I never did manage to interview NF-aircraft CEO Frank Koinzer at a hot and humid AirVenture 2019 because he and his new aircraft, the Explorer were constantly besieged by the crowd. When I finally I got a chance to talk to him it was only briefly, to arrange a meeting at his home base in Germany.
Nine months later I’m at NFaircraft’s home at Flensburg (EDXF) the northernmost airport in Germany, located a stone’s throw from the Danish border. Despite the pandemic, I have been able to take advantage of first opportunity to inspect and fly the aircraft that had attracted so much attention at Oshkosh.
Like the Americans, I am impressed by the Explorer. The all-composite airframe is powered by a 689shp (shaft horsepower) Pratt & Whitney PT6A turbine and sits high on a fixed, tailwheel undercarriage that looks like that of the PZL Wilga. Despite its considerable size and stature, the Explorer exudes elegance and has every appearance of a mature design−and a marvelous finish. The Explorer will in fact be launched in the USA as an Experimental category kit, although the intention is to follow up with a factory-built certified version.
Product of a lifelong passion
Before we start, a word of warning: the German company and its product has absolutely nothing to do with Texas-based Explorer Aircraft and its similar looking models, the 500T and 750T. Many have had a problem with this confusion of names, including me (and me too−Ed!)
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Electric aviation company Ampaire flew its second technology demonstrator on 10 September. The aircraft is a refined version of its Cessna 337 ‘Electric EEL’ hybrid-electric power conversion.
Rare Rearwin
Made in tiny numbers by Piper and Aeronca standards, the beautifully-engineered Rearwin Skyranger proves to be a delight waiting to be discovered
Dr Hill's new helicopter
You’ve seen pictures of concept helicopters before, and most of them never rose from the paper… but this one has a better chance than most of flying in the real world. It’s the Hill HX50, and the designer describes it as a ‘disruptive’ entry into the small helicopter market, offering a step-change for the better in safety, performance, comfort and elegance.
Make mine a turbine!
To say aviation and turbines is a happy marriage is true−albeit mainly in the airline, business aircraft and helicopter world. Light aviation, especially the ultralight segment, remains essentially a turbine free field−apart from noble exceptions, in the form of single-engine jets and ‘experimentals’.
Industry experts say...
Representatives from a selection of Approved Training Organisations look forward to the future of Commercial Air Travel and prospects for professional pilots after the pandemic
Flight training
News from the clubs, schools & ATOs
First airline job
... won and lost after just eighteen months in the right-hand seat. Reflections on the rewards of the hardest work in a lifetime
Safety Matters
Safety Matters and Safety Briefs are based on the AAIB Bulletin and UK Airprox Board reports, with additional material from the US National Transportation Safety Board.
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Donegal in Ireland has been named as the ‘world’s most beautiful airport 2020’ – for the third successive year – in a major vote by more than six thousand ‘flying fans’. The award is given as part of the annual Scenic Airports poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.
Come to Sweden!
A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country
