JMB VL3 915is aircraft - full demo flight + Q&A

This is not just any other aircraft. This is the VL3 from JMB Aircraft. Its a high performance UL made in Europe. We asked the JMB Team some questions and then took it up in the air for a demo flight.

Do you have more questions? Leave them in the comments and I'll try to get some answers in the next video.

CHAPTERS
00:00 VL3 915is Demo Flight and Q&A
00:19 What is the VL3?
01:01 Who is it made for
02:01 Stall characteristics - how safe is it?
04:02 Landing gear for hard landings and gras?
05:29 Performance Data - Speed and Fuel Burn
07:20 Cost per Hour
08:01 Airframe Design, CAPS & Materials
09:39 Landing Gear durable for flying schools?
10:27 Avionics
11:58 Prices of different models
12:40 Demo Flight VL3 915is
12:55 Run-Up
14:39 Take-Off
15:51 Cruise Climb
16:32 Engine Noise
16:49 Airspeed and fuel burn (4.500 feet) vs. FL100
17:26 Stability and Turns
18:28 Stalls
19:17 SmartGlide
20:21 My first time flying a VL3
21:13 Autopilot
22:23 Endurance Cruise Settings
24:30 Fuel Management
25:11 Approach
27:28 Short Final
28:08 Verdict

[Dzordzikk]

VL3 is very pleasure and easy to flight, I was impressed by performance and stability, including stall prevention characteristics in straight flight, in turns, with engine, on idle, with flaps and without flaps. And best on that airplane is possibility to land on very short airfields because very efficient flaps. VL3 is my personal TOP in this category from all types I tested in flight.

[veritasmanagement]

Great Video. Love the VL3 and hope to see more of the 915 turbo in the US over the next year or so. Love the avionics in the model you flew.

[speedomars]

JMB is a dynamic and smart company. I am looking forward to them making Evolution aircraft.

[avrshane]

It will be interesting to see what the FAA does next year with the changes in LSA rules, hoping it will be like EASA where we can have retracts and cs props and no speed restrictions and get the allowable weight to where we can take 2 -200lb people, full fuel and few few pounds for baggage.

[TheJustinJ]

Lance Neibauer was a fantastic artists and aircraft designer.

The highest form of flattery is this.

[drstrangelove]

In this category it seems to come down to the VL3 (is 915) and the Swiss V-†ail, the Risen, that has extraordinary cruise figures. Truly amazing.... but the field requirements of VL3 (915) are quiet exceptional. In Oz I'm inclined to lean to short field performance due to a lack of huge concrete runways at every AIP listed airport, and some of my friends simple gravel/grass runways that exist in their hundreds at remote properties across a vast brown land. Because of the long distances, the speed is a serious factor, as is the fuel burn. But the idea of a slow, short landing, a tough a/c seems slightly better than the Risen. Obviously more to consider here including price, delivery, support, bureaucrats, and many other unexpected interruptions to the fun... I like the JB-3's structural load factor meaning you are unlikely to rip the wings off easily in a simple barrel roll or a nice loop. But there seems to be a shortage of data for the Risen's G limits, and its spin tolerance. I know everyone likes a plane that doesn't stall easily, but I prefer to know what it feels like when you step across the usual boundaries and the aircraft "departs" No nice straight and level stalls with the power coming off slowly, rather, instead, power-on approach config or go around attempts with the nose high, which can come up sharply. I thought that would be an essential part of at least Commercial Pilot handling skills.. That's another story. Pardon me....
These two aircraft define how much the progress tech advances have made in the post 1990s, and have landed in these new Composites, CFD, CAD, Modeling, Avionics, Parachutes, Quality control, automated production, and an exceptional group of ideas people with an esprit du corp, an idea, a not just an ROI mob focused on "Value extraction" So... why haven't these kinds of a/c been exploding out of the US? (not interested in bureaucracy stories..). Its a philosophy question, not a political
thoughts? The Dr.

[bartdereu]

I've flown one a month ago and it's truly a very nice aircraft.

[humberto]

This ultralight is very good, excellent piloting capabilities

[foesfly]

Hard to believe it can be operated at less than 1320 pounds, with two men onboard, having the weight of an emergency chute, retractable gear, 40 US gallons, inflight variable pitch propeller, leather interior, at least two autopilot servos, IFR level, dual large-screen avionics, etc. I’m not complaining. I’m just pretty sure the Empty weight is more than 800 pounds with all that equipment— maybe Well Over 800. With those fuel tanks full, pilot better be a 16 year old girl 😮
That being said, this is the most desirable aircraft out there to replace my Baby Lancair 320 (Skystar Pulsar III with Gen-4 Jabiru 3300 @ 120hp).

[pumarolz]

What a great video editing and aesthetic

[amietinen]

He says still in the UL category, do they have any plans to certify it under CS-23 in the future?

[robertchambers]

Is the aircraft able to be IFR certified.

[sportaviation]

I actually did a demo in the VL3 in Belgium. Can you tell me what video camera you used in the airplane?

[jurisbruzuks]

To the attention of Rotax aircraft engine users!

This engine worked for 210 hours and fell apart during the flight in the air.

The reason was oil starvation of one crankshaft journal. A preliminary inspection showed that the problem was from the very beginning and the connecting rod at least received lubrication from the crankcase. But it wasn't enough and the connecting rod with the bushing, having received a large gap, collapsed.
From beginning of operation with a warm engine, when the speed was reduced to a minimum, the temperature and oil pressure began to rise. By adding speed, everything returned to normal.

[goldenoldie]

Now that you've flown the Elixir 915 and VL3 915, which do you prefer? Thanks.

[N.California]

I wish I had money to buy a beautiful plane like this. And to learn how to fly in general.

[alphahrd]

Great you do long cross country flight in this and what is the range at 15000ft 170kt....can you get 1100 to 1200nm out of this plane?

[bbrydr]

Nice review…impressive performance for sure! What was the baggage/cargo compartment like?

[mpmcruz]

What’s the price for a brand new airplane? Best regards.

[Widewings]

Can I file an IFR flight plan with this aircraft as equipped ?