The much anticipated Vickers Wave LSA flew for the first time mid March, the company announced late last week.
A product of over 10 years development, the amphibious LSA was designed in New Zealand, with the first flight on 12 March being conducted from its base at Hamilton in the north island.
Although Vickers will certify the Wave in the LSA category, the aircraft has an MTOW of 839 kg, thanks to an exemption from the FAA. It has allowed the Wave to be something more than just the average LSA.
The Rotax 915 iS promises a 15,000-foot ceiling, 1400 fpm rate-of-climb, 120 KTAS max speed and an eight-hour endurance from the 189 litre tanks.
The cockpit is fitted with single-lever operation for the engine and CSU, and Garmin G3X avionics.