Matt Ricciardi

(November 9, 2023) The JMB Team are thrilled to announce our upcoming demo days in Chicago (KPWK). The demo days will take place on 13th-14th November 2023. This is an unique opportunity to experience the VL3 in-flight with our skilled pilots. To ensure your spot in the cockpit, make sure to secure your reservation ahead of time. For detail fill out the web form for a demo flight on our website or contact Kyle Schluter on +1 (419) 566-0095. Stay updated on our latest news by following our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

(November 6, 2023) In October 2023, an extraordinary event unfolded in Oregon, USA. It marked the serendipitous convergence of two remarkable airplanes, a VL3 and an Evo, soaring through the skies. We were fortunate to capture this momentous encounter on film. Notably, the VL3 aircraft, distinguished by its serial number 461, had earlier made a remarkable transatlantic journey in the summer of 2023 when it participated in an air show in Oshkosh. The Evo turbine, part of JMB aircraft products, is a 4-seater marvel. The VL3, affectionately dubbed "Baby Evo" by some, demonstrated its exceptional capabilities as it gracefully shared airspace with the Evo equipped with a turbine engine, reaching a remarkable speed of 180 knots, resulting in the creation of some truly unique photographs. Stay updated on our latest developments by following our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

JMB is headquartered in the Czech Republic, about 125 km east of Prague. Much of the airplane building work (e.g., composites, painting, and upholstery) is completed at a facility in Choceň. Final assembly, flight testing, and flight training are in Vysoké Mýto. The nearest commercial airline service is in Prague. Regional trains run hourly between Prague and Choceň. Local trains run hourly between Choceň and Vysoké Mýto. You can check train schedules and buy tickets online through the Czech Railways website. When booking tickets, enter "Praha hl.n." for the main train station in downtown Prague. First class offers quieter and less crowded train cars with reserved seats for only a modestly higher price. You'll receive an e-mail with a QR code; show it to the conductor checking tickets on the train. In my experience, JMB will pickup visitors at the train station for the short drive to its facilities. If you already have a VL3 (or another small airplane), you could also fly into Vysoké Mýto Airport (LKVM) directly. Radio calls are not usually answered by airport staff, so pilots need to self-announce and coordinate amongst themselves. You must also close your own flight plan upon arrival. There is a sharp dip in the taxiway between the runway and the ramp, so taxi slowly.

(October 10, 2023) JMB Aircraft has spread its wings further by opening a brand-new manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic. Situated at a strategic location within an airport, this modern factory is ready to speed up the production of JMB’s two seater VL3 and 4 seater Evo with a commitment to producing high-quality, cutting-edge airplanes, JMB aircraft has earned a reputation for excellence that extends across the globe. Since our VL3 with Rotax 912 almost 10 years ago to VL3 with Rotax 916is or VL3 Turbine and also turbine 4 seater Evo in present day. One of the most remarkable achievements of this new facility is the pace of production it enables. Thanks to its modern infrastructure and prime location, JMB Aircraft can now roll out a new plane every three days. However, the new factory is just the beginning of JMB Aircraft’s expansion plans. As we move towards December 2023 the company is set to embark on the construction of two additional facilities adjacent to the new one. This strategic move underscores JMB Aircraft’s dedication to staying at the forefront of the aviation industry and solidifying its position as a global leader. The decision to expand in the Czech Republic showcases the company’s confidence in the local workforce, its commitment to innovation, and its desire to contribute to the region’s economic growth. By choosing this location for its expansion, JMB Aircraft is not only creating jobs but also fostering a hub of aviation excellence in the heart of Europe.

Yes, you can fit a Garmin GTN 750Xi in the VL3 panel! I recently completed JMB's five-hour VL3 training course at the factory airport outside of Prague. The training airplane had a loaded panel with dual Garmin G3X Touch displays and a Garmin GTN 750Xi in the center stack. See attached photos. The center stack also included a Garmin GMC 507 autopilot control panel (above the 750) and a compact Trig radio and transponder (below the 750). No room for anything else. In my own panel, I'm going with the more compact GTN 650Xi to leave room for a GMA 245 audio panel and a GNC 255A nav/com. I prefer physical buttons rather than doing everything through touchscreens.

During a visit to the JMB final assembly line last month, I noticed a new propeller on one of the planes. (See attached photo.) Turned out to be the new DUC 4-blade "Tiger" propeller recently launched at AirVenture. Reminded me of the curved fan blades on newer turbofans. The factory training plane was fitted with the 3-blade version of the DUC Tiger propeller, and it seemed quieter than normal. I don't have any objective data on performance improvements over more traditional propeller designs, however.

Can you post details/instructions for taking the train (which one, buying tickets, etc.)? Was wondering about this myself. Is there also a train to/from Vysoké Mýto?

The October issue of AOPA Pilot magazine features a nice two-page photo of the VL3 introducing an article about the proposed MOSAIC regulations. It's the JMB demo plane, N915VL, that I suspect many of us have flown.

@Kevin Duggan Errol just posted in the "Sales" forum about a factory-installed oxygen system that JMB will soon offer as an option. The mechanical components and installation are basically the same as the O2D2 system referenced above, but it includes a datalink to display oxygen system data on the Garmin G3X displays. Unfortunately, at about $10k, it costs 5x as much as the O2D2 system, so it's a pass for me. I also prefer a modular system that can be easily removed when not in use since I won't need to use oxygen on many of my flights.

Yikes. That's substantially (about 5x) more expensive than the Mountain High O2D2 system. The G3X avionics integration is neat, but I'll stick with the functionally equivalent aftermarket solution given the price difference. Being able to remove the system when not in use--most flights for me--is also important to free up cargo space and reduce clutter.

I plan to equip my VL3 with a Mountain High O2D2 supplemental oxygen system (for high-altitude operations) and a Tanis electric engine pre-heat system (for cold weather operations). The safety page on the JMB website mentions that an oxygen system can be added "upon customer's request" but it wasn't an option on the order form. Can these options be installed at the factory or are they best handled as "aftermarket" installations upon delivery in Salisbury?