Five all-metal designs offer broad range of capability, power.
Another
new series of kit aircraft made their debut at Oshkosh 2001. The newest models,
the BushCaddy L164 and the 8120 Voyageur were placed on display after arriving
from Montreal. Canadian Light Aircraft Sales & Services (CLASS) has
developed and upgraded the original 80hp, two-place BushCaddy ultralight into a
complete series of five airplanes, including the new four-place L164, which is
powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine rated at 180 hp.The unique gear-convertible Voyageur can be seen at the BushCaddy display. The taildragger-to-trike option, available on two models, allows owners to 'switch gears' in a few hours. Float fittings are also included in the Voyageur option. All BushCaddy kits and components, including fuel tanks, are made from aircraft grade aluminum. Certified as an advanced ultralight in Canada, USA and Australia, the BushCaddy R80 is available in a quick-build kit as well as a fully-assembled aircraft. The L164, at 1250 lb. empty, can lift its own weight in payload and fuel. With a maximum takeoff weight of 2500 lb. STOL capability and stall speeds as low as 35 kt, the L164 achieves cruise speeds in excess of 130 kt.
Sean Gilmore, CLASS partner, said the design is rugged, yet simple to build and fly. "Our philosophy is to design airplanes like the original Canadian bush planes - strong, easy to construct and maintain," he said. "Our goal is to bring new value and simplicity to building and owning a kit aircraft. The five models offer a really wide range of performance, payload and options, yet each is docile and capable."
More than 100 BushCaddys have already been sold, for operation on wheels, skis, floats and amphibs, in back country and urban areas. Kit production is being increased to meet current and projected demand.
Cabin dimensions are greater than many well-known aircraft, with a width up to 47", enhanced by "El-Bow" doors, and ample legroom for pilots over six feet tall. Cargo doors and flaps are available on all models. Instrument panels are deep and 43" wide, allowing the installation of full IFR instrumentation, including the newest flat-panel displays.
Buyers
can order progressive-stage kits to facilitate individual building schedules.
Fast-build kits have major components such as wings and fuselage built up to the
point of 'pre-cover' inspection. Construction time has been recorded in as few
as 800 hours.CLASS also acts as a factory dealer for new engines from Lycoming and Rotax. Significant buyer discounts are available to BushCaddy kit purchasers. "The new-airplane market demand is strong, when the value is there," Gilmore noted. "Sales for BushCaddy are outpacing our projections, and we believe that is a reflection of what we have designed, what we offer and the total support we offer our customers, day and night. We plan to become a significant player in the growing market for kit aircraft," he added.
The original BushCaddy flew in 1994, and the model line has recently been expanded to appeal to a wide range of pilots. Commonality of key components and structures ensures economies of scale as well as consistent tolerances and accuracies. Canadian Light Aircraft Sales and Services is a Montreal-based company specializing in the design, manufacture and support of ultralight and homebuilt aircraft and components. Its principals are Sean Gilmore and Marlene Gill