Sportcruiser. Is it a good choice as an LSA?

[@droge192]

You've no idea how happy I was to find this was UK content! So rare on KZbin in the LSA space. I fly a TL Ultralight model (also Czech - I think!) that is similar, with 100hp. Not my own aircraft! It has a 2 axis autopilot (TruTrak). I much prefer LSAs, flying at 100-110 knots true, than flying C150s and C152s. For the budget-minded aircraft owner, I believe LSAs and ultralights are the future. What with a brand new Cessna 172 (with a Garmin G1000 unit whether you need it or not!... it's all they sell a 172 with these days) costing £450,000 !! Is that Kidlington you're located at? Great content and lovely SportsCruiser.

[@FitBones]

Hi, Thanks for the comments. I fully understand the appreciation of UK content, there is not so much about. I am based at Turweston near Silverstone race track. I did my night rating at Kidlington so know it well. Flying is a bit different in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, our airspace is so much more congested that the US or Canada and also flying in the south of the country there are many restricted as well as danger zones so. Secondly, being so close to Europe flying across to France, Spain, Germany and Scandinavia is very doable. However, if you train in a non certified aircraft and restrict yourself to a LSA (LAPL in UK) licence you are unable to fly into Europe in a certified aircraft, so your flying experience can be limited. Very few people in the UK buy a Cessna or Piper new on their own. I currently also have a share in a Robin DR 400 here is a link to the renovation we did. Our group is 12 so costs are kept quite low. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnyuYYFmg9uIoqs The sportsCruiser is a great plane but is enhanced with an autopilot to manage it's sensitive pitch.

[@scottmiller4711]

In the USA the Electric prop eliminates it from the LSA category...

[@joelv4495]

The USA variant is LSA legal because a ground adjustable prop is specified.

[@robinj.9329]

In the USA these LSA planes are limited to 1320 lbs. gross weight. And, to be honest, I feel much more comfortable in something that's just a bit heavier. A Cessna 172 at 2300 lbs. is as "light" as I care to fly. As a Student I flew some 40's era trainers with only 65 h.p. And any sort of summer turbulence was very annoying! Why, it could rattle your teeth loose! 😥

[@Robinbamv]

The SC is a good aircraft for one experienced private owner. Unfortunately it is under built to sustain the rigours of group or club use and the support is lacklustre. There have been numerous SB’s to re-enforce landing gear components. I had a situation when the 200 hour SC in the hangar had more serious structural issues than a 13,000 hour Cessna 152 that was in maintenance at the same time, I seriously doubt that due to build quality an SC will ever reach 30% of the airframe life of the average C152.

[@FitBones]

You are probably correct. The Cessna's and Pipers were built in an era of build to last and as you say they have stood the test of time esp as training aircraft.

[@rexcox8165]

rather look at gauges then glass,very. nice plane.like the pedals too

[@porkorosso7885]

I run Mogas in my PS28 but fuel flow is more like 17 - 18 LPH at about 2850 RPM.

[@desspezik3038]

hi, interesting. do these have to go back to the Czech Republic for their major service like the Eurostar I wonder? Could be expensive. I like the 100hp here

[@FitBones]

No, they are on what is called a permit to fly. Self maintenance overseen and then signed of by a light aircraft association inspector. So very cheap to operate

[@Z06C5]

Have around 150 hrs in sportcruiser. Needs to have better seats. Always have to use a cushion. To see over dash. And it could use more speed. Cruise is around 95 knots. But a fun little plane

[@adamlhotak8180]

how tall are you?

[@arod1pilot]

How much are they here in USA?

[@kako8501]

Looks alot like the Tecnam P2002JF.

[@FitBones]

Looks more like a Bristell I think. However, the Technam is quicker and MTOW a little heavier. Its a nice plane

[@AustNRail]

The company that produced this has gone broke. Russian mafia and all that. However, I flew these at the factory in Kunovice, Czech Republic, and I had a great time. These are a stable easy to fly and excellent to land bird.

[@stevenstyles7602]

It was the ‘piper sport’ division that CSA, sent bankrupt, as you say financial irregularities. By the way they are now called ‘Czech aircraft group’.

[@AustNRail]

@@stevenstyles7602 I wonder if it’s the same guys running the show?

[@stevenstyles7602]

@@AustNRail Yes, the same people, typical way to Wright off debts!