What modern certification may lead to

Though now in the experimental category and factory-built, Gogetair Aviation expects to earn approval under EASA’s CS-VLA (very light aircraft) rules, which allow a max takeoff weight of 1,653 pounds, which is higher than the EASA limit of 1,320 pounds for CS-LSA and ultralight aircraft, as well as light sport aircraft operated under FAA regulations. This means more useful load for the Gogetair (772 pounds). Plus, the VLA category retains the same 45-knot stall speed that applies to LSAs and ultralights.

The airplane can be ordered with the 100-horsepower Rotax 912 iS, a 115-hp Rotax 914 UL, or a 141-hp Rotax 915 iS engine; the max cruise speed of 138 knots is the same for all engines, but takeoff performance and initial climb rates are more robust with the higher horsepower engines. The biggest advantage of CS-VLA rules? Permission to fly under instrument flight rules, and at night—something not allowed in LSAs and ultralights.

For avionics, it’s your choice of a Dynon SkyView or Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, with Garmin’s GTN 750 navigator. The standard equipment list also includes a constant-speed propeller, a two-axis digital autopilot, a ballistic recovery parachute system, a two-day training package, and a two-year or 500-flight-hour, spinner-to-tail cone warranty. The base price is just under $260,000 at current exchange rates.