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07/21/04 - SPORT PLANES, LTD TO LAUNCH REGIONAL SPORT AIRCRAFT SALES, MAINTENANCE, AND FLIGHT TRAINING CENTERS
Immediately following publication of the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft final rule, Sport Planes, Ltd. of Draper, Utah unveiled plans to promptly launch 20 Sport Aircraft Regional Centers across the United States. Each regional center will provide flight training, sales, warranty, and maintenance service, plus offer students and those buying sport planes through the centers membership in the Sport Pilot Squadron, which includes a one-year EAA membership.
The 20 Centers have exclusive arrangements with a number of aircraft manufacturers to sell and service aircraft models that comply with the Sport Aircraft criteria. Initially, this will include the Zodiac XL and STOL CH 701 ready to fly Light Sport Aircraft, along with the Mermaid Amphibious Aircraft from the Czech Aircraft Works, the WT-9 Dynamic from Slovakia, and two other designs still under development. The list of aircraft offerings will expand as the centers become established.
The centers will simultaneously be setting up sport pilot flight training programs, using a sport aircraft as their primary trainer. Pilots who purchase an aircraft through a regional center can receive training for their sport pilot certificate at the center and be checked out in their own aircraft.
Advanced training will be available for those wising to obtain a Private Pilot ticket or an IFR rating, training on the Part 23-certified AMD Alarus.
“A couple years ago, when the ruling on Sport Pilot was being formulated, we saw a great business opportunity,” said Foss. With ready-to-fly aircraft being accessible at reasonable prices and with flight training substantially reduced in complexity and expense, the time is right for reaching out to the public with user-friendly Centers.”
Foss’ plan is to begin with 20 Centers and expand as the need dictates. For more information, sit www.sportsplanes.com.
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