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At Airventure
2010 the FK 9 ELA, an updated model in the FK9 series of
aircraft was introduced. While the plane looks similar to
it's predecessor, a closer look reveals a number of changes.
The first
noticeable difference is that it has rear windows or view
ports on each side of the plane directly behind the seats,
and the pilot's side of the plane now features a door for
entry into a new baggage storage area. The plane is also
larger, 42 inches at the doors, to better fit American
pilots and now has a 600 lbs useful load. As is about 80% of
the light sport aircraft on the U.S. market the FK 9 ELA is
powered by the Rotax 912 S 100 HP aircraft engine. It fits
neatly into a new aerodynamically designed engine cowl,
which also gives more access to the engine compartment.
If you were to
compare the interior of the new FK 9 ELA to an automobile,
it would have to be that of a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL. Not only
is the interior finished off nicely it is very pilot
friendly. The seat cushions can be adjusted for different
size pilots, the seat can be adjust forward and aft, the
seat back can be fixed in a number of positions and when
adjusted forward they rise, to give the pilot a better
view.
The FK 9 ELA
uses standard stick and rudder controls with dual sticks
located between the pilot's legs. It has a steerable nose
wheel with a center brake lever located on the center
console between the seats. A manual trim lever is also
located on the right hand side of the console, with the
electric trim tab on the center portion.
Ventilation is
supplied by two window vents and two vents in the center
console which can also be changed over to supply heat. The
unit on display was fitted with a Dynon D 100 and D 120, and a
number of round engine instruments. The FK 9 ELA's wings are
removable in about 5 minutes, and there is an optional wing
folding kit, that makes it possible for one person to fold
the wings back onto the tail.
While
construction of the FK 9 ELA looks to be composite, it uses
a welded steel fuselage in the front section of the plane
covered in composite materials. This provides a sound
structural to protect the pilot in cases of a mishap.
Cruise comes
in at 110 knots, the base model has 20 gallons of fuel, with
the Cruiser which comes standard with a BRS parachute,
having 26 gallons. The doors can be opened and closed in
flight, under reduced speed conditions. The plane is
available in both a float and amphib float version.
For more
information:
HANSEN AIR GROUP - EAST
Cobb County McCollum Airport (KRYY)
2600 Cessna Lane ? Kennesaw,
GA 30144 ? 770.427.6311
HANSEN AIR GROUP - WEST
Gillespie Field (KSEE)
2023 North Marshall Avenue ? El Cajon, CA 92020 ? 619.562.3086
www.hansenairgroup.com |
