In the previous two installments, we’ve discussed you, the pilot, and the many types of aircraft choices you have. As we wrap up this series, we’ll put it all together and try to help you narrow your choices to a few models.
Notice the word “try.” It is important that you understand that it is not possible to direct you to the one-and-only best choice of aircraft. Novice buyers often seek assistance but even experienced pilots can become swayed and end up purchasing the wrong aircraft for their needs and desires. Because aircraft purchases are commonly emotional decisions, it is helpful to gain a “second opinion” to help make a more rational choice.
Many years ago, at the beginning of my career writing articles in light aviation, I made a similar attempt to help hang glider pilots choose the right glider. I compared nine contemporary models to an idealized “perfect” glider and through a series of questions much like those below, tried to steer pilots to the one right glider for them.
Some weeks after the article was published, I discovered that most buyers who answered the questions tended to end up with the same wing — a Kestrel, designed by Tom Peghiny (the current director of Flightstar). The Kestrel was a fine, state-of-the-art glider but no model is perfect for everyone.
The error was generated by my own personal desires. Since I tried to help readers pick one and one only glider, I inadvertently lead most pilots to the one I would have chosen. The article, which appeared in the very first issue of Ultralight Flying! (then called Glider Rider), may have been interesting reading but it didn’t serve the hang gliding community as much as I would have preferred. What you’re now reading attempts to improve that long-ago performance.
Despite my best effort, however, you must always remember that since I don’t know you, I probably cannot help pick the one best light aircraft for you. Not only don’t I know you, but we have many more choices than those hang glider pilots of nearly three decades ago.
Instead of the one perfect choice, I will try to help you limit your possibilities to a few aircraft that may meet your desires. Once we’ve narrowed your choices, it will be up to you to make a final decision. It’ll be time consuming to go through the questions and match your responses to the chart, but it should also be fun. Good luck and happy shopping!
“Since You’ve Flown Them All…”
I often get requests from pilots who see that I’ve had the good fortune to fly a great many aircraft. They want me to use my experience to help them choose the right aircraft.
While these pilots may not get the chance to fly all the aircraft that interest them, it is equally true that I simply cannot tell them the one and only aircraft that is best for them. To try would be a disservice.
Instead, what I will attempt below is to create a series of questions that can help you reduce the range of possibilities enough that you end up with a small number of light aircraft from which to choose. Doing so means devising the right questions and then correctly rating the aircraft. Your responses should match those on the chart and lead you toward the correct aircraft. For example, if I ask about your taildragger experience and you say “none,” the article and chart should direct you toward tri-gear planes or those taildraggers that are the easiest to operate. More experienced tricycle pilots might be ready to try taildraggers but newer pilots may be best advised to stay away from them.
No matter how well I do my job, I may not be able to help you correctly. The total number of questions and responses amounted to nearly 2,000 entries. The subtleties of judging each characteristic is a subjective task, and I may change my mind later. As I can work with the reference chart over the years, I should be able to refine the process. In this article, you are reading the first attempt.*
Ultimately, you retain the responsibility for your choice. All I can do is offer my best advice. You should also seek out other qualified help like your instructor, a local expert, or national association, any of whom may be willing to render advice on the advisability of aircraft. One person who may not give you unbiased advice, though, is the seller of any aircraft. Sellers are obviously motivated differently than buyers; it remains a “buyer beware” world. Use care. Take your time. And don’t jump at the first opportunity.
Using the Questionnaire and Chart Together
All questions are multiple choice. It is important that you answer honestly. If you fool yourself with the answers, you will almost surely be directed toward the wrong aircraft. Remember, you aren’t trying to prove anything to me or anyone else. The answers are intended to let you show your individuality but they cannot make you into something you are not. You must be yourself in the question responses.
How should you begin?
First, answer all the questions. You might circle your responses. While your responses to the Pilot questions may remain constant, your Aircraft responses can change to reflect the different appeal of varying models.
Second, by visiting airshows or by using a buyers guide or directory such as Published in Experimenter MagazineAeroCrafter, Ultralight Flying!, Kitplanes, or Flyer, you should pick a few aircraft that interest you.
If you use a marker and highlight those models in the chart, you can focus on your interests and see how your selected models meet your needs. The chart itself is dense reading of columns of numbers. Yet the responses will take meaning when you apply them to aircraft that interest you.
Third and after highlighting the chart with your preliminary selections, compare your responses to those listed on the chart for each model that interests you. You might circle the chart responses when they match your own. Any aircraft with a large number of circles may fit your needs.
To give a couple examples| if you want light handling, but don’t want the very lightest in the category, then you would look for aircraft that have a “3” in column 20. Or if you are willing to assemble your aircraft but want a lower-hour project, you should look for aircraft that have a “2” or “3” in column 8.
It will consume some time to go through the chart in this manner, but since you’re spending $10,000 or more, don’t be hesitant to invest an hour or so. Later this year, I hope to post an electronic version of this chart on the website www.ByDanJohnson.com so the tedious matching of numbers can be done for you by computer. As you answer questions online, a list of matching aircraft will be formed by a database manager, automatically and transparently. At least that’s the plan; for now you’ll have to manually work through the information.
One final thought: If you haven’t taken much instruction yet, my advice is that you finish training and then start looking for an aircraft to buy. You’ll make a far better decision.
Good luck and safe flying!
The PILOT
Q1- What is your experience level?
Q7- Does your local area dictate special requirements?
1= beginner, no flight experience
2= minimal experience in general aviation or ultralight
3= some general aviation experience, minimal ultralight experience
4= “average” ultralight experience and some general aviation experience
5= extensive ultralight experience and some or extensive general aviation experience
1= High density altitude (high elevation, high heat, or high humidity or combination of these)
2= Short runway or approach/departure with obstacles
3= Very cold climate during some months
Q2- What variety of ultralights have you flown?
Q8- What building preferences do you have?
1= none
2= ultralight tri-gear experience only
3= three axis experience only
4= ultralight taildragger experience
5= trike and/or other non-three-axis experience
1= Prefer only ready-to-fly aircraft; no building
2= Prefer minimal assembly (10-25 hours as in assemble from major components or “field assembly” aircraft such as a trike or powered parachute)
3= Prefer simple bolt-together kit (less than 100 hours)
4= Prefer quick assembly kit (less than 200 hours)
5= Enjoy building, more than 200 hour kit OK
6= Able to handle a bigger project (scratch, plans, complex)
Q3- What licenses/ratings do you have?
Q9- Do you have a preference as to materials used in your aircraft?
1= None, but expect to train in ultralights
2= some general aviation experience (no license), but no ultralight experience
3= Ultralight credential (from EAA/ASC or USUA or other), but no FAA license
4= FAA license/medical AND ultralight credentials
1= Aluminum tube with Dacron coverings
2= Aluminum tube with dope-and-fabric coverings
3= Welded steel with Dacron or dope-and-fabric coverings
4= Wood structure
5= All-metal
6= Fiberglass
(Note: The above responses do not involve fairing materials or control surfaces)
Q4- Do you have experience with ultralight floats and/or amphibians?
Q10- How do you plan to handle maintenance?
1= no
2= limited experience
3= experienced in float/amphibian ultralights
4= experienced in float-equipped weight shift ultralights
5= experience in float/amphibian types AND many conditions
1= Need the best support possible from manufacturer or dealer or service center
2= Occasional support needed
3= No support needed
Q5- What usage or “mission” do you expect for most of your flying?
Q11- Do you have special physical restrictions or needs?
1= Local or short cross country flying (or in the pattern)
2= Longer cross country flying
3= Regular use on water
1= Require easy entry/exit
2= Require large space
3= Require baggage/cargo area
Q6- In what conditions do you expect to fly?
1= Calm conditions only
2= Winds from calm to 20 mph with moderate crosswinds
3= Winds above 20 mph and significant crosswinds
The Aircraft
12- Are you looking for something specific, or do certain configurations appeal to you?
Q18- What general description of ultralight are you seeking?
1= High wing conventional
2= Low wing conventional
3= Biplane
4= Trike
5= Powered parachute
6= Powered paraglider or powered hang glider
1= Prefer a “standard” or “traditional” ultralight
2= Prefer an unconventional ultralight
3= Prefer an ultralight that is most like a general aviation aircraft
4= Prefer a “vintage” (old-time or old-style) aircraft
5= Prefer an aerobatic aircraft
6= Prefer a soaring aircraft
7= Prefer a training ultralight
8= Need an aircraft that can tow a glider
9= Special commercial need like agriculture or police work
Q13- What seating preferences do you have?
Q19- Do you have special storage or transportation requirements?
1= Single seat OK
2= Side-by-side seating preferred
3= Tandem seating preferred
1= No special needs
2= Prefer fast breakdown for trailer transport
3= Prefer complete breakdown for cartop or truck carrying.
4= Prefer folding wings for smaller hanger/garage storage
Q14- What enclosure preferences do you have?
Q20- What control preferences do you have?
1= No enclosure preferred
2= Front-end fairing preferred (side-by-side or tandem)
3= Front-end fairing plus doors (removable or fixed)
4= Full enclosure preferred
1= Prefer docile handling with highly stable characteristics
2= Prefer medium response and lightness
3= Prefer fast response and light handling
4= Prefer lightning fast; may have little control feedback
Q15- What preferences do you have with regard to engine location?
Q21- What performance characteristics do you want?
1= Prefer front-mounted engine
2= Prefer pusher engine
1= Prefer well-rounded performance qualities
2= Prefer strong climb rates
3= Prefer great slow-speed characteristics
4= Prefer fastest cruise speeds
5= Prefer strong performance in all categories
Q16- How common or different an ultralight do you want?
Q22- What engine preferences do you have?
1= Prefer a very common brand/model
2= Prefer something not everyone has but popular
3= Prefer something relatively rare or special
4= Want U.S.-made only (no import)
1= Prefer two-stroke, low-consumption engine
2= Prefer two-stroke, higher-power engine
3= Prefer lightest possible engine
4= Prefer four-stroke, low-consumption engine
5= Prefer four-stroke, higher-power engine
Q17- Do you require lots of systems, features, or standard equipment?
Q23- What budget fits your finances?
1= Prefer all the “bells and whistles”
2= Prefer good basic equipment; may add other items later
3= Prefer simpler aircraft
1= under $7,500
2= $7,500 to $10,000
3= $10,000 to $15,000
4= $15,000 to $20,000
5= over $20,000 is OK
AIRCRAFT BUYING CHART…Use with Questionnaire
HOW TO USE THIS CHART: This chart is not intended for casual reading; it is a reference source. To use| (1) Answer the 23 questions that accompany this chart; (2) Select all aircraft that interest you by referring to industry guides and directories or by visiting airshows-highlight marker the row for each selected model;
(3) Match your responses to the questions with the responses below-circling the matches may help;
(4) The aircraft with the greatest numer of matches may be serve your needs. Please see other notes at the bottom of the chart.
Responses: All appropriate #s shown | “A” = all responses fit | “0” = No response fits | “U” = Undetermined
See note (1) pertaining to list below
Pilot Responses
Aircraft Responses
Model (2)
Brand (3)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Single Seaters
Aero-Lite 103
Aero-Works
2-5
2,3
A
1
1
2
1,2
1,3
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2,4
1
1,3
2
2
1,3
2
3
Air-Bike*
Team (4)
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
4
3,4
3
1,2
1
1
2
1
2,4
2
1
4
3
1,3
1,2
1,2
Airaile S-14
Rans
2-5
2,3
4
1
2
2
3
4
3
1
3
1
1
4
2
2,4
1
1
2,4
3
1,4
2
3
Aventura UL
Arnet Pereyra
4,5
3,4
3,4
3
1,3
2
0
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
2
2,4
2
1
2
2
1
2
4
Challenger
Quad City
A
1-4
A
1
1,2
2
A
3,4
1,2
1
A
1
1
3
2
1,4
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
Champion
Avid Aircraft
4,5
4
4
1
1,2
2,3
1,2
5
3
2
1,3
1
1
2
1
2,4
2
3
4
4
1
2
3
Coyote I, S-4
Rans
2-5
4
4
1
1
2
1,2
3,4
1,2
1
3
1
1
3,4
1
1,4
2
1
2,4
3
1
2
3
Dragonfly
Moyes Microlights
4,5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
1,5
1
2
1
1
1,4
1
2
3
2
2,8
2
2
2,3
2,5
5
Drifter DR447
Leza-Lockwood
2,3
4
3,4
1-3
1,3
2
1,2
4
1
1
1,2
1
1
2
2
1,4
2
1
1
2
1,4
2,5
3
FireFly
New Kolb
2-5
3,4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
5,6
3
2
1
1
1
2
2
2,4
3
1
4
3
1,2
2
2
FireStar I
New Kolb
2-5
3,4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
5,6
3
2
1,3
1
1
2,3
2
1,4
3
1
4
3
1,2
2
2
FP404 (biplane)
Fisher
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
6
4
2
3
3
1
2
1
2,4
2
4
1
1
1,3
2
1
GT 400
Quicksilver Mfg.
A
1-3
A
1-3
1,3
2
1,2
3
1
1
1,2
1
1
2
2
1,4
1
1
2
1
1,3
2
3
Hawk Arrow or Plus
CGS Aviation
A
1-4
A
1-3
1,3
2,3
A
3,4
1-3
2
A
1
1
4
2
1,4
2
1
4
2
1
2
3
Hurricane
Hy-Tek
2-5
1-3
A
1
1
2,3
1,2
1,4
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
2,4
2
1,5
2
2
1
2
2,3
Javelin
Capella Aircraft
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
1,3
3
2
1,2
1
1
2
1
3,4
1
1
2
2
1
1,2
1
Kitfox Lite
SkyStar
2-5
4
2-4
1
1,3
2,3
1,2
1,4
3
1
1,3
1
1
2
1
1,4
3
1
4
2,3
1
2
4
Koala FP202
Fisher
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
6
4
2
3
1
1
3
1
2,4
2
3
1
1
1
2
1
Max 103*
Team (4)
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
5
4
3
0
2
1
2
1
2,4
2
1
4
3
1,3
1,2
1,2
miniMax*
Team (4)
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
A
5
4
3
0
2
1
2,4
1
2,4
2
1
4
3
1,3
1,2
1,2
Mustang 5151
Loehle
2-5
4
2-4
1
1
2
1
6
4
2
0
2
1
4
1
3,4
2
4
1
2
1
2
3
Parasol
Loehle
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
5
4
2
0
3
1
2
1
3,4
3
4
1
1
1
2
1
Phantom X-1
Phantom Aircraft
2-5
1-3
A
1
1
2,3
1,2
1,4
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
2,4
2
1,5
2
2
1
2
2
Sky Baby FP-606
Fisher
2-5
1-3
A
1
1
2
A
6
4
2
1,3
1
1
4
1
2,4
2
1,3
1
1
1
2
1
Sky Raider
Flying K
2-5
4
2-4
1
1,3
2,3
A
1,4
3
2
1,3
1
1
3
1
2,4
2
1
4
3
1
2
3
Slingshot
New Kolb
4,5
4
3,4
1
1
3
A
5
3
2
1
1
1
3
2
3,4
2
1,3
4
4
5
2,5
3
Spad
Loehle
2-5
4
2-4
1
1
2
1,2
3
2
2
0
3
1
2
1
3,4
3
4
1
2
1
2
3
Sparrow Sport Special
Carlson Aircraft
2-5
4
3,4
1
1
2,3
A
5
3
2
A
1
1
4
1
3,4
2
1,5
4
3
5
2
3
Sparrow Ultralight
Carlson Aircraft
A
1-3
A
1
1
2
3
1,5
3
2
A
1
1
4
1
2,4
1
1,3
4
1
1
2,3
2
Sport 1000
M-Squared
A
1-3
A
1-3
1,3
2,3
1,2
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1,4
2
1
2
1
1,3
2,4
3
Sport or Sprint I
Quicksilver Mfg.
A
1-3
A
1-3
1,3
2
1,2
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1,4
2
1
2
1
1,3
2
2
Sprint 1000
M-Squared
A
1-3
A
1-3
1,3
2
1,2
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1,4
1
1
2
1
1,3
2
3
Stinger S-17
Rans
2-5
4
2-4
1
1
2
1,2
4
3
1
1,2
1
1
1,2
2
2,4
2
1
4
2
1,3
1,2
3
T-Bird I
Golden Circle
A
1-4
A
1-3
1
2
A
3
1
2
1,2
1
1
2,3
2
2,4
1,2
1
2
1
1,3
2
3
Talon
Sport Flight
2-5
4
2-4
1-3
1,2
2,3
1,2
4
1
2
1,2
1
1
2
2
2,4
1,2
1
2
2
1,3
2
3
Thunder Gull J
Earthstar Aircraft
2-5
2,3
2-4
1
2
3
A
4
5
2
3
1
1
4
2
2,4
1,2
1,5
1
3
5
2,4
3
Tornado
Titan
2-5
2,3
2-4
1-3
2
3
A
5
5
2
3
1
1
4
2
2,4
1,2
1,5
1
3
5
2,4
3
Weedhopper
Weedhopper USA
A
1-3
1-3
1
1
2
2
2
1
2
0
1
1
1
1
2,4
3
1,4
2
1
1,3
1,2
1
Two Seaters
Airaile S-12
Rans
2-5
2,3
3,4
1
1
2
A
5
3
1
A
1
2
3,4
2
1,3
1,2
1,7
4
2
1
2,5
3
AirCam (twin engines)
Leza-Lockwood
5
4
4
1,3
A
2,3
1,2
5
1+4
1
A
1
3
2
2
3,4
1
1,9
1
1
5
2,4
5
Aventura II
Arnet Pereyra
2-5
3,4
3,4
3,5
3
2
1,2
4
1
2
A
1
2
2
2
2,4
2
1,7
2
2
1
2,4
5
Beaver
ASAP
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
4
2
2
1,2
1
3
2,3
2
1
2
1
2
2
1
2
3
Capella
Capella Aircraft
2-5
3,4
3,4
1
1,2
2,3
A
5
5
2
A
1
2
4
1
2,4
1
1
4
3
5
5
4
Challenger II
Quad City
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
4,5
1,2
1
1,2
1
3
3
2
1,4
2,3
1
2
2
1,3
1,2
1,2
Chinook Plus 2
ASAP
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
4
2
2
1,2
1
3
3
2
3
2
1
2
2
1
2,4
3
Classic
Fisher
2-5
3,4
3,4
1
1
2
1,2
5
4
2
0
3
3
2
1
2,4
2,3
4
2
2
1,3
2
2,3
Coyote II
Rans
2-5
2-4
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
5
1,2
1
2,3
1
2
3
1
1,4
1,2
1,7
4
3
1
4
4
Drifter XP503/Super
Leza-Lockwood
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
4
1
1
1,2
1
3
2
2
1,4
2
1
1
2
1,3
2,4
4,5
FireStar II
New Kolb
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
5
3
2
2
1
3
3
2
1,4
2
1
4
3
1,2
2
3
Flightstar IISL & IISC
Flightstar
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
4
1
1
1,2
1
2
2,3
1
1,4
1,2
1,7
4
2
1
2,4
4
GT500
Quicksilver Mfg.
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
4
1
1
2
1
3
3
2
2,4
1,2
1
2
2
1
2,4
5
Hawk
CGS Aviation
2-5
2-4
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
A
5
1,2
2
2
1
3
3
2
1,4
2
1
2
1
1
2
4
Hornet
U.S. Light Aircraft
2-5
2,3
3,4
1
1,2
2
1,2
5
2
2
1,2
1
3
2
2
3,4
1,2
1
2
2
1
2,4
4
Mark III
New Kolb
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
5
3
2
1,2
1
2
3
2
1,4
2
1
4
3
1,2
2,5
3
*
Revelation
Slipstream
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1,2
2
1,2
4
1
2
1,2
1
2
2
2
2,4
2
1,7
2
U
U
2
3
SkyWatch
Legend Lite
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1
2
A
4
2
2
2
1
3
3
2
3
2
1
2
2
1
2
4
Sport or Sprint II
Quicksilver Mfg.
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1,4
3
1,7
2
1
1,3
2
3
Talon XP
Sport Flight
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1
2
1,2
4
1
2
1,2
1
3
2
2
3,4
2
1
2
2
1,3
2
3,4
T-Bird II
Golden Circle
2-5
2-4
3,4
1,3
1
2
A
3
1
2
1,2
1
2
3
2
2,4
2
1,7
2
1
1,3
2,5
4
ThunderGull (2 models)
Earthstar Aircraft
2-5
2,3
3,4
1
1,2
2,3
A
5
5
2
A
1
2,3
4
2
3,4
2
1,7
1
3
1,4
2,4
4
Tornado
Titan
2-5
2,3
3,4
1,3
1,2
2,3
A
5
5
2
0
1
3
4
2
2,4
2
1,5
1
4
5
2,4
3,4
Ultra Pup
Preceptor
2-5
3,4
3,4
1,3
1,2
2,3
A
5
3
2
2,3
1
3
3
1
3,4
2
1
4
3
1,2
2,5
4
X-Air
Rand Kar
2-5
2,3
3,4
1
1
2
A
3
1
2,3
2
1
2
3
1
3
2
1,7
2
2
1
2
3
Trikes (includes 1- and 2-place)
Aerotrike Safari
Rainbow
2
5
1,3
1
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
4
3
1
2
3
2
2
3
1
1
2,4
3
Antares 447, 503, 582
Aeros
2
5
1,3
1
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
4
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
1
1
2
3,4
Buggy
Air Creation
4
5
3
1,4
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
1,2
1
4
1,3
2
2
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
4
*
DFS (convertible)
Spartan
4
5
3
1
1
2
2
1,2
1
2
1
4
1
2
2
3,4
2
2
3
U
3
3
3
Edge
AirBorne
2
5
1,3
1
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
4
3
2
2
3
2
2,8
3
1
1
2
3
Maverick
North Wing
2
5
3
1
1
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1
4
1
2
2
3,4
2
2
3
3
1
2
2
Phase II
Cosmos
2
5
1,3
1,4
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
1,2
1,2
4
3
2
2
1
2
2,8
3
1
1
2
4
*
Quantum
Pegasus
2
5
3
1
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
1,2
1,2
4
3
2
2
2
1
2
3
U
1
2,5
3
Racer (w/ XP11 wing)
Air Creation
4
5
3
1,4
1,2
2
1,2
1,2
1
1,2
1
4
1
2
2
1
2
2
3
3
3
2
2
Sabre Elite
Sabre
2
5
1,3
1
1
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
4
3
1,2
2
1,4
2
2
3
1
1
2
2,3
Samba
Cosmos
4
5
3
1
1
2
2
1,2
1
1,2
1
4
1
1
2
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
SkyCycle
Lookout Mtn. F.P.
4
5
3
1
1
2
2
1,2
1
2
1
4
1
1
2
3,4
3
2
3
3
3
3
1,2
*
Tukan
Kemmeries
2
5
1,3
1
1
2
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
4
3
1
2
3
2
2
3
U
1
2
2
Powered Parachutes
Discovery 582
Para-Ski
1
5
1
1
1
1
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
5
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
1,2
2
4
Falcon 582
Buckeye
1
5
1
1
1
1
1,2
1,2
1
1,2
1,2
5
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
1
1,2
2
3
*
SkyTrike
Daiichi Kosho
1
5
1
1
1
1
1,2
1,2
1
2
1,2
5
1
1
2
3
3
2
3
U
3
3
2
Powered Hang Gliders
*
Mosquito
Swedish Aerosport
4
5
3
0
1,2
2,3
2
1
1
2
0
6
1
0
2
3
3
2
3
U
3
3
1
NOTES:
(1)
This list is mostly limited to aircraft evaluated by Dan Johnson due to the restricted time available before deadline and the author’s desire to present first-hand information. Aircraft not yet evaluated are marked with a “*” symbol. The list was further shortened by eliminating some models which are very similar to a model listed here. Some models no longer in manufacture were also deleted. Many other fine aircraft are available and should receive the buyer’s consideration; refer to guides found in AeroCrafters, Ultralight Flying!, Kitplanes, or Flyer for further information. On-going efforts to add to this list and to include models not yet evaluated (but therefore with some responses not completed in the interest of fairness and honesty) will be featured online at www.ByDanJohnson.com
(2)
Models listed alphabetically. Model names use a name that best identifies this model and may not conform precisely to factory name.
(3)
Brand names shortened as possible. Brand names can change when companies buy or sell designs.
(4)
Team brand aircraft are included, however, the company is in reorganization at this time and continued production is not certain.
DISCLAIMER:
This chart is intended to be only one part of investigation prior to making a purchase and cannot assure any pilot will be successful and safe while operating any aircraft. It represents the opinions and observations of the author and may not provide definitive advice for all buyers. Seek other sources of advice as well. Chart will be updated online at www.ByDanJohnson.com/BuyChart as possible.
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