Red, white, blue and small describes one of the latest airplanes for sale in the United States.
The StingSport resembles a basic model with its single propeller engine, two-person cabin and 28-foot wingspan.
It also has new aviation features like a Global Positioning System, its own parachute and carbon fiber shelling.
The visibility is unbelievable, said Victor Gelking, owner of Vics Aircraft Sales in Fargo. He said the planes bubble-like canopy provided a clear view of the sky when he personally flew it.
The StingSport also fits into new federal regulations that aviation enthusiasts say can affect the future of flying.
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A lot of people can fly who arent flying, Joshua Foss, president of Sportsplanes.com, said about the new regulations.
The StingSport, recently became classified as a light sport aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Gelking received the plane from its distributor Sportair-USA, LC last month. He is the StingSport dealer for North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
The StingSport made its U.S. debut in May after the FAA finalized the Light Sport Aircraft certification and the Sport Pilot Certificate last September.
Pilots are only eligible to receive the certificate if they have not had previous licenses revoked by the FAA.
Foss notes health also factors into certificate eligibility. He said pilots should be able to truthfully look into a mirror and say Im healthy today.
Sportsplanes.com is one of several companies geared to promote sport flying, in addition to StingSports Sportair USA, LC. It has regional centers that provide sport plane sales, maintenance and flight training.
Sport flying is a nice opportunity for a lot of older guys to get back into flying, Foss said. Expenses are a big reason pilots may leave the skies, he said.
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Operating costs are less than driving a motor home, Foss said. Sport pilots may also fly at half the price for a private pilots license.
Gelking also agrees sport flying is cheaper than other planes.
He said a favorite feature of the StingSport is that it is economical to operate, with pilots spending about $9 to $10 an hour on fuel.
In addition to welcoming back pilots, sport flying may also attract younger fliers.
Foss said the certificate is very beneficial to young fliers because people as young as 16 can apply.
The FAA imposed sport flying restrictions despite its lenient certificate requirements like no night flights and no flying planes holding more than two people.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Benny Polacca at (701) 235-7311
