After consultation with the Slovenian CAA and other airworthiness organisations I am happy to report that the Pipistrel Sinus aircraft has officially been approved in Australia at 585 kgs maximum take-off weight.

Whilst this maximum take-off weight has already been accepted in the USA, it brings our Australian customers into line with customers in other countries.

Now, the confusing part. If the aircraft is registered with Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) as an Ultralight aircraft then it is limited to a maximum take-off weight of 544 kg as allowed by Australian law. If the aircraft is registered with the Gliding Federation of Australia (GFA) then the maximum take-off weight, once approved by their organisation, will be 585 kg. Aircraft registered as VH experimental factory-built are able to be flown at 585 kg. Confusing? Not really. It all depends on how you actually register your aircraft. For customers in other countries requiring copies of the acceptance and certification please do not hesitate to contact me and I will send you the information through.

Whilst on the subject of certification for our US customers, we are still working towards having the aircraft accepted into the Light Sport Aircraft category. The only stumbling block is the fact that Slovenia, where the Pipistrel aircraft are manufactured, does not have a direct bilateral agreement with the FAA. We are currently working on this problem and are hoping to have a resolution early next year. In the meantime it's business as usual for the USA with all aircraft being registered as experimental for exhibition and air racing in either the aircraft or glider categories.

Pipistrel would like to welcome Richard Sheldon to our dealer network. Richard is based on Florida's Gulf Coast at Destin airport which is centrally located between Pensacola and Panama City.

Richard’s first demonstration aircraft, a Sinus nosewheel, will be arriving around the third week of December with a second aircraft for sale arriving some time in February 2006. For all of our potential customers in South-east USA I encourage you to contact Richard and organise a trial flight as soon as possible. Richard's contact details follow.

Richard Sheldon 850 837 2933 and 850 837 4157      Email rascorp@cox.net

He currently has in stock one nosewheel Sinus aircraft and one Virus aircraft. Both are brand-new and still in the plastic wrapping from the factory.

Why not spoil yourself this Christmas and take immediate delivery of one of these fine aircraft ?

Vance can be contacted on   530 417 1896    Email runwayguy@directcon.net