Dreams are Free

Dreaming necessarily precedes ambition and both of these are known to be vital ingredients for most of life's achievements. When it comes to aviation, there is nothing better than an air show to foster dreams and the Bazflyers attendance at Aero 2012 held in Friedrichshafen was definately a dreamtime experience. It's been many years since I last attended an international aviation trade show and that was with an interest in helicopters. 'Aero' is a trade show mainly about small aircraft and I "thought it would be an ideal place to get an overview of what's new in the fast growing LSA sector. LSA means Light Sport Aircraft or microlight aircraft for us Kiwi's. Why Aero? Well, the production of LSA aircraft is dominated by an increasing number of small European manufacturers and 'Aero' is their mecca.

LSA aircraft conform to design and manufacturing criteria not subject to the same onerous civil aviation regulations applicable to general aircraft manufacturers. In principle, LSA aircraft are limited to a maximum gross weight not exceeding 550 kg and no more than two seats. It was probably not envisaged at the outset that LSA would inspire so many talented aeronautical designers. Using carbon fibre materials, light weight components and a range of reliable engines the LSA sector has become a hot-bed of innovation and Aero is their showroom.

Statistics published for Aero 2012 suggest there are more than 100 manufacturer's of LSA aircraft, with most of them situated within Europe. More than likely the world-wide market is not big enough for all of these players, but if the aura of optimism at Aero 2012 was any indicator such incidentals do not seem to be inhibiting innovation or enthusiasm.

LSA no longer means a diminutive skin-and-bones airplane. Many aircraft in the category are suburb aviation machines in their own right. Examples have even completed round-the-world flights. One very sharp Italian design caught the Bazflyer's attention. It was a military looking 2-seater, beautifully rendered in carbon fibre with a top speed of 180 knots. Oh how fortunate dreaming is free…!