The Little Red Rocket

[@srnunan4783]

A beautiful plane, it's amazing that aeroprakt can still produce aircraft from a war torn country needing to repurpose everything it has to defending itself from russian aggression. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to remain operational.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Yuri took all the data to Poland at the start and set up shop there. They manufacture in Kiev and in Poland now.

[@markod1977]

Simply Beautiful! It is heartening to see it produced despite all of the unfortunate challenges.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Yuri and his team only lost about 6-8 week back in the beginning of "the situation." The build in Ukraine and in Poland now.

[@alevans51]

Impressive! Very happy for this plane and its owner.

[@tm502010]

What a little cutie! Lovely plane.

[@ichabodwainwright3918]

I flew the a22 for about 10 hours in prep for my private pilot with andy at aeroprakt, lovely plane, andy is great to work with as well. Congrats! Maybe we can fly some time in the summer when i get back to ohio

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I've known Andy for years. A great guy and he has a great team! I'm only 40 minutes from his place and if I want to practice on a 1500 grass strip, that's the place! So I will definitely be around...

[@ichabodwainwright3918]

@@aviatorjoe4153 hopefully ill see you up there one day this summer, ill be flying my new to me bc-65

[@doncatchpole]

Pretty Bird. Enjoyed

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bwnco]

Im not even a Pilot an I love that control PANEL!! beautiful. Flown alot in 1947 140 cessna though an you can cover the instruments with 2 hands! LOL.. Beautiful plane, nice job!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you! I love those old Cessnas, but I'm too lazy to get my tail dragger rating! :-)

[@mikestone9129]

Great looking little plane. Congrats. Fly safe.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!!

[@circusfactory]

Fantastic. What a beautiful plane. Very nice video. Thanks for that. Looking forward to hear all about the performance of the plane

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm working on a new one now, and hopefully, the weather will get better!

[@kellywilkins8043]

Thanks for sharing!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks for watching!

[@mike158193]

Love the plane!!!! I fly out of KBVI in Pennsylvania and one of my favorite little fields is Harry Clever. I’ll stay tuned to see how things go with your new adventure.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

My first time and I really like the field nestled in the hills. I fly in mid Ohio which is pretty flat. Thanks for watching!

[@mike158193]

@@aviatorjoe4153 has that 1940s charm and look. Places like that are what makes aviation great.

[@philipritson8821]

We're all of the same opinion. The aircraft is available despite the war? Wow!

[@pwee12gs]

Joe, you look very happy with yourself, great lookin’ LSA, lots of fun to be had, Savannah owner, Pete

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I still can't believe its here! Thanks for watching!

[@DanSmithBK]

You’re gonna love that 912iS... a friend has a EuroFOX with one. It’s powerful, well engineered, and unbelievably frugal. A great donkey up front!

[@currentfaves65]

Congrats on a nice little plane ! Looks like it will be a lot of fun.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks!

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

Been researching the Aeroprakt 32 and 22 after moving on from my RV 12 hoping to find a hi wing. Best of luck and hopefully there will be more videos KAPF

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks! The 32 was designed later and is more sophisticated, aerodynamically. You get about 30 MPH more speed, an un-obscured front windshield and you don't need to use trim very much. But, of course, the base unit is $30,000 more....

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

@@aviatorjoe4153 thanks Joe. All in all what’s your thoughts on going from the Flight Design to the Aeroprakt. I know the FD is a composite plane but wondering what you think since you have time in both. The FD is also on my research list but I really like the access to the Aeroprakt cables wiring etc and of course the luggage compartment. Thanks

[@aviatorjoe4153]

@@aeroringordmngr8739 The CTLS was definitely faster, more like the A32. More visibility in either Aeroprakt, obviously. (though the CTLS is nothing to sneeze at in that department) The A22 and CTLS handled very similarly; not surprising since they both have rod-driven ailerons, as opposed to the A32's cables. I do love the CTLS' internally braced wing. Nice not to have a strut. That said, the A-22 and A-32's struts don't hamper ingress and egress. The Aeroprakts have much a much better luggage compartment and it's accessible from inside the cockpit, unlike the CTLS. The real nail in the coffin for the CTLS is the fact that it is made out of fiberglass. Any small accident is going to be more expensive and harder to find someone to fix. And, like you pointed out, the Aeroprakts were designed to be easily maintained. I am very tempted to convert mine to E-LSA, so I can do a lot of that work, if need be. I did 90% of my own maintenance on my Quicksilver and Hirth engine. I know the main USA distributor well and he's runs a very honest outfit. And I am very happy with the fit and finish of my A-22.

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

@@aviatorjoe4153 thanks for the info. Yes Heaven Bound aviation seems to be the place. Thanks KAPF

[@jimheckert5383]

Beautiful. Great video. 🍀🇺🇸🍀

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you very much!

[@davestelling]

This has to be the prettiest little airplane I've ever seen, it's a regular "Creampuff."

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks, I am very lucky to be able to own such a wonderful flying machine!

[@ph5915]

These are neat planes! I've had my 1969 C172K for almost 14 yrs, high wings work better for me. She's been a good, reliable ship, but I've been thinking of, well, taildraggers for years but insurance is scary for them, even old planes. I've also been thinking of LSA's. There is a used one or two of these on the market right now (regular 912's I believe, not the 912iS), gosh, all planes have gotten so expensive any more (like everything else. LOL, that's one of the main question nonpilot friends ask "How fast can it go?" And it's always "Well, that depends..." I used to visit family a ways to the west of me, in a car it would be about a 2 hr drive. But flying against the wind (often) I remember 87 knots...LOL. Of course, on the way back, with a tail wind, I could see over 130 knots sometimes...Best wishes and experiences in that new bird!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks a lot! I've flown with the 912 almost exclusively, and they are great engines!

[@andremartines5061]

Congratulations!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you!

[@janjager4289]

Have fun with your red beauty !!

[@haverelmink]

Nice airplane, and great video!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed it,

[@Orvillehuit33]

Happy for you.. getting to live some of your dreams

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you! I am very lucky and blessed to be able to do this! I've dreamed about flying my own plane all my life. Got my sport certificate 12 years ago.

[@kristyskirt9015]

Snazzy airplane. Your in good company with the The "SkyView" display, "Starfighters Space, uses a simular unit in their fleet of Lockheed F 104 Starfighters. You did a very good job of picking all the optons. The lightweight Chute a NO brainer.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks. I've flown with and without chutes. I chose one because I take my family up and it also eases first time fliers. And there are situations where they save lives. The only negatives are addition cost (a moot point if you're buying a glass panel and a fancy engine. :-)) and the added weight, which was a little over 45 lbs with all the rigging. I watch Starfighters Space on a YT video before. I have to watch again and see that!

[@kristyskirt9015]

@@aviatorjoe4153 Good afternoon; I see the start up of PierCarlo Starfighter video “F-104 intercept / G650ER - "One More Orbit" World Record Flight” at startup you can see the software logo on the screen, Just type in “one more orbit F 104 PierCarlo “

[@aviatorjoe4153]

OMG, I just watched this. I AM in good company with the HDX! Thanks for the link.

[@KTWardlaw]

Congratulations, nice Bird!😎👍🏼

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you! I'm really enjoying flying it!

[@shanelarsen1436]

I have been fly a C-150 with the tail wheel conversion and a 180 hp. It is painted red and use “Red Rocket” as my call sign

[@aviatorjoe4153]

A popular name! Turns out, a lot of Aeroprakt owners like the same color!

[@kenmunn4421]

Nice looking Joe 👍

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks 👍

[@albertogarciaarango2411]

Pretty airplane...

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thank you! And thanks for watching...

[@ashleehouse5204]

Very cool. I enjoyed the video and reading through the comments. I don't like flying (or ladders, elevators, etc) but I love those little planes.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waltperko8389]

Hi, What would have been nice is if you had a little camera on your forehead and slowly looked all around at all the possible angels around the cockpit to show off how well the views are. We only need to see the instrument panel 99% of the time when flying IFR.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I know. Part of the reason I use that angle is that I use it for troubleshooting. I have recorded almost every flight of mine in the last 10 years. That's about 300 hours. It's useful at times. But, to your point, I do plan to add more cameras this spring. Thanks for watching!

[@elvisciotoi5389]

Respect

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks!

[@joedoakes8307]

CAN YOU TELL US THE DELIVERED PRICE WHEN YOU UNLOAded your unassembled plane ?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Total with delivery, Ohio state tax, and a 1:1.09 exchange rate, it was 158,000 USD. That included most options, the 912iS / full Dynon Skyview HDX package, and recovery chute. Thank you for watching!

[@joedoakes8307]

Thank You for your reply . I'm sure this info will be most helpful for those who might want to acquire this aircraft .@@aviatorjoe4153

[@paulrichardson6804]

We love our Foxbats … enjoy, fly ZK-CEC with Auckland Recreational Flying Club..

[@TheGregstorm]

Fantastic video and I subscribed so I can watch your adventures in it. I admit I'm rather envious and am curious what your total expense has been so far. Spring is just around the corner!!

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks for the sub! I got just about every option that they offered, except floats or Garmin, which is much more than the Dynon package. Including 12,000 in shipping, 11,500 in state tax and an exchange rate of 1.09s, it was about 158,000 USD. Whose waiting for spring. I have flown it twice this week and hoping for tomorrow as well. Cheers!

[@michaeldavidheit]

I wonder if this aircraft would pass the audit test for EAB ??

[@aviatorjoe4153]

No, it is only available, fully built, as an S-LSA. However, you can convert it to an E-LSA and be able to work on it and modify it, just like an E-AB. You do have to take a 2 day course to be able to do the annual, though. Thanks for watching!

[@michaeldavidheit]

@@aviatorjoe4153 thank you. I was just curious; as an A&P/IA and DAR ... beautiful aircraft.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

You know the head winds are bad when the Semi's on the highway are overtaking you.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I spent 8 years flying an ultralight. That happened in dead calm, all the time! 😆

[@huckleberry8079]

How was the price?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Because it came out of MY bank account, TERRIBLE! LOL I had pretty much every option and it cost me 138,000 , plus 12,000 for transportation from the Ukraine, and almost 12,000 for Ohio state tax, which I am sure will be spent wisely... :-) Also, I got it with a 1.09 exchange rate. It's lower right now.

[@Lt_Tragg]

@@aviatorjoe4153yikes! Sadly these sort of price points and indeed insurance, hanger, and fuel, keep the vast majority of LSA’rs out of the market and from pursuing this passion (keeping a Basic Medical is the easiest part). They can only dream. The technically adept build their own over time or restore/fly vintage. Congrats and enjoy.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

@@Lt_Tragg Well, I bought a Quicksilver MX for 15k, had liability for $370 a year and rented a space in a hanger for $140 a month in central Ohio. So, flight isn't impossible unless I insist on getting top drawer equipment or live in an area that where everything is expensive. Lightly used LSAs are out there for $60k. This indeed was a dream for me and I didn't learn to fly until I was in my 50s. I am very thankful that I was able to pull this together, believe me! FYI, Basic Med has nothing to do with the Sport Pilot certificate. If you have that, you self certify and need a drivers license. Thanks for the comments!

[@battshytkrazy156]

SiR ... did u consider PIPISTREL ?? 🤔 🎉😮

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I did, and others, but I also know the US distributor very well and that sealed the deal for me.

[@xiasong8438]

How much did you spend on this beautiful 22?😊

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Because it came out of MY bank account, TOO MUCH! LOL I had pretty much every option and it cost me 138,000 , plus 12,000 for transportation from the Ukraine, and almost 12,000 for Ohio state tax, which I am sure will be spent wisely... :-) Also, I got it with a 1.09 exchange rate. It's lower right now.

[@joshuawilson4027]

Did I one noted a mulfunction analog altimeter? Or it in meters?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Not that I know of. I know the ASI is slightly different from the Dynon unit. But, unless I don't set it up properly, the analog and Dynon altimeters track pretty well. If you provide me with a time stamp, I can comment further. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuawilson4027]

@@aviatorjoe4153 5:48-6:03 I had something like this. I forgot turn ON pitot heater.

[@PilotJimmyJ]

Your coolant/oil temp seem a little high for the winter. You must have cowl flaps or a good baffle. If its that warm in the cold though and there isn't a reason for it, be careful in the summer.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Sharp eye! We use aluminum tape on a portion of the radiators. They come off as the temps warm up. Thanks for watching!

[@PilotJimmyJ]

@@aviatorjoe4153 I'm a repairman and I own an LSA that I fought for 2 years with a heating issue. I finally solved it by modifying the lower cowling.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Looking at the Rotax specs, I am not concerned about the oil temp, but the coolant temp, while within the range, was near the top of it. The 912 iS has two radiators, one for oil, one for cylinder head coolant. I may have to remove some of the tape that is blocking it. I only flew that one time, so I'd like to have another hour or two before I do that. Thanks for the comments!!

[@FLY--wy2yi]

Hey Joe, I got my new 32(Red) just before you did. Mine got to my hanger in November but haven’t gotten too many hours in due to crap weather in the Northeast and the holidays. I really like your panel! What prop do you have? I went with the E-Prop and love it.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

@FLY--wy2yi I know, worse time of year to have a new plane delivered! 😆 I selected the Kiev Prop. I did fly an A22 for a few hours using the 4 blade E-Prop, and I would not be surprised if I upgraded, though I also flew the Kiev prop, and it was fine. 4 blade was definitely smoother and quieter, though. I'm going to have a video describing my options and panel decisions soon. Thanks!

[@robinj.9329]

WHAT!!!!!!! Wait, you needed an "Auto-pilot" for an Ultra-light???? NOW I'VE SEEN IT ALL !!!!! (Watching more of this video; and literally can't believe my eyes! Top speed of 90 knots? Not even as fast as a Cessna 150 ? WOW ! How much did this little Gem cost?)

[@aviatorjoe4153]

So, it's all about perspective, isn't it? I flew an ultralight for 8 years. Top speed 35 knots. No autopilot. Heck, no trim or any instruments except a simple ASI. And since I have a sport pilot certificate, that's all I fly as PIC. It's all I've ever flown. I am not in a rush when I fly. I just enjoy doing it. The A/P is mostly when I want a break for a while. That said, when I fly longer flights (like to AirVenture) I will definitely use it. I was taken for my first plane ride at 15 in a Cessna 152. But I could never afford to learn to fly until 13 years ago. So, what ever I spent for this little gem, was worth it. For me. Thanks for watching!

[@Gryronaut]

What made you go for an Aeroprakt instead of say a Zenith 701/750? is there a considerable difference in price or pros/cons that your found? Considering that the Zenith is right at home. I'm in Canada and have yet to decide which one I'd like to go for. Cheers.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I did not even look at a Zenith because I wasn't going the kit route. The almost seven months wait for a factory built plane was too much! LOL Thanks for watching!

[@bstiger6482]

What did your plane cost from Ukraine, with shipping and assembly, and anything else?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Total with delivery, Ohio state tax, and a 1:1.09 exchange rate, it was 158,000 USD. That included most options, the 912iS / full Dynon Skyview HDX package, and recovery chute. Thank you for watching!

[@bstiger6482]

@@aviatorjoe4153 Thanks so much for the info. Have fun flying!

[@radioace318la]

I'm very impressed with all the tech built into this little craft. What sort of fuel burn are you getting? Cheers from Louisiana.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

At slightly less than full cruise, the Rotax burns about 3.5 to 3.7 gallons per hour. And that's high octane mogas, not 110 LL.

[@tinaann3323]

Is it really vibrating like that or is it camera? Also, how much was it and can you put the new 916turbo in it?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

No, something was up with the camera mount. There was turbulence, but the engine is pretty smooth. Aeroprakt currently only offers 912ULS or 912iS. I think you can get the 80 HP one too. If the larger one was put in, it would push the top end speed past US LSA rules. Thanks for watching!!

[@mitchgingras3899]

No mention of cabin heat?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

LOL cause I didn't use it too much. The heat is taken off the radiator (Rotax liquid cools it's cylinder heads) instead of the exhaust heat. A much superior result! I have yet to open this heater up to maximum yet.

[@John-nc4bl]

Thanks for your excellent video and I must note, it is a nice little craft. BUT To me, Light Sport aircraft are too rough to ride in.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

You definitely notice turbulence more. Then again, I used to fly an ultralight and that's like getting bounced around in a close dryer sometimes!

[@stuartlynn-q8q]

Have fun

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks for watching!

[@mattwoody1089]

What is the flashing green light

[@aviatorjoe4153]

That indicates the position of the pitch trim. It doesn't actually flash. That's just an artifact when using certain video cameras. Internally, the light is being turned on and off so fast you eyes cant's see it, but it affects the camera.

[@HyroAUS]

very cool does she have an autopilot?

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Thanks. Yep, it has the Dynon Skyview HDX system on board, which has an autopilot built-in. I have pitch and roll implemented.

[@HyroAUS]

@@aviatorjoe4153 very nice any plans for nav? my 1946 champ is fun stick and rudder but god i wish i had autopilot some times

[@aviatorjoe4153]

@jacobtheaviator9976 navigation is also built in. I can also build a flight plan on a site like SkyVector and export to the Dynon.

[@HyroAUS]

@@aviatorjoe4153 can you do it manually? i havent used any dyons only garmin g3x g3000 etc

[@RamblerMan68]

Isnt it wonderful? I have an old Dynon Classic, but it still works great with connection to ForeFlight through WiFi. ​@aviatorjoe4153

[@kenstewart5991]

Looks like the old school Whitman Tailwind.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Ha, I can see why you'd make the comparison. Except this is slower, about 90 or so knots tops vs, what 160-170! Fast enough for me though! Thanks for watching!

[@naalhevia]

👍

[@dalemseitzer]

It looked like 75 it’s at 4600 rpm. Depends on how you define rocket.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I guess the tongue in cheek aspect of the name isn't as apparent as I thought! Also, I previously was buzzing around the sky in an ultralight at 35 knots for eight years, so it is a rocket to me. And I was purposely toning it down because I was in and out of turbulence. It can do 90 knots.

[@linebacker79]

Looks a lot like a Zenith.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I get that a lot!

[@linebacker79]

@@aviatorjoe4153 Love it.

[@synthnseq]

The war. You forgot to mention the war. Russia has invaded Ukraine and they're at war. You got a complete aircraft delivered only very slightly after deadline, from a country which is having its civilians and infrastructure targeted non stop with missiles, bombs and iranian drones, etc. Incredible, Ukraine.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I mentioned it right at the beginning, including a still of their bombed out hanger. Believe me, that was the hardest part of my purchase decision. Yuri did an amazing job of restarting the business in Poland a few weeks after things started. Amazing resilience!

[@flyingcountryboy]

I would has used soft shackles instead of those meat hooks

[@aviatorjoe4153]

I really wish I knew what you meant! :-)

[@flyingcountryboy]

@aviatorjoe4153 synthetic style rope and soft style shackle so there would not be any scratches.

[@flyingcountryboy]

@@aviatorjoe4153 where the rollback operator used the metal hooks to drag your plane onto the deck of his truck

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Ah, thanks and YES, I agree with you! That said, they've been doing that way since he became the distributor so, fingers crossed! Now that you mention it, I did have that slightly damaged brake line that they replaced. Maybe that's how it happened. Good call!

[@flyingcountryboy]

@@aviatorjoe4153 im a certified recovery operator. Highly trained in this area

[@larrya3293]

They forgot the doors.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

LOL When I flew the A-22 I was renting to KMFD, the ground controllers said the same thing! Thanks for watching!

[@ThomasArnold-g9i]

Seems if you are going to make videos and post them for public consumption you could remember to charge your batteries or carry a charged up spare. I hope your lackadaisical attitude doesn’t transfer to your piloting or the “little red rocket” will end up being the “little red wreckage “.

[@aviatorjoe4153]

Well, that's a positive thought. Or, one could realize that I didn't concern myself with the video because it was a "nice to have," and instead focused on the task at hand, flying a brand new plane in not so ideal weather. I post my videos for fun. Don't feel obligated to watch if they are not up to your standards. Thanks for the feedback!