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Team Mini-Max LLC

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Niles, MI 49120 - USA

AirVenture Day 1: Welcome Back, Oshkosh! TODAY: Affordable Airplanes in the “Fun Fly Zone”

By Dan Johnson || July 27, 2021 2 Comments

WOW! It's great to be back at a major airshow. I imagine every single person on that immense stretch of show grounds (way past a mile north to south!) felt largely the same way I did. Airshow buddies. Cool aircraft to check out. All manner of compelling gear to make your bird better. Forums on a wide variety of topics. Terrific aerobatic acts and a constant, joyful racket of airplane noise. Oshkosh is literal aviation sensory overload and every person present is splashing around in it like a kid in a backyard pool. Whee!

Fun Fly Zone Where Affordable Aviation Lives

Short story first…

Midwest LSA Expo organizer and airport manager, Chris Collins models the new trailer Videoman Dave built for me to follow him all over Oshkosh.

My Canadian videographer Dave Loveman was denied entry at the border (long story) so I'm flying solo this year. I will concentrate in areas as the show is simply too big to cover top to bottom unless you have wheels — and they are reserved for a gilt-edged few. Most of us hoof it (or tram it), and did I mention the space stretches well over a mile plus miles more back and forth between exhibit spaces and aircraft. Aviation shows need lots of room and Oshkosh is the biggest of the big. When Dave can attend he uses a scooter (that can go literally anywhere …it's a golden ride). He's fitted his deluxe scooter with a tiny wheeled trailer, which I mount and then hang on for dear life as we wheel all over the grounds in minutes. Man, do I miss that speedy, if overly attention-getting, ride.

What follows will be key photos of the day plus a short paragraph. Each of these is worthy of its own story and when the show is over I will organize the best of these for a deeper dive. All of them, every one, are quite affordable.

Fixed Wing – Gyroplane – Powered Paraglider – Biplane – Trike – New LSA

BADLAND AIRCRAFT / F-SERIES — Chris Duell made a big change since I last ran into him (article here) and his new Badland F-series of legit Part 103 fixed wing aircraft. He moved from his longtime home in Las Vegas, Nevada to southern Minnesota. He was able to expand to more spacious quarters and beamed with pleasure at having enough room in a completely different surrounding. He recently bought this original Badland (nearby image) from a customer who had equipped it with tundra tires that looked great but might push it over Part 103 limits. Smaller tires as seen in the background make the numbers, Chris proved. He's got airplanes flying, kits in progress, and orders to build. Here's an affordable fixed wing aircraft many can like. F-series uses the Polini Thor engine with an E-Props propeller. Chris is pleased with both.

Dan Feldman demonstrates the "taxi mode" of his Dragon quad. At this balance point it looked effortless.

DRAGON QUAD PPG — A newcomer in the space is this simple but effective looking "quad" from Dragon PPG. These carriages are the next step for foot-launched powered paragliders. Purists will still prefer that method but those who aren't confident in running launches and landings may elect an undercarriage. These need to be much leaner than the construction of a two-place, Rotax 912-equipped powered parachute; they're pretty different aircraft. Yet these are highly affordable, offer splendid visibility, and are light enough to make transport easier. Developer Dan Feldman put Dragon PPG together in just six months but has tested it and had experts put it through its paces …with flying colors. Dragon is powered by a 50-horsepower Rotax 503 giving the Part 103 light aircraft a very spirited climb (most PPGs used 35-horsepower engines or smaller, though they carry less weight.) Dan said an ample supply of zero-time rebuilt 503s is available.

When interested in an aircraft, it's always a good idea to try one on for size. It was quite comfortable.

FUSION NANO (GYRO) — Gyroplanes have been a hot spot in light aviation for several years. The models have become increasingly deluxe with several top competitors in the space volleying back and forth for more sophisticated aircraft. They have indeed become beautiful flying machines. However, while most are still affordable compared to many top fixed wing LSA, they have priced themselves higher with each improvement. Single seat gyroplanes — like the Bensens and others when the category was founded — are very rare …until now. Fusion Copter makes a very affordable gyroplane that looks to deliver fun flying in that rotary way. In an earlier article I described the aircraft in more detail and I will have fresh news about this aircraft in the weeks ahead. HIPERLIGHT — Ron Jones has been selling a kit version of the Sorrell Brothers' Hiperlight series since he took over in 2004. The design dates to the early 1980s. For all that time, this longtime model has only been available as an Experimental Amateur Built but that is now changing. Ron reported (a video will follow with more details) that he has been working diligently for many months to go through the ASTM standards used by FAA to "accept" (not "certify") a new Special LSA. He expects to complete the project by the end of 2021 and then enthusiasts can buy a factory-built Hiperlight. After checking out several engines, Ron settled on the Jabiru 2200 four-cylinder, 80-horsepower engine. As Hiperlight is, well… light, this provides exhilarating performance, he said.

Remarkably, an Aeros Ant trike can be carried in three bags, seen here.

AEROS ANT (TRIKE) — Years ago I visited Aeros in the Ukraine. They were developing into a major supplier of hang gliders but were also contract building the Sky Ranger for a French company. It was a primitive working environment for many ex-Antonov workers (when Communism collapsed, many experienced workers and engineers were thrown out of work) but those people turned out some very nice products despite the challenges. Now, years later, their hang gliding background still lives and the Ant is a product aimed at that market …or anyone else looking for a very affordable price tag (below $20,000 ready to fly). Not only is the aircraft a bargain but it can literally pack down into three bags you could carry on and in most vehicles. Plus, Ant can retract its main gear in flight and packs down quickly for compact hangar storage as well. CARLSON SPARROW — Welcome back to Ernie Carlson's Sparrow! I knew this project was in the works (as reported earlier), but David Cooper and his helpers have been head-down learning the product and supplying some information that went missing through two previous owner changes since Ernie passed away. David acquired design rights, tooling, and inventory for Carlson's single place Part 103 Sparrow and the two place Sparrow XTC. He had an example of the latter at the show; it's the one they used to remeasure and confirm certain aspects of the design. After sorting out many details, David is now ready to start work on production. He will continue, of course, with the MiniMax line. The latter is nearly all wood, while Sparrow uses welded steel and aluminum construction. It's great to see David keeping these two long-lived models alive and well. OK, it's late and Tuesday is already here. So, that's a wrap for today. Let's see what I can find tomorrow!

WOW! It’s great to be back at a major airshow. I imagine every single person on that immense stretch of show grounds (way past a mile north to south!) felt largely the same way I did. Airshow buddies. Cool aircraft to check out. All manner of compelling gear to make your bird better. Forums on a wide variety of topics. Terrific aerobatic acts and a constant, joyful racket of airplane noise. Oshkosh is literal aviation sensory overload and every person present is splashing around in it like a kid in a backyard pool. Whee! Fun Fly Zone Where Affordable Aviation Lives Short story first… My Canadian videographer Dave Loveman was denied entry at the border (long story) so I’m flying solo this year. I will concentrate in areas as the show is simply too big to cover top to bottom unless you have wheels — and they are reserved for a gilt-edged few.

Midwest Light-Sport Aircraft Expo — What to See at 2020’s Last Airshow

By Dan Johnson || September 5, 2020 4 Comments

I hope you can attend 2020's Midwest LSA Expo — the last airshow in 2020. If you cannot attend, rest assured your trusty reporter will be onsite and gathering all the info on the coolest aircraft I can find. What will be available? Well, if I am honest, we will have to see when we arrive to be certain. In these virus-impacted times, things have a lousy way of changing at the last minute, however… Those who attend should see a few aircraft that few Americans have seen before. Here's a quick take, not forgetting the statement about how arrivals can be altered beyond the wishes of any particular vendor.

Rare and/or New Aircraft

MC-01 by Montaer — We almost didn't see it. Insurance has been getting harder to find and more costly. That's true for all aircraft but the situation is especially challenging for a new design (even if it significantly resembles an earlier design). However, Gregg Ellsworth and AIR (Aviation Insurance Resources) came to the rescue so now importer Ed Ricks of Montaer USA has a good chance to get this all-new design to Midwest 2020. When you look at the image of MC-01, some of us see the Paradise P1NG. No surprise, as the designer once worked with Paradise. While the new model bears a close resemblance to the earlier SLSA, that one has largely disappeared from the U.S. market, so Montaer is filling a void. Paradise, and now Montaer, have long offered a yoke control with a voluminous three-door cabin. It makes people think Cessna 150 but larger (and it performs substantially better). The first U.S. delivery will also have hand controls, a choice available to offer assistance to some pilots.

Merlin Lite by Aeromarine LSA — If you know Merlin, you should be asking, "…Lite?" Wasn't it already light? Ah, that is Merlin PSA. This is Merlin Lite …and yes, it is lighter, if you can believe that. Proprietor Chip Erwin of Aeromarine LSA is one of those can't-sit-still people and he's taking his early success with Merlin PSA even further with a lighter-yet, lower-cost-yet model powered by the Polini Thor engine that tens of thousands of powered paragliders use. The good news is you don't have to run this one off the ground. I'll have more on this, possibly before Midwest 2020 because this model is literally hot off the factory floor. Put this in perspective. Merlin PSA, also a single seater, is an all-metal, fully enclosed, well-equipped aircraft that you can assemble for around $35,000. Options and choice of engine can increase the base but it is easily one of the great bargains in aviation. A 60-horsepower four-stroke V-Twin engine will make the "bigger" Merlin soar into the sky, but just for fun, come see Merlin Lite at Midwest 2020. SmithSilver by Tri-State Kite — Owner Mark Smith's enterprise is "the nation's leading source of quality aftermarket parts for the complete line of the Quicksilver ultralight aircraft, and has been in business more than 33 years" he expressed. Mark has become a guru of the Quicksilver type, has made numerous components for them, and will have something called SmithSilver at Midwest 2020. I'm as curious as you and look forward to checking it out. BTW, are you puzzled by Mark's business name …specifically "Kites?" When hang gliders were a lot simpler than today's sophisticated models, they were often called "kites," a term that followed even earlier boat-towed rigs that literally had to be tethered like a kite. Even the first hang gliders were more than a mere kite but the name was quick and easy, and it stuck. Mark's time in the business goes back far enough that his business name could reflect that …even if today it sounds a bit odd for an aircraft company. Read for yourself Mark Smith's history of design ideas for the Quicksilver aircraft. Sparrow by Carlson — This oldie but goodie has not been seen for some time but thanks to the people behind the MiniMax series of affordable aircraft, the Sparrow is returning to the market. Lots of readers remember this once-popular model. Following the death of Ernie Carlson a few years back, the brand fell out of sight for most buyers even though Ernie's wife, Mary, kept the business running. Now with help from David Cooper of Team MiniMax (and some partners), the single place Carlson Sparrow will be returning to the market, with plans for the two-place in their mind but still on a back burner. This project is still new but come to Midwest 2020 and ask questions. F2 by Flight Design — I have reported this impressive new top-end Special LSA before but for most Americans, this will be their first viewing. I saw it in Aero 2019 but it had not flown then. It's all wrung out and approved now and I look forward to a flight in the bigger, better model. After Midwest 2020, F2 will go home with Tom and Tom Gutmann of Airtime Aviation, the world's largest dealer/distributor for Flight Design aircraft. As winter follows in a few months, Airtime's base in Oklahoma makes sense versus Flight Design USA in Connecticut. This is the first F2 in America so they're sharing the treasure. Vashon Ranger — While it's not brand new, Ranger R7 is new enough that many LSA enthusiasts have yet to see one and Vashon Aircraft has never displayed at Midwest before. The brand has done respectably well as our industry reports, as seen on Tableau Public, demonstrate. After their first deliveries in 2017, Washington-based Vashon has grown rapidly, thanks to a familiar construction at a good price (starts just below $100,000 fully built and reasonably well equipped). Through the first half of 2020, the company had already almost matched all of 2019, so despite the virus, more Rangers are taking to the sky. You should check this one out in person, but I'll be angling for a flight in the new design so we expect to report more and capture video.

SD-1 (kit) By SD Planes —Readers of this website like affordable aircraft and the SD Planes single place kit is surely a great value in light aircraft. Construction is significantly wood. If you don't already know, building from wood is achievable by most, much less challenging that kits that involve welding or composite work. Check this video for more about building the airplane and for a look at the two seat model from the same designer. SD-1 is a modest project, not only from the build effort but you can keep the base price below $20,000, an amount the importer said includes the engine. If you simply can't see yourself building a single seater — no matter how much fun it might be — U.S. rep John Vining has the SD-2 Sportmaster. Both share the same ease of construction. VL3 by JMB Aircraft — This spring, we had a contest going on between three speedy European aircraft: Sweden's striking Blackwing, Switzerland's super-sleek Risen, and JMB Aircraft's VL3. Of these, only one will be at Midwest 2020: VL3. You already know this airplane under the marketing name Gobosh. It was sold as a fixed gear, fixed pitch prop Special LSA. In Europe, where no speed limit applies to what they then and still call "microlights" or European ultralights, companies like those mentioned above seek the highest speed they can achieve. All use the Rotax engine, so it becomes about airframe smoothness, wing efficiency, and getting as lean as possible, hence retractable gear. For now in the U.S., such aircraft must be built as kits but in 2023, such models will become LSA (or maybe Light Personal Aircraft, depending on what FAA eventually decides about a possible new category). Fusion 212 by Magnus — Did you wonder if this handsome aircraft disappeared? That's understandable because we haven't seen it for a short time (and, of course, not this unusual year). I did a flight in Fusion and you can check it out in this video. What could be better? You could attend Midwest 2020 and fly it yourself. At minimum, you can talk to the representatives, ask questions, and closely examine the all-composite aircraft built in Hungary but represented by Magnus USA. This list is not inclusive of all players but you can check the Midwest 2020 program to see all expected exhibitors.

Who Won't Be Present?

I understand a few cannot be present and while I certainly respect their decision not to take chances, well… darn it! I'll miss these folks.

Rob Rollison the proprietor of the very successful Aerotrek line has elected not to go. He cited concerns about the virus and how that can affect a show that is already modestly attended. Such things matter to vendors swayed by high traffic at shows like Sun 'n Fun or Oshkosh, but an individual pilot actually benefits from a smaller number of attendees. Although the company appears on the site layout, apparently Rans has elected not to attend after many years of doing so. This is just that kind of year, I guess. Two other aircraft are not quite ready yet. These include two entries from Deon Lombard's Aeropilot USA distributorship. He is expecting the first M-8 Eagle, rebadged as L600 Eagle to provide continuity for the earlier Aeropilot Legend/L600 Deon formerly represented (he still owns the dealership for several more months but will then switch to the L600 Eagle; I will report more on that later). In addition, Deon is bringing in from South Africa the sleek composite RV-like Whisper kit-built aircraft. Perhaps at DeLand in January or certainly by Sun 'n Fun 2021, both aircraft should be available for your inspection.

Deon will have the InnovAviation FX1 we saw at Midwest 2019 (here's our video on that model). He'll also have a very special opportunity for one buyer of the same aircraft I flew. Come and see for yourself. However, while we regret missing a couple regulars, I'm pleased those who show should (fingers crossed) have plenty to look at and I expect to make several reports from the event — the last of the year since DeLand Showcase has pushed into 2021 (January 28-29-30). Travel safely and I hope to see you in Mt. Vernon!

To help you psych' up for Midwest 2020, here's a few videos assembled by Videoman Dave. He's putting up lots before this event — go to his YouTube channel to see many more. https://youtu.be/oSpq6vZ4skQ https://youtu.be/mMV824eEbRk https://youtu.be/eq0FfmDvNtE https://youtu.be/P25dFK_RCY8

I hope you can attend 2020’s Midwest LSA Expo — the last airshow in 2020. If you cannot attend, rest assured your trusty reporter will be onsite and gathering all the info on the coolest aircraft I can find. What will be available? Well, if I am honest, we will have to see when we arrive to be certain. In these virus-impacted times, things have a lousy way of changing at the last minute, however… Those who attend should see a few aircraft that few Americans have seen before. Here’s a quick take, not forgetting the statement about how arrivals can be altered beyond the wishes of any particular vendor. Rare and/or New Aircraft MC-01 by Montaer — We almost didn’t see it. Insurance has been getting harder to find and more costly. That’s true for all aircraft but the situation is especially challenging for a new design (even if it significantly resembles an earlier design).

Return of An Old Favorite — Carlson Sparrow May Appear at Oshkosh 2020

By Dan Johnson || April 21, 2020 10 Comments

Having celebrated the inventiveness of ultralight designer Wayne Ison in the last post, it seems quite appropriate to recognize another, Ernie Carlson. Does that ring a bell for you? One hopes.

Ernie was the man behind Carlson Aircraft along with his wife, Mary. This pair introduced Sparrow, a Part 103-capable single-place ultralight plus larger models like Sparrow II and XTC. I won't say they've been lost to pilots but they've been hiding. Now, out of the history books will return the Sparrow, thanks to David Cooper, the man behind Team Mini-Max. Our tenth of ten Vintage Ultralights featured his work and below you can see a video interview with him below talking about the Mini-Max line that he is also keeping alive and well.

Carlson Sparrow And Friends

"With the help of a couple partners we bought the Carlson Sparrow company. It will still carry the four designs they created and will be located next door to Team Mini-Max LLC in Niles, Michigan," advised David.

"In the next couple weeks, we will get our website up and running," he forecast, but until then David invites a call or text to 574-214-3660 or theecoop@comcast.net. I asked about plans on the table at this early stage. "Plan One," David said, "is to carry on the legacy of Ernie Carlson's designs. Production will be in kit form." "All welded parts will be done at the factory," he assured. "Other fast-build kits with factory-built ribs will be part of the offering."

In addition, for Carlson airplanes already built and flying, David and partners' new operation will offer replacement parts. I'm sure that will be most welcome by those flying Carlson aircraft. "We hope to keep costs low to make the price of kits affordable," David added …music to the ears of this website that maintains a focus on affordable aviation. To further support and build on the Carlson line, David will seek both American and overseas sales. When Will Sparrow Debut (Again)? "We plan to have a first kit available before Oshkosh this year," stated David. As I have understood, EAA is planning a go/no-go decision for Oshkosh fairly soon. Given the huge amount of effort to put on a show like AirVenture and including the gargantuan task of building the army of volunteers it takes to put on the event, a decision simply has to be made in the next couple weeks or so. I don't know about you, but I have all my fingers crossed for a "Go!" decision. Hope springs eternal! Learn more about Sparrow in my pilot report from the late 1990s.

https://youtu.be/xzCD5b7eSEs https://youtu.be/IIbgg3yTSiI

Having celebrated the inventiveness of ultralight designer Wayne Ison in the last post, it seems quite appropriate to recognize another, Ernie Carlson. Does that ring a bell for you? One hopes. Ernie was the man behind Carlson Aircraft along with his wife, Mary. This pair introduced Sparrow, a Part 103-capable single-place ultralight plus larger models like Sparrow II and XTC. I won’t say they’ve been lost to pilots but they’ve been hiding. Now, out of the history books will return the Sparrow, thanks to David Cooper, the man behind Team Mini-Max. Our tenth of ten Vintage Ultralights featured his work and below you can see a video interview with him below talking about the Mini-Max line that he is also keeping alive and well. Carlson Sparrow And Friends “With the help of a couple partners we bought the Carlson Sparrow company. It will still carry the four designs they created and will be located next door to Team Mini-Max LLC in Niles, Michigan,” advised David.

Ultralight April 2020 — Tenth in the Vintage Series: Team Mini-Max

By Dan Johnson || April 20, 2020 6 Comments

The grand finale to this series on Vintage Ultralights during the month of April 2020 focuses on an airplane that can be very inexpensive if bought used. However, even new models are quite the bargain brand new — $6,195 for a complete Mini-Max kit, not including engine, instruments, or paint — from Team Mini-Max LLC. The big difference is you must build a new one. For some this may be pure delight. Others want to fly sooner or don't care to tackle the building effort.

As alert readers may have noticed, Mini-Max shares something with the third in this series, Fisher's Koala. That also-mostly-wood aircraft was designed by Mike Fisher and Wayne Ison. The last man was the principal of Team Aircraft in Tennessee. Ison passed away in August of 2014 at the age of 90. Wayne had a gentle yet determined way about him that I recall well. While he had a kindly demeanor, he was one of those creators that seemingly could not stop. He designed several varieties of the Mini-Max series and eventually even pursued the AirBike that you saw on this website back in February. Scott was the motivator for that not-very-Mini-Max ultralight but he quickly noted that it "was all Wayne's good work." I asked Scott Severen — today the importer of the Jabiru LSA line — if he could offer a few comments about Wayne. He knew him well as he was president of Team Aircraft for several years. He jumped at the chance.

"When I asked why Wayne moved to Tennessee from Indiana, Scott recalls, Wayne replied, 'Winters were too brutal. So I put my snow shovel in the back of my pickup truck and headed south. When they no longer recognized what that shovel was, I figured I was safe. That was Tennessee.'” It sounds just like my memory of the man — logical, simple, decisive. More Wayne wisdom from Scott: “Keep things simple, design around common materials and lengths.” ••• “Some of the simplest designs are some of the hardest to design.” ••• “Sometimes, you need to stop sanding and paint.” And finally, one of my favorites: “Wheelpants are like lipstick: They make it look better so the airplane must perform better.” Logic like that is hard to beat. Thanks, Wayne (and Scott, for remembering)!

Team Mini-Max

Videoman Dave wrote, "In 1984, while attending the Sun 'n Fun convention, I watched as a little single seat ultralight aircraft took to the air in some very gusty, cross-wind conditions. These were conditions that had grounded most of the other ultralight aircraft on the field," yet off into the air went this very light and surprisingly compact ultralight aircraft. Dave refers to Wayne's Mini-Max of course. "Designed by Wayne, Mini-Max is available in a number of models, ultralight versions, experimental versions, and now a two-place version," Dave continued. "All models feature all wood geodetic construction."

Build time is between 250 and 350 hours. Mini-Max can be built in a small area such as a single car garage. No special tools or equipment needed because much like the Fisher aircraft that had Wayne's hand in them, Mini-Max plans were full-sized; you work directly on very large sheets of paper. This helps newbies but also ensures greater accuracy as builders work to put all the "popsicle sticks" in exactly the right locations. "Construction is very similar to that used in a model aircraft kit," added Dave.

The Mini-Max line of aircraft has a strong following on the Internet. "Thousands of kits have been sold and are flying throughout the world," said Dave. Mini-Max uses standard stick-and-rudder three-axis controls in a tractor, taildragger configuration. It has a center mounted stick and a left hand throttle. These aircraft can be equipped with a windscreen or a complete canopy. Those of us who flew open cockpit aircraft came to love the sound, smell, and liveliness of air flowing past so Mini-Max's small "summer" windscreens give wind protection while ensuring that familiar sensation of movement. In colder climates, the full enclosures were valuable and some builders I've spoken to say they had both and could swap them in a fairly short time. Mini-Max was commonly powered by the Rotax 277, 377, or the 447 engine. Zenoah two-stroke engines and half-VW four-stroke engines have also been used. The latest models have been using the Hirth line of two-stroke engines. When powered by a twin cylinder Rotax engine (377 or 447) climb rates were common at better than 800 feet per minute (look at the deck angle in the nearby image)

Cruise is an honest 55 to 60 miles per hour and stall speed is roughly 25 miles per hour. Wood is a longtime respected material to use in building aircraft but it must be inspected with some care and by someone with an eye for problems with such material. As regularly repeated in this series, if you are considering buying a used Team Mini-Max, The Ultralight Flyer recommends that the plane's fabric be removed from the airframe and wings and that they be thoroughly inspected. Other areas of inspection include the landing gear, and control systems. If the history of the engine is unknown it is recommended that the exhaust be removed and the pistons inspected for wear and seizure.

At the time of production of this video The Ultralight Flyer YouTube channel estimates the value of a used Team Mini-Max from the 1980s to be worth between $3,500 and $6,500. OK, fun flying fans, that concludes this month's review of ten different and highly affordable aircraft from the heydays of the early 1980s. That exciting and prolific time produced many interesting aircraft that people can still enjoy today …for very little money. Keep 'em flying, folks!

https://youtu.be/tpHM3wyY6mQ

The grand finale to this series on Vintage Ultralights during the month of April 2020 focuses on an airplane that can be very inexpensive if bought used. However, even new models are quite the bargain brand new — $6,195 for a complete Mini-Max kit, not including engine, instruments, or paint — from Team Mini-Max LLC. The big difference is you must build a new one. For some this may be pure delight. Others want to fly sooner or don’t care to tackle the building effort. As alert readers may have noticed, Mini-Max shares something with the third in this series, Fisher’s Koala. That also-mostly-wood aircraft was designed by Mike Fisher and Wayne Ison. The last man was the principal of Team Aircraft in Tennessee. Ison passed away in August of 2014 at the age of 90. Wayne had a gentle yet determined way about him that I recall well.

900-Mile-Flight to Copperstate in the Open Cockpit TEAM AirBike. Well done!

By Dan Johnson || February 10, 2020 10 Comments

Update 2/17/20 — From a commenter whose handle is "Concerned Citizen" on Videoman Dave's YouTube channel comes this update on Mike's flight home: "Mike left Copperstate Sunday morning and made three legs, stopping in Blythe, Bermuda Dunes, then Banning due to severe winds and rain. After a two-day layover with strong wind gusts, Mike made a hop to Rosamond, then the next day, an incredible dawn-to-dusk day, flying from Rosamond, near Edwards Air Force Base, to Corning, California! …nearly 500 miles and eleven hours in a single day! The little Rotax 447 was flawless the whole trip. Mike. Is. Da. MAN!" —DJ Most motorcyclists say 900 miles on a bike is a long trip. Seems reasonable. How about when it's an aerial motorcycle? …out in the breeze, smelling the air, feeling the hot or cool — hmmm, sounds interesting, doesn't it? Meet a man who recently made such a flight, over three days, and taking 17 hours of flight time to reach Copperstate 2020 with his legs out in the breeze (pretty true to the motorcycle metaphor, don't you think?). Mike Jefferson is the pilot and close contact with the air comes pretty easily to him. He runs Big Air Hang Gliding giving flight instruction and helping people realize a two-person flight. Hang gliding flight instructors call that tandem. It doesn't mean the same thing as tandem in a powered aircraft (one behind another). In hang gliding, two people must hang from a common point* so they are side-by-side or one atop the other or some variation; the method was called "tandem" and the term stuck.

Mike Jefferson — Hang Gliding Instructor —

Taking someone with you in a hang glider demands some level of cooperation from the student.

FAA permits two place hang glider for instructional purposes, and believe me, every one going for a flight is going to learn plenty. Still, an instructor needs to know his or her student and preflight coaching is essential. To achieve a perfect safety record, Mike has clearly set some proper techniques to work for him. Check this figure — Over his years in business, Mike reports taking more than 5,000 tandem flights from hills around San Francisco. For comparison, imagine giving 5,000 Young Eagle flights. In that context, 5,000 becomes a very big number. You can do your own math on how long it takes to achieve that.

Each of Mike's tandem flights isn't walking out on the airport ramp and hopping in a plane for an hour. Coaching, driving up to the launch site, setting up the glider, launching into flight, and retrieving from landing consumes much more than an hour even if the flight itself may be short. Doing this thousands of times with excellent success speaks to using best practices. So, Mike comes to flying AirBike via a different path than most (though, ironically, your author also flew hang gliders extensively some years before flying AirBike). Mike got his powered aircraft training from Bobby Bailey, iconic designer of the Dragonfly tug that was specially created to tow hang gliders. Many are in regular airborne tractor duty around the USA and the world.

Mike Jefferson — AirBike Pilot —

In the last year, Mike discovered his AirBike. Needing some care, he took the project and went over the whole aircraft. I know he did well as I brought Scott Severen over to look at it. Scott has developed AirBike back in the early 1990s while he was president of TEAM Aircraft. Scott examined Mike's AirBike as well as possible in the field and gave a thumbs up.

Look at that cockpit view (a different angle shows in the video). What more could you need? Mike keeps his AirBike on the same airport as SLSA Dragonfly producer Ed Pittman of Pittman Air. Red Bluff, California (well north of San Francisco) to Buckeye Arizona for Copperstate 2020 meant 900 miles by routes dictated by a small amount of fuel. The stories we media types tend to follow, well in my case at least, focus on airplanes and the hardware of flight. Of course, people are behind every product but pilots seem to like the nuts and bolts of the story. Every now again, when the story is good, it's fun to talk about somebody doing something interesting in aviation. Mike Jefferson did that with an AirBike journey that probably averaged a shade over 50 mph. As I write these words, he's still probably making his way home. * A common hang point where the payload is suspended is part of the whole stability system of a modern flying wing hang glider. Two persons outweigh the glider by 3X or more. In case you haven't kept up, modern hang gliders enjoy an admirable safety record recognized by FAA.

https://youtu.be/Gzg-wJdz730

Update 2/17/20 — From a commenter whose handle is “Concerned Citizen” on Videoman Dave’s YouTube channel comes this update on Mike’s flight home: “Mike left Copperstate Sunday morning and made three legs, stopping in Blythe, Bermuda Dunes, then Banning due to severe winds and rain. After a two-day layover with strong wind gusts, Mike made a hop to Rosamond, then the next day, an incredible dawn-to-dusk day, flying from Rosamond, near Edwards Air Force Base, to Corning, California! …nearly 500 miles and eleven hours in a single day! The little Rotax 447 was flawless the whole trip. Mike. Is. Da. MAN!” —DJ Most motorcyclists say 900 miles on a bike is a long trip. Seems reasonable. How about when it’s an aerial motorcycle? …out in the breeze, smelling the air, feeling the hot or cool — hmmm, sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Meet a man who recently made such a flight, over three days, and taking 17 hours of flight time to reach Copperstate 2020 with his legs out in the breeze (pretty true to the motorcycle metaphor, don’t you think?).

Tenn. Engineering & Mfg – Max-103

By Dan Johnson || March 30, 2004 Leave a Comment

TEAM, builder of the MiniMax, High Max, and other -Maxes, introduced their new Max-103 at Oshkosh 1993. With flowing lines, a snappy paint job and an adorable "convertible" canopy, the Max-103 was a hit with airshow goers. TEAM president, Scott Severin, was the motivation behind changes to old serial #2 MiniMax, completely transforming it to the beautiful plane above. In order to keep the price low and building easy, the MiniMax has always shown rather boxy lines. The '103 was visually striking with fiberglass cowlings, a shapely turtle deck, and sweeping red and blue accent stripes over an clean white base. Fortunately, TEAM didn't mess with success, leaving the fine handling and solid feel intact. The MiniMax line is known for light controls with quick-not-jumpy aileron response. Taildragger takeoffs and landings are as easy as most tri-gear designs. A wide-open MiniMax is a joy to fly; the view is tremendous. Not only is the Max-103 a hot little plane, it carries an absurdly low price tag. Why everyone doesn't write TEAM a check for $2,495 is beyond me. If price isn't enough reason, the company nurtures its customer/builders to a point where these pilots have the highest regard for the TEAM team. Oh, by the way, in case you missed the name, the Max-103 is F.A.R. Part 103 legal. Worth noting! Full Review in Oct. '93 UF!

TEAM, builder of the MiniMax, High Max, and other -Maxes, introduced their new Max-103 at Oshkosh 1993. With flowing lines, a snappy paint job and an adorable “convertible” canopy, the Max-103 was a hit with airshow goers. TEAM president, Scott Severin, was the motivation behind changes to old serial #2 MiniMax, completely transforming it to the beautiful plane above. In order to keep the price low and building easy, the MiniMax has always shown rather boxy lines. The ‘103 was visually striking with fiberglass cowlings, a shapely turtle deck, and sweeping red and blue accent stripes over an clean white base. Fortunately, TEAM didn’t mess with success, leaving the fine handling and solid feel intact. The MiniMax line is known for light controls with quick-not-jumpy aileron response. Taildragger takeoffs and landings are as easy as most tri-gear designs. A wide-open MiniMax is a joy to fly; the view is tremendous. Not only is the Max-103 a hot little plane, it carries an absurdly low price tag.