Zoso

I thought I had stumbled upon a joyous & enlightened group of border free aviators....I was mistaken. Instead, this is the stuff I have to slog through; -The U.S. is struggling with innovation -America has poor training for CEO's -general lack of ethics and morals -management that is substandard across a wide range of industries -they're more focused on who they can shaft -I suggest nationalistic in their purchasing trends -aircraft engine innovation is cumming (sp?) from outside the USA -the USA would seem to be far behind the Europeans (with just a few exceptions )in both engine & airframe innovation' - the initial topic of this conversation being a good example of dinosaur reinvention. I could continue, but I've read enough of this horse shit. I flew multiple versions of Fokker/Douglas/Boeing/Airbus & I much prefer any Airbus. That said, Boeing may be struggling, but that doesn't mean the people are deficient in morals. In the 70's, I sold new Bellanca Vikings that sported the original composite (wood). You can trust a tree and I'm a huge fan of Giuseppe's wood wing, but dissing an all metal airplane for it's material is dumb. Lastly, I can't think of a better way to lose a fortune than to try to develop a new aircraft engine. It is clearly HARD and the Rotax is no miracle motor. I was looking forward to sharing some detail on this design from my perspective, but just forget it. I don't need the nation bashing as that gets us nowhere. It's been bad enough the previous 4 years with a particular buffoon at the mic, but whose government is ideal? We do an occasional cool thing (Space-X, Mars helicopter..etc). I would always highlight the best of what is Australia and NZ, instead you guys highlight what you think is the worst of us. So long, I'm out of here.

@Garfly - I was on the A330, a wonderful machine. @rgmwa - The VR7 has 27 gal usable, so sufficient run time for the O-200. I do like the configuration and safety of the fuel system, with a small header tank and all the rest in wing cuffs (like a PA-28). The fuel tanks are easy to service/replace and removal provides expansive wing access. I would never say never, but I doubt the Rotax is in play right now, even with a recent and substantial price increase from Continental. The load issue is a regulatory limit that hopefully will be dealt with soon. My understanding is the airplane has been built for and tested to, more realistic weights.

Hilarious that! Let's just all agree to live in the sky, that will do.

I'll have to lay down my full frame in the "dated" Ranger and mull over your musings followed by a nice nap. (jesting of course as the Pipistrel's are nice). & what is up with the name Virus that I'm losing in translation? The name alone is a non starter over here.

My sincere apologies for speaking first and reading later (geez, I'm such a Yank). I didn't realize when I did a search and joined this discussion that this group was geographically down under. In any case, air is air and we all enjoy a good flyer. The second biggest fly-in in the States is Sun n' Fun. I've been every year for 27 years and always check out the new aircraft. Here are some of the reasons I went with the Vashon Ranger; - I've owned 4 old airplanes, I recently retired and wanted something I didn't have to build or spend a ton to upgrade. Speed was less important than economy of operation. ALL used airplanes have needs, then add in the cost to upgrade to big screen avionics and things can get truly ugly. - I prefer low wings, but as you get older (my wife and I are both tall), climbing in becomes an issue. The Ranger is an easy airplane to crawl in & out of. I also live in a sub tropical area and flying under a plastic bubble is too dang HOT!!! A high wing airplane offers a bit of welcome shade and a better view. - The Ranger has room to spare and I'll give up a bit of ramp appeal for the larger cabin volume. - I've watched numerous aircraft companies come and go as they burn deposits to keep things running and inevitably fail. Some attractive E. European products fall in to this category and then support domestically becomes iffy at best. - Vashon is a venture of the founder of Dynon, which by itself is an amazing product. Talk to Mr. Torode and you will share his vision. - I would never buy an airplane from someone who hasn't done this before, Ken Krueger has been around and knows what makes a good airframe. - It's all metal, destruction tested (I've seen video of this) and finished to a high standard. I could go on, but for my second post I haven't earned the right to be too expansive. If any of you fella's ever come to Sun n' Fun send me a pm.

By a huge percentage, aircraft of every type use cantilever wings. Many high wing aircraft use struts because they are taking advantage of that particular configuration for their speed/load envelope. I've flown the Ranger, I've personally toured the Vashon factory and am quite satisfied with the stone cold reliable 0-200. I grew up around GA, owned stuff from a Cub, Stearman and a Bellanca Viking. The Ranger is a well conceived airplane with a reputable owner and clever designer. I have one on order and look forward to being another airline pilot who is happy his Ranger. As to gross weight, yes, that is an arbitrary LSA limitation. Make no mistake, the Vashon Ranger is quite capable. Hopefully, MOSAIC rulemaking will bring some logic to this category since it currently is not based upon individual capability and doesn't add to the safety of this segment of aircraft.