![](https://bydanjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rans-40-Outbound-LEAD.jpg)
What great to see? How about an American light aircraft producer doing exceptionally well? RANS has been around 50 years*, 40 of them as an aircraft developer and producer. From S-3 to S-21, the designs have varied but the newest is Outbound and it adds capabilities and structure to set it apart from all prior models. Over the years this Kansas company in the geographical center of the USA has delivered around 7,000 aircraft making it one of the light aircraft success stories of all time. Lead by founder Randy Schlitter, the manufacturer has become a leading aviation brand known and flown around the world. In the video interview below, Randy’s wife Michele Schlitter walks us through the years and highlights the pinnacle of their achievement, a tricycle-gear, tundra-tired, all-metal creation that can carry 800 pounds, Michele said in the video. You can build it or they can build it. A kit is available faster for obvious reasons.