RANS S-10 Sakota by Ted Bryant

Since completing the S-10 Sakota in 1990 I have logged only 450 hours, mainly due to the fact that I have two S-12's to fly, and also an UL Training School. 
The S-10 is always a blast! It now has a Rotax 582 that has been punched, ported, polished and slightly milled (for increased compression). 
The tire size was increased to allow a larger prop. A 70" diameter Sport Prop was installed and the clearance from the tips to the ground is still over 8" with the tail in the level position. Cruise Speed has increased from 100mph I.A.S. (on the original Rotax 532 and wooden prop) to 126mph I.A.S. with the 582 and the Sport Prop. A GPS has revealed that cruise is actually less, at 123mph... Still awesome for an S-10 with a 582! 
The Sport Prop has been set for cruise, with a maximum full RPM of 6150 in level flight. Climbs are still aggressive at 1200 FPM. at 65mph. Take off rolls are longer, about 300 feet. The light weight of the Sport Prop has eliminated vibration almost entirely and it has a real good deep sound. The combination of the Sport Prop and the Rotax really make it sound good, it sounds High Performance, yet it's not extremely LOUD. This is a real assett when it comes to finding a practice area for aerobatics. The noise generated by some of the aerobatic planes in our area have made it difficult for them to find a place to practice, although I can practice practically anywhere with no complaints. The S-10 just doesn't "bark" like the rest. Around the airports, I'm often asked "What kind of engine do you have?" They are always surprised to find out, that it's a 2 cylinder two stroke. That's probably because I like to enter the pattern with the nose slightly lowered and a down wind to base leg of 130 to 140 IAS...(Why not, the Titans always do it.) Once on final I slow down and touch the mains at around 50. Departures are cool too. Once off the ground I accelerate to 100 and then ease into a marginal climb angle that yields 80mph with about 900 fpm.

The S-10 was a wise investment. At an original purchase price of under $9,000.00 (back in 1988) the S-10 has doubled in value. Plus I continue to enjoy aerobatic flying at an expense far less than what the other guys are spending. Oh yeah, the S-10 is not so scary either. I got my Pilot license while I logged solo time in the S-10. Easy to build, Fun to Fly! As the "Kansas Kid" said, "Simply stated,the S-10 is a "10". 

Ted Bryant B&B Sport Aviation Calvert County Maryland
410-586-1400 www.aero-sports.com/bb