Developed from the similar-in-appearance predecessor, the ATEC 122 Zephyr 2000, the Faeta was designed to comply specifically with microlight rules of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and U.S. Light-Sport Aircraft rules. Although classified as an ultralight and light-sport aircraft in the Czech Republic and various European nations, the 321 Faeta is approved under its very own class of aircraft in the U.S.A. as a Super Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA).
Like the Zephyr predecessor, the Faeta has a factory-supplied Rotax 912 four-stroke engine as its powerplant The 321 also features a cantilever low-wing, two side-by-side configuration seats, enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed-gears in tricycle configuration, and a T-tail. The fuselage is composed of carbon fibre, therefore made out of composite materials that makes it a light-sport class aircraft. Empty of fuel, the aircraft weighs only 613 lbs. (278 kg.) and is capable of carrying 1,042 lbs. (472.5 kg.) total. Unlike the Zephyr however, the Faeta wing uses a different tapered planform as well as a new airfoil. The cockpit is also very simple to the point where only basic instruments required for powered flight on 1-2 screens is on the control panel, although different options are available. The aircraft also features control sticks as opposed to yokes.
Performance-wise, the Faeta is capable of reaching speeds up to 146 Knots, or 168 mph (270 km/h), but a standard cruising speed typically does not exceed 123 Knots, or 141 mph (227 km/h). Because of its light weight, the Faeta is rated a stall speed at 28 Knots, or 32 mph (52 km/h) which is surprisingly low considering other single-engine aircraft like the Cessna 172 Skyhawk and the Piper PA-28 Cherokee (both popular and standard choices for various local flight schools) have higher stall speeds of 47 Knots, or 54 mph (87 km/h). The 321 Faeta also outdoes the Skyhawk and Cherokee both by having a doubled rate of climb of 1,400 Feet per minute (7 m/s). And with weight calculated correctly, the Faeta can have a fuel load up to 18 Gallons (70 litres) allowing for approximately 2-3 hours of flight time on a good day.
There are only about ten ATEC 321 Faeta-type aircraft registered in the U.S. present day. But pilots I know who have flown this aircraft unofficially call it the "Savior or Redeemer of General Aviation", and given the performance capabilities and the materials the airplane is made out of, they have good reason to call it that. Off the assembly line, a brand new Faeta would is worth about $89,000 compared to six figure price tags of most modern (and newer) single-engine general aviation aircraft. The other factor is the cost of maintaining the aircraft; compared to older Piper or Cessna aircraft, the Faeta is by far a lot more cheaper to maintain. Given the state of the economy, affordability of most General Aviation aircraft has a high price tag and public interest in the profession has been on the decrease as a result. The ATEC 321 Faeta holds the potential in promoting, boosting and gaining back the lost interest in the concept of flying under GA category. Right now it's a rare and uncommon aircraft to find the in U.S. and airport tower staff will most likely scratch their heads thinking "What's a Faeta?" when one radios in. But that doesn't mean flight schools can't purchase a small fleet of them anytime in the near future. Once the aircraft is a little more well-known and popularized, flight schools will most likely start phasing out their older, less-efficiant planes and replace them with Faetas for their performance capabilities, composite materials, cheaper maintainability, and simplicity.
Hence, the "Savior of General Aviation".
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