Rans S-19 Venterra Explained

The Rans S-19 Venterra (English: wind over the earth) is an American single-engined, tractor configuration, two-seats in side-by-side configuration, low-wing monoplane designed by Randy Schlitter as a light-sport aircraft and manufactured by Rans Inc. The Venterra is available as a complete factory-built aircraft and in kit form for amateur construction.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Design and development

The S-19 was designed by Randy Schlitter in 2007 as a purpose-built aircraft to capitalize on the new US LSA category. The intention was to offer the aircraft as a factory-complete Special LSA and as a kit-built Experimental LSA or amateur-built..

Unlike most other Rans models, which feature a welded 4130 steel tube cockpit with a bolted aluminum tube rear fuselage, the S-19 is an aluminum semi-monocoque design, with stressed skin construction supported with bulkheads, formers and stringers. The fuselage, wing and tail surfaces are covered in sheet aluminum. The wings are equipped with flaps.

The S-19 has tricycle landing gear with a fully castering nosewheel and steering via differential main wheel braking. The standard engine is the Rotax 912ULS of 1000NaN0.

The designer originally intended to break with the company tradition of providing a name for the aircraft and just designate the aircraft as "S-19". Early aviation media reports referred to it as the "S-19 Sport Plane". But after confusion and inquiries by air traffic control during early flights, Schlitter decided a name was needed, saying, "It is a bit of poetic license, but with 19 designs it has become a challenge to create names that are original, we like the sound of Venterra over the radio, it is easy to say, and should satisfy ATC."

Operational history

In March 2017 there were 41 S-19s registered in the United States, none in Canada and one in the UK.[8] [9] [10]

Variants

S-19
  • Initial version, kit-built aircraft for the US ELSA or experimental amateur-built categories, powered by a 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS
    S-19LS
  • Factory-built version, for the US SLSA category, powered by a 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS[6] [7]

    Accidents and notable incidents

    On 25 June 2017 a Rans S-19 crashed near Hyde, Central Otago, New Zealand, resulting in one death and one serious injury. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand investigation found that the design of the stabilator anti-servo tab trim control resulted in inadvertent activation and a sudden departure from controlled flight. The investigation led to the issuance of a Continuing Airworthiness Notice about deficiencies in the stick grip design and associated hazards.[11]

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 68. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    2. Web site: S-19 Venterra. 28 November 2010. Rans. n.d.. January 16, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110116070220/http://www.rans.com/_KITS/ModelsPages/S-19.htm. dead.
    3. Web site: S-19LS Venterra. 28 November 2010. Rans. n.d.. July 5, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110705014901/http://www.rans.com/_RTF/S-19LSmain.htm. dead.
    4. Downey, Julia: 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 53. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
    5. Web site: Special Light-Sport Aircraft - Rans S-19. 28 November 2010. Experimental Aircraft Association. 2010.
    6. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 72. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
    7. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 76. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
    8. Web site: Make / Model Inquiry Results. 18 March 2017. Federal Aviation Administration. 18 March 2017.
    9. Web site: Canadian Civil Aircraft Register. 18 March 2017. Transport Canada. 18 March 2017.
    10. Web site: GINFO Search Results Summary. 18 March 2017. Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom). 18 March 2017.
    11. Web site: CAA Safety Investigation Report 17/3767 ZK-MBX . CAA . April 24, 2020.

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