Two ATEC light sport aircraft, the 212 Solo and the Faeta 321 NG, recently debuted at the 51st annual SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo as FAA-certified planes. The manufacturer is currently accepting orders through its exclusive US distributor, RT Aviation.
The Faeta NG on display at the RT Aviation booth is the first of its kind in the US, with three more expected to be on their way later this year. One of the new deliveries will be using the 160 horsepower Rotax 916 iS, giving a significant power boost over the original 912 iS engine. This is slated for delivery in September.
Though the design is new to the US, it has been making its way around the European market for about the last five years and there are upwards of 300 flying today. And, with the sole Faeta NG selling on its first day in the spotlight, it seems likely that the bird’s popularity will carry over once the whole overseas delivery process gets straightened out.
“We are excited to announce the addition of the Atec Faeta NG to our sales portfolio. This agile and capable low-wing aircraft, designed in the Czech Republic, features a spacious cabin and a tip-up bubble canopy,” ATEC stated. “Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting, the Faeta NG provides a thrilling and comfortable flying experience.”
The Faeta NG was greenlit as a factory-built Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA), giving it a maximum takeoff weight of 1320 pounds. With an empty weight of 706 pounds, the plane leaves over 600 pounds of useful load for people, gas, and bags.
ATEC’s single-seat design, the 212 Solo, received FAA certification around the same time as the Faeta NG despite having been in the US for much longer. It is a significantly smaller and rowdier airplane, delivered to customers as a kit and registered as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA).
Its design was heavily derived from the Faeta, though condensed heavily down to a 518-pound empty weight. Its wing is around seven feet shorter than the Faeta’s and is paired with slotted flaps.
