822]

@@cpt_mike Dear Captain Mike, that’s why I wear one of those goofy glider hats or my baseball cap backwards, also I use suncream that does not sting in your eyes when you are sweating Regards from Captain Frank

[@foobarmaximus3506]

You fly a 787. LOL

[@sickboy481]

​@@hedonzx822 The legendary 'silly soaring hat!'

[@hedonzx822]

@@foobarmaximus3506 yep and the B777 200&300

[@JohnBaileyDarke]

Too long. Too patronizing.. Nice aircraft.

[@cpt_mike]

Alright - next time I will keep it shorter and more badass - promise!

[@johncarr123]

Drop the background music freaking annoying