No-compromises SuperStol bush plane sells well [Just Aircraft scrambling to fill orders]

AOPA ^ | 30 July, 2013 | Dave Hirschman

[Errant]

Just Aircraft Founder Gary Schmitt wasn’t sure anyone else would be interested in the no-compromises bush airplane that he wanted to own and fly.

But in the year since the South Carolina firm introduced its SuperStol, the company has shipped 38 kits, added staff, and is backlogged until April of next year.

“It turns out there are quite a few people who want to do the same kind of backcountry flying that I like to do,” Schmitt said. “It’s come as sort of a surprise to us.”

The two-seat SuperStol has leading-edge slats that deploy automatically at high angles of attack and enable the two-seat, side-by-side, tube-and-fabric aircraft to make extremely short takeoffs and landings. Shock absorbers on the main landing gear and tailwheel allow steep approaches with high descent rates and virtually no flare without damaging the aircraft. (See "Fly the new Just Aircraft SuperStol.")

[Errant]

They've made awesome improvements to the old workhorse supercub as well.

http://www.supercub.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HVimgxRVM08

[WomBom]

Pretty neat!

Thanks for posting!!

PS: I could use the shock absorbers occasionally :)

[SkyDancer]

No but thanks for sharing. Looks like a fun plane though.

[cll]

Damn! I want one. That’s almost a helicopter!

[MCF]

Sounds like a modern version of the Fieseler Storch.

[USNBandit]

The two categories it will fit in are experimental and light sport. The advantage of experimental is a relief of some regulations for maintenance over other civil aircraft. Compared to the light sport, experimental allows more useable weight. The downside to experimental would be more training required for a private license, if you don't already possess one.

The advantage of light sport is mostly with regard to pilot qualifications. Less training to get a sport license. If you are older and worried about your medical you can use your driver's license as proof of medical qualification. I have a friend who had some significant heart surgery so he let his FAA medical lapse. He keeps talking about getting a light sport because he won't need a medical.

Regardless, the concept of operating off short unimproved strips and flying taildraggers should not be taken lightly. Even if you wanted to operate in the sport class it would be smart to get some high end training focussing on STOVL operations. I do have an affinity for aerodynamic slats. I flew TA-4s in flight training and thought they were pretty awesome.

[BwanaNdege]

And a whole lot of less moving parts that a helicopter!

Helicopter - "An assembly of aeronautical spare parts flying together in loose formation."

[BwanaNdege]

Looks like we both missed it again, this year...

Been to Sun-N-Fun several times, though.

Privileged to have spent 45 minutes one-on-one with Burt Rutan back in 1976, Dean Wilson for an hour and a half in 1998 and about a half an hour with Jay Carter back in the late 90’s, picking his brain on rotor performance issues.

I was then and am still amazed that these world renowned aeronautical geniuses would take that much time to talk with and mentor a nobody who also loves the “out of the box” aspects of aviation design.

Great memories!

Back to the subject at hand, Gary Schmidt brought a Highlander and an Escapade to our local Jackson County fly-in not long after they moved operations to Walhalla.

It is good to see that they are still around and doing so well.

[norwaypinesavage]

I used to lease an abandoned B-52 air base for testing automobiles, and so I was familiar with the dimensions. This airplane would only use up half the runway if taking off SIDEWAYS on it.

[Errant]

Airshows are excellent events to meet and view some of the best humanity has ever produced. Looking at your bio proves that. ;) I'm going to try and make it next year. You better do the same. Who knows how much longer something like that can be held under the reign of Obama.

I had an opportunity to consult with one of Rutan's former engineers about a personal project I was engaged with. Seems he had left under less than amicable circumstances, but confirmed my belief that Rutan is committed to advancing aeronautical knowledge. I'm sure that must have been some interesting discussion you had with him!

[Errant]

A B-52' wingspan is 185 feet, so both take off and landing rolls would be less than that even. If the runway width was say 400', you could land and takeoff with trees on each side! That's really amazing!!

Thanks for sharing...

[Errant]

I checked those engine prices at their website. Wow! Just like you said. They’ve really went up in the last few years, unless they have a pretty significant markup on them. Time to get out trade-a-plane out and do some checking... ;)

[Errant]

You can get the 100hp engine (uncertified) for about $6,000 less at $18,578.00 here: http://www.lockwood.aero/p-2641-rotax-100hp-4-stroke-aircraft-engine.aspx Still a bit of sticker-shock for me! Then again, I just heard Beck say that if Levi's were made in America, they'd cost $350 a pair. Who wants a aircraft engine made by Chinese slave labor.

And they said there's NO inflation....

[gaijin]

LOVE that plane..! I wonder, though, how much u can see over the cowling in high AofA landings...? Whaddya think..?