A light sport aircraft that had all but disappeared from the U.S. market, at least in terms of new model sales, is planning a comeback, with a distribution deal now in place and a new model in the works.
German aircraft maker Remos AG recently announced plans to unveil a new design featuring a fuel-injected, 100- horsepower Rotax 912 iS engine at Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany in April. Closer to home, a deal inked in January makes Skybound Aviation of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the exclusive North American distributor. Skybound’s Mac McCallister said in a telephone interview that the new model may arrive in time for EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” McCallister said. Skybound was the last of the American dealers to survive a Remos withdrawal from the U.S. market, having become a dealer in 2012. Skybound provides sport pilot, private pilot, and transition and instrument training (in visual conditions) in two Remos GX models and a simulator.
McCallister said Skybound became the exclusive distributor of parts to support the existing Remos fleet in North America in January, though his company had been supporting customers before that status became official. A Remos GX was the AOPA 2010 sweepstakes aircraft.
Remos AG officials contacted by email said the price of the new Remos GXiS has not yet been set. The new model will feature both a new engine and new avionics, including a Garmin GTN 750, and 10-inch Dynon touchscreen displays. The Rotax 912 iS can be fired up with the push of a button.
The company announced plans to continue expansion of the dealer network in North America and elsewhere in a March 16 press release.
Jim Moore
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