N77KX

N77KX is a Risen 915iS, a single-engine piston aircraft operated by KESTRELX LLC. SkyMeter has tracked 204 flights totalling 379 hours of airtime via ADS-B across 2 callsigns. The most frequent segment is KDIJ to KDIJ. Service window in our records spans 503 days. Of those flights, 16 (7.8%) carry at least one detected incident: a go-around, unstable approach, stall warning, or runway excursion. The Risen 915iS has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 lb, light wake category.

About the Risen 915iS

The Risen 915iS represents the modern evolution of European light-sport aviation, built by Czech manufacturer Risen and powered by the sophisticated Rotax 915iS turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers 135 horsepower while burning automotive gasoline, making it one of the most capable engines in the light-sport category and enabling the aircraft to operate efficiently at higher altitudes than naturally-aspirated competitors. The 915iS designation reflects its defining feature: Rotax's fuel-injected, turbocharged engine that maintains sea-level power up to approximately 15,000 feet, a significant advantage for mountain flying and cross-country missions.

Designed to maximize the performance envelope permitted under both US light-sport aircraft regulations (1,320 lb maximum gross weight) and European ultralight standards, the Risen pushes the boundaries of what a two-seat aircraft can accomplish within these constraints. Its composite construction keeps empty weight low while providing a sleek, aerodynamically efficient airframe. The type appeals to owner-pilots seeking modern avionics, excellent fuel economy, and the ability to operate from short grass strips while still achieving respectable cross-country speeds. With a never-exceed speed of 120 knots and a cruise capability in the 100-knot range, it occupies the sweet spot between traditional ultralights and certified general aviation aircraft.

The Risen's operating characteristics reflect its light-sport pedigree: a stall speed of just 37 knots with full flaps makes it forgiving for student pilots and accessible to short-field operations, while its relatively high VNE and turbocharged engine provide cross-country capability that rivals some certified aircraft. The type has found favor among flight schools in Europe and private owners in North America who value the combination of modern technology, operating economy, and the simplified maintenance regime permitted under light-sport rules. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.