Higher Class Aviation celebrated their second anniversary at Airventure 2006. Two years ago they came to the show as the new manufacturers of the Hornet, and Super Hornet two place light sport aircraft. | Wing Span: | 28 ft. | | Wing Area | 138 sq ft. | | Empty Weight | 465 lbs. | | Gross Weight | 1320 lbs.
1430 lbs. for water operation | | Fuel Capacity | 18 U.S. gallons | | V.N.E | 138 mph. | | Stall Speed | Max stall 51 mph. | | Cruise Speed | 115 mph. | | Climb Rate | 1200 ft/min. | Higher Class Aviation has been listening to their customers and over the last year has been making some subtle changes to the Super Hornet. According to Higher Class President Robert Gaither a number of customers, especially from Canada have requested a wider cockpit. One reason was so that pilots flying in colder climates wearing winter boots and jackets could comfortably operate the controls. This year the Hornet features a four inch wider cabin area, going from 28 inches to 32 inches in width. Higher Class has also added an inspection panel on the left hand side of the Hornet giving pilots access to the rear of their instrument panel. This allow pilots access to the rear of the instrument panel for inspection of wiring, replacement of instruments etc. They have also increased the instrument panel area in the front cockpit, and have added a second panel to the rear of the plane for the passenger and or instructor. The craft on display had an "all glass panel" front and rear. In the past the Hornet line of aircraft have been supplied with brakes that were activated via the joy stick. This year the brakes have been moved to a handle located on the front left hand corner of the cockpit. They have also moved the electric flaps, and trim for the elevator and rudder, to the top of the joystick. All of these can be operated by the pilot while flying, with a simple movement of the thumb. Higher Class has also redesigned the Hornet to accept a BRS VLS 1050 parachute. The chute fits neatly into the root section of the wing just in front of the engine. The Super Hornet is powered by the Rotax 912 S, 100 HP four cylinder four stroke engine. To mount the 912 engine the factory produces a unique set of intake manifolds for the Rotax 912 that allows the carburetors to sit up into the airflow. This makes for a very neat installation with the engine actually positioned into the wing. The Super Hornet powered by the Rotax 912 S is also now being supplied with a 3 blade ground adjustable IVOPROP which has increased the cruise speed by 20 mph. Higher Class used the craft that they had on display at Airventure to do all of the flight testing necessary to have the craft approved for the special light sport aircraft category and are currently in the process completing their quality assurance, POH, and maintenance manuals. Robert feels that the factory is six to nine months away from light sport aircraft certification for the Super Hornet. Standard features on the Super Hornet include, pneumatic suspension on all three wheels, hydraulic brakes, large tires, electrically actuated flaps, electrically actuated horizontal stabilizer, two 9 gallon wing fuel tanks and adjustable seats. Currently there are 7 Super Hornets flying on the Rotax 912 series of engines. Robert indicates their most requested craft right now is a ready to fly Super Hornet on Puddle Jumper floats. | 
