ultralight planes

[dpopiz]

I've been really wanting to try flying one of those ultralight planes (you know the ones with the delta shaped wing on top and a big fan in the back?)

Anybody here do that stuff? How did you get started? Where would I go for rental/lessons?

(I'm in CA by the way)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

paper airplanes?

you can make one that's delta shaped pretty easily and you can't get much lighter than it.



In short, I don't know.

 

[StageLeft]

Make up your mind

 

[Bootprint]

Ultra lights don't have to look like the old Delta wing with the large prop in back any more.



Maybe start @ usua.org

 

[FoBoT]

you should build your own
http://www.flying101.com/
http://www.flying101.com/Getting%20Started.htm

 

[DrPizza]

what do you mean...
ultralight planes?

Or powered parachutes?

If the latter, it's much easier to get involved. By a trike, take some lessons on a 2 seater, and you're good to go.
Last I knew, no pilots license needed. I've wanted to get one for years.
Maybe I will soon.

 

[DrPizza]

Your description (big fan on the back) sounds more like a powered parachute.

Simply search on the internet. They're pretty affordable too... only a few grand for one.

 

[KDOG]

I am building an ultralight gyroplane as we speak. Its called the Gyrobee and it has a perfect safety record because of its "Keep It Simple, Stupid" design philosophy. A great kit producer of this aircraft is starbeegyros.com. I've bought a few parts from there. And its not a "big fan" on the back, at least not anymore. Its a bonafide aircraft engine with real aircraft propeller. It is affordable, but not cheap. The engine for my bird alone will be about $5,000 - thats brand new with the basic engine instruments (Rotax 447). My plane is one of the more affordable designs out there but it will still cost me about 8 - 10K depending on the configuration. If you are serious, then do some research and go out to ultralight fly-ins and airshows and talk to people. If you are not truly serious, don't bother wasting the ultralight community's time with BS. Sounds harsh, but we get tired of people getting us to commit time and they don't go thru with it. If you want to look at a more traditional design, a kit provider called Hummel Aviation ( www.flyhummel.com ) has one called the Ultracruiser that is REALLY nice. They even have one called the Ultracruiser Plus which is a slightly bigger cross country flyer but its not an ultralight.

 

[FoBoT]

dude, you're going to look like the guy in Mad Max/Road Warrior

http://starbeegyros.com/admin/Gallery/large_thumb_209.jpg

 

[KDOG]

Yup. If I can help it!!! Muhahahaha!!