Rans S-7S Courier

The S-7S Courier has evolved from the classic S-7 Courier produced since 1985. The constant progress of the Courier kit has produced the S-7S. Along with the tremendous value added from building a certified aircraft in kit form, come refinements in aerodynamics, interior, panel, fibreglass wing tips, larger flaps, radiator inside cowling, and a fibreglass cowl boot. Options such as cabin heater, welded jury struts, wing fabric rivet kit, airspeed indicator, voltage meter, fuel pressure gauge, station 3 close out, control stick cover-ups, throttle guard, and bubble doors now come standard on the S-7S. 

The S-7S Courier is a classic in the true sense of the word. From the tasteful lines to the touch, smell and feel, it beckons of an era when flying was a grass roots experience. When flying was a personal enjoyment without the pressure to make it pay or need to be justified in the eyes of ”accounting.” The S-7S is flying for the sake of flying. It is quality airtime. Time well spent getting in touch once again with why you earned your ticket.
            
Flying the Courier develops a profound respect for the evolution of a classic. No doubt about it, the Courier has been influenced by great planes – like the Cubs and Champs – except evolved to an advantage. At first introduction you will welcome some more obvious changes. Two five-foot wide doors allow easy entry to either the solo position front seat or rear. 
           
Equipped with the Rotax 100 HP 912S engine, the Courier can leap into the air in less than 325 feet. Lifting off short means little if you can’t haul a load. 532 pounds of useful load puts the Courier in the ”do something, go somewhere” class. Tough spring steel gear and effective Cleveland
brakes let you do that something in places previously passed by. The gentle nature of this taildragger will encourage the newcomer and compliment the seasoned. Developed in the land of daily crosswinds (Kansas), the Courier is good for 20 KTS. at 90 degrees – more if you know a few tricks!   
            
In the air, the Courier parts company with some of the classic element, leaving behind the pronounced adverse yaw and rudder tending. Instead, the handling reveals the fine tuning of differential ailerons, spades, balanced controls, and smooth ball bearing bellcranks and push rods.
           
A gentle buffet announces the stall followed by a definitive break. A slight release of back pressure and the Courier is flying again. Even at the bottom of the white arc, the Courier retains confident, friendly handling. This is the outcome of just the right airfoil, span and wing loading. Enjoyable handling that lets you fly to the extremes of your personal envelope.
            
A healthy supply of fuel (18 gallons) yields at least 3.1 hours aloft with 1/2 hour in reserve. Another pleasant surprise is the cruise speed. Here’s where that narrow Rotax 912S really pays off. Cruise at 118 MPH, now that really puts some ”refinement” into the old cub numbers!
           
Get used to seeing. The view out of the Courier is amazingly void of blind spots. Another break from tradition is over- the-nose visibility during taxi, which turns exceptional in the air. Five foot long side windows pan the horizon. For over-the-wing visibility, the cabin roof is clear glazing. That comes in real handy in the pattern or winding along a riverbed.
            
Fun to toss around the sky, but yet stable. Tap the Courier’s electric trim on top of the control stick to set up hands off cruise. Drop the flaps and re-trim. The big tail and long moment provide good feel with proper feed back.

specifications
 
powerplant
propeller
length
height
wing span
wing area
seats
empty weight
useful load
gross weight
fuel capacity
range
Rotax 912S 100 hp
72 in Carbon
23 ft. 3in.
6 ft 3 in
29 ft 3 in
147.1 sq ft
2
700 lbs
500 lbs
1200 lbs
18 gal US
341 miles

performance

takeoff distance, ground roll
rate of climb
max speed
cruise speed
landing distance, ground roll
service ceiling
325 ft
1000 fpm
x
110 mph
375 ft
14,500 ft

limiting and recommended speeds

design manoeuvring speed (Va)
never exceed speed (Vne)
stall, power off (Vsl)
landing approach speed
x
130 mph
46 mph
x

All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations