LAMA News

March 30, 2011

FREEDOM DEPENDS UPON RESPONSIBILITY

LAMA Accepts Role in Leading LSA Industry’s Actions

Lakeland, FLORIDA (Sun 'n Fun 2011) / March 30, 2011 — Most free people know that with freedom comes responsibility. In aviation, this has played out dramatically with the emergence of the Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft rule issued in July 2004. "The industry has demonstrated several strengths as it formed out of a clear blue sky," stated LAMA president Dan Johnson. "The sheer number of new models — 115 in just six years — is proof of the flowering of innovation that comes with increased freedom and reduced regulation. Industry’s safety record earns kudos in remarks given publicly by FAA Administrator Babbitt. Steps to improve transition training for pilots has produced positive results. Distribution of aircraft and the growth of organizations to service those LSA have been developing well, despite a very challenging global economy."
In concert with these accomplishments, industry must continue to step up and take responsibility for functions long delivered by government. "LAMA is doing that," maintained Johnson, "and we are pleased to inform media of some of these actions."

LAMA ACTIONS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
(1) Established LAMAsafety.org — In response to FAA and industry needs LAMA stepped up to create a website that assists owners and mechanics find Safety Bulletins and other information to assure continued safety monitoring of the LSA fleet. The website — live now but still in development — will also archive all available information to help owners continue flying an aircraft whose manufacturer may have left the business. The effort has generated a strong letter of support from FAA (see attachment).

(2) LAMA Joins With Embry Riddle to Provide Audit Services — To provide the highest level of safety monitoring to benefit consumers, LAMA has joined forces with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. In January 2011, LAMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ERAU’s Eagle Flight Research Center which will result in Embry Riddle personnel providing the former LAMA audit to LSA companies on a voluntary fee basis.

(3) LAMA Europe Coordinates Efforts in the EU — In 2010, LAMA (USA) organized LAMA Europe to assist producers in the European Union in its work with EASA (roughly the equivalent of FAA for the EU). More than 30 manufacturers signed an agreement to form the group. They will meet again at Germany’s Aero show in less than two weeks. LAMA Europe is directed by Jan Fridrich in the Czech Republic. "Jan has been a tireless worker for the LSA industry in Europe," stated Johnson.

(4) Collaboration with Other Organizations — LAMA recently agreed with GAMA to hold regular meetings with industry players in both LSA and GA sectors. Such collaboration between organizations (with AOPA and EAA as well) will strengthen the Light-Sport sector as it expands and will assure progress to the refinement and growth of aviation at large.

(5) LSA Mall Broadens Sector’s Visibility — Another major success has been the creation of LSA Mall displays at major airshows like Sun 'n Fun, AirVenture, and AOPA Summit. A collection of top-selling brands has been greatly appreciated by attendees to these events as it makes comparison easier plus helps interested pilots locate the main displays for companies they wish to examine further.
"LAMA is especially grateful to Aviators Hot Line/Light Aviation Edition for their support in making possible the LSA Mall," said Johnson. "We literally could not provide these LSA Mall displays without their backing."

WORKING EXAMPLE
Introducing US Aviation — One aviation success story has been US Aviation in Denton, Texas. Already serving general aviation, US Aviation recently hired Scott Severen to assemble a maintenance operation aimed at serving all leading Light-Sport brands in the south central region of the USA. US Aviation is a new LAMA member and supporter. A part of building the infrastructure to support a new aviation sector, LAMA welcomes the initiative and actions of US Aviation. "We are pleased to note that all the preceding actions have occurred in just the last two and a half years during a challenging time to start new activities," noted Johnson. "We are grateful for the support of many organizations; we have too many to list here but deeply appreciate the help from established entities such as AOPA, EAA, and GAMA, among others.

April 9 2010

EUROPEAN MANUFACTURER GROUP FORMS LAMA-EU

Mission to Represent the Industry to Government, and Other Entities
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY - April 9, 2010
Today, in a closed meeting of 33 leading light aircraft manufacturers and two national producer organizations, LAMA-EU was founded as independent section of LAMA. In an unanimous decision, all attending manufacturers found it necessary to have an organization dedicated to this industry segment for lobbying and other purposes.

"I am pleased to report we collected 35 signatures today as we launch LAMA-EU," reported Jan Fridrich, the leader of the session who was later appointed Secretary General of LAMA-EU.

We had 33 manufacturers of light aircraft plus two manufacturers associations: U.N.I.C.A from Italy and AVSL from the Czech Republic. The new organization will work in close cooperation with LAMA in the USA to serve manufacturers of light aircraft that are active in European markets. The general aim of the LAMA-EU is to promote and protect Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) using the U.S. LSA definition and ASTM Standards which may fall under European EASA ELA 1 process. On an international basis LAMA-EU will assist LAMA or LAMA affiliates in all other countries of the world to establish and maintain favorable rules for Light-Sport Aircraft. Presently 12 countries accept ASTM Standards for the certification of light aircraft, and more than 30 countries are evaluating the methods.

For more info about LAMA-EU contact:
LAMA president Dan Johnson - DanJohnson@LAMA.bz - Tel: (USA+) 651-592-7565

March 9, 2010

LAMA CREATES NEW ANNUAL AWARD — THE BURKE TROPHY
Honoring Top Achievers in the Name of Founder
Lawrence P. Burke

PORT ORANGE, FLORIDA — March 9, 2010 — At its annual LAMA Dinner, the light aircraft industry business organization announced nominations were open for the first annual Lawrence P. Burke Trophy. The Burke Trophy gets its name from Lawrence “Larry” Burke who co-founded the organization in 1982 and nurtured it through the ultralight aircraft phase and into the time of Light-Sport Aircraft. The Burke Trophy is one of two awards LAMA will convey each year to deserving individuals in the industry.

LAMA created the President’s Award in 1991 to recognize outstanding leaders in the light aircraft community. Every year at AirVenture Oshkosh, LAMA presents the award to a new winner to provide recognition to the people who make the aircraft kits, factory-built aircraft like light-sport aircraft, those who supply products and services for light aviation, and individuals or government personnel who have shown exemplary service to light aviation. LAMA now adds the Burke Trophy.

Tom Gunnarson (right),outgoing LAMA President, created the new Burke Trophy and is seen here presented the permanent trophy to Larry Burke. Burke Trophy recipients will receive a plaque.

The Lawrence P. Burke trophy will be awarded to the person gaining the most nominations from his or her peers in industry for the greatest achievement in light aviation with respect to improving performance, efficiency, and safety of light aircraft during the preceding year.

The Burke Trophy was established in 2008 in honor of
Lawrence P. “Larry” Burke in recognition of his commitment to, and leadership of, advances in the sport and recreational aircraft industry. Larry was presented with a handsome, permanent trophy at a special ceremony July 29, 2008 by the LAMA board of directors. After a change in management of LAMA, the organization is now ready to move forward with the first nominations and will award the recipient a plaque at the annual LAMA Dinner occurring at the 2011 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida.

“To nominate a deserving person, any member of the light aircraft industry should provide the name and contact information for that person along with a few statements about why this person deserves the recognition,” requested LAMA Chairman of the Board and President, Dan Johnson.

“Please send these nominations to the LAMA Office Manager Randee Laskewitz at Randee@LAMA.bz or mail them to the LAMA’s physical address of 2001 Steamboat Ridge Court; Port Orange FL 32128.”

LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is the light aviation industry’s trade association. Founded in 1984, LAMA represents nearly 100 members of the Light-Sport Aircraft business community including airframe manufacturers; producers of engines, avionics, and components; suppliers, distributors; flight schools; and other aviation businesses.

LAMA functions in the USA and Europe with active representation and has created the LAMA Audit and Label programs to provide private third-party oversight of LSA producers’ compliance with ASTM standards.

Photo and LAMA logo can be found at: http://promo.bydanjohnson.com/3_LAMA_items/

Back to Top