Among the couple hundred readers who commented on my recent Mosaic article, several referenced Private Pilots who consider a Sport Pilot to be “unqualified.” I’ve heard that, too. In fact, I’ve heard similar comments my entire long career. It’s a pecking order thing, I suppose, a natural human response, but I dislike when one aviator puts down another. Is a hang glider pilot somehow less than a power pilot? Is a LSA pilot doing a lesser job flying than a GA pilot? Indeed, is the humble prop pilot somehow less than a jet pilot? Are pilots who like rotary or seaplanes oddballs? I think not but such opinions are too-commonly heard. Similarly, why are pilots so ill-informed about Part 103? Most pilots have heard of the category yet most of them know next-to nothing about the aircraft type. Contrarily, I can say this: the ones who learn about Aerolite 103 know this is a right-proper light aircraft and they want more… for less.
Back to Our Top-50 Videos — Aerolite 103 May Be the Top Seller Among True Ultralights
Dynamic Duo
In the video below, nearly a half million viewers have heard inventor Terry Raber describe his Aerolite 103. Terry built and delivered several hundred of these, it is reported. But many years ago he chose to exit aircraft manufacturing to pursue other interests. He connected with former Challenger build shop operator, Dennis Carley, who has breathed new life into the enterprise.Dennis Carley looks up from assembly at an airshow.
- a control yoke — nearly everyone used joysticks
- full, conventional three-axis control — that is common now but not then
- electric flaps — few Part 103 ultralight offered flaps and rarely electric
- discreet (separate surface) ailerons; not full-span flaperons
- partial enclosure with a nose cowl and windscreen — open cockpit designs were common
- tricycle gear — many used standard or taildragger types to save weight
- hydraulic brakes — brakes were not common on Part 103 ultralights due to the weight constraints of Part 103 plus slow landing speeds
- an aluminum fuel tank, not a plastic one that discolors in time
- sewn Dacron wing, tail, and surface coverings were common but they save the weight of paint
For a flight at the end of the day or on a pleasant weekend, Aerolite 103 is just about perfect, no doubt why it continues to sell well after 26 years.Aerolite 103 is a full-featured Part 103 ultralight that requires no pilot license of any kind, no N-numbers, and no medical … for much less the average selling price of a new car in America in 2023. I can attest to Aerolite’s fine flying qualities and long proven design.
Aerolite 103 Price & Value
A complete airframe kit sells for $16,950 including a fully-anodized tube-and-gusset aluminum structure with your choice of sail colors; nose fairing and windscreen; electric flaps; shock-absorbing main gear; steerable nose wheel with suspension; four-point restraint system; 5-gallon aluminum fuel tank; visual fuel quantity gauge; Dacron wing, tail and surface covering that needs no painting; aluminum wheels; tubeless 13 x 5 x 6 Carlisle 4-ply tires; and hydraulic brakes.A rare photo of video producer Dave Loveman making videos the old way. I have appeared on close to 1,000 videos on his YouTube channel.