Created by widely-known European designer Marek Ivanov beginning with 3D images at the beginning of 2021, Dingo rapidly took form and was put through test flights by Jan Jilek. The new creation entered production only two years later, in summer of 2023. Marek has lead development of several aircraft that show his great range. About Dingo he said, "My long-time dream was to build something like Hovey Whing Ding because I like it, but a little bigger so I can fly it." It's here in America now.
"No Americans had seen Dingo before," said Rick Bennett, one of two partners in the U.S. import business. "They flipped out over the design. We experienced strong attention."
Knowing they were launching a new design in the giant U.S, market, 
Those who want to hold the cost to the minimum — "$25-27,000 is a reasonable estimate for most buyers," Rick estimated) — should plan on 300 hours of build time. However, no special jigs are needed as match-hole assembly assures accurate joining of components. Such sophisticated kits are now common in larger kit aircraft but not on a flying machine selling for such a modest price.
Bluff can legally deliver a fully-built aircraft because Dingo easily fits the parameters of Part 103 ultralights. As you see in the factory specs below, Future Vehicles can deliver an aircraft weighing only 210 pounds, a rather amazing 44 pounds under Part 103's limits. Americans fitting Dingo with a more powerful engine and high quality paint will weigh more but Rick and David both emphasized that it is easily possible to stay within Part 103 meaning no pilot medical is required nor are N-numbers.
The engine Rick and David like best is the Thor 260 Polini producing 36 horsepower. This much juice means spirited performance for Dingo even with the largest pilot the design can accommodate at 240 pounds. Since the seat is bolted to the aircraft, ballast is needed for the heaviest pilots, with the weight placed aft. If you are as light as David (160 pounds), you'll need ballast up front instead. Rick weighs 180 pounds; he made no mention of ballast. Polini is a popular choice for the lightest aircraft and boasts dual starting — hand-pull or electric — plus a centrifugal clutch yields an easier and smoother start.
Rick and David use a two-place Quicksilver for intro flights as a way to assure pilots can handle the very light Dingo. Rick indicated that even though Dingo offers responsive handling, he believes it is more stable than a Quicksilver. Since Quicks are widely known for docile performance, that is a substantial claim.
American pilots used to a huge variety of aircraft choices additionally asked about features such as brakes, floats, folding wings, and tricycle gear. Future Vehicles is evaluating all these options, however, that 254-pound Part 103 empty weight will limit how much a buyer can add.
A legal Part 103 ultralight for the mid-$20,000s has the potential to generate plenty of interest.
Sure, if you need to travel or carry a bunch of gear, or if you must be enclosed for comfort, you'll need to look beyond Dingo. However, for weekend fun or simply a 45-minute flight at the end of your workday, this sweet, affordable flying machine might be just the ticket.
From our friends at Kitplanes magazine (part of Firecrown, as is ByDanJohnson.com), here's much of what you want to know about Dingo in only 90 seconds.
https://youtu.be/vCE7n1wz3_M?si=SsgKIPbUOW6CEDSw
Since we are about to enter the holiday season, here's a fun Christmas video from Future Vehicles showing Santa going aloft using something more realistic than a flock of flying reindeer.
https://youtu.be/fv1k_QLjwpg?si=qKj8wjc_LUGWsND1
If you look at Dingo and smile, you may be an ultralighter. Appearance and qualities about Future Vehicles‘ single seat bi-wing flying machine attract certain pilots like bees to a bright flower. If you must have two seats, large flat screen displays, an autopilot, and luxurious appointments, you probably are not attracted to Dingo. Fine. The good news is that you’ll have plenty of choices among Mosaic LSA. Those of us still smiling at the nearby images might already be captivated. If you are caught by Dingo’s interesting specs and its affordability, you might want to learn more. So, here’s more… Dingo Is for Fun Shown to Americans for the first time at MAX 2024 (Midwest Aviation Expo) by Bluff City Aircraft, Dingo drew steady interest from the fun flying crowd. For a grin-producing flight at the end of your workday, Dingo might be just about perfect.
LE for Lowered Engine
While a nearby image shows how smoothly an electric motor fit on the older Swan, now all that hardware can be tucked inside the nose for reduced drag. AVI already has good experience with the electric for those interested in that option.
Not a Kit
"The new and very modern Polini 303DS engine is gaining my trust. It has worked flawlessly. But with the glide ratio of the Merlin Lite and the low landing speed and big tires an off-airport landing is not likely to be an issue. Still, I like to have confidence in my power system and I am beginning to think that this engine is a lot more reliable than our 1980s engines.
"Our new electric power system will be perfect for this aircraft. Our target of one-hour flight endurance is likely to be exceeded and with only a 9 Kwh battery pack. The electric-powered Merlin Lite will really make an excellent motor-glider. No re-start issues.
"Soon we will be flying the Merlin Lite on our 750 straight floats. Expect to see some really nice video of those flights. Flying any seaplane is about the best flying there is. Imagine flying an electric-powered seaplane! Quiet, slow, smooth, perfect at low altitudes.
"For those wanting a bit more speed we will still offer the original wings. That version is also a hoot to fly.
"Part 103 ultralights must meet quite strict weight and speed requirements. 27 mile per hour stall, 63 mile per hour top speed, and 254 pounds empty, or 278 pounds empty with a whole airframe rescue parachute. Of course, every manufacturer of ultralights offers a model that meets those parameters. But no one buys it. Every customer adds some options. Of course, the Merlin Lite complies with Part 103. We have proven it. Just choose your options to meet your flying preferences. Call me for advice. We will make the perfect aircraft custom for you."
That's what Chip thinks. What do you think?
A ready-to-fly Merlin Lite landplane lists for a confirmed price of $34,000 in fall of 2023. By itself, for an all-metal aircraft of these features, that seems an exceptional value.
For the long wings, add $5,000 so now $39,000 RTF. For assembled, painted floats with all installation hardware for Merlin Lite, add $7,600.
Now we're at $46,600, so even with freight and other delivery expenses you should have a full aircraft as seen in nearby images for less than $50,000. As we head into 2024, I'd call that a bargain for a Part 103 floatplane motorglider.
One was easy to pick out as new. The other initially fooled me. In the Aero event I missed last year due to Covid (and the prior two years that were cancelled due to government Covid restrictions), AVI developers have been busy.
In addition to dashing lines, especially for a Part 103 ultralight, AVI Aircraft models are affordable. I am aware that word means something different to every pilot, yet in 2023 a ready-to-fly aircraft that looks like Swan in the low $30,000s
Under the cowling is… well, your choice. Both new AVI models offer the Polini 303 with 38 horsepower, making Swan lively and able to achieve short takeoffs. Or, you can have an equally powerful (28 kW or 37.5 hp) electric propulsion unit. AVI has offered electric for several years, time enough to work out the installation and operation.
Inside Swan LE looks the same except for the higher threshold. The helicopter-like, centrally-formed instrument panel allows generous forward and down visibility. Given its cantilevered construction, Swan LE doesn't need wingstruts that obstruct side visibility. The revised model retains that amazing fold-down capability (described in 
Swan at Aero was badged "Swan 120 LE" as it is approved under Germany's 120-Kilo Class. However, in our discussion, Radu stressed more than once that both Swan and Dracula can conform to U.S. Part 103 with minor changes, which he has already engineered and produced. The earlier boom-engine Swan has already proved itself capable of meeting Part 103, according to importer Tom Bartlett, AVI Aircraft's U.S. distributor (
One example is the wing-remove, tail-boom-fold method of disassembling Dracula for transport. Radu indicated that Dracula would fit the impossibly-small trailer just as Swan LE does. Given significant waits for hangar space at many airports, a small trailer could be the deciding factor for some potential buyers. Towing this small trailer around, almost no one would believe you have an airplane inside. A small trailer is also lightweight so towing with a smaller vehicle should not prove challenging.
A single threaded pin is removed to detach the wings. The tail feathers also remove quickly. A hinge in the boom allows it to be folded forward, enabling the entire plane to fit in a space just 6 feet wide by 12 feet long by 6.5 feet high, which is the box size of a standard 6x12 enclosed trailer. "In turn, it can just as easily be reassembled and ready to fly in a matter of minutes with experience and a second pair of hands," said Tom. "We are working on a custom trailer that makes it easy to load, provides exceptional protection in transit, and allows for one-person assembly."
What else does AVI do?
Let's begin with a focus on the modest cost of Merlin. I promote affordable aviation all day long. That word "affordable" means something different to every single pilot so every time I use the word someone is going to tell me, "It's still too expensive."
It would be amazing to see three new ones of any sort, but all three of these are modern. They all use contemporary materials yet they have all been shown to qualify for FAA's simplest regulation.
The three are Chip Erwin's 
"DAR Solo is a single seat, single engine, high wing ultralight sport aircraft," Tony said. "The aircraft is based on mixed construction: aluminum wings and composite airframe. New advanced technologies have been introduced and the result is a remarkable aircraft of extra low weight and good flight performance."
AeroplanesDAR calls their system "Sheet Management software" which describes a CNC machine method to fabricate aluminum sheet parts for manufacturing. Versions of this approach are widely used by many big corporations but in recent years the technology has become accessible to small aircraft producers to efficiently design and produce aluminum sheet parts and components. "As a result, assembling elements, like wings and tail surfaces, is easy," said Tony.
"All composite parts in DAR Solo are made using carbon, aramid, and fiberglass in vacuum molds with controlled temperature," noted AeroplanesDAR.
Such composite technology allows integrating different parts into one. For example, the central beam on Solo and its vertical stabilizer have been combined into one element. The main landing gear is built from fiberglass using a new 2-stage vacuum system.
Originally, Tony said DAR Solo was designed to be sold as an airplane kit. "That's why the airfoil shape and manufacturing assembly have been carefully chosen and modified to be easily handled by customers. Thanks to modern engineering, Solo can be assembled on a regular workshop table. Kit customers receive all important parts ready for final assembly. Such features are required for a product that will be sold as kit set intended for private manual assembly."
In addition to the new representative in the USA, AeroplaneDAR has established dealers in various countries. "We are placed in different parts of the world through our friends and representatives: United States, UK, Austria, Germany, Russia, Australia and Brazil," wrote AeroplanesDAR.
The company has earned government approval in countries beside their home base in Bulgaria. In addition to meeting FAA's regulation, DAR Solo has won German approval for that country's 120 Kilogram Class (also honored in other EU countries), the Russian market, which has a 115 kilogram rule, and countries such as Korea. China has a similar rule and all these national programs are roughly similar to FAR Part 103.
This is the 14th running of the popular show in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. It's what I call an intimate, sector-specific show. By that I mean it is all the sort of aircraft I cover on this website… Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot-eligible kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft.
Thursday is regarded as one of the slower days of the three-day event — some vendors only attend on Friday and Saturday. Yet at least two airplanes and maybe three or four were sold on opening day. It was a nearly perfect day to go for a demonstration flight and many did.
People often ask me why they should go to a show that is smaller than the giants of Oshkosh or Sun 'n Fun. One of my answers is that I see most of the same vendors year after year. They would not do that if the show did not produce results for them and that means new owners leave Mt. Vernon with a big smile on their faces.
I have written about Swan in various articles and the Romanian 
"Swan 103 is specifically designed to meet all requirements for the FAR Part 103 category," stated AVI Aircraft. Swan 103 was to be displayed in an exhibit hosted by "AVI Aircraft's USA representative, Mr. Tom Bartlett, who will also facilitate all sales of AVI Aircraft airplanes to the USA."
Radu is AVI Group's owner and president. He started developing AVI Group's aviation division in 2015.
Tom finally got the airplane through U.S. Customs and transported Swan 103 in its tiny factory trailer directly from the East Coast shipping broker to Mt. Vernon for the Midwest LSA Expo.
The six-minute video below will provide a good overall look at Swan 103 as built specifically for the U.S. Part 103 market.
In this edition of “LSA Update,” I'll cover an update about…
1️⃣ Jabiru and their AirVenture activities; 2️⃣ Beringer's new SensAir system that works with your smartphone; 3️⃣ an impressive father-and-daughter partnership forming a new dealer for Seamax; 4️⃣ a preview of the new Dragon powered paraglider single-place quad; and, 5️⃣ competition successes for E-Props and Polini engines.
Not only was Jabiru one of the first approved SLSA (#22) but also one of the most prolific with SLSA #22 J250-SP, #23 J170-SP, #40 Calypso SP, #67 J230-SP (redesignated as J230-D in 2013), and #142 J170-D. The "SP models came from an earlier U.S.-based manufacturing arrangement. The "D" denotes the manufacturing now conducted in Australia.
When you are an early entrant you have time to get the details right and flesh out the operation.
Now in the capable hands of Scott Severen, who runs 
The France-based company with a permanent U.S. operation has numerous products in support of airframes including the unique 
In the last few years Seamax has substantially upgraded their U.S. representation with full-time facilities adjacent to the prestigious campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. From this ideal location they can cover the Eastern U.S.
Now, Seamax is pleased to announce a new dealer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The seaplane maker now offers support, training, and sales for several Midwestern states. The new business is called Central Seaplanes and they become the official sales agent and brand representative for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
The Oklahoma dealer recently acquired two fully-equipped Seamax M-22 aircraft to their fleet and. One M-22 is equipped with IFR gear, which allows a pilot in training to log instrument hours at competitive rates.
Central Seaplanes, LLC is a father-daughter, veteran-owned business represented by Kira and Todd Lang.
Todd is a former fighter pilot with 40 years of aviation experience and 11,000 logged hours with CFI, CFII, and MEI instructor credentials. Currently, he is an international Boeing 767 Captain for a major U.S. airline. Todd also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Embry Riddle.
Kira has an Associate degree in aircrew safety systems technology, a Bachelor's degree in aviation management and a Master's degree in aviation and space science. She is currently finishing her doctorate. Kira received her Private Pilot certificate when she was 18 years old.
Kira said she has always dreamed of starting her own business with her dad. She has a passion for aviation and has thrived in the industry. She intends to dedicate her time to the success of Central Seaplanes and their association with Seamax aircraft.
This quad — a term describing the four wheeled carriage some powered paraglider enthusiasts prefer — “is a new concept,” said Erin Thorson about designer Dan Feldman's work. Dragon will make its official debut at AirVenture 2021. Thorson is a 30+ year A&P and former Air Force aviator.
"Considerable research and thought have been put into producing a high quality seated powered paraglider that meets all FAR 103 requirements," wrote Erin. Dragon PPG is aimed at taller and heavier PPG pilots. The design features a roll cage for protection. Such a configuration is common in powered parachutes (different aircraft, if you aren't familiar) but quads have previously been very light weight construction that mainly aimed to provide some structure to accommodate wheels, and not much more.
Based on Rotax 503 power, Erin described thrust of the engine as "incredible!" Dragon was weight tested at 4Gs assuming a 220-pound pilot. Commonly, powered paragliders prefer the lightweight, higher-revving Polini engine (see next news item).
"Last week, Eric Dufour, a world-renowned paragliding pioneer and well respected paramotor instructor, personally flew the Dragon PPG and loved everything about it," wrote Erin. "I have witnessed the Dragon fly; it is a rocket!"
“The propeller is a very important equipment to succeed in this kind of competition,” the company wrote. “
In second position was Jeremy Penone using the super-tested Thor 250.
In third, winning the bronze medal, was Marie Mateos also using the new Thor 303. Marie reached a new goal with Thor 
…but, of course, all the above is merely the tip of a large iceberg.
I hope to achieve sensory overload at Oshkosh '21 and I will do my best to transmit that excitement to you. Watch for the bright orange logo denoting coverage from the big show.
Bulgarian designer Tony Ilieff is on a mission to find new representatives for his handsome light aircraft after concluding earlier representation in Canada. Built carefully — that is, without lots of weighty options — Solo can fit the Part 103 category. Given accelerating interest in Part 103 aircraft in recent years, I'd bet someone will step up for this opportunity.
"Ho hum," you yawn. "Don't we already have lots of Part 103 choices?"
While candidate Bernie Sanders criticized stores selling numerous brands of deodorant, choice serves highly-individualized interests. We don't all want the same things.
A single make of car was a poor selection for subjects of the former Communist East Germany; the state-produced 
As noted, this company, in very different form and with a military mission, started almost 100 years ago in 1912 as the Bulgarian State Aircraft Workshops. In 1925 the company started producing airplanes under a name employing the letters DAR.
After the fall of communism, Bulgaria in the early 1990s was a place full of hope and enthusiasm. One of those enthusiasts was Tony Ilieff, an engineer working at the Sofia airport. In 1995 he and a small group of engineers started a small ultra-light aircraft company. Tony named the company “
Solo UL gives the owner somewhat higher weight — 260 kilograms or 572 pounds gross — that can allow more options. Solo has been designed be a bit heavier than a typical Part 103 entry, but you'll need an inspection and N-numbers, a pilot certificate, and you'll have to build it from a kit. Buyers, however, are often attracted to genuine Part 103 models that can be bought ready-to-fly.
Addressing a still-lighter segment of aircraft, Solo 120 got leaner to meet the German 120-kilogram class. As 120 kilograms is 264.5 pounds, this is close to the empty, dry weight of 254 pounds (115 kilograms) as allowed by FAA. With an available parachute, DAR 120 should easily qualify under the American regulation but the company posted on Facebook about a DAR 115 model they say meets Part 103. Another market, Russia, has a similar weight limit.
Interest in Part 103 ultralights has been heating up according to my best information. As I seek to ask every single one of the 58 producers of Part 103-compliant aircraft about their recent sales successes I expect to learn more. Information flowing from Tony is start of what I expect and hope will be many more examples.
Even though I am just getting started with the Par 103 List and my survey of the industry, I am already ready to make a risky prediction, something I rarely do, as my crystal ball does not always turn out to be accurate.
My prediction — We may see more units delivered by the Part 103 industry than all Special LSA registered in the USA over the last year.
Solo from Aeroplanes DAR is a single-seat, single-engine, high-wing ultra-light airplane. All Solo models are constructed with mixed materials involving aluminum wings and composite airframe. During development Aeroplanes DAR introduced new technologies and unique practices.
"Creating such a light, affordable aircraft required an absolutely new approach to the design," said Tony. "Combining metal wings and composite airframe was a key to minimizing weight and to have excellent flight performance." Composite technology gave Ilieff a possibility to integrate different parts; for example, the central fuselage beam and vertical stabilizer are one single part (see nearby drawing).
"Our leader in the lightest category, FAR 103, is DAR Solo," wrote Tony. "Solo complies with FAR 103 rules." He reported Solo has been in production since 2008.
"We made several modifications through the years; the Solo we produce now is the fifth generation."
Other national markets offer light aircraft regulation roughly similar to Part 103 rules: Britain has SSDR for slightly larger (than 103) aircraft and Sub-70 for very light machines. Germany has its 120-Kilogram Class for which the Solo 120 is designed. Russia has an even closer-to-Part-103 variant called the 115-kilogram category. Other nations, including China, Korea, and Brazil, also have variations on the 103 theme. All feature less regulation, which contributes to lower prices of these machines.
"We have discontinued with a Canadian dealer and our sales in USA are still minimal," said Tony while also noting that four Solo aircraft are presently flying in America. "We are looking for a dealer in USA."
As reported earlier, prices are good enough that the Canadian dealer offered Solo for only $18,900 — though that is no guarantee prices will remain as they were. However, this figure shows Solo to be affordable to many buyers.
Aeroplanes DAR's Solo has been certified as a European-style ultralight aircraft by one of the bodies sanctioned by Germany's LBA (their equivalent of FAA). All three models — Solo 120, Solo UL, and 23 Duo, which functions as a basic trainer — remain in production in 2021.
Solo is powered by engines from Polini featuring a single-cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled, carbureted aircraft powerplant.
On Solo UL, a Thor 250 DS produces 36.5 horsepower through a two-blade wooden prop. For those interested to earn a bit of extra weight, a Galaxy GRS 260 emergency parachute fits this light aircraft well.
The somewhat lighter Solo 120, which meets German 120 kilogram rules, is powered by a Polini Thor 200 EVO producing 28 horsepower through a two blade wooden prop. For the lighter aircraft a Galaxy GRS 240 emergency parachute system is available.
DAR Solo is available with a folding wing to reduce hangar costs. A folding system good for transport should be soon available, the company said. Folding wings allows the pilot to assemble the plane by him or herself and prepare it for flight within 30 minutes. Learn more on 
We still have such models as the popular 
Aeroplanes Dar's main production facility is in Sofia, Bulgaria (a few hundred miles straight north of Athens, Greece). This location has advantages, the company believes. "We stay competitive in terms of prices [because in] Bulgaria taxes are the lowest in all of Europe."
Although Aeroplanes DAR goes back more than 100 years, it changed dramatically in 1995 when a man named Tony Ilieff took over the company, making serial production a priority.
"Our target is mass production of single, two and four-seated ultra and light planes based on all-metal technology," said Tony. "For this purpose we created a special sheet management technology in which all aluminum details are cut by laser and shaped by CNC machines."
Aeroplanes DAR is not solely an aluminum-bending company. "In addition, we are working on the use of composites in our constructions as they provide us with certain advantages: weight, strength, and price."
Composite parts in both Solo models are made by carbon, aramid and fiberglass in molds under vacuum and controlled temperature. "Using this technique, the central (front-to-back) beam and vertical stabilizer has been combined in one. Main landing gear is fiberglass built with a new two-stage vacuum process."
"Originally our Solo was designed to be sold as an airplane kit," explained Tony. "That's why airfoil and assembly have been specially chosen and modified to be easily handled by customers and can be assembled on a regular workshop table. The customer receives all-important parts ready for final assembly. These important features are required for a product that will be sold as kit set, intended for private manual assembly."
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DAR Solo UL
Further evidence:
As we met more than once in this millennium, and because I was working on the Part 103 List, I reached out to Marek following the advice of 
Marek remembered, "You and I met in Sebring in 2008. I was CEO of Interplane at that time."
After American Interplane owner Ralph Mandarino retired more than a decade back, Marek said, "I produced Viera in my company, IvanovAero. In 2018, Marek transferred all activities to his new company, 
Viera is a monowheel Part 103 airplane that was also made in tricycle gear form, though I am unsure if the tri-gear version can comply with Part 103 weights and speeds. To familiarize readers, here are two short articles on Viera, one from 
Unseen by Americans (including me), Marek said Desire is also Part 103. While it is a one-off custom design, "we can deliver it within less than 12 months if there is demand," he said. Marek referenced that capability due to the rules I've created for an aircraft to be included in the 
One of the most amazing discoveries of 2020 — the year Covid upset lives around the globe — is the particular and peculiar strength of 
Yet, four decades later, this segment is thriving beyond what many pilots are willing to believe.
Now, fresh from the aviation-oriented land of Brazil comes a new entry. While 
Part 103 in Brazil
"I made the tail with NACA-008 profile, where in Flow Simulation trials, that shape gave more control power at low speeds. I continued with the design and in November 2019 the plane was ready, as well as all software and real load tests, and we were just waiting for our engine to arrive, a Polini Thor 250DS (Sector has become the Polini dealer in Brazil). In December 2019 we started the first tests on the ground, we had a very pleasant surprise with the results but we needed adjustments and improvements in the prototype.
"In January 2020 we made the first flight and started the flight tests. Because I had recently finished an LSA project (Hero), I used the ASTM-2245 standards to make Quantum, mainly following the structural load and flight items. We created a quality assurance manual, and all this experience will help when we start manufacturing the Hero.
"Following ASTM standards, Quantum flight tests used the same flight test cards as we did for Hero. We logged approximately 25 hours and after this validation period we start calling friends to fly the new bird, including pilots such as Captain Bertolini, who flew many military planes and was for more than 15 years a test pilot for Embraer. His input helped me refine the design and we already have sales of Quantum in Brazil and production has started, which is very good for us."
"Coordination maneuvers went beautifully. Approaches to landings showed good stability even in crosswinds. Touchdown does not require exceptional effort; abrupt corrections are not needed as Quantum delivers a smooth and pleasant ride." By late November 2020, André added, "We have logged 56 hours and the experience of more than 18 pilots."
"In my adolescence, I studied mechanical manufacturing processes because in Campinas, I could not take an aeronautics course. In the early 2000s I started working with SolidWorks software and then I went to work as a project manager in a company called Inpaer in Campinas — today, Americans know this company as 
"I dedicated my life to studying manufacturing, engineering and design processes. I did little study to be a pilot. However, when Quantum … was ready [I prepared extensively] and did my solo flight on Quantum. What an immense pleasure to be able to design, build, and do my solo flight on this aircraft. Few people do this in life, like Wright Brothers in 1903 and Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1906. Of course, I don't want to compare myself to those pioneers but I think I know what they felt."
Those who watched 
"For $7,500 you can confirm your kit reservations," stated Top Rudder. OK, the deposit is not unreasonable but what's the full price tag and when can you get one? Some readers note that it was promised a while back but other factors, such as building SuperSTOL aircraft kits as fast as they could, got in the way.
A 103 Solo without engine, propeller, or avionics lists for $15,500. Alright, that sounds affordable but let's add up the essentials. A 103 Solo airframe with engine, prop, and basic instruments sells for $22,000. However, to squeeze into Part 103's tight pants, you'll need a parachute, adding $3,000. Top Rudder uses the 
So, $25,000 for a fully equipped 103 Solo in kit form. "Yes, we plan to supply them as a ready-to-fly model," noted Troy; this is perfectly OK within the very spare Part 103 regulation. No price for the RTF version was given because it is still a bit early in the production process.
"It's go time," Amy enthused! "We're taking orders now. Our first kits will ship in first quarter of next year," that is, by March 2021, she said.
In this 
What does Ruckus add?
Top Rudder lists the advantages to Ruckus: Improved takeoff and landing performance. If you add the 
Place the same deposit of $7,500 for a kit without engine, prop, or avionics to see an airframe price of $19,000. Add engine, prop and avionics for a final total of $30,500 yet you can add more if you wish.
Ruckus options include: Beringer brakes; locking tail wheel; upgraded windscreen; Oratex aircraft fabric (no painting required); ballistic parachute; second fuel tank; Aero Classic bush-style tires or upgrade to 26-inch Airstreak bush wheels for $2,418.
That's still not all. "Options coming soon include a MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) upgrade components and floats." I haven't seen Troy stop designing for years. I see no reason he'll stop now but your solo fun-flying machine is nearly ready. 
Getting stall down to 24 knots (27.6 mph, where Chip saw "30") is tougher but with full flaps, it will be closer; he reported using deep but not full flaps ("32°" when 50° is available). However, a surer way to achieve the right speeds may be a longer wing that is already built and has flown; see the engineering drawings (below video). Weight from a longer wing may require that the pilot fly without the door, but Chip believes room still exists to lighten Merlin Lite enough for buyers to have it all — full enclosure including door, engine cowl, and most or all of the options seen in the photos and video.
The video documents the weighing action conducted inside a hangar that Mt. Vernon airport manager, Chris Collins generously provided so Merlin Lite was not affected by wind. Although I witnessed this using bathroom scales, I checked these with my own weight to see they were within one pound or so of one another (about one-half of one percent deviation). However, Chip will shortly perform a formal weighing using certified scales and an official observer. He's confident Merlin Lite will still qualify and based on what I saw, I agree.
Thor 250 outputs 36 horsepower from a single cylinder that Evolution Trikes boss Larry Mednick describes as a smooth running engine that rivals Rotax's 912. That's a big statement but it appears this Polini powerplant dominates the market for the lightest aircraft. Evolution's 
History suggests coaxial rotors originated with Mikhail Lomonosov a very long time ago, according to 
I report this as a fascinating light aircraft but I cannot vouch for Micron-3. It presently has no American representation that I could discover.
I also have no information on pricing although I have contacted the company to request additional details. If they are forthcoming, I'll add to this article.
Generally, though, I can tell you 
In one way Nano is similar to the original Bensen Gyrocopter. Nano is a single seater. At first, all gyros were one-seaters but since European engineers took the concept and started to advance development, I've seen almost exclusively two seaters.
What's even more unusual is that Nano comes from a company call 
Nano is a simple gyroplane that has a partially-enclosed cabin and a fairly traditional configuration. Empty weight is listed as a modest 220 pounds.
Large-wheels enable take-offs and landings not only on runways but also from undeveloped fields.
Nano uses an aluminum structure, composite body with carbon and kevlar materials. Sturdy-looking 20-inch main wheels allow more confident operation from turf runways or grassy meadows. A suspended 16-inch front wheel also helps negotiate uneven surfaces.
The metal rotor was developed by Fusioncopter, the company notes. Unlike bigger, two-seat gyroplanes that commonly use mechanical means, Nano uses a hydraulic rotor prerotation system to shorten takeoff roll.
It is powered by a popular powered paraglider engine, the Polini Thor 250DS with electric starter and dual ignition system and Fusioncopter reported that it outputs 48 horsepower.
What countries are flying your aircraft? "Today they fly in Poland, Austria, Czech Republic and the next three are going to the USA, followed by two to Germany and two more to Poland."
How long has the company existed? "Fusioncopter was founded in 2012. We made two prototypes of our FC-4 four-seat gyroplane, which needs more time for certification; it shares the same technology employed on JK-2 Nano that is just for fun flying."
When is the twin-engine model available? "I hope we will perform some flights this year but I do not think it will be commercially available for two years (or 2022)."
