Has anyone flown or ridden in an Arion Lightning?

D

DMD3.

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
490
Location
Tifton, Ga
Display Name
Display name:
DMD3.
If I were going to build a Lightning, my engine of choice would be a Rotax 915/916, but I may settle for the the XP320 or Titan 340 if that proved to be too difficult. I wouldn’t really want a Jabiru-powered one. But for anyone who has flown or ridden in one, did the performance match what the manufacturer claims? The website says it will true out at 130 kts with the Jabiru, 150 kts with the XP-320, and 165 kts with the IOX-340.
 
Yes! I went to Shelbyville and flew a Jab powered LS-1 a few years ago. It is the hotrod of American Light Sport aircraft.
The new Jabiru 4 has fixed all the hot engine issues, I'm told.
It was comfortable, fast, flew like it was on rails. It's also the strongest of all the LSAs with a VNE of 188kts and a very good +/- g rating (I can't remember off the top of my head).
The plane is difficult to slow down it's so aerodynamically clean, and I think that puts some people off, but twice around the patch was all it took for me to adjust. The plane also does some decent rolls and loops.
It wasn't what I was looking for at the time, so I didn't buy one.
I'm re-thinking that decision. I still might buy one.
Go to Shelbyville and see Nick. Super guy.
 
Shepherd said:
Yes! I went to Shelbyville and flew a Jab powered LS-1 a few years ago. It is the hotrod of American Light Sport aircraft.
The new Jabiru 4 has fixed all the hot engine issues, I'm told.
It was comfortable, fast, flew like it was on rails. It's also the strongest of all the LSAs with a VNE of 188kts and a very good +/- g rating (I can't remember off the top of my head).
The plane is difficult to slow down it's so aerodynamically clean, and I think that puts some people off, but twice around the patch was all it took for me to adjust. The plane also does some decent rolls and loops.
It wasn't what I was looking for at the time, so I didn't buy one.
I'm re-thinking that decision. I still might buy one.
Go to Shelbyville and see Nick. Super guy.
Click to expand...

How comfortable was the cockpit? I read the dimensions awhile back but forgot. It looks to be similar to a n RV 6 or 7. With that Vne, it would probably do well at high altitudes with a turbocharged engine.
 
Shepherd said:
Hmmm. I don't remember the exact dimensions, but it's much wider than a 172.
Here is their website

Lightning LS-1

Arion Aircraft's factory built S-LSA the Lightning LS-1.
www.flylightning.net
Click to expand...
Useful load is important to me. I weigh about 190 lbs., and with full fuel, I'd turn it into a single seater. You average weight pilots would need a miniature wife who packs light.
 
Crashnburn said:
Useful load is important to me. I weigh about 190 lbs., and with full fuel, I'd turn it into a single seater. You average weight pilots would need a miniature wife who packs light.
Click to expand...

I weigh 215 lbs., but much of my flying would be solo.
 
Somewhere on this accursed machine I have picture of Nick and I in the LS-1.
Suffice to say, neither of us was small back then. I'm 6' and 210 in the picture. Nick is not much smaller. Plenty of room.
If I can find the pictures, I'll post them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top