Post-AERO 2026 considerations

AERO 2026 just ended, and we can draw some final conclusions, knowing that some of these may help to better understand our goals, our construction philosophy, and our overall targets. We also take this opportunity to thank all our customers, dealers, and visitors for the meetings at our stand…

The bushflying sector has certainly become much more popular in Europe than ever before, although it still remains a relatively niche sector. If we look at the true masters of bush flying, present for decades in Alaska and Canada, the king of this sector is certainly and will always be the legendary Piper Super Cub, for technical and construction reasons that are more than obvious to us experts…

Analyzing the offerings on the LSA and ULM market (not just those on display at the show), we can confidently say that aircraft of this type, “tandem and Rotax-powered,” offered in the LSA/ULM sector are actually very few and specifically in Europe, due to regulations on the empty weight of aircraft, they are limited to “perhaps” just a couple of planes, including our one.

If we then also analyze the performances and specifically the maximum cruising speed (increasingly important even for a STOL aircraft as it is capable of expanding operational horizons) or the minimum flight speed, not to mention the aircraft’s agility, another factor often overlooked in this sector, for tandem aircraft configuration, it is clear once again that the Norden aircraft we presented has a flight envelope that is practically unique and with a ratio between minimum flight speed and Vd of over 6, a value practically unheard of in this specialised LSA/ULM bush plane category. We would also like to point out, after this international exhibition, that our all-metal wing is currently still the only one in the sector with fully retractable, interconnected, electrically controlled slats, offering an additional safety factor in certain delicate phases of flight.

Analyzing the market, at least from a European perspective, we can confirm after this German show that not only our aircraft is capable to offer an unique balance between technology and performance, but is also way less expensive in Europe (-130.000 euro at least) than our direct competitor, taking into account an average VAT rate of 21% across various European countries, and still with the same engine and technical equipment, but without offering slats and double-slotted flaps that are standard on the Norden.

Considering all this and confident in our ambitions, we will be present at AERO 2027 next year in an even more significant way, to underscore our clear presence in the European market, also confident in the fact that we can “legally” enter, in terms of empty weight, all European markets that currently allow 600 kg MTOW.

Final considerations regarding some markets of immediate interest to us and upcoming programs. Regarding the German market, we can confirm that if everything technically goes according to the plans discussed in person at the show with the German certification team, we will be legally authorized to make the first deliveries in Germany very soon. Regarding the LSA market in general and the American market in particular, we are preparing all the necessary technical modifications to offer the official version of the Norden with a maximum takeoff weight of 800 kg (1,760 lbs) in compliance with the new MOSAIC regulations.

Agreements have also been made to begin certification in the UK in the 600 kg class as soon as possible, given the strong demand coming from that Country. Finally, for enthusiasts of the genre, we confirm that by late summer, we will put the first Norden Bobber ever into production, an aircraft that will recapture the charm of our Savage Bobber, combining it with the unique performance and the “physique” of the Norden 916iS. A perfect advanced bush plane for some markets, not forgetting that the cabin, with a specific kit, will allow to fly also during winter time…

See you at AERO 2027

video credits: Arturo Polo Ena , Gary Green