The typical weather battles were encountered coming and going to Lakeland, and the S-19LS with its glass panel and autopilot (more on this below) made light work of it, to the point it was enjoyable. This was much to the dismay of the less equipped planes in our flight, and cause for the 4 hour arrival difference. Of course the 15 knot difference in cruising speed came into play, but having radar and up to the minute weather information can expose options that would otherwise be lost.
Reception of the plane was very positive, and quite a few kits were sold during the week. The S-19 is opening the door to a whole new aviation audience for RANS, we met and sold to a few Vans fans, and GA drivers, all really liking the look, fit, and finish of the plane. The orders have been steady ever since the show, making us really glad we beefed up production.
The demo schedule was tough, since traffic at the LAL was nearly always dense. Our plan is to have another demo by SNF 2009 and station the plane at Plant City, or some easy access port near the show. We may face the same issue at OSH, unless the number two machine is completed and ready for booth duty.
BACK HOME
After our return trip from Sun and Fun we have been super busy doing demos, and shipping tail kits. The first fuselage kit will be shipping mid May, and has come through final verification with flying colors. The wing is next, and we expect it to be a push over, since it is one of the simpler assemblies, and lowest in part count per square foot.
The progress on the ready to fly side of things has really helped accelerate the kit validation. Five planes are being assembled, and the assembly hall is slowly filling with the sub assemblies. Most importantly is the effort we are pointing towards training staff to build the planes, and do tech service. This will be an ongoing program, just like it has been for our other models.
N719RS has racked up over 260 flight hours, the hard way! Demos and continued flight performance has been the bulk of the time. We see great potential in this airframe to clean up for another 5 knots of cruise speed. This can be achieved by nothing more than addressing drag in a few places, wheels, engine, intersections, and gear legs.
NOSE GEAR PYLON
The first nose gear pylons have been built and placed into production. The pylon is a design change from the original engine mount/nose gear combo. The beauty of a separate nose gear pylon is you can set the plane on its feet, without having the firewall forward package.
Having the nose gear independent of the motor mount also allows other engine choices. The design change is lighter, and will be standard on all S-19 kits and SLSA’s.
AUTO PILOTS
We have been testing the Tru Trak auto pilot and find it is exact, smooth, and reliable. The plane is so pitch stable, and easy to trim, that I have to double check if altitude hold is on or off. At first I was not so sure about the addition of an autopilot, but after several long trips, it is worth the weight and expense. The install was simple, with servos on the Stabilator and ailerons. The lack of adverse yaw really helps when installing an autopilot in a light sport plane, since roll is the more responsive axis for maintaining a heading and wings level. Control feel is a tiny bit dogged by the aileron servo, and that was perhaps my biggest opposition, since I love light roll response. However the few who have flown the plane before can hardly detect the servo's presence.
WET WINGS
A lot of builders inquired about an option for wet wings, for both the weight savings and added fuel capacity. This will be offered when we feel confident about doing the tech service, which should occur after we have mastered the process. The estimate on weight reduction is 18 pounds, and about a 6 gallon total increase in capacity.
WEIGHT REDUCTIONS
We have been diligent about reducing the weight of the S-19 and the kits and SLSA. The two planes differ mainly in the fuel systems, for a projected 18 pound weight savings, but there are a few items that have already found the way into the kits, the following items will be a bit less weighty than the demo plane for a possible 10 pound reduction:
Main gear assembly
Cowling
Canopy glass
Seats
Floor board
Engine and nose gear mount
Baggage compartment close out
NEW S-19 BROCHURE
We disturbed a new brochure at SNF with great results, the folder shows off the many features of this outstanding design, and if you desire one, simply send your email request, we will be happy to comply.
