Are you looking for an affordably-priced airplane? On this website, you can find many choices of aircraft that qualify, with something to fit the budget of almost any pilot.
Using the Search bar at the top of the page, you can look for any text anywhere on this website. Have you tried it? More on this below…*
In this article, let me introduce a new aircraft to you …and, no, this is not Merlin PSA.
Merlin Lite Delight
Among affordable aircraft, Part 103 ultralights have a solid position, both as fixed wing aircraft or alternatives like weight shift, powered parachutes, and gyroplanes.
However, such “alternative aircraft” may not be what you had in mind. Many are open cockpit and pilots trained in a Cessna or Piper can feel uneasy being out in the open (even if behind a pod and windscreen). Also, weight shift trikes, powered parachutes, or gyroplanes handle differently from stick (or yoke) and rudder.
Other pilots may want an aircraft that can cope with the elements better. Metal can offer better endurance. Aeromarine LSA boss Chip Erwin is offering a full enclosure on his newest and Merlin Lite can make Part 103 numbers, if you use an emergency airframe parachute and make other appropriate equipment choices.
Chip believes his new Part 103 “magic” ultralight is truly revolutionary.
“This is not your 1980s ultralight,” claimed designer Chip. “I know, I was there. Our new Merlin Lite has real aircraft features and appeal: seven windows, a cockpit door, decent baggage capacity and space, an instrument panel with an EFIS and GPS. And the list goes on.”
Merlin Lite is available with either tricycle gear or taildragger, Chip reported, and features all-aluminum construction, dual independent hydraulic brakes, tundra tires, five-position flaps, pushrod controls with bearings, and substantial aft cabin area with the CG envelope to use it. “Deep deploying 50-degree Fowler flaps and tundra tires with independent dual brakes make the Merlin Lite an ultralight bush plane,” he added.
“Based on Merlin PSA, a popular single seat personal sport aircraft that costs less than $40,000 and cruises at 120 mph, Merlin Lite’s cockpit is almost as large as the Merlin’s, but the powerplant is scaled down and the 3-D tapered wing aspect ratio is increased,” said Chip.
Merlin Lite is available completed and ready to fly away, or can also be built as an Experimental and flown with a Sport Pilot ticket, or even a glider certificate, flying Merlin Lite as a motorglider.
“Its cantilevered high wing means no lift strut,” explained Chip, “making Merlin Lite quite easy to get in and out, a feature with increasing importance. Plus, the large baggage area can carry a full-size airline roll-on bag, camping gear, or even your favorite pet.”
Observe brake lever (dual) on the front side of the joystick. You can use both at once or operate differentially.
In addition to the enclosed cockpit with a proper door, air vents, and multiple windows, other “magic” features included in this true Part 103 ultralight are electric trim, an EFIS with artificial horizon and GPS, a dual-ignition, liquid-cooled, and electric-start engine with an EMS. The 12VDC system also includes a USB charger outlet for a phone or iPad. Options include cabin heat and defroster, Temperfoam seats, and long range fuel tanks (when building an Experimental Amateur Built version).
“We are offering an introductory price of $35,500 for a ready-to-fly Merlin Lite that includes a BRS-500 emergency airframe parachute system. The order book is now open and current waiting time (depending on configuration and options) is five months.
When configured as an ultralight, Merlin Lite meets the FAA’s Part 103 rules, which means no license, medical, registration or certification is required.
The first public display will be at the Midwest Light Aircraft Expo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois beginning September 10, 2020. For further information Aeromarine LSA or e-mail Chip.
Is Merlin Lite
Affordable for You?
Merlin Lite finished and ready-to-fly — $31,000 equipped with electric-starting Polini 250DS two-stroke engine, carbon propeller, tundra tires, airspeed indicator, electric trim, hydraulic brakes, 12-volt power supply, engine instruments, fuel gauge, air vents, EarthX lightweight battery, and 4.15-gallon wing tank that “still gives 3.5 hours endurance, “ said Chip.
To qualify for Part 103 a BRS-500 is required (FAA allows additional weight when so equipped), priced at $4,500
If you don’t care about Part 103 privileges and want some options, here is what is available:
- 3.125-inch EFIS with GPS — $950
- Second wing tank — $600
- Painting — $2,500
- Cabin heat and defroster — $450
- Temperform seats — $350
- Tricycle gear — No additional charge
- Speed wing — No additional charge
- Freight to USA — $2,000
- Packing / crating — $500
If you want to save modestly and come to know your airplane more intimately, you can build it. Chip stated that Merlin Lite’s airframe is “100% finished. A builder only need do the engine and panel.”
- Merlin Lite Quick-Build EAB airframe kit — $22,000
- Polini 250DS engine and firewall-forward package — $7,000
- Freight to USA — $2,000
- Packing / crating — $500
Add it all up and you get a ready-to-fly price of $38,000 in the USA. Paint it and load it with options and the price may be about $42,000. Or choose a kit and save $31,500 base price or $36,000 with BRS parachute.
* More About Search
To find truly affordable aircraft, for one example, search for “vintage ultralights” you will be lead to our April 2020 series on ten super-affordable airplanes, all of which are available second hand for less than $10,000. You may not know that Search can be more specific. After you use Search, a page shows you whatever is found but you can drill down further — click “Try our advanced search option.”
After your initial search, you will see, “Not finding exactly what you expected? Try our advanced search option.” Click on the “Try our advanced search option” link and you can narrow the search to: 1️⃣ specific brands of aircraft manufacturers, 2️⃣ specific aircraft models, or 3️⃣ FI.R.M. List companies, meaning products and services that do not make airframes or engines. This Advanced Search is quite powerful to sift through more than two million words or hundreds of different aircraft reported on ByDanJohnson.com.
See Merlin Lite for the first time anywhere at Midwest LSA Expo 2020 in just a few days. Until then (or for those who cannot attend), here’s a video review of the Merlin PSA.
How is the airframe lighter than the Merlin PSA. That worries me.
The best is to ask Aeromarine-LSA about that. My view is the Merlin PSA came first and they found better ways of assembling the airplane, plus it is not intended for as much horsepower. Please go direct to the source.
Greetings To All
Where can I get one?? I have a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. It’s all original with less than 60k miles..I would be interested in a trade, with someone who has a Merlin Lite.
If anyone is interested in my offer to a trade, please contact me via email at.
rhhale153@gmail.com
Thank You
Go directly to Aeromarine LSA. Maybe owner Chip Erwin wants to drive a vintage Corvette.
Meaning, [“AF” means] you can literally go slow “as ****” while still maintaining enough airspeed to keep positive control of the aircraft. Just a big thumbs up.
In truth I was curious about that myself. I assumed that they weighed a PSA with several upgrades including motor, landing gear, perhaps with shocks, additional fuel capacity, etc. Though I was wondering how that would balance out across the aircraft. Though if Chip was behind it, one could only assume there was some sort of secret Merlin magic in play, however unorthodox it may sound. I bet if it was 715 that thing would MOVE. All reviews are stellar for both aircraft. Who knows maybe he will in the future. He made a flying Harley Davidson, now a part 103 flying scooter, maybe the flying Hyabusa is the next move.
My apologies though, I would never propagate false information. Besides, the physical weight of the PSA, whether 715 pounds or 450, or whatever, it still requires a Sport Pilot certificate. Thank you and good day to all. Happy flying!
The Merlin PSA (Personal Sport Aircraft) and the Merlin Lite are two different planes entirely [with] the Merlin Lite being Part 103 compliant for weight. It can be added upon to make it Experimental [Amateur Built] but will then require a Sport Pilot certificate to operate. Then, of course, you will receive a large fine from a small man in a cheap suit ?.
The Merlin Lite 103 is 274 pounds without fuel or fluids. The FAA allows the extra weight of the emergency BRS system and is still in compliance with part 103. The Merlin PSA however is just over 700 pounds and requires a Sport Pilot certificate. The Merlin Lite was built to be virtually a mirror copy of the popular PSA but with the weight reduction by nearly 450+ pounds and a reduced 2-stroke Polini powerplant. Technically, it can exceed the FAA maximum speed (with modification) but with the prop dialed in correctly on the ground, you can have all the lift [climb power?] you want but will top out at the maximum Part 103 airspeed (which I believe is not to exceed 74 knots).
I see a couple errors in your comment, Tim. First Merlin PSA is not 700 pounds empty, which is the essential criteria for a Part 103 ultralight. When Merlin Lite weighs in at less than 278 pounds, that is empty weight, without fuel or payload. The comparable empty weight of Merlin PSA is 415 pounds, not 700.
The weight of the parachute is limited to an additional 24 pounds granted because FAA estimated that was the most such a system should weigh for a Part 103 ultralight. Usually such systems are less than 24 pounds but FAA does not go by actual weight, (which can vary on every single installation, due to different mount hardware and airframe bridle attach hardware. Therefore, a builder can add the 24 pounds to his aircraft’s allowed empty weight, so if a parachute system comes in at 18 pounds, for example, 6 pounds become “available.” This methodology has not changed, nor been challenged, over 38 years of Part 103.
Finally, no the maximum Part 103 speed is not 74 knots but 55 knots. For all the details, readers can study this essential FAA guidance.
I clearly said that the Merlin Lite is 274 pounds including emergency parachute and does not require a license. The first Merlin (PSA) is 715 pounds unloaded according to several online sources including Google. Because it is overweight for Part 103 [Merlin PSA] requires a minimum of a Sport Pilot certificate.
You are correct about the weighing of the Merlin Lite featured in the article. However, whatever resources you found saying Merlin PSA is 715 “unloaded” (empty, I presume) are wrong …even Google. Here are the specifications directly from the developer (then scroll down). You are certainly free to contest their statements but it highly improbably that Merlin PSA weighs empty as much as most two-seat, larger-engined Light-Sport Aircraft.
It’s funny that youre saying that because there must be a great deal of misinformation on the PSA’s total empty weight. Perhaps you’ll have to hash it out with them (including Google) for the fact checking. Though as I’ve said before the Merlin Lite is in every way 103 compliant.
Nope, I will not be hashing anything out with Google. They are wrong if they say the empty weight of Merlin PSA is 715 pounds. I’ll wager I know a lot more about this subject than any of their fact checkers.
Also, while I remain very enthusiastic about Merlin Lite, initial test flights showed it was a bit too fast. The developer can do something about that without too much effort, but that means it is not “in every way 103 compliant” as of the last report I heard.
Thanks for all your comments, Tim. I found them interesting.
Of course. I was incorrect for maximum speed. I said 74 (that I believed was the limit), however, the maximum airspeed is 55 knots. [Merlin Lite is presently] is a bit faster than 55 ? but Chip [Erwin, developer] explained that it can be made significantly slower with minimal adjustment of the ground adjustable prop. It does have a minimum stall speed of 27 knots though. That’s slow AF. So, when he sells you the plane, it is legal… However, like one of those neat little Glock chips that have an easily grindable stud on the back which prevents it from sliding into the gun, it would be up to the buyer unbeknownst to the seller to take that illegal action.
I didn’t get your final comment (also, what is “AF”?) but I can tell you that 27 knots stall may be slow, but is not quite slow enough. Part 103 calls our 24 knots but that can be with any devices deployed and Merlin Lite does have deep, Fowler flaps, so perhaps hitting 24 knots is not such a big challenge. One again, here is the criteria FAA gave to field officers to determine if a vehicle complies with Part 103.
Tim: i think you may want to to a bit more research on gross weight. Gross meaning overall weight with pilot fuel and baggage. Every place you look does say 715 pounds but it says gross weight. The plane weighs 415 pounds empty just as Dan has said more than once.
The Merlin Lite 103 is the BEST kit in 103 and microlite I have had the pleasure to feast my eyes on! I have been flying since 1968. Aluminum construction and two week build time… phenomenal!!! Merlin Lite comes in at around 274 pounds. You MUST install ballistic chute to comply with Part 103 weight limits. This gives you allowance to allow for extra weight of metal construction. Awesome!
Or you can easily remove the door and come in within 103 weight.
Where can I download the Pilots’ Operating Handbook?? Thank you!
This is how the first Merlin Micro (what Americans now know as Merlin Lite) ended up:
Website link provided by commenter.
It was pilot mistake, fell from 20m AGL. The stiff cabin airframe saved his soul. Only few stiches on forhead and twisted ankle.
For Part 103 I would say a really crash-safe airframe.
What is price of aircraft complete kit only and where can I find the Ultralight aircraft kits?
Hassan: You canalways follow the links in the article to the company and ask your questions directly, but to make it easier you, contact U-Fly-It here.
How much does the aircraft engine cost?
Donacien: This information is in the article, but Aeromarine LSA sells the Polini for $7,000 (USD).
Anyone know what the tested + and -G ratings are?
Walter: Additional information will be coming soon.
It’s an ultralight. Unlikely such tests have been conducted. We’ll know more after the unveiling.
I believe Chip claimed +4/-2.
Any plans for a two-seat model can you send me a brochure? 702 755 9756
Kelvin Larson
2203 Carroll St 2203 Carroll St
Is behind 2201 Carroll St onJudson St
No Las Vegas NV. 89030
(That is actually my address)
Thanks to the post office
Kevin: I have not heard Aeromarine LSA talk about a two seater. Please send your request for information directly to the company. Links are provided in the article.
Chip is very much a believer in single place aircraft as the logical, best answer to the problem of achieving daily, affordable flying. I would doubt that a 2 place version is very high on his Christmas list. When the wife wants to go up, rent a Cessna.
The company that manufactured the Kit has a 2-seat; at least one was built and flew at their local airport flight school. However, it suffered damage to landing gear from student use. Not sure they plan to import in the near term. (This info was not independently verified —Ed.)
Hi: The two-seater is called “Dusty 200.” Actually, 4 were built, 3 are flying, 4 more are under construction.
It appears the BRS launches from behind the panel jettisoning the windshield.
Lynn: That is a weakened panel to allow parachute egress. I don’t believe it would take out the windscreen if properly devised.
The straps run down the A pillars, from there leading edge of the wing to the cowl, so yeah, the windshield is coming out.
Do the wings fold for storage? If not how long to remove and then reinstall?
Larre: I do not believe wing fold is possible but please use links in the article to ask the company directly.
This is not part 103.
Sebastian: I don’t know why you believe that but until we get further information, what we have is the company’s assurance that it is possible.
Hi Dan,
I think what Sebastian is getting at is this plane, at least according to their website, is too fast, too heavy, and carries too much fuel. I don’t see in the regs where the addition of a BRS would change that.
Roy: You may be right, but then I suspect Sebastian is using Merlin not Merlin Lite info as I found no speed or weight info presented on the Aeromarine LSA website. Merlin is too fast for Part 103 at 120 mph. However, Merlin Lite with a less powerful engine and the right prop could stay within Part 103 limits and Chip Erwin definitely knows what the parameters are, stating them on The Merlin Lite page.
The two-cylinder Merlin PSA is [Experimental Amateur Built] at 470 pounds. The single cylinder 103 does meet requirements. What specs are you refering to?
That’s why it says:
“only makes part 103 with the ballistic parachute.”
I’m sure they are claiming that the 20 pounds it is overweight are due to reinforcement or otherwise required for the ballistic chute.
It’s playing a little fast and loose with the rules (which I’m well aware is frowned on to put it mildly.) The part that confuses me is they’re only over 16 pounds. Surely if the thing comes with a 5-point [pilot safety] harness you could claim that and the seat as safety devices and be in the clear? If that still wasn’t enough, go for lighter rims and tires there is a lot of low hanging fruit for weight reduction without courting a large fine from serious man in a cheap suit in the future.
While I love your phrase, “a large fine from serious man in a cheap suit,” you are not quite right with your facts.
Aeromarine LSA is not necessarily saying, “the 20 pounds it is overweight are due to reinforcement or otherwise required for the ballistic chute.” Where the weight comes from does not matter in the regulation, only that it not exceed 278 pounds when a parachute is added (254 pounds empty weight + 24 allowed for an airframe parachute system).
FAA has very specifically and repeatedly said that other safety systems — such a more robust pilot safety harnesses or brakes or fire extinguishers or strobe lights — will not be considered for allowed additional weight, as are parachutes and floats. Here is FAA official guidance to FAA field officers in implementing the 38-year-old regulation (which has never been changed).
Finally, I feel sure the developer disagrees that “there is a lot of low hanging fruit for weight reduction.” To the contrary, lightening an aircraft is commonly a matter of ounces and grams. It is devilishly hard to reduce weight after a certain point without also sacrificing airworthiness.
It makes the weight, capacity, and performance restrictions. What’s not 103?
Weight, speed, and fuel capacity are the main parts of 103. You can’t carry more than 5 U.S. gallons of fuel, cannot exceed 258 pounds empty (except for BRS and Floats)*, and can not exceed 55 knots (73 mph)**. The Merlin Lite, in pre-production easily exceeded 55 knots, but that can be adjusted, with a gain in climb rate as a plus. With the door in place, or with tricycle landing gear, it may be too heavy and require a BRS’s extra allotment to make weight. With taildragger gear, it appears to be able to make weight. Plus, the Polini engine has been upgraded to 303 cc and shaved off weight versus the 250 cc.
* Part 103 has a maximum empty weight of 254 pounds before allowances for airframe parachutes and floats.
** 55 knots is 63 miles per hour. —DJ