The experimental SAM LS has successfully completed spin testing, SAM Aircraft Founder Thierry Zibi announced July 30 at EAA AirVenture.
The company tested the aircraft’s spin characteristics between the center-of-gravity limits of 22 and 28, and found that the aircraft would not spin.
“As a trainer or general aviation aircraft, the SAM LS will not enter in a spin from pilot error with aft CG,” test pilot Raphael Langumier said after flying the aircraft in June.
Zibi said the aircraft instead enters a spiral, gaining airspeed, and that the aircraft will correct on its own if the pilot lets go of the controls.
The aircraft features a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS engine, a max cruise speed of 125 mph at 5,550 rpm, and an economic cruise speed of 115 mph at 5,200 rpm, according to the company. (See how it performed on an AOPA demo flight in October 2013.)
SAM Aircraft has sold four of the five kits it has built to ASTM standards so that customers can register the aircraft as an experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA). A new batch of kits will be available in December, Zibi said.
SAM Aircraft is currently offering the aircraft at a reduced price of $117,900. EAA AirVenture attendees can see the airplane in the light sport aircraft area.
