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Two of the hardest working people in the lightsport aircraft field have to
be Adriel Anderson and his father Tony. It seems whatever show I am
covering, the two of them are their demonstrating their entry into the
lightsport aircraft category the FK 9 MK IV. Tony operates two flight
training facilities for lightsport and ultralight enthusiasts the land
based operation is called Wings of Paradise, and his float plane school
is called Ultralight Adventures. The FK 9MK IV is used for training in
both schools, as well as the Drifter and several other makes.
The FK 9 MK IV has undergone a number of changes since I did the
flight report on it. It now has a shorter wing for better handling in
turbulence and cross wing landings. The angle of incidence in the wing
has been changed to provide better performance and forward visibility.
At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo FK 9 MK IV had a new option added,
floats. Adriel Anderson has been working with his father from a very
young age first learning to fly in his fathers ultralight flight
training school in a Quicksilver took some time out from talking to
potential customers to talk about the float equipped FK 9 MK IV.
The sleek looking craft features carbon fiber construction in the
fuselage and wings. It has a steel safety cage built into the cockpit
for pilot protection. The horizontal stabilizer and control surfaces are
aluminum covered in fabric.
The plane uses dual stick, rudder, and throttle controls, with
manually operated flaps, and trim. It comes standard with a cabin
heater. The seats backs are adjustable on the ground to comfortably fit
pilots from 5' 4" to well over 6'. There is a storage area directly
behind the seats that can hold up to 30 lbs.
The plane has excellent visibility and comes standard with an
overhead skylight. It can be flown with the doors on or off for an even
better view. The plane has a foldable wing option for ease of storage
and transportation.
The plane is powered by either the Rotax 912 or 912 S, with the 912 S
100 HP model recommended for float operation. The FK 9 can now be
equipped with the Bowman 1500 series of floats which are manufactured in
Wisconsin, and have developed a reputation for their ruggedness in the
conventional float plane market.
The floats come with two storage compartments on either float, which
can be used to carry another 10 gallons fuel or camping gear etc. The
top of the floats are flat and have a non skid surface allowing pilots
to safely walk from one end of the float to the other.
For steering on the water the floats are equipped with dual water
rudders which are operated via the rudder pedals and are retractable. |
