Meh, no utility. If you can’t put two fold up bikes in it for the two people up front it’s useless, otherwise your just sitting around waiting for Uber to come get your lazy butt all the time. Being able to ride your bike into town with a friend right after you land makes a plane thousand times more valuable. Not this thing.
@@tropicthndr LOL I mean I feel that and own a Surron but thats a silly ass argument for spending a half a million dollars more... Also there are plenty of compact ebikes or scooters that could fit in a regular luggage area of an experimental...
@@Tom-ih8gr 141hp (915iS) at 205KTAS yields 235.6 lbs of thrust. EW is 793 lbs, plus a half-full 37 Gal tank (111 lbs) and an American pilot (180 lbs) yields 1084 lbs aircraft weight, and a trust-to-weight ratio of... 0.207... which is far from a fighter jet and less than modern Airbuses and Boeings. Probably quite a bit more responsive, though.
There is a guy that at the field I teach at that has one of these. He's basically the BMW driver of the field. A lot of regs just don't seem to apply to him - which is great for students to see.
Oh man, have loved the VL3 ever since I came across it in MSFS. Now I think I just might have to get my PPL and buy one...that's the dream! Thanks for the vid Stef, love it!!!
This might be my favourite video of yours so far Stef! I’ve spent many hours flying this plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator and have been waiting a long time for a good Aussie review of this aircraft. Loving the content!!
I watch this video weekly and can't wait to get my license and buy this plane. Hence, I'm only 23 and doing as many hours as possible as a full-time university student; I'm not a pilot student but doing this in my free time to get as much bourse as possible, but what an aircraft, beautiful & sexy. Thank you for this video, mate. You are a legend. I am also glad that you have recovered very well ❤
Looks like lots of fun but it's a 2 seater by the looks of it. The Sling you reviewed not long ago was a similar style with 4 seats. EYZ is being prepared for a round the world flight, well maybe . Thanks Stef
I’ve owned two aircraft with 4 seats and there is very rarely anyone in them. Still, buyers want 4 seats. It’s like 3 bedroom homes for childless couples. I have often put dogs and bags in our plane that I doubt would fit in that. Wish them luck though.
Great video as always Stef. I'd say these planes are no threat to Cirrus as these are very different in pretty much every way (certainly no Cirrus killer) Great fun to fly though :D
Its also half the size of a Cirrus. The whole point of owning one is that they are comfortable, roomy, and a decent amount of baggage for 4 passengers. This is a fun "toy" but a totally different utility.
It is not really a toy, at least it's not equipped like a toy. I'd see it more like a single seat time machine. It allows you to be several places for cheap(ish). If they could get it IFR certified (idk if it is), it would underline this point.
Exactly this! Don't really care about either plane being compared, really doesn't matter, However seats are important, especially with a GA plane. This is not only click bait but clearly an intentional glaring oversight. Disappointed to say the least and it turns me off from this channel permanently.
Yeah… this is an obvious apples to watermelons comparison. A more “apples to apples” comparison for this airplane would be something like a Glassair 3. That’s just my two cents…
@@zeropoint46 but consider he is a cirrus flyer himself, and we cannot deny the market for personal flying just because you think seats are important to you. Yes, the 2 planes serves different purposes, but it is what it is, and i do think he should clarify that one better
Same stats at below 10,000' as my previous Glasair 1RG. From there on up though, this can cruise higher, faster, has a BRS and looks a lot more comfy. It's a beautiful looking aeroplane. A bit too pricey for my wallet though.
Nice review. Focused on the enjoyment of the overall experience - visibility and speed, plus easy control and nav for the pilot. (BTW, your description of the airspace there reminded me of why i fly outside of Napa, CA (KAPC) - start in Delta airspace, but you’re right next to a Bravo experience (KSFO), and also near Charlie (eg KOAK or KSMF), yet you can still immediately turn away and hit class E to “just go.” Lots of non-towered fields, tiny coastal strips, farms, forest, vineyards, etc. Whatever you want.👍)
I tooled the Cirrus Sr fuselage and wingskins, as well as the rest of her during preproduction years to get her FAA certified. If you are going to compare yourself to her... you had better be in the same class... with the same amount of seats. The Cirrus is an outstanding aircraft to this day.
Ok I'm not an actual pilot, but a flight simmer here. So I've got MSFS2020 not for the jets but for the Cirrus SR22, But I fell in love with flying this very same aircraft. Of course I know it's not the real thing, but the field of view from inside the aircraft must be spectacular in reality compared to VR.
What a great looking airplane! Just a thought. Regardless of what the manufacturer says - this really is not likely a plane that those wanting to buy a Cirrus would be interested in. It has two seats, very little luggage space, has retracts, has a poor useful load, etc. She's an AMAZING looking aircraft with an awesome panel for sure, but to compare it to the same market of pilots that the Cirrus attracts really isn't likely to bring them success. You own a Cirrus - would you really give up the second row of seats, ease of fixed gear maintenance, ample luggage space, etc. for one of these?
When you get tired of paying GA prices for annual inspections these planes start looking very attractive. Most pilots fly 2 people 90% time. Many 4-seater GA airplanes are really two-seater with luggage and 90% fuel leaving no space for any additional people. There is a market for these planes as over 500 have been sold and over 450 have been produced already.
This is what I love about LSA and RAAus, you dont need to (always) break the bank for that kind of performance. If I had to choose the aircraft I want to own for years and years, This would be the one.
Me too, but it should be noted that the VL3 915i in this video is certainly not a LSA! It is an uncertified standard category aircraft. You need a full PPL to fly this plane.
Much like the Lancair which I adore but they are only making limited kits and now only have a retractable nose gear. If I had the money, this baby would be in my hangar tomorrow! If I only had a hangar!
Great video as always Steff. Im not sure is it directly competes with EZY, but its definitely a fun way to fly. I would imagine its very susceptible to turbulence as its quite light. Keep going mate, I love your channel.
Very interested in vids like these. I’ve flown the BRM Bristell which has a similar vibe, but gorgeous to fly. In the vids, the dash looks fairly high in front. Is that something you noticed, or is it just the wide angle lens?
Man, we need this version in MSFS 2020! We have the 912 version already! Altho, I think there is a mod that sorts that, but still! :P What an awesome plane!
Well this is a Killer. High Performance, modern and safe. The Rotax 915 is one of the best aircraft engines out of the Rotax family. Wait for the turbine version, which is already flying. The next killer. And I am sure, they will come out with a four seater too. Then this will be also highly interesting. High performance at its best.
I heard someone say something at Sun N Fun about this VL3 shaking at 130 knots, but then another guy said they fixed it. Did you feel anything? What was your thought about the bubble canapony? The Cirrus is not a bubble like this. Was the sun brutal? I live in FL, with lots of sun. This plane, which I sat in at Sun N Fun is much smaller than a Cirrus, but the cirrus is about $900K, new.
Hi Steven, I was at sun and fun as well and I never heard of any shaking at 130knots. The 912uls has been doing much faster speeds for years. In hot countries, we typically use a sunshade but once you are at altitude it's really no factor and the vents work nicely on the canopy when you taxi.
By the way, JMB Aircraft is testing VL3 Evolution with TURBINE engine. They say it should have less fuel consumption than 915is, more reliable and TCO 3000 hrs.
I fly a similar plane (2 seater, rotax, g3x avionics, BRS etc) but they certainly are not a Cirrus -killer by any means. Fun to fly for sure with its airliner style Avionics and AP, but feels like a gokart in the skies.
I stefan hope you are well buddy. What a plane buddy get saving stefan.did philip see you back in west Yorkshire yesterday 20th April it was about 1900.very good plane for the money That one.philip is still interested in learning are you fixed to teach philip stefan. Keep well and safe buddy phil.
Heard you come in to Lethbridge today Stefan! I was out flying not too away far in Inverleigh but it was a nice surprise hearing a familiar voice over the radio as opposed to RUclips! What sort of flying were doing today? 🙂
Awesome video! That's actually my family friends aircraft I've been flying in the past week! The VL3 is a tonne of fun to fly and has performance unlike any aircraft I've flown before!
I would like to change my Grob for this one, but dreaming is also relaxing 🤣🤣 Best shot is here of course this 08:05 and ... 08:43 ... really Everyone?
Love the sound it made when he applied take-off power, so smooth - didn't even sound like a piston engine!
That’s a Rotax for you, and the 915 is about the smoothest of them all. The 914 turbo when both carbs are balanced is butter as well.
A typical rotax engine sound. Not as "beefy" as traditional engines, but I don't mind the thrifty fuel flow.
@@lsx001 The 915 sounds like a souped up racing engine from the inside and turboprop from the outside. 👌🏼
I LOVE this airplane. I am not sure if it's a "Cirrus Killer", but it is still a great aircraft. This is in my top 5 aircraft to own.
Yeah, half the passenger capacity kind of puts them in different classes.
Cessna 152 killer? Nobody has even thought about buying a NEW 152 in quite a while though
Meh, no utility. If you can’t put two fold up bikes in it for the two people up front it’s useless, otherwise your just sitting around waiting for Uber to come get your lazy butt all the time. Being able to ride your bike into town with a friend right after you land makes a plane thousand times more valuable. Not this thing.
@@julianbrelsford They stopped production of the 152 in 1985 so not really an option if you want new lol.
@@tropicthndr LOL I mean I feel that and own a Surron but thats a silly ass argument for spending a half a million dollars more... Also there are plenty of compact ebikes or scooters that could fit in a regular luggage area of an experimental...
That low approach though... You weren't kidding about the fighter jet analogy!
Moved like he hit the afterburners.
It’s got 143hp, the fighter jet comparison is truly ludicrous
@@Tom-ih8gr 141hp (915iS) at 205KTAS yields 235.6 lbs of thrust. EW is 793 lbs, plus a half-full 37 Gal tank (111 lbs) and an American pilot (180 lbs) yields 1084 lbs aircraft weight, and a trust-to-weight ratio of... 0.207... which is far from a fighter jet and less than modern Airbuses and Boeings. Probably quite a bit more responsive, though.
@@Tom-ih8gr you're kidding? you're telling me this isn't an f-16 :(
@@Tom-ih8gr How much does it weigh though? Compared to say an F-18?
Nice looking plane, looks like the love child of a Lancair 360 and a Sling TSI…😻
at first glance I thought Lancair?
Exactly what I was thinking. Looks like they tried to copy sling designs
Would smash a Sling TSI
@@davidzuegn1538 no it wouldn't lol
There is a guy that at the field I teach at that has one of these. He's basically the BMW driver of the field. A lot of regs just don't seem to apply to him - which is great for students to see.
that was a cool buzzing the tower shot!!! great video as always, Stef!!
Yeah that was a lot of fun. Def going to ask to do that next time I'm in EYZ.
"Two of your snot nose jockies did a fly by past my tower... "
I was right behind you for take off on 17R... The climb angle looked impressive!
Small world, isn't it?
Oh man, have loved the VL3 ever since I came across it in MSFS. Now I think I just might have to get my PPL and buy one...that's the dream! Thanks for the vid Stef, love it!!!
Wow. Now this is an impressive aircraft.
That low pass and pull was just extraordinary and wonderful to see inside AND from the tower..
This might be my favourite video of yours so far Stef! I’ve spent many hours flying this plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator and have been waiting a long time for a good Aussie review of this aircraft. Loving the content!!
I watch this video weekly and can't wait to get my license and buy this plane. Hence, I'm only 23 and doing as many hours as possible as a full-time university student; I'm not a pilot student but doing this in my free time to get as much bourse as possible, but what an aircraft, beautiful & sexy. Thank you for this video, mate. You are a legend. I am also glad that you have recovered very well ❤
Looks like lots of fun but it's a 2 seater by the looks of it. The Sling you reviewed not long ago was a similar style with 4 seats. EYZ is being prepared for a round the world flight, well maybe . Thanks Stef
not to compare
I’ve owned two aircraft with 4 seats and there is very rarely anyone in them. Still, buyers want 4 seats. It’s like 3 bedroom homes for childless couples. I have often put dogs and bags in our plane that I doubt would fit in that. Wish them luck though.
So nostalgic.. did my commercial at Moorabbin back in 2012. Nice to hear the same friendly voices in the tower
That low pass 💦 very nimble aircraft. Amazing
Good analogy on comparing the performance and capabilities of the two aircraft.
This video is so wholesome, just Stefan side by side with a Czech guy with a heavy accent in a plane with a glass canopy... and lo-fi music.
Joren is not Czech, he is from Belgium. Works as a ferry pilot.
@@BajdiElectronics …Belgian guy with a heavy accent.
Low approach was 👌. I want one!
I like the big frameless canopy - F16 style.
Looks very similar to the Czech Cruiser Sport - nice looking aircraft.
I figured the RV10 was the serious Cirrus Killer. Although the Bonanza and Centurion have been putting up numbers for decades
That's definitely a cool little aircraft. Thanks for bringing us along with you. I look forward to seeing you back in EYZ.
Nice! JMB have also announced the turbine version which is going to be shown at the AERO in Friedrichshafen at the end of April!
Super impressive, it seems light, and fast and I like that it's a complex aircraft.
Great video as always Stef. I'd say these planes are no threat to Cirrus as these are very different in pretty much every way (certainly no Cirrus killer) Great fun to fly though :D
Love the visibility with that canopy.
Its also half the size of a Cirrus. The whole point of owning one is that they are comfortable, roomy, and a decent amount of baggage for 4 passengers. This is a fun "toy" but a totally different utility.
Yeah, it's like calling a Miata a "Camry killer".
Not the same class of vehicle, a coupe vs a sedan.
wanted to say this as well. The Cirrus is MUCH bigger.
Humans are no different than animals falling into traps. I love this stuff
good point.
It is not really a toy, at least it's not equipped like a toy. I'd see it more like a single seat time machine. It allows you to be several places for cheap(ish).
If they could get it IFR certified (idk if it is), it would underline this point.
What a gorgeous aircraft. I hope I can afford one someday.
you can lease one
@@lars9966 how?
@@brandongriffin79 by contacting them?
@@lars9966 oh ok I was just asking. Sorry
What an awesome airplaneI Love flying with a bubble canopy.
“The same as a cirrus but for Half the price, half the fuel flow…” and half the seats…
Exactly this! Don't really care about either plane being compared, really doesn't matter, However seats are important, especially with a GA plane. This is not only click bait but clearly an intentional glaring oversight. Disappointed to say the least and it turns me off from this channel permanently.
Just buy 2 then lol
Yeah… this is an obvious apples to watermelons comparison.
A more “apples to apples” comparison for this airplane would be something like a Glassair 3.
That’s just my two cents…
@@zeropoint46 but consider he is a cirrus flyer himself, and we cannot deny the market for personal flying just because you think seats are important to you. Yes, the 2 planes serves different purposes, but it is what it is, and i do think he should clarify that one better
@@MIO9_sh sure, just don't call it a Cirrus killer... Number of seat are one of my top, and I imagine most pilots, consideration when buying a plane.
Same stats at below 10,000' as my previous Glasair 1RG. From there on up though, this can cruise higher, faster, has a BRS and looks a lot more comfy. It's a beautiful looking aeroplane. A bit too pricey for my wallet though.
Unfortunatley any plane is too pricey for my walket 😢
its practically a lancair but certified . none the less an absolute beast of a plane.
Awesome video Stef! This now comes with a turbine! Gotta check that one out! Will be hard to beat that for bragging rights!
Nice review. Focused on the enjoyment of the overall experience - visibility and speed, plus easy control and nav for the pilot.
(BTW, your description of the airspace there reminded me of why i fly outside of Napa, CA (KAPC) - start in Delta airspace, but you’re right next to a Bravo experience (KSFO), and also near Charlie (eg KOAK or KSMF), yet you can still immediately turn away and hit class E to “just go.” Lots of non-towered fields, tiny coastal strips, farms, forest, vineyards, etc. Whatever you want.👍)
I tooled the Cirrus Sr fuselage and wingskins, as well as the rest of her during preproduction years to get her FAA certified. If you are going to compare yourself to her... you had better be in the same class... with the same amount of seats. The Cirrus is an outstanding aircraft to this day.
My German buddy Frank has one of these and a channel showcasing it and loves it! I still love a Cirrus though
8:15 loved that! 🛫
Looks great. Lots of performance.
Looks much better I like the controls better love the visibility
That is such a cool looking aircraft
Ok I'm not an actual pilot, but a flight simmer here. So I've got MSFS2020 not for the jets but for the Cirrus SR22, But I fell in love with flying this very same aircraft. Of course I know it's not the real thing, but the field of view from inside the aircraft must be spectacular in reality compared to VR.
Was just flying the MSFS 2020 jmb in VR and wow it is so stinkin fun and GORGEOUS
I have an oculus Quest 2 and it looks terrible in fs2020 am I doing something wrong?
Loved the flight, one fast plane!
Honestly, i think the panthera can do same bit with 4 seaters. But for half price of cirrus, its still not cirrus competitor.
What a great looking airplane! Just a thought. Regardless of what the manufacturer says - this really is not likely a plane that those wanting to buy a Cirrus would be interested in. It has two seats, very little luggage space, has retracts, has a poor useful load, etc. She's an AMAZING looking aircraft with an awesome panel for sure, but to compare it to the same market of pilots that the Cirrus attracts really isn't likely to bring them success. You own a Cirrus - would you really give up the second row of seats, ease of fixed gear maintenance, ample luggage space, etc. for one of these?
When you get tired of paying GA prices for annual inspections these planes start looking very attractive. Most pilots fly 2 people 90% time. Many 4-seater GA airplanes are really two-seater with luggage and 90% fuel leaving no space for any additional people. There is a market for these planes as over 500 have been sold and over 450 have been produced already.
Absolutely gorgeous aircraft.
What a stunner!
This is what I love about LSA and RAAus, you dont need to (always) break the bank for that kind of performance. If I had to choose the aircraft I want to own for years and years, This would be the one.
Yep.same. Gimme gimme gimme gimme!
My AA5B will do for now...
This aircraft is NOT LSA. It has retractable gear, a constant speed prop and cruises a little faster than allowed.
Me too, but it should be noted that the VL3 915i in this video is certainly not a LSA! It is an uncertified standard category aircraft. You need a full PPL to fly this plane.
@@speedomars It is an LSA in AUS, and other countries that accept UL2 certification.
Much like the Lancair which I adore but they are only making limited kits and now only have a retractable nose gear. If I had the money, this baby would be in my hangar tomorrow! If I only had a hangar!
Great vid stef what a cool looking plane like the sr22 it's amazing how fast it climbs and it is pretty fast as well
That glass cockpit is sick
If other aircraft company comparing themselves with cirrus, its kinda cool that cirrus has become standard of small plane.
That is a good looking airplane. Looks good both on the ground and in the air.
That low pass over runway would have been so cool !!!
Wow that low pass was awesome !!
That's a flippin sweet ride.
Beautiful aircraft....great video Stef
If Aermacci was still making the SF.260, this would be it. Nice!
It's a fun 2-seater that'll do 200kts and not burn a ton of fuel. Not a "Cirrus killer" by any stretch though. Apples & walnuts.
Cirrus killer?
My friend had a V tail Bonanza 35 that was known as a Dentist killer..
Looks like a very nice-flying bird
So you’ve got air conditioning you can use during takeoff and landings, 5 seats, FIKI, and a ceiling of at least FL250 right?
Welcome in the VL3 Family 😎🤙🏼
Looks like serious competition
Great video as always Steff. Im not sure is it directly competes with EZY, but its definitely a fun way to fly. I would imagine its very susceptible to turbulence as its quite light. Keep going mate, I love your channel.
A demo flight IN the factory? Would love that, especially if it's a big factory.
Very interested in vids like these. I’ve flown the BRM Bristell which has a similar vibe, but gorgeous to fly. In the vids, the dash looks fairly high in front. Is that something you noticed, or is it just the wide angle lens?
Beautiful aircraft. In another life, I'll have better eyes and more money, and I'll get one! Thanks for video guys!
Hye Stefan great vid. I see you out and about on Flightradar24 occasionally. (I work around the RAAF base ESL).
Wow nice very smooth flight
This is a Lancair 235 with 141hp to the originals 115-118hp. Carbon Copy down to the tail and wing planform.
Man, we need this version in MSFS 2020! We have the 912 version already! Altho, I think there is a mod that sorts that, but still! :P What an awesome plane!
Beautiful plane. Lance Neibauer design?
It looks tight in there!
Looks nice! Only 2 seats.
Great aircraft! Well done, Stefan！
Beautiful little plane.
Absolutely beautiful machine!
Beautiful aircraft!
Well this is a Killer. High Performance, modern and safe. The Rotax 915 is one of the best aircraft engines out of the Rotax family. Wait for the turbine version, which is already flying. The next killer. And I am sure, they will come out with a four seater too. Then this will be also highly interesting. High performance at its best.
The only issue with 915 is TBO is less compare to 912 or 915 also every 600 hours you need to dismantle the gearbox and send it to factory
I don't fly but you looked so impressed...
I want one! It's unfortunate there was no camera behind you for a forward view of the canopy.
That auto-leveler nice feature that could save your life if you inadvertently get into IMC.
I can see why Cirrus should be very worried by this magnificent liitle aircraft.
Neat aircraft, nice looks and power, but a challenge to a Cirrus?..Naa - Great vid BTW Stef!
Lol smile on your face when he pulled up and banked
That was awesome fun
I heard someone say something at Sun N Fun about this VL3 shaking at 130 knots, but then another guy said they fixed it. Did you feel anything? What was your thought about the bubble canapony? The Cirrus is not a bubble like this. Was the sun brutal? I live in FL, with lots of sun. This plane, which I sat in at Sun N Fun is much smaller than a Cirrus, but the cirrus is about $900K, new.
Hi Steven, I was at sun and fun as well and I never heard of any shaking at 130knots. The 912uls has been doing much faster speeds for years. In hot countries, we typically use a sunshade but once you are at altitude it's really no factor and the vents work nicely on the canopy when you taxi.
Great vid! Loved it!
awesome video i really want one
By the way, JMB Aircraft is testing VL3 Evolution with TURBINE engine. They say it should have less fuel consumption than 915is, more reliable and TCO 3000 hrs.
I fly a similar plane (2 seater, rotax, g3x avionics, BRS etc) but they certainly are not a Cirrus -killer by any means. Fun to fly for sure with its airliner style Avionics and AP, but feels like a gokart in the skies.
Not a fan of anything with a Rotax motor in it.
check out the vertigo, a Vl3 with a 850HP turbine engine!
How do you record with gopro for longer than 15mins without it overheating?
Brilliant Stefan.!!
Looks like we’ve come full circle, the cirrus came from the lancair home built and this looks just like the original lancair 235.
I stefan hope you are well buddy.
What a plane buddy get saving stefan.did philip see you back in west Yorkshire yesterday 20th April it was about 1900.very good plane for the money That one.philip is still interested in learning are you fixed to teach philip stefan. Keep well and safe buddy phil.
Heard you come in to Lethbridge today Stefan! I was out flying not too away far in Inverleigh but it was a nice surprise hearing a familiar voice over the radio as opposed to RUclips! What sort of flying were doing today? 🙂
Awesome video! That's actually my family friends aircraft I've been flying in the past week! The VL3 is a tonne of fun to fly and has performance unlike any aircraft I've flown before!
you must have not flown in a variety of aircraft then
@@pred7949 bit of a keyboard warrior I see mate, why all the hate for this aircraft?
I would like to change my Grob for this one, but dreaming is also relaxing 🤣🤣 Best shot is here of course this 08:05 and ... 08:43 ... really Everyone?