Vashon Ranger LSA Update
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- čas přidán 2. 04. 2019
- Last year Vashon Aircraft set out to revolutionize the Light Sport market with an under-$100K all-metal, Continental-powered glass cockpit-equipped airplane that was both easy and fun to fly. To see how that's been working, AVweb's Russ Niles caught up with company founder John Torode at Sun 'n Fun 2019 in Lakeland, Florida.
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I give the founder of Vashon a lot of credit, for trying to build a nicely equipped LSA at up to 40% less than competitors. Yes it is a lot of money, but it's doable for many. Keep in mind regardless of engine, under The Light Sport Aircraft Rule: Maximum Speed in Level Flight (VH)
, 138 mph / 120 knots CAS. The Continental O-200-D is a definitely well tested engine, and you just can't slap in another engine like a Rotax 912IS, as it will require design changes. I think the problem with lagging sales is not price alone in this market segment, it's a lack of interest with Millennials wanting to fly, also most people are unaware they can basically learn how to fly with a Driver's License that passes as a medical, for a Sports Pilot Certificate.
As far as being able to get a plane like this for $75K- fuggedaboutit! Not ever going to happen. They are going to have to offer the BRS Parachute as an option, which will push the MSRP up another $15 to $20K my guess. I hope Vashon hangs in there. They have something cool here, a Jeep like approach to the market. This plane seems to be more forgiving on landings, which is essential for new Sport Pilots in my opinion. The FAA must increase the current Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight
of 1,320 lbs in order to facilitate the need for a second passenger, on top of fuel and luggage. Sooner or later it will happen, or the category will fade into the sunset.
NFL1976 the problem isn’t interest, it’s affordability. $100k is a lot of money for an unretired millennial. Put an aeromomentum engine and a cheaper, LSA relevant panel and they’d probably double their prospective market.
Obviously a tail wheel option but more importantly, a kit option would really put this plane in the hands of a lot of pilots. I’ve seen other videos talking about how easy it is to put together from parts. It would be the vest/easiest kit on the market. They’d dominate. But it won’t happen, old people don’t get what’s missing for younger aspiring aircraft owners
Your right!www.bydanjohnson.com/latest-update-on-faas-plan-to-change-light-sport-aircraft-regulations-july-2019/
Would love to see this thing as a tailwheel
Came here to say this.
Not feasible, according to the designer in an interview not long ago.
@@jacktyler7599 Aww :(
Great guy great plane!
I suspect the airplane can carry a lot more weight but the specs have to be kept at the LSA weight limit rules. The designer of this airplane, Ken Kruger, is well known for his designs of Vans aircraft probably designed a lot more capability into this airplane. If the FAA raises the LSA weight limit, the max gross weight will be magically raised to the new level with no problem at all.
I just want to add some more details regarding my original post about the deliberate lowered gross weight rating to meet the LSA rules and how the airplane can withstand much higher gross weight. One example is the Rans S21 Outbound. It is a LSA and it is rated for max gross weight of only 1320lbs, which is within the family of light weight LSA. However, in Rans spec sheet, the plane can carry up to 1800 lbs but at this higher gross weight, it can only be registered as Experimental. So this is another proof that these aircraft are designed to carry much higher gross weight, in the case of the S21, it can carry almost 500 lbs more than the LSA max wt. This is a lot of luggage so quit complaining, just load it up and the plane can handle it.
@@2Phast4Rocket The float plane configuration of LSA allows for 1,430lb gross weight (up from 1,320lb). The Ranger was tested at the 1,430lb weight since it was intended from the start to come in a float configuration. So certainly there's wiggle room for what's physically possible (even if not legally possible).
If the LSA weight limit gets increased this should get a titan IO-340 engine option.
I personally want to see zero LSA increases. But, I like the idea of a IO-340 regardless of LSA.
As a not very big dude (155 lbs) with a not very big budget, this plane appeals to me very much. The ubiquity of the engine and ability to sleep in the back really make this thing seem like a great rough and ready cross country machine.
Ok I was skeptical at first but man this thing is cool!
With 445 lbs of useful load as a LSA, it would be hard to put to normal folks in the aircraft and have enough room left for gas. Unfortunately, I'm in Canada. If imported here, the plane would fall under the Advanced Ultralight (AULA) category and have it's useful load reduced further by 88 lbs, leaving only 357 lbs as (not so) useful load.
Nice looking little airplane.
When the FAA raises the LSA limit I will seriously consider one of these. Very well priced for what you are getting
An incredible amount of machine for the money! Makes a kit build unattractive...
I would definitely buy one of these to give Sport Pilot Instructoin.
Thanks for a video from Sun n Fun! Wish I was there! Lovely aircraft! Student proof tires LOL...I may or may not know someone who may or may not have laid on the brakes while landing once and flattened a tire...no one I know very well, of course not...hey LESSON LEARNED, ALRIGHT?! lol
Ya..... but does it have a 'chute?
no chute no sale
I would suggest trying the D-Motor six for more power and less weight.
Please get a fur muff for your body mike. "Bad sound makes good video look bad."
agree ....should have used John's beard perhaps..?
If y’all would be more open the Rotax 915 iS would make that airplane scream off of the water.
That's true but TCM almost gives O-200 away. I don't know what deal Vashon got, but Zenith selected O-200 for factory-assembled CH750 for that reason. The 915iS is going to be 3 times as expensive.
It's a lot of money, but a 915 iS is well worth it! Sicking with old, heavy iron doesn't make sense to me.
@@Bottleworksnet Lots of people don't want a geared aircraft engine, and especially one that turns 6.000 rpm. No thanks!! I'll take a "old" proven direct drive 0-200 every day of the week, and twice on Sundays!!!
Super!
I would probably give it a second look if it had a bit more under the cowl. Colorado high density and an 0-200 in that airframe don't mix
Imagine putting in a Rotax 915is. Makes you wonder what that would do to the cost though...
@@markthibault8579 it would add another 50k no doubt. Then at that total price there just seems to be better options. Rans S21, as an example, has a price tag in this area and completely outperforms the Vashon. Im sure there are others too
@@jmryd9030 Exactly. My main issue is with the heavy engine out front, the useful load takes a big hit and you don't get improved performance to compensate. A Rotax 912is would be an option too to mitigate the increased cost of the 915is. I'm fairly certain the cost of the 912is is similar to the O-200 too.
$99K? Whoa. Nuff Said
If you build it all by yourself, you would have spent at least 90K in material and tooling alone. This does not include the cost of the 2000+ hours you would have spent building it. That means this is a very reasonably price new airplane. Or you can can get a clapped out Cessna C150 in which an annual will cost 1/2 the price of what you paid for a 50 years old and unrealiable airplane.
Actually, an incredible cost/benefit machine....now to get the useful load increased a tad... it, but they’ve got something here!
IMO we need to be able to cross certify these for 4 passenger and IFR use. I have no use for 2 person plane. Frankly the FAA needs to allow us to take a certified aircraft and operate it under an experimental certificate. You'd revitalize the industry in under 10 years.
The two things I have trouble with is payload and engine and should have a tail wheel model. But you can get into some pretty nice aircraft for 1/2 to 3/4 of the price. Not knocking this aircraft just my opinion.
What is your opinion of a new "nice" aircraft comparable to this one that costs 50K? I would like to see it.
Does this come in Pink?
370 useful load. 20 gallons of fuel, 200# pilot, 50 pounds for passenger and baggage. Uffda. How will this fly (pardon the pun) with flight schools?
Plagued by the same problem that the SkyCatcher and many other LSAs have: lack of useful load. It's a solo aircraft. If you're taking another person with you, you can't carry enough fuel to go anywhere. They're marketing it as an adventure aircraft. Camping trips, take a bicycle with you, etc. But with pilot and full fuel, you're already at gross weight. Gotta leave the camping gear, the bicycle, and the wife at home.
Hot LSA .
3:40 10 hours transition training time sounds like a lot. Our Vixxen A32 LSA which can be a handful to land at times, only requires about 3 hours...what gives?
Watching AV Web's video on the Ranger from last year, Vashon's Amy Bellesheim makes it seem like a 10 hr transition is an insurance requirement.
Just a guess, but they probably don't want any accidents during this phase of the project; It'll be bad PR to have someone crash one right when they are starting to crank them out. So they are overly training the new owners to minimize that risk. They put so much money and time into it, I bet they are also very selective as to who takes first ownership during the first few years here as well. Probably high time pilots and reputable flight schools
johnpro2 No reason to read anything si inter into the 10 hour - it’s never a bad thing! Caution and conservative win the day!
"Sunk by labor costs" is on this aircraft's tombstone. Idiotic decision to manufacture in USA. Current price is $160k+ new. Insane.
Please note: I am no doubt a fan of the Vashon Ranger and its use of the Continental power-plant...and reason they do. But, make the following options standard or available, and enjoy the increased continued success:
*RELOCATE THE TWO SUPPORTS THAT INTERFERE WITH FORWARD VIEW/SCANNING-
*OFFER OPTIONAL DUAL SIDE-STICK OPTION OR DUAL RAM HORN, PRIMARILY FOR TRAINING MARKET, AMONG OTHER REASONS-
*T-HANDLE THROTTLE LEVER/QUADRANT, PRIMARILY FOR THE TRAINER MARKET, AMONG OTHER REASONS-
*OFFER LIGHT-WEIGHT/STURDY CARBON FIBER WHEEL PANTS-
*OFFER A JET-A POWER-PLANT OPTION-
(Looking very forward to the more powerful 2-place Ranger for PPL holders and someday, the 4-place model Ranger. Please never lose focus on keeping cost/retail price down).
U.S. PATRIOT thank you, very courteous and constructive....real ideas and options
You are not asking for simple modifications. You are asking for a new plane, and surely you are joking on a jet engine. Too funny!
Rugged is the last word to be used with the Ranger. A good airplane absolutley, but rugged not a chance. Beef up the landing gear and offer a STOL package and than you can use the word rugged.