Mike Hester was the designer and kit manufacturer originally. The Black Magic actually originated from the Typhoon 2000 which Mike modified into the Tempest and subsequently the Black Magic. Mike was working on a new 2 meter airplane (V4 or new design) and a 110 sized version of the BM VF3 when he 'retired' from competitive flying and the kit business. Too bad as his Black Magic VF3 was ahead of its time.