Back in another era when flying was expensive and only the very wealthy could afford Wacos, Stinsons and Travel Airs, a new class of low-cost, low-power airplanes lowered the financial bar for aircraft ownership. With newly developed engines in the 50 hp range, lightweight Cubs, Taylorcrafts and Aeroncas brought flying within range of a whole new market. In the 21st century, the light sport aircraft class seemed geared to repeat that development, but most commercially available LSAs disappointed potential buyers with their six-figure price tags.
Now, SkyCraft, based in Utah, seems committed to fulfilling the unkept promise with its $55,000 SD-1 Minisport. Based on a Czech design, the single-seat SD-1 is wood and composite construction, powered by a German-built 50 hp Hirth F-23 engine, and including Dynon Skyview avionics with synthetic vision, traffic and weather. Mode S and a ballistic parachute are optional. The design is available in taildragger or tricycle-gear configurations, and has removable wings.
