Safest GA Plane Ever?…
It’s not uncommon for superlatives to be flying when a new airplane is certified but Liberty Aerospace spokesman Mike Fabianac says the FAA has bestowed a coveted title on the company’s new XL2. “Their primary concern is safety and they told us this is going to be the safest GA airplane ever produced,” said Fabianac (we’re looking forward to the mail incited by that one). The XL2 is the first two-place light single to receive a type certificate in over 30 years, Fabianac told us, and the first to be certified with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which provoked even more exhaustive testing by the FAA. It took four years to certify the airplane and the paperwork came through last Thursday. Fabianac said the FADEC system has quadruple redundancy and is much more reliable than a magneto system. It also allows for single-lever power control, with the computers constantly adjusting the fuel and ignition for optimum performance. In addition to reducing pilot workload, the company claims fuel economy is increased by up to 20 percent and engine life is extended because there’s no danger of improper leaning. Add cockpit rollover protection and a composite and tube fuselage, and it adds up to strong package. “There’s so much more protection,” Fabianac said.
