(Photo courtesy of RDD)
Just in time for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In, where more than a half-million aviation enthusiasts congregated last week, RDD Enterprises launched the LX7-1, a kit version of its incomparable LX7 personal aircraft.
Thanks to the LX7, Redmond, Oregon-based RDD has raised the bar for experimental aircraft to dramatic new heights in terms of safety, performance and comfort at a price that’s much lower than comparable planes. Now, they have taken the industry to another level yet again.
“The LX7-1 is a gamechanger on three levels,” said David McRae, RDD’s co-owner and director of marketing, sales and business development. “It empowers aviation enthusiasts to customize the plane to suit their needs; to take control of the construction timeline; and to significantly lower the cost of entry.”
For an introductory price of less than $500,000, RDD delivers an initial construction package, which includes:
- Carbon fiber fuselage structures.
- Dual spar, single-piece wing.
- Trailing Link main landing gear.
- A spacious non-pressurized cockpit.
- A 125-gallon capacity fuel tank.
- A 3/8” thick stretched acrylic windshield.
The package features a one-week Build Assist Program which will close the wing and the horizontal stabilizer, mate the wing to the fuselage, and attach the empennage to the fuselage.
“The Build Assist Program effectively completes the geometric assembly of the entire airplane,” said McRae. “This ensures that every LX7-1 will be constructed accurately and have consistent flight characteristics. Each plane leaves our facility capable of having a maximum gross weight of 3,750 lbs. and an expected empty weight of 2,100 lbs., offering a full fuel payload of 900 lbs. From there we expect the owner to keep a close eye on things and use good technique to achieve the optimum results.”
Upon delivery of the basic body of the aircraft, RDD can help identify locations where owners may choose to assemble the aircraft at their convenience for a set weekly fee. RDD also sets up customers with detailed instructions that will enable them to complete the assembly of the plane with a host of optional features, such as: a dual bus electrical system, aircraft wire harnesses, an instrument panel and/or interior panels from an LX7, a BRS whole aircraft parachute system, Buenos Technologies Buenos De-ice electro-thermal ice protection, and electric air conditioning with climate control.
Customers are invited to contact RDD for tech support. Plus, for a nominal fee, they can contact RDD experts for In-process Inspections at key points throughout the assembly, as well as for their First Flight Program and Factory Transition Training.
“Assembling your own aircraft can take more than 1,100 hours,” said McRae. “But it’s well worth the time and effort to gain a deeper understanding of your aircraft’s capabilities and safety features. And we highly recommend our First Flight Program and Factory Transition Training to make sure you go skyward with assurance and peace of mind.”
By saving a substantial amount of money on that peace of mind, many aviation enthusiasts could soon be flying on Cloud 9.
About RDD:
RDD Enterprises is a premiere aviation Research, Design & Development group with a rich heritage serving the experimental aircraft community. Our goal is to service serious aviators by providing technologically advanced aircraft systems with impeccable safety, unbeatable value and world-class support.
Located in the Redmond, RDD is proud to have been selected to help achieve aviation goals for a wide range of customers, from individuals to large corporations. Collectively, the RDD team has extensive experience with both experimental and certified aircraft in the areas of research, design, development, modification, fabrication, construction and customer support. To learn more about the LX7-1 piston or turbine models, visit lx7aircraft.com or call David McRae, at 541-504-0305, extension 1.
