American light sport pilots may wish they were certificated in Europe, or decide to move there. Pilots with the recreational and sport flying certificate may now buy a $215,000 two-seat airplane called Risen by Swiss Excellence Airplanes that is in production and cruises at 160 knots. American light sport pilots are limited to 120 knots.
It has a variable-pitch propeller, electrically operated canopy, and retractable landing gear. It was first reported on the ByDanJohnson.com website during the Aero Friedrichshafen airshow in Germany. While the company is Swiss, the aircraft was designed by engineer Alberto Porto who, according to a press release on the Aero website, is both Italian and Argentinean.
The carbon fiber airplane is certified based on JAR-VLA regulations, which stands for Joint Aviation Authorities Very Light Aeroplanes. It can fly 800 nautical miles on 22 gallons of fuel using a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 engine. Its stall speed is 30 knots. It can take off in 660 feet.
Intended as a luxury ultralight, it features an airframe parachute, Bose communication components, leather seats, and an autopilot as standard equipment. Electric flaps and trim complete the luxury features. The company, based in Lugano, Switzerland, promises that if the engine is operated at 50 percent power, the range can be extended to 1,000 nautical miles.
