Welcome back to the airplane equivalent of an old friend. As you can see at the bottom of this post, Videoman Dave and I did many video interviews with Chipper creator. James Weibe (view at bottom). Pilots seemed always to enjoy hearing about his latest development. James came to aviation from the computer business, where the pace isn’t fast — it’s furious! Over the years Dave and I covered James and his output, we’d make a new video at every airshow, it seemed, as he had moved on from the last design to the next. That’s what they do in the world of computers but it made pilots’ heads spin. It also probably slowed sales because, as with computers, why buy this airplane when the next one will be even better? It Began with Kitfox Lite James started out with the Kitfox Lite single place Part 103 ultralight vehicle. Current Kitfox owners did not plan to pursue the single seater that Kitfox founder Dan Denney had created years earlier.
Like Phoenix Rising, Belite Chipper Returns to Production by SkyKicker Aviation
It Began with Kitfox Lite
James started out with the Kitfox Lite single place Part 103 ultralight vehicle. Current Kitfox owners did not plan to pursue the single seater that Kitfox founder Dan Denney had created years earlier. So when James came calling, they sold that particular design.Welcome SkyKicker
On my visit to Dunnellon airport (X35), I met and got to know Nick and Charlotte Jones. This attractive, young couple have merged their skill sets in an intriguing manner and got so excited about Chipper that they decided to buy not just one kit, but the whole company.Nick and Charlotte Jones of SkyKicker Aviation
A typical acrobatic scene from Cirque du Soleil (photo courtesy). Nick performed for 20 years, retiring at age 35.
Just For Fun
One of the most fascinating stories from James Weibe's efforts lead to a starring role on the Myth Busters TV show. This article tells more.ARTICLE LINKS:
- SkyKickerAviation, all contact info (note: website is not available as of this posting)
- Send Nick Jones email or call: 352-322-4520
- All coverage on Belite Aircraft, content appearing on this website; company is no longer operating
- All Belite video coverage, on Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer YouTube channel
Going back to James Wiebe's development of Chipper, following are two of the most popular videos from Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer, Videoman Dave's YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/5aspwXkqcj8?si=Pw-J9rVDkgcpBWuN https://youtu.be/FL9t5vyPjZ8?si=YKHPwEdeToxgpf61