Less expensive than most Light Sport Aircraft, the Rans S-20LS Raven (for Light Sport) tailwheel aircraft with side-by-side seating for two that started life as a kitplane has FAA approval as a factory-built aircraft. Pilots who fly the $119,000 bush-capable airplane can do so with only a driver’s license.
It comes in a variety of horsepower, from 60 through 180, and offers a selection of avionics from traditional analog to Dynon and Garmin. The engines available to buyers are the Lycoming O-233, Titan O-340, and Rotax 912ULS, 912iS, and when available, the 135-horsepower Rotax 915.
Light Sport category aircraft are limited to two people and a top cruise speed of 120 knots true airspeed with a fixed-pitch propeller. FAA approval of the S-20LS as a Light Sport Aircraft had been expected last year.
The S-20LS first shipped from the factory in Hays, Kansas. 2.5 hours west of Wichita, as a kit aircraft. Rans currently offers seven designs as kits. There are four Light Sport models; the Raven, S-6LS Coyote II, the S-7LS Courier, and the low-wing S-19LS Venterra. The Venterra has been tricked out with leather seats and luxury interior.
Alton K. Marsh
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