US Aviation CAVU explained

The US Aviation CAVU (named for the aeronautical meteorology term meaning "Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited") is an American high-wing, strut-braced, single-seat, open cockpit, single engine in pusher configuration, ultralight aircraft that was designed and produced by AeroDreams of Manchester, Tennessee, but marketed by US Aviation of St Paul, Minnesota under their brand name. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.^{[1] [2]}

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 2540NaN0. The CAVU has an empty weight of 2200NaN0. The design goals for the CAVU were a simple and inexpensive aircraft, achieving good performance with a small and inexpensive engine.

The aircraft is made from aluminium tubing, wood and fabric. The fuselage is built on an aluminium tube, which supports the tail as well as the pilot's seat. Its 311NaN1 span wing is braced by a single lift strut. Powered by a Zenoah G-25 engine of 220NaN0, the CAVU cruises at 520NaN0. Acceptable engines can range in power from 22to. The fuel capacity is, with optional. The landing gear is tricycle gear.

Estimated assembly time from the kit is 100 hours.

Notes and References

1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 344. BAI Communications.
2. Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 74. Primedia Publications.