On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 07:42:40 -0700, Ron Wanttaja
wrote:



So...when no plane can exhibit superior performance over its competition, how
are buyers going to chose?

Simple. With little else to choose between competing LSAs, customers are going
to pick the one that sells at the lowest cost. Why buy a $90,000 SLSA when a
$85,000 one gives the same capability? Why buy that $85,000 one, when you can
get practically the same thing from another company for $80,000?

lots snipped

Ron Wanttaja


I agree with your thoughts to some extent Ron the reducing prices are
really just a wind back of excessive insurance and liability BS. the
rewards being there for anyone who finds away to remove those costs
from the final sale price.

There is one area you missed. handling quality.

out in my back shed is a half complete wooden single seater which is a
1950's design. it isnt really aerobatic but it is by far and away the
sweetest flying little aeroplane anyone has ever come up with.
it is an absolutely first class little weekend summer flyer with open
cockpit, not much range and bugger all luggage space.
I'm building it as a bit of stress relief because I have wanted to
experience the flying qualities for myself. should finish it next
year.

the poms write really rapturous articles about the flying
characteristics of the turbulents.

It looks like building for less than the price of an Icom A200 radio
using epoxy on Queensland Hoop Pine and hoop pine plywood and a
VW1600cc engine that I'll convert myself. basically spruce
substitutes.

Aerodynamically there are lots of things with the design that everyone
poo pooh's as antiquated but they work really well together.
mine is a Druine D31AT Australian Turbulent btw.

if anyone was to produce an LSA that held to reasonable prices and had
the handling characteristics of either the druine turbulent or the
druine turbi they would have a good solid future ahead of them.
these two old aircraft designs really *do* stand out in the handling
characteristics. I've flown a turbi and have never encountered
anything since as good.

Stealth Pilot
Australia