Why Lightning?

Did you know that the Lightning has almost a 5:1 VNE to stall ratio!

The structure of the Lightning was tested extensively for symmetrical and asymmetrical flight loads to over 9 G at a gross weight of 1320 lbs.


The Lightning cruises at 175 mph on 120 hp, burning 5.5 gallons per hour Solo climb rates settle in at 1700 fpm Roll rates exceed 45 deg/second. Top speed is 190 mph.

Did you know that the Lightning be fitted with an optional parachute? Ballistic Recovery Systems Inc was brought in to help design a safe, strong recovery system for the Lightning.

The Lightning is a mix of molded fiberglass components and welded 4130 steel structures; a construction method where no epoxy layups are needed to complete the kit. This means that you just trim and fit the parts, complete some final fabrication of the parts and bolt the plane together!

Before I could choose an aircraft design to build I had to clearly define one very important thing...

What was my mission going to be? Uhh, let’s see...

(Fast, fun to fly, good looking, nimble and quick to build.)

So, here are some of the requirements that I had when selecting which aircraft I wanted to buy.

It did not need to be Sport Pilot compliant, but if I changed my mind before certification, I wanted the option to make it so.
It needed to be agile, not docile, but with good handling characteristics.
Composite or Metal? Uhhh, composite, or a good reason to be metal.
Good useful load and a roomy enough cabin area for two 6’-2” people
It needed to be fitted with a Jabiru 3300 by default, or as an option. I wanted to fly fast for little cost!
Low wing, low wing, low wing!
Capabilities for a good speed to stall ratio; at least 4:1.
I wanted to utilize a build center to complete the aircraft quickly with expert advice along the way.
Finally, I did not have $100,000 to spend. I needed something reasonable.

Taking this into consideration, here is a list of aircraft that made the final cut. Click on each to read my opinions.


	Arion Lightning - Estimated cost to build: $75,000


	Wing Span 27' 2" Length 20' Cockpit Width Elbow 43" Empty Weight 775 lbs Gross Weight 1425 lbs Useful Load 650 lbs Engine: Jabiru 3300


	Maximum Speed 190 mph Cruise Speed 175 mph Vne 208 mph Stall (Full Flap) 45 mph Stall Clean 56 mph Take Off Roll 315 ft Landing Roll (with brakes) 500 ft Climb Rate (at gross) 1200 ft / min


	Sonex - Estimated cost to build: $55,000


	Wing Span 22’ Length 18’ 1”' Cockpit Width Elbow 40" Empty Weight 620 lbs Gross Weight 1150 lbs Useful Load 530 lbs Engine: Jabiru 3300


	Maximum Speed 175 mph Cruise Speed 170 mph Vne 197 mph Stall (Full Flap) 40 mph Stall Clean 46 mph Take Off Roll 250 ft Landing Roll (with brakes) 500 ft Climb Rate (at gross) 1200 ft / min


	Sport Cruiser - Estimated cost to build: $82,000


	Wing Span 28.8’ Length 21.3’ Cockpit Width Elbow 46.5" Empty Weight 780 lbs Gross Weight 1320 lbs Useful Load 540 lbs Engine: Rotax 912 UL


	Maximum Speed 155 mph Cruise Speed 138 mph Vne 160 mph Stall (Full Flap) 32 mph Stall Clean 35 mph Take Off Roll 360 ft Landing Roll (with brakes) 400 ft Climb Rate (at gross) 900 ft / min


	Dynamic WT-9 - Estimated cost to buy: $97,000+


	Wing Span 29.7’ Length 21.2’ Cockpit Width Elbow 44.5" Empty Weight 650 lbs Gross Weight 1200 lbs Useful Load 550 lbs Engine: Rotax 912 UL


	Maximum Speed 167 mph Cruise Speed 155 mph Vne 186 mph Stall (Full Flap) 37 mph Stall Clean 42 mph Climb Rate (at gross) 1000 ft / min


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