TL Sport Sparker available in the US, ready for SUN 'N FUN

The ultralight aircraft capable of hitting 200 mph at cruise and that boasts being MOSAIC ready is now available in the United States. TL Sport Aircraft announced on Tuesday that the Sparker is hitting the US market and it will be on display next month at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo, April 9-12 in Lakeland, Florida. According to TL Sport, the Sparker's design incorporates the latest in CAD and 3D modeling, combined with a cutting-edge Garmin G3X Touch avionics package in a cockpit that "is one of the widest in the category and can easily accommodate crew as tall as 6-(foot)-5." Since completing the E-AB Program, the Sparker has concluded a series of flights, including multiple demonstrations, up and down the East Coast. The aircraft was introduced last year in Germany at Aero Friedrichshafen, and there was much anticipation about the Sparker last summer at AirVenture, where GlobalAir.com spoke with company officials about the aircraft's development.RELATED STORY: Light sport lineup and U.S. debut - an interview with TL Sport AircraftThe side-by-side two-seat cockpit includes creature comforts, such as heated leather seats. However, most of the excitement about the Sparker comes from its 1,653-lb. maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and its Rotax 916iS engine and DUC-TYGER variable pitch propeller. The Sparker can also be fitted with other engines, the Rotax 915iS, and EP 912 ULS. There are also options for two hideaway info-tables to hold smartphones or tablets, which could allow for up to five display panels for pilots. The airframe is built with sturdy but lightweight carbon and kevlar fibers, and the inner part of the fuselage is formed by a kevlar shell, and the Sparker also has a ballistic parachute recovery system. "The Sparker is a result of 30 years of design excellence from the manufacturer TL-ULTRALIGHT and we believe fills the need for a cost-effective, multi-functional, high-end LSA / E-AB aircraft," said TL Sport Aircraft President Trey Murdaugh. The Sparker, along with the entire TL-ULTRALIGHT fleet, is available to custom order. Flight demonstrations can be scheduled by contacting TL North America.