Skybound REMOS light sport aircraft
Michael Combs and his Remos LSA.
Setting records and gaining media attention seen by the non-flying public is part of the program. On Saturday June 30th, he attempted a new Coast-to-Coast national and world record in a Light-Sport Aircraft. While we've had round-the-world flights, we haven't heard much about LSA records. What does it mean?
Michael's flight is sanctioned through the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), America's aviation record-keeper and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world aviation record sanctioning body. The record specifies a flight from one place to stated destination, and the flights have to be more than a certain distance.
Various aircraft classes are available, depending upon weight. Michael's Remos fits in the under-1,000 kilogram class called C1B. His record is attempted in an unmodified Light-Sport Aircraft under the restrictions of the Sport Pilot certificate. The maximum time to achieve a world record is determined by dividing the total straight line flight distance by the slowest flap speed of the aircraft, which for Michael's Remos calculates to 43 hours.
REMOS light sport aircraft
The Straight Line Distance is 1,954 nautical miles, with an Actual Calculated Flight Distance of 2,030 nautical miles involving eight fuel stops, and one night stop. Such record attempts are challenging in many ways.
Once you take off the meter is running. The challenge is to overcome the speed restriction while adhering to the limitations of the Sport Pilot Airman Certificate. That means no night flying, but the meter is still running while you sleep, and of course, you must cope with weather.
Michael had a delayed take off from near San Diego due to clouds.
REMOS light sport aircraft
Literally, 15 minutes before his Go/No-Go time, conditions improved enough for a special VFR departure. That started him about and hour and a half late. He experienced some weather along the route that forced a stop in Abilene, Texas instead of his home base at US Aviation in Denton, Texas.
The next morning, Hope One made good time, and was still within the time restriction at 91 miles from the destination. After flying VFR through fairly violent weather, he was forced to scrub record attempt as the destination airport was socked in under lightning and thunderstorms.
So, the clock ran out without setting a record, but Michael made a valiant attempt. Safety and sanity must prevail, as they did, so he can make another attempt and continue to inspire people to follow their dreams. Check Michael's record attempt where you can see more of his exploits. Then, stay tuned for the follow-up attempt. Maybe this will inspire all of us to do more following our dreams!
Remos GX is manufactured in several versions including GXeLITE, GXnXES, GXULTIMATE and GXPERSONAL. For American customers, the appropriate LSA model is the GXnXES. Remos continues to manufacture composite parts for its aircraft and performs similar work for other customers. The company also reports doing service and repairs with modifications performed on other brands of customer aircraft at its northern Germany facilities.