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At Oshkosh 2023 I had the opportunity to meet with Trey Murdaugh and Alex Tlustý, of TL Sport Aircraft. We discussed their current lineup as well as their new Sparker which was on the verge of its debut here in the U.S. I spoke with Trey recently, and that debut is coming soon after some logistical delays. Keep an eye out for its debut, its attendance at Air Shows, as well as Pilot Reports.
I'm here with Trey Murdaugh, and Alex Tlustý, with TL Sport Aircraft, gentlemen good morning.
Good morning.
Q. Tell me about what is new within the TL Sport Aircraft lineup? I noticed the poster for the Sparker, but also that it Is not on display.
A. It's not here yet, but it's very close. You know a bit about our history and the lineage of TL. For those that do not, we're one of the largest and oldest companies producing lightweight carbon composite two-place aircraft in the world. We have been in the development of a special aircraft, a new release, for about four years now. It was released at Aero (Aero Friedrichshafen) this year in Germany. This aircraft is called the Sparker, and it's been highly anticipated. We are very excited to release it to the American market, as it is a unique aircraft that is in the top of its class, and currently does not have much competition.
Q. For a while everyone was focused on meeting the LSA rules such as 1320 lb. gross weight, fixed gear etc. Now with "Mosaic", many of the design boundaries surrounding the LSA rules may no longer be an issue. With that said, is your marketplace much broader given Sparker is a two-seat side-by-side retractable gear aircraft and an inflight adjustable propeller?
A. Much bigger, but we offer the Sparker as an experimental amateur-built (EAB) aircraft. So, it is available now and has been available since the start of this year. We offer an accelerated build program at the factory, and it is about two and a half weeks long. It gives buyers/customers a unique advantage and the ability to learn their aircraft inside and out while also obtaining the 51% rule builder privileges that come with that, which is being able to do your own maintenance and have that flexibility that only the EAB category can allow.
Q. The ability to perform their own conditional inspection.
A. Yes, and to adapt and modify aircraft and have the ability or the flexibility to truly work on their plane that is not bound by some of the rules of the LSA or certified market.The Sparker aircraft
Q. And how has your week been in terms of potential customer questions and enthusiasm for the Sparker?
A. We have had a great deal of interest in the Sparker, and we had about 10 or 15 customers that specifically wanted to come to sit in it to kind of feel the advantages, and the luxury of the aircraft. It is perfectly placed between a Cirrus aircraft and our two-place Sting. Although the Sparker is a two-place aircraft, it has 24 cubic feet of baggage space and can accommodate two golf bags with clubs to give you some perspective. It has a 50-inch-wide cabin, with side stick controls, and because of this, the aircraft's cockpit is extremely roomy, and very comfortable.
Q. I'm sure you're aware of the stats that have been published in regard to Americans being taller etc., and cabin fit is becoming more of an issue.
A. Yes, it certainly is. And that's what the sparker was designed for, for ultimate comfort. But because of its speed and performance, you can have upwards of 190 to 200 mile per hour cruise with the 916 Rotax engine, which we're proud to offer that was just released, as many of your readers will know, and that is now being adapted to fit into the Sparker. The Sparker was designed originally for the 915-Is, now the 916 will take its place. We believe the Sparker is positioned between a Cirrus and the current LSA market because of this aircraft's climb performance, speed, space, and luxury. Two individuals can fly in comfort for business, or for pleasure. But with that kind of power and speed, you can use this aircraft to go somewhere. One other thing that needs to be said, in addition to its performance capabilities, the Sparker has a 700-pound useful load. It has a max takeoff weight of 1652 pounds, and because of this, you can fly with two 220-pound adults, full fuel, and full baggage. That is unique in the industry because most aircraft cannot carry a maximum capacity of all three elements.
Q. What would the total range with full fuel would be?
A. With the turbo 916, full fuel, you're looking at about an 800-mile range (statue).
Q. Thank you, Trey. Alex, welcome to America. This is your first time here in the States and your first AirVenture Yes?
A. Yes, you're right.
Q. Tell us about your responsibilities at the TL Sport Aircraft factory?
A. So basically, within TL, I'm the editor responsible for social media, our websites, presenting our planes, promoting customer interest and marketing.
Q. Alex and your family owns the company, correct?
A. Yes, that is correct. TL Sport Aircraft has been in the LSA marketplace since 1989. The first actual plane was Star, which evolved into Sting Sport. We have a lot of aircraft for the U.S. market. And we developed four types of planes including Stream and our newest plane Sparker. We are working on a fifth type of plane that has turboprop engine and we are testing it for the future.
Q. If my memory is correct, there was some discussion of a Turboprop-powered Stream to target the MIL trainer market?
A. (Trey speaking here) It is also made for the US market and is available. We're looking at, and this is important, a new turbine that was released last year by TurboTech out of France with very good turbine-specific fuel consumption. And we're looking at adapting that to the Sparker as well. So, we will be offering that to customers here shortly.
B. Yes, that is the idea. (Alex)
Q. In that market segment even though Turbine may seem a little out of the reach of the average Joe, the fact that it is running on JP-4 can be considered an advantage as we are still working towards solutions and implementation of unleaded fuels. Especially in markets where aviation gasoline is a scarce commodity?
A. Yes, it won't be in everyone's budget, but for those who gravitate to and want the reliability and the smoothness of a turbine, it is a package that we will offer.
Q. That may enable flying at flight levels where y... (Trey interrupts)
A. Yeah, that may enable flying at flight levels where you'll definitely need oxygen!
(Laughter)
A. Yes!
Q. Gentlemen, anything else?
A. We make the best sport airplanes in the world, what else can I say?!
(laughter)
Gents, I think we're going to end on that note, Thank you!