"We want people to understand." - Chip Erwin, design team leader

"So much more than the obvious goes into the integration of a full-airframe recovery system," said Chip Erwin, President of Czech Aircraft Works, as he announced his decision to release professional video of a test of a Ballistic Recovery System (BRS) deployment on his SportCruiser LSA.

The dramatic footage shows the formal structure attachment test on the SportCruiser, CZAW's newest certified design and value-leading S-LSA (factory-built, ready-to-fly Light Sport Aircraft).

Danny Defelici, whose Florida-based Sport Aircraft Works helped develop the SportCruiser and is the US importer, distributor, support, and flight center, said the public release of the test demonstrates the company's confidence in the aircraft and the process. "There are very, very few companies in our field that have taken an entire aircraft through full-destructive testing," Defelici said. "We have done this, not only with individual components and systems, but also with the entire aircraft."

"The SportCruiser verifiably exceeds all ASTM guidelines, on all fronts," beamed Defelici. (ASTM International is the independent engineering organization through which standards are set for the LSA class of aircraft.) "To our delight and a little surprise, these tests proved the SportCruiser at levels 20 to 30% over its ultimate design loads."

The SportCruiser is an LSA-specific design for the large American market, a roomy low-wing metal machine that optimizes performance within the LSA rules. Designed for low initial cost ($74,500 FOB Indiantown, including pilot checkout), low operating costs, easy inspection and maintenance, and easy insurability, the SportCruiser is being delivered to individuals and flight schools in ever-increasing numbers, as the newly-expanded CZAW factory brings more and more of its capabilities on-line. CZAW currently manufactures over 100 aircraft and complete aircraft kits per year, and has just completed a 120,000 square foot expansion that will double that rate by year-end.

http://www.sportaircraftworks.com/oto%20bin/sportcruiser_brs_test.htm

http://www.sportaircraftworks.com/oto%20bin/sportcruiser_PFA_test.htm