Company at Melbourne International Airport (KMLB) begins selling motorized gliders

The Phoenix S-LSA, which stands for light sports aircraft, is manufactured in Czech Republic and brought to Florida by ship. The avionics are installed at Sebastian Communications in Merritt Island the aircraft are then brought to Melbourne International. 

(FLORIDA TODAY)

Phoenix Air USA, a Melbourne International Airport company, is now selling motorized gliders. 

The Phoenix S-LSA, which stands for light sports aircraft, is manufactured in the Czech Republic and brought to Florida by sea. The avionics are installed at Sebastian Communications on Merritt Island before the aircraft are brought to the facility at the Melbourne International Airport.

“This is a uniquely versatile aircraft,” said Jim Lee, owner of Phoenix Air USA. “ Not only does the Phoenix allow for incredibly efficient and affordable flying, on top of that, you can go soaring. I would say it’s the wave of the future.”

Phoenix USA, while a very small project, is another sign of aviation business growth at Melbourne International. For the past few years, the airport has inked deals for major companies like Embraer jets and AAR Airlift, as well as a number of smaller businesses, to locate on the airport's property.

Because the Phoenix is equipped with a motor, Lee sees his market being comprised of pilots who enjoy small aircraft and those who prefer the gliding experience.

Lee said he and his wife recently flew more than 700 miles from Melbourne International to Phoenix and used 20 gallons of unleaded fuel. He said he also traveled in a Phoenix from Kissimmee to the Georgia border, soaring without a motor most of the distance.

The aircraft are priced at between $149,000 and $172,000. Customers already have 12 of the aircraft.

“It is very positive for another innovative product in a growing niche aviation market to be distributed from right here at our airport,” said Richard Ennis, Melbourne International’s executive director. “Phoenix Air USA is a great example of the airport’s continued growth as a major aviation manufacturing hub that is reshaping the Space Coast economy.”

Lee has four employees at the two hangars he has been leasing at Melbourne International for the past five years.

He called Melbourne International the ideal spot to grow his company. Shipping to the area is easy, the availability of aviation mechanics is ample and it’s simple enough to get FAA inspectors to come to the airport and issue air worthiness certificates for the aircraft, Lee said.

“Essentially,” Lee said, “everything I need is here locally.”

Story and Photo:   http://www.floridatoday.com 

Phoenix S-LSA:   http://www.phoenixairusa.com