Matt Ricciardi

New YouTube video about the history of JMB and how it came to produce the VL3:

Brand new JMB VL3 916iS with the 750kg gross weight increase option, dual G3X Touch displays, and a GTN 650Xi navigator is available from the U.S. dealer without the usual long wait:

https://www.controller.com/listing/for-sale/237263523/2024-jmb-vl3-916-piston-single-aircraft

On 8/28/2024 at 12:40 PM, David Fankhauser said:

Im thinking about installing this system in my VL3 but heard from someone that he gets to 91% O2 at 15k MSL without a passenger. Now Im reconsidering. Does anyone have other experiences?

I don't have personal experience with the AITHRE system, but my colleague owns an RV-9A and says it has been a topic of discussion in the Van's community.  Perhaps check the Van's Air Force message board.

More VL3s with the AITHRE system are on-order and will soon be flying in the States, so likely more feedback from VL3 owners coming in the months ahead.

(August 29, 2024)  Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the VL3 915iS and 916iS this September.  On September 20th and 21st, 2024, you have the chance to fly with JMB representatives at Sunriver Airport (S21).  Be sure to book your slot in advance by contacting us at marketing@jmbaircraft.com or doug@jmbaircraftus.com, or simply fill out the demo flight request form at https://www.jmbaircraft.com/partners.

You may also call Carry to get your spot in the cockpit: +1 (801) 389-3084

(August 26, 2024)  Experience the Passion of Aviation with JMB Aircraft at Mondial de l'ULM 2024 Blois, France!  We are thrilled to announce that JMB Aircraft will be participating in the prestigious Mondial de l'ULM 2024: Come and live the passion of the air, taking place from September 13-15, 2024.  You can book your demo flight slot in the VL3 & Phoenix.

Demo days in Lithuania will follow up right after Blois exhibition. You can already book your demo flight slot via JMB request form (https://www.jmbaircraft.com/partners) or with our Lithuanian dealership (baltics@jmbaircraft.com). The demo days will take place September 27-29 at Paluknys airfield (EYVP) near Vilnius.

One of the last 2024 events will take place in Reggio Emilia Airfield in Italy October 3-5.  JMB Aircraft will be performing demo flights with VL3 916is and we will have 2 VL3 916is units on static display!

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An aviation YouTuber just posted a video with some more details on the VL3 Turbine:

5 hours ago, Konrad Palczynski said:

Are there any estimates on the possible time frame for the turbine engine option availability?

I don't know, but I would guess not soon.  JMB chose not to exhibit the VL3 Turbine at Oshkosh last week because it's still in the engineering phase and they didn't want to overpromise on delivery dates.

5 hours ago, Konrad Palczynski said:

Also, what are the lead times for the VL-3 with the 916iS?

I placed my order and paid my deposit in December 2022.  Latest estimate is that I'll receive my plane in September 2023 -- about 22 months.  It's nearly August and my plane still needs to be shipped across the Atlantic, reassembled, certified, and flight tested here in the States, so I expect the September date is going to slip into October.

In fairness, I originally ordered a 915iS and added the 916iS and 750 MTOW options when they became available in Spring 2023, which might account for part of the delay.  On the other hand, the order queue might be longer now, don't know.

32 minutes ago, Jim Badalamenti said:

They're showing the 600kg MTOW instead of the (optional) 750kg. ??

I assume the chart shows the 600kg MTOW because, as you said, that's the base configuration.  So far as I know, the 750kg MTOW is only available for planes receiving Airworthiness Certificates under the EAB and (maybe) the forthcoming MOSAIC LSA regulations here in the States.

I posted the 750kg MTOW performance from the 750kg POH charts here.

10 minutes ago, John Crone said:

I note they photoshopped the registration out.

Yep, at least Europeans are generally good about respecting privacy.

2 minutes ago, John Crone said:

A reverse pic. Early morning so photographer was getting pretty cold.

Wow.  I assumed a boring Cessna as the photo plane.  What is that?

15 minutes ago, John Crone said:

That's my aircraft in the pic!

Hahaha...  Is that you in the co-pilot seat with Joren?  JMB should pay you a royalty!  😛  Great paint scheme, by the way.

13 minutes ago, Jim Harris said:

They will be fabricating a cover to go over all the exposed plumbing.

Ah, perfect.  Makes sense.

Here what the piping behind the seats looks like in this initial installation of the AITHRE oxygen system:

Looks a bit precarious.  I'd be concerned about accidentally hitting it while loading the cargo area.  In fairness, I haven't seen it in person, and I assume the installation mechanics will be refined as more installations are completed.

Photo courtesy of @Jim Harris.

Here's the VL3 specifications board comparing engine options, as posted outside the JMB pavilion at Oshkosh 2024...

Photo courtesy of @Jim Harris.

For those (like me) who were unable to attend this year, here are some photos of JMB's area at Oshkosh 2024, courtesy of Matej at JMB...

2 hours ago, Michael Hodes said:

I want to have my aircraft and know the weight and balance before I put 7 lbs that far aft.  I think it will probably not be a problem, but I want to run my expected loading scenarios to confirm.

Good point.  Total weight won't be an issue with the 750 kg option, but I had the same thought about balance tipping too far aft when I saw the placement.  As you say, I assume JMB/Gulf States/Azure calculated the balance change and determined it was still well within range.

2 hours ago, Michael Hodes said:

I think my aircraft left Chocen in the past couple of days, but I need to confirm.  I might be flying it mid-September.

Awesome!  Reassembly and Phase I testing at Azure in Tennessee?

4 hours ago, Jim Harris said:

The published number is two people up to 15,000 ft.

That nicely coincides with the critical altitude on the 915iS and 916iS engines, although the service ceiling is higher.  I'm leaning in this direction but plan to wait-and-see how the first few installations work out before making a final decision.  No rush since I don't have a plane yet anyway...

58 minutes ago, Jim Harris said:

And the new version of the system eliminates the flow meter.  It adjusts the flow digitally now which is very nice.

Jim, any hard data on flow capacity, particularly how high it can support two average adults?

1 hour ago, Michael Hodes said:

Who is the maintenance partner?

So far as I know, Azure Flight Support, the same folks in Tennessee who reassemble the planes after shipping from Europe.

JMB's maintenance partner here in the States just installed the AITHRE oxygen system in a VL3.  Couple photos attached.  I like how the concentrator box is in the tail section and so does not detract from limited cargo space.  Aftermarket price was quoted as $5.5k plus (unspecified) installation.  I believe this plane will be on display at the JMB booth at Oshkosh later this month.

I'm going to wait for reports from the first few customers before making a decision myself, but this AITHRE system does seem like a nice oxygen solution.  No bottle to refill and no reduction in usable interior space.

JMB recently released these performance charts for the flagship VL3 model with the 916iS engine and 750kg gross weight increase option.

(June 17, 2024)  On June 6th this year, the aviation community gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the 20th anniversary of the first flight of the VL3. This event was marked by a special moment as the original VL3, serial number 1, took to the skies again.  The celebration was led by the brothers Miroslav and Petr Kábrt with Jean-Marie Guisset, who were instrumental in the creation and success of the VL3.

The VL3's 20-year journey is marked by numerous achievements.  It has set speed records, flown across continents, and been a highlight at international aviation shows.  Pilots have consistently praised its handling, safety features, and versatility, making it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts.

The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on these accomplishments and the impact the VL3 has had on the aviation community.

The first flight was once again performed by Mr. Unzeitig who has flown the VL3 for very first time on 6th of June 2004.

On 4/17/2024 at 1:23 PM, Matt Ricciardi said:

I'm told the "VL3" type code should be added to the FAA/ATC computer system no later than the June 13th update cycle.

Success!  Flight plans filed with the "VL3" aircraft type code are now being accepted by the FAA computer system.

EAA published the daily air show schedule for Oshkosh 2024 earlier this week:

https://www.eaa.org/airventure/features-and-attractions/eaa-airventure-air-show

(June 10, 2024)  EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is one of the largest aviation events in the world, and JMB Aircraft is excited to announce our participation from July 22nd to 28th.  This year, JMB Aircraft will showcase our new aircraft models, including the Phoenix, the 4-seater Evolution, and the VL3, known for their exceptional speed, efficiency, and comfort.

Come and check out our amazing VL3 at EAA AirVenture this summer.  Stop by our booth, grab a cold drink, get more information about our us and our airplanes and enjoy the company of the JMB team. We look forward to seeing you!

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