This could be the best training and recreational aircraft since the 152. Cessna's own contender for that honor - the 162 - was a joy to fly, but failed in the market. The Ranger looks to be every bit as good as the SkyCatcher and better where it matters.
Great video of a very nice airplane. I've been waiting and I'm hoping to pick mine up in Arlington next month or two and bring all the way home to Florida.
@@brettmarquez562 Oh yes! I brought it back Jan 22' and absolutely love it. The factory support has been superb and I would do it all again if given a choice. Great airplane!
This old man would sure love to go up to A-Town and fly one of those beauts home. Only problem is is that my wife wouldn't let me spend cash on an airplane and I'm not a trained pilot. Other than that I'm in. Oh, those views of Everett, Mikilteo and the rest were gorgeous. Reminded me of my days working up in the Everett facility on the 747 Project as a Manufacturing Engineer during the late 1990's.
As a mfg engineer you should appreciate the engineering that goes into the making of these beauties! With a 75 year old engine design most of the quirks have probably been eliminated and the autopilot will be worth its weight in gold when you are thumbing through approach plates (add the Instrument flight module) Good flying!
@@a1sloth1 I'm not a pilot, in any sense of the word, but I love aviation and sure appreciate all the work, knowledge and downright fun that goes into it. Yes, I can appreciate what has gone into this aircraft even though I'm not a pilot. Thanks for the reply.
Friend with me that day asked same for Rotax. The answer was really the speed of shipping of parts when it's needed but I agree, Rotax may do great for this size of aircraft. Hey, thanks for leaving your comment, really appreciate.
@@runway33r15l Replacement parts are not an issue at all. I put 150-250 hours a year on my 912ULS and have never needed an engine part that was not in stock at one of the US suppliers. My experience has been that over the 2000 hr life, a Rotax requires very little beyond the PM items like oil, filters, & plugs. I would have trouble believing that any other aircraft engine is as much a workhorse or has a lower operating cost than the 912. When I last had one hit TBO, a new engine was in stock and shipped by leading edge airfoils a day or two after ordering (and swapped out in a couple of days in the shop).
@@HelloWorldETX Fair point, I truly respect your lengthy experience with Rotax. Well, with that being said, I still have good respect on their decision for Continental as Vashon stated as: 1. Most mechanics in states studied with Continental engine and exact model Vashon uses. It is very straight forward for any mechanic to fix. 2. Assuming our country's size and flying anywhere including "middle of nowhere", Vashon wants to ensure more mechanic, and shops can easily fix their aircraft in anywhere regardless the location. It's probably good idea to provide your feedback to Vashon. If I have the opportunity, or you have, we shall do so!
@@runway33r15l I suspect Vashon wanted to make the “safer” choice -Sometimes just the mention of “Rotax” generates a disproportionate visceral response and there is a great deal of misinformation being shared. It was easier for Vashon to avoid. Yes, I have heard the mechanic accessibility argument many times. My personal experience includes coast to coast flying without difficulty getting maintenance. The only annoying bit is when flying in areas where mogas is less available the need for more frequent oil changes (from 50 hrs on mogas down to 25 hrs on avgas). Finding someone to do oil changes was never a problem, but planning for a 100hr inspection while away from home does take a little research. But then we would never have taken our lycoming or continental into an unknown shop in the middle of nowhere without doing a lot of prior research on the shop. I have taken one 912 to TBO (in a trainer no less) and another to 1800 hrs before selling that aircraft. Currently 300 hrs or so on my third 912. All proved to be super reliable and cost effective. I have already crossed Vashon off my list, so I don’t have a dog in the fight. Top of my current list is a sling high-wing unless Montaer comes out with a stick version of the MC-01.
lol, you said well. In fact, it take a little time to get used to their rudder and break pedal. Definately very different from Cessna 172, 152 etc. Come to PAE, the huge runway is waiting for you :) Thanks for your comment!
Yea, It would be a far better aircraft if equipped with the Rotax 912is series of engines. - more power! - runs on automotive petroleum - fuel injection - full FADEC Maybe, kick around equipping them with the above… Addendum12/20/2021: they are both well proven aviation engines. “far better” was misspoken on my part. Mea Culpa… The Rotax is better suited for the LSA pilot who wants to keep costs down is probably more correct.
It's an interesting effort to make a capable vehicle somewhat affordable and they push for certification which is nice but it's just a very old form factor thinking. It's a high wing tractor like a cessna and it's riveted sheet metal like titanic. The price ended at around 120k? which is about half price of the grotesque carbon cub but there are european full composite birds with superior fuel economy, speed and looks for the same price so in reality it's a failure to move things forward. Sad to say.
The price is actually very good and should be successful. You cant get anything else new for this price except maybe a Bushcat, but that one is fabric covered. The Arion LSA is close in price but then you're stuck with the jabiru engine. There is a lot to like on the Vashon.
@@DanFrederiksen Oh, I agree. It's old school for sure. I'm personally more of a sling 4 or Virus SW type with Rotax and BRS. But the price and metal construction will appeal to many buyers. Who would have thought a plane like Carbon Cub would sell for 250K+ with a 2 year backlog?
@@Tharkunify I'm definitely surprised at the success of carbon cub but I attribute that in part to the severe stagnation of GA and to be blunt, akin to people voting for trump. a very poor choice that many still make. A cub is an ancient plane that even then was crude. the first cub is from 1930 and that's a time when cars still looked like 1905. It's fine that such an open minimal plane still exists but it should be seen as the sort of canvas ultralight that it is, not a quarter million dollar aircraft. It should be a 10k$ plane for the unsophisticated rural folks. A quarter million dollar plane should get you a twin jet 4 seater. Last I checked (pre inflation) a quarter mill is real money. That's multiple teslas or ferrari lambo money. It's rarified money yet that's what's being paid for a wheel barrow plane. The front cowling is slightly modern molded but the rest is still pretty much 1930. Bizarre. Why. Presumably a modern sophisticated stol design is possible that's vastly superior. that I could respect but the lowest of low tech for lambo money. how...
This could be the best training and recreational aircraft since the 152. Cessna's own contender for that honor - the 162 - was a joy to fly, but failed in the market. The Ranger looks to be every bit as good as the SkyCatcher and better where it matters.
Thank you for documenting your first reactions. I'm personally sold in this brand.
I wonder if they are interested in expanding. There is a hanger available in Deland Florida available. 🤔
Thank you for sharing.
Great video of a very nice airplane. I've been waiting and I'm hoping to pick mine up in Arlington next month or two and bring all the way home to Florida.
Yahoo! Please let us know how it was for your ferry flight all the way to Florida! I will I can ride with you!
Did you end up bringing one to Florida?
@@brettmarquez562 Oh yes! I brought it back Jan 22' and absolutely love it. The factory support has been superb and I would do it all again if given a choice. Great airplane!
@@zosoachilles are you in central Florida?
@@brettmarquez562 Yes..KGIF. I don't do demo's, but would be happy to show the airplane.
Terrific demo flight.
This old man would sure love to go up to A-Town and fly one of those beauts home. Only problem is is that my wife wouldn't let me spend cash on an airplane and I'm not a trained pilot. Other than that I'm in. Oh, those views of Everett, Mikilteo and the rest were gorgeous. Reminded me of my days working up in the Everett facility on the 747 Project as a Manufacturing Engineer during the late 1990's.
As a mfg engineer you should appreciate the engineering that goes into the
making of these beauties! With a 75 year old engine design most of the quirks have probably been eliminated and the autopilot will be worth its weight in gold when you are thumbing through approach plates (add the Instrument flight
module) Good flying!
@@a1sloth1 I'm not a pilot, in any sense of the word, but I love aviation and sure appreciate all the work, knowledge and downright fun that goes into it. Yes, I can appreciate what has gone into this aircraft even though I'm not a pilot. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the video. Nice aircraft but it is a shame about the windshield V-brace and not using a Rotax.
Friend with me that day asked same for Rotax. The answer was really the speed of shipping of parts when it's needed but I agree, Rotax may do great for this size of aircraft.
Hey, thanks for leaving your comment, really appreciate.
@@runway33r15l Replacement parts are not an issue at all. I put 150-250 hours a year on my 912ULS and have never needed an engine part that was not in stock at one of the US suppliers. My experience has been that over the 2000 hr life, a Rotax requires very little beyond the PM items like oil, filters, & plugs. I would have trouble believing that any other aircraft engine is as much a workhorse or has a lower operating cost than the 912. When I last had one hit TBO, a new engine was in stock and shipped by leading edge airfoils a day or two after ordering (and swapped out in a couple of days in the shop).
@@HelloWorldETX
Fair point, I truly respect your lengthy experience with Rotax.
Well, with that being said, I still have good respect on their decision for Continental as Vashon stated as:
1. Most mechanics in states studied with Continental engine and exact model Vashon uses. It is very straight forward for any mechanic to fix. 2. Assuming our country's size and flying anywhere including "middle of nowhere", Vashon wants to ensure more mechanic, and shops can easily fix their aircraft in anywhere regardless the location.
It's probably good idea to provide your feedback to Vashon. If I have the opportunity, or you have, we shall do so!
@@runway33r15l I suspect Vashon wanted to make the “safer” choice -Sometimes just the mention of “Rotax” generates a disproportionate visceral response and there is a great deal of misinformation being shared. It was easier for Vashon to avoid. Yes, I have heard the mechanic accessibility argument many times.
My personal experience includes coast to coast flying without difficulty getting maintenance. The only annoying bit is when flying in areas where mogas is less available the need for more frequent oil changes (from 50 hrs on mogas down to 25 hrs on avgas). Finding someone to do oil changes was never a problem, but planning for a 100hr inspection while away from home does take a little research. But then we would never have taken our lycoming or continental into an unknown shop in the middle of nowhere without doing a lot of prior research on the shop. I have taken one 912 to TBO (in a trainer no less) and another to 1800 hrs before selling that aircraft. Currently 300 hrs or so on my third 912. All proved to be super reliable and cost effective.
I have already crossed Vashon off my list, so I don’t have a dog in the fight. Top of my current list is a sling high-wing unless Montaer comes out with a stick version of the MC-01.
Great video. Silly question- how do you get your Go Pros to record the audio from your headsets? ( I don’t own one myself - can you tell?)
Such a civilized airplane.
Indeed, well said. I fully agree.
Big centerline. Easy to keep aircraft on during take off using rudder!!!
lol, you said well. In fact, it take a little time to get used to their rudder and break pedal. Definately very different from Cessna 172, 152 etc. Come to PAE, the huge runway is waiting for you :)
Thanks for your comment!
Seems like a nice plane. Any connection to us down here on Vashon Island?.
i like this machine , price please ?
Well done. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment, Gary!
Yea, It would be a far better aircraft if equipped with the Rotax 912is series of engines.
- more power!
- runs on automotive petroleum
- fuel injection
- full FADEC
Maybe, kick around equipping them with the above…
Addendum12/20/2021: they are both well proven aviation engines. “far better” was misspoken on my part. Mea Culpa…
The Rotax is better suited for the LSA pilot who wants to keep costs down is probably more correct.
Thanks Robert. Great input for Vashon!
Far easier to service and find a mechanic for the Continental.
Not really, a ULPower engine would be better than Rotax. Also fuel injected, fadec but no liquid cooling.. and runs on all fuels..
I want one
beautiful plane and am sure highest quality, but very poor useful load.
It's an interesting effort to make a capable vehicle somewhat affordable and they push for certification which is nice but it's just a very old form factor thinking. It's a high wing tractor like a cessna and it's riveted sheet metal like titanic. The price ended at around 120k? which is about half price of the grotesque carbon cub but there are european full composite birds with superior fuel economy, speed and looks for the same price so in reality it's a failure to move things forward. Sad to say.
The price is actually very good and should be successful. You cant get anything else new for this price except maybe a Bushcat, but that one is fabric covered. The Arion LSA is close in price but then you're stuck with the jabiru engine. There is a lot to like on the Vashon.
@@Tharkunify it's a very old school design with similar price to status quo so... where is the progress. Appropriate indifference from the market.
@@DanFrederiksen Oh, I agree. It's old school for sure. I'm personally more of a sling 4 or Virus SW type with Rotax and BRS. But the price and metal construction will appeal to many buyers. Who would have thought a plane like Carbon Cub would sell for 250K+ with a 2 year backlog?
@@Tharkunify I'm definitely surprised at the success of carbon cub but I attribute that in part to the severe stagnation of GA and to be blunt, akin to people voting for trump. a very poor choice that many still make. A cub is an ancient plane that even then was crude. the first cub is from 1930 and that's a time when cars still looked like 1905. It's fine that such an open minimal plane still exists but it should be seen as the sort of canvas ultralight that it is, not a quarter million dollar aircraft. It should be a 10k$ plane for the unsophisticated rural folks. A quarter million dollar plane should get you a twin jet 4 seater. Last I checked (pre inflation) a quarter mill is real money. That's multiple teslas or ferrari lambo money. It's rarified money yet that's what's being paid for a wheel barrow plane. The front cowling is slightly modern molded but the rest is still pretty much 1930. Bizarre. Why. Presumably a modern sophisticated stol design is possible that's vastly superior. that I could respect but the lowest of low tech for lambo money. how...
high tech flight system
This video is a mess. Unwatchable.
The only mess is your comment. Video is perfectly watchable.