The Ventura 2 is a good option for those who want a larger and even more stable light sport aircraft than the Savannah, which also has excellent space for luggage.
The grown-up ultralight
The Ventura 2 is the light sport version of ICP’s latest aircraft model. It is approved for up to 600 kg MTOM, and has plenty of room for both pilot and one passenger. Both can benefit from adjustable seats and an even wider cabin than in the Savannah.
The Ventura 2 is largely the same aircraft as the Ventura 4 in form and function, but lacks the two passenger seats in the rear of the aircraft that the latter has. This space is instead set aside for a substantial luggage compartment, where you can take 90 kg of luggage with you!
Both Ventura 2 and 4 have a soundproofed cabin, which especially makes longer journeys more comfortable than in many other aircraft in the same classes.
The Ventura 2 comes with one 36 litres fuel tank in each wing and an 18 litres collector tank, with an option to install two tanks in each wing for a total of 162 litres.
Good performances
The Rotax 912ULS or 914UL give the Ventura 2 good power for both take-off and cruise, and the Riblett GA 35-418 profile in the wings ensures good STOL properties – the signature of all ICP’s aircraft. If you want even more power, it is also an option to install the Rotax 915iS with a constant speed propeller. But under Norwegian rules the extra power come with some limitations.
The Ventura 2 is huge for being a light sport aircraft. The cabin width of the Ventura is 116 cm. In comparison, the cabin width of a Cessna 182 is 107 cm and that of a Piper Ceneca (a twin engine aircraft with 5-6 passenger seats) is 123 cm! The cabin is also longer than for the Savannah and has a comfortable height. It follows from this that the empty weight is also relatively high.
The empty weight limits options
In Norway, there is a requirement for a minimum usable payload of 35.8% of MTOM for light sport aircraft, which in turn limits the maximum empty weight to 385.2 kg. This may somewhat limit the amount of additional equipment that can be fitted if you go for the Rotax 915iS. For example a Ventura 2 with Rotax 915, long range tanks and rescue screen does not fall below the maximum limit for empty weight in Norway. But if you find a combination of equipment you are satisfied with, and which comes in under an empty weight of 385.2 kg, the Ventura 2 with Rotax 915iS is a fantastic LSA.
Perfect tow plane?
The combination Ventura 2 with Rotax 915iS may also be a very efficient, stable and good tow plane. Mind you, this set-up does not allow for a rescue chute under the Norwegian rules for minimum usable payload.
Go for it all, with Ventura 4
Another option is to upgrade your sport pilot license to LAPL, and go for a Ventura 4 with Rotax 915 or 916. With 800 kg MTOM, the Ventura 4 gives good margins for accessories and at the same time plenty of space for three passengers, more luggage or more fuel. At the same time, you retain most of the advantages of light sport aircraft, with the Ventura 4 registered as Experimental.
Ready to fly or kit?
Ventura 2 is sold both as a kit and “ready to fly”, and for both there are lots of options to choose from to customize your Ventura 2 to fit your needs and personality.
