Worlds cheapest ultralight?
05-01-2013, 02:59 PM
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Worlds cheapest ultralight?
I'm kicking around the idea of building an ultralight (cheaply). I've built many R/C kits and designed and built two of my own design. My thought is to build a biplane with 16' wings (something that would fit in a two car garage). Construction would be of wood, plywood and foam. The foam would just be for the wing ribs. Covering would be boat shrink wrap. Crazy idea, I know, but I think it's doable. I know, I know, take out a big insurance policy so my widow can drive around in a Ferrari.
Jeff
Jeff
05-03-2013, 04:55 AM
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RE: Worlds cheapest ultralight?
Hobby Lobby used to have one for about $3,000. Back in the 1980's. The Minimost or Minimax or something. It had a Rotax motor and plywood ribs and construction. It wasn't a biplane but looked like a real plane, not a lawn chair with wings like all the others at the time. My wife wouldn't let me get one, she thought I would kill myself. A few years ago it looked like she changed her mind after talking to an old friend that had a plane. Then he crashed and died, so I don't think there is hope for me getting a full size plane. She probably is right, I would crash it for sure.
05-03-2013, 02:14 PM
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RE: Worlds cheapest ultralight?
My plan would be to make a 1/3 scale R/C plane first. Test the flight qualities, then scale it up. If you stayed away from T-6 aluminum tubing, it wouldn't cost that much. I fly R/C at a club, that has two members who's fathers built ultralights. One club member had several production ultralights too. I'm tired of building planes that I fly from the ground,,,LOL.
jeff
jeff
05-20-2013, 06:56 PM
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RE: Worlds cheapest ultralight?
I have the plans for the Minimax at home. It looks like a really fun and straight forward build. Anyone capable of putting together an RC airplane kit decently, following a set of instructions, and using his/her sound judgement, should be capable of succesfully putting together a Minimax.
Kit prices are less engine and instruments. VERY reasonable!
You could fly this thing for under 10.000$ easily.
Kit prices are less engine and instruments. VERY reasonable!
You could fly this thing for under 10.000$ easily.
