Sportcruiser Update

[Doug Cobb]

Could anyone provide an update on the current status of Czech Aircraft Works and the Sportcruiser?  Are new airplanes being built and imported?  Is the parent company solvent?  How is maintenance and support?  

 

I am a retired private pilot interested in the LSA world.  I haven't found anything I like as much as the Sportcruiser, but I'm worried about whether the airplace has become and orphan.

 

Thanks!

[Ben Fitzgerald-O'Connor]

Hi Doug,

 

We're the dealer for the UK and I should be able to reassure you on this. As you note the SportCruiser is a great plane and as an owner of one myself the best thing I can say is that it flies like it looks like it should, and the maitanance etc. holds no surprises.

 

With regards to the plane being an orphan, I don't think you need worry about that. The business of LSA manufacture is a competitive one but CSA have a great product in the SportCruiser that will doubtlessly succeed. The market is tough for everyone at the moment and I've been questioned recently about the rumours that CSA is about to be taken over by the same people (CAIGA) who are trying to take over Cirrus (in the same way China bought MG Rover Cars from the UK). The Chinese obviously recoginise that the SportCruiser is a great plane and if this happened and production moved east then this would be no bad thing for owners - it would ensure that he plane is well supported for years to come and remains dominant in the market place.

 

Most parts aside from the airframe are available from Aircraft Spruce for quick delivery, and in the unlikely event that the CSA factory did fold then others can make parts for the plane - we already have engineers who can do this.

 

Right now we have no problem getting parts or spares so our backup plans are just that. I'd suggest you fly the ailcraft and if you like it then go for it - with 600+ flying around the world this is the best assurance of continued support.

 

Regards

Ben

[Joseph Kiefer]

I understand and share your concern.  The total lack of information from both CSA and US Sport Aircraft over the last few months is disturbing and very bad for their business. When Piper announced its pull out in January there were public announcments about continued support.  There has been nothing since.  What is the status of part support in the US? What is CSA doing in terms of manufacturing and changes to the aircraft? Why is there no advertising or information about the sport cruiser in aviation publications or websites? There is  nothing but a vacuum and, since spreading good news would be good for business, it leads me to suspect that there is only bad news.This is a great plane and I am more than happy to talk it up to potential purchasers but its hard to recommend it when we are in the dark about support.. 

[Richard T. Russ]

Doug the SportCruiser is a great plane and I can assure you that the Czech's will continue to sell and support the plane world wide. US Sport Aircraft in Ft Pierce, Florida is the primary importer and assembler. A dealer network has been established nation wide to support sales, training and spare parts. I have PiperSport S/N 004 and love the plane. If you can make it to Oshkosh (and you should )you need to stop by the US Sport Aircraft tent and look at the new model SportCruiser. Say hello to Don Meyers and Donato Martino while you are there. Tell them that Dick sent you.

In my opinion you can look at every LSA out there and not find a better plane than the SportCruiser/PiperSport.

Check out vtheir website www,ussportaircraft.com

[daniel s dennison md]

I am in need of a new radiator for my 2011 Piper Sport with Rotax 912 ULS engine. I am told that the radiators come from a separate manufacturer other than from the Czech Aircraft factory. Does anyone know where I might find a replacement radiator to fit the tight cowling of the sport cruiser?