Aeromarine had some big news this year as we near completion of the Electrolite aircraft. This was my 39th Oshkosh. This one was made easier by the significant contributions of my friends Ben, Don, Ron, Scott, Dwight, and Art. They helped make the show a big success.
The Merlin always impresses as it is the biggest little aircraft at the show. Hard to get a better-performing aircraft for the price.
But it was the Electrolite that won the dead grass award. We are finally close to finalizing the commercial version of our electric power system. We did manage some nice test flights prior to Oshkosh but ran out of time to really run through all parameters. That work will continue later this month. The most interesting new feature is our remote-controlled add-on for flight training and demo rides. Imagine having a dual controlled single-seat aircraft! We can do that with twin servos on each control surface for redundancy. A true fly-by-wire system with a joystick for the instructor on the ground and a bigger joystick for the student pilot. The instructor can choose who has control and can even remotely deploy the parachute. Furthermore, the built-in autopilot has envelope protection and a return-to-base autoland program. See this video: https://www.mro-network.com/emerging-technology/innovative-aircraft-eaa-airventure-2019
The press really liked the Electrolite. Here is another nice post in Avweb: https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/electroair-electric-ultralight-to-offer-remote-piloting/?MailingID=119&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Electroair+s+Remote+Control+Ultralight%2C+Final+Notes+from+AirVenture&utm_campaign=Electroair+s+Remote+Control+Ultralight%2C+Final+Notes+from+AirVenture+-+Wednesday+July+31%2C+2019
Expect more good press soon including a significant article in Aviation Week. 41 pre-orders now. Time to deliver.
The show however, is never without its’ challenges. Last year was the overloaded and convoluted holding pattern. This year I was one of only a few aircraft inbound due to all grass parking closed from the excessive rains. I thought I had it so easy but just 4 minutes out they closed the runways for warbirds and I was put into a holding pattern all alone. At least it was only one lap. Then I was clear on base to 36R and told to ‘fly under’ the landing Yaks on final to 36L. As they were also descending I really had to dive then crank a hard left to final. I can hardly wait to see what surprises next years’ Oshkosh arrival will offer.
CWE
