Tom Clary Posted March 19 Report Share Posted March 19 I am confused. We have new owners of the Phoenix design and factory. We have recently had a very vague Airworthy Directive to not exceed 98 knots. Am I the only one that would like more information?? I understand from people I trust that we should be grateful that JMB was the purchaser. Still I for one would like to hear from them or really anyone on what the plans are for going forward. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeschumann Posted March 19 Report Share Posted March 19 I am also curious about what is going on..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lee Posted March 22 Report Share Posted March 22 I think that it is fantastic that JMB is purchasing the rights to the Phoenix! Pure Flight had their sights set on an electric Phoenix, which in my opinion sets aside the primary purpose of a touring motorglider; the ability to tour. JMB will add the wonderful Phoenix to their fast VL3 and the super fast Lancair Evolution stable. Go to their website, and view the videos on Facebook for an up close look at the company and the individuals behind it. When I was the Phoenix Air agent, I had many meetings with Petr and Miroslav Kabrt, the primary engineers behind the design of the VL3 and the Phoenix. They are the important connection between the two planes, and will bring a complete understanding of the Phoenix with them into the JMB company. They also work closely with the two Czech government agencies which regulate ultralight aircraft (UL), the CAA and the LAA so they know how to deal with regulatory and certification standards. This is a brand new deal. It is so new that the JMB agents still don't know what the future holds, so how can we expect to know anything? I know that Ed Babovec has had many conversations with Jean-Marie Guisset (who I understand is a relatively new owner of JMB) so of course there will be many things to work out. I spoke with Doug Vause, one of the JMB agents and he strikes me as an outgoing intelligent friendly guy, just like Ed and Rand Vollmer. I think we are in good hands all around. Kathy and I will own our Phoenix until the day I can't fly anymore. I will continue to help out the Phoenix family, especially all of my wonderful customers in any way that I can. I haven't heard any details about the accident that resulted in the speed reduction. I don't think there were injuries, but I don't know that either. I am willing to be patient and wait for details on the accident and the acquisition as soon as JMB figures out the details. I for one welcome JMB to the Phoenix family! Jim Lee On the road, at yet another sailplane contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lee Posted March 22 Report Share Posted March 22 Oh yes; There is no such thing as an AD (airworthiness Directive) in the LSA world. Only Safety Bulletins. The owner of the airworthiness type certificate in the Czech Republic is the only authority (working with the LAA) which can issue a SB. If the old owners (Pure Flight) issued the SB and JMB is now the holder of the certificate, then Pure Flight has no authority to issue a SB. Also, this SB does not follow the standard wording required by the Czech LAA so I question the legality of this SB on two points. In any case, we will continue to enjoy flying our Phoenix just like always. Jim On the road at yet another sailplane contest (with a crummy wifi connection). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted March 27 Report Share Posted March 27 I agree with everything Jim said. This is very good for all of us! I returned from Chambery in France yesterday where I had my Phoenix repaired after I broke the undercarriage with a stupid, hard landing (….). I saw pictures of the French registered Phoenix that crashed in Northern Italy. The tail apparently broke in flight and they used the parachute and landed safely. No injuries, but plane….. I understand JMB will send a message to all owners soon. I have a letter from Pure Flight authorizing me to represent them in the Netherlands (not much to do, but this was mainly for my tax reasons), I will contact Mr Guisset from JMB and keep you posted! Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Clary Posted March 27 Author Report Share Posted March 27 Rob, Great news about you representing Pure Flight in the Netherlands, does that mean that you will now represent JMB? Sorry to hear of the hard landing, at least you were able to get it fixed and it sounds like no one was hurt. I wonder was French plane the first parachute save in a Phoenix? Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 Hi Tom, Thank you! I am not sure what will happen with my representation, but it is not a big deal in this small country….. I spoke with Jean-Marie Guisset, who is based in The Tsjech Republic and looks after the technical/production side for JMB, now including thr Phoenix. He told me they had difficulties getting the crashed plane out of Italy (they had to buy the remains), but it is now on the way to the factory for thorough analyses. JMB plans to have the Phoenix at the airshow in Friedrichshafen end of April. After the show, they will further professionalize and streamline the production. Also, they will speed up the certification process in the Tsjech Republic and see what modifications might be necessary for the authorities (and for our safety plus possibly higher VNe), also in light of possible flutter problems. They will inform all owners as soon as possible. He pointed me to the safety bulletin limiting VNe to 98 knots and said we should absolutely stick to that. I will contact Jean Baptiste Guisset, Jean-Marie’s brother, who is based in Belgium and looks after the commercial side of JMB. Robert PS I did not hear about any earlier employment of the parachute, but I am not very knowledgable about the history of the Phonix… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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