Another factor is that what we've seen in sales of LSA in the last three years has occurred to satisfy a very pent up demand, as people quickly bought something to fly, since no LSA existed before mid 2005, or really into 2006, in any numbers.
Now, that pent up demand no longer exists; it has been satisfied. Sales of airplanes from here on out have to only satisfy a sustainable, long term demand. I honesty feel that there just isn't room in the market for any more LSA, and again, once Cessna and Cirrus come to market, my guess is that many of the existing LSA manufacturers will be gone in short order. Jerry E. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jerry Eichenberger Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 11:12 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected] Subject: RE: [ercoupe-tech] Re: Light weight SLSA now on market I've been at a loss on what to do about getting a modern LSA. With so many aircraft in the marketplace, we know that there will eventually be a big shakeout; the only question is when, and who will survive, long term. Sales of new LSA are down this year, and I've heard as much as 20%. Attribute that to economic worries, I guess. But to me, there is no way that the LSA market is large enough to sustain 50+ different offerings that are now available. And, the Cessna and Cirrus airplanes aren't even in the mix yet. Frankly, I believe that once these two gorillas actually start selling airplanes, many of the lesser ones will quickly fold their tents. If you're going to plunk down $100,000+, are you going to give it to someone like Cessna or Cirrus, who is likely to be around for a long time, for product support, etc., or give that much dough to some upstart, or European, who may not be here 5 years from now? Interesting quandary. Jerry E. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 10:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Re: Light weight SLSA now on market Hi Al, There is the Thorp T211 manufactured by Indus aircraft. You can slide the canopy back in flight. I flew one at sun & fun and really liked it. I think it is only available as a completed aircraft. Several engine choices. Cheers, Bill Al said: Only thing, though - you can't put the top down while flying it. When something like that comes along, I'll bite. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Famous, the Infamous, the Lame - in your browser. Get the TMZ Toolbar Now!
