When I first reported about — and did videos about — Just Aircraft’s Part 103 entry back in 2017 and 2018, lots of readers got excited. Here was the company that astounded everyone with their thrilling SuperSTOL that can take and land on what seems little more than a postage stamp. With a background in Part 103 models from an earlier enterprise, Just seemed to be perfect to bring a new model to market …and let me remind you how active is the 103 industry.
Those who watched our video (viewed more than 350,000 times), saw my article, or viewed it themselves at Sun ‘n Fun 2018 knew the new Part 103 aircraft as the Just Solo. Now welcome new producer, Top Rudder. This change represents neither a sale nor divorce.
“Our 103 Solo is manufactured by Top Rudder Aircraft LLC, not Just Aircraft LLC,” explained associate Amy Minnich. (If her name sound familiar, her parents — Steve and Debbie Minnich — run Evektor dealership, Dreams Come True, so she grew up helping run the aviation enterprise. Learn a little more about Amy and the Evektor business in this video.)
“Just Aircraft is a subcontractor for our new company,” Amy continued. “Just Aircraft is a sister company to Top Rudder Aircraft LLC because Troy Woodland is part owner of both companies. Top Rudder Aircraft LLC is a family business with Troy’s eldest son as the other partner in the business.”
Ultralight Model
103 Solo
Welcome to the Top Rudder 103 Solo in its standard, Part 103-compliant form. Yes, it can meet FAA’s Part 103 Vehicle regulation. Tory has been working on that since the proof-of-concept was first introduced more than three years ago. Now, it’s nearly ready and the South Carolina company is accepting orders.
“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 Magnum parachute supplied from DeLand, Florida. Look for a full line review of Magnum later this month or early in January 2021.
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 older video from Oshkosh 2017, Troy goes into more detail about 103 Solo. Also typical of Troy’s projects, 103 Solo was announced with plenty of facts and figures, presented below.
Description — Single seat with standard stick and rudder controls; high wing designed for back country flying and weekend adventures; Polini Thor 250 Engine, basic avionics, prop, fuselage, wing and tail components; main wheels set, Matco hydraulic disc toe brakes and tail wheel.
Specifications — 103 Solo
- Empty Weight — 254 pounds
- Gross Weight — 550 pounds
- Length — 17.5 feet
- Wing Span — 28.4 feet
- Wing Area — 122 square feet
- Design Load Limits at gross weight — +4/–2 G
- Fuel Capacity — 5 gallons
Performance
- Rotation Speed — 28 miles per hour
- Maximum Speed — 54 miles per hour at 37 horsepower (Polini)
- Never Exceed Speed — 100 miles per hour
- Cruise Speed — 50 miles per hour
- Stall Speed — 24 miles per hour
- Roll Rate — 45-degree bank to 45-degree bank in 2.5 seconds
- Take off Distance — 350 feet
- Landing Distance — 300 feet
- Rate of Climb — 650 feet per minute
- Endurance — 2 hours
- Fuel Consumption — 2 gallons per hour
- Range — 50-100 statute miles
- Minimum Sink Rate — 580 feet per minute
- Glide Ratio at 35 miles per hour — 4.6:1
- Max Crosswind Component — 10 miles per hour
- Max Wind Speed — 25 miles per hour
That’s 103 Solo but as the late-night TV pitchmen love to say, “that’s not all!”
Create a Ruckus
Kit Version (not Part 103)
For those itching for more power or more options including big-boy tires, Top Rudder is also offering Ruckus. “If you want options, if you don’t wish to limit yourself to Part 103, this is a good choice,” Top Rudder said, although one that requires a pilot certificate, N-numbers, and a higher slate of regulations.
What does Ruckus add?
Top Rudder lists the advantages to Ruckus: Improved takeoff and landing performance. If you add the Rotax 582 Troy mentions in the video linked above, this lightweight aircraft is going to feel like sitting atop a NASA rocket.
It can also be fitted with movable slats, not identical to SuperSTOL but designed by the same people. It will also have flaperons, deluxe Beringer brakes, and larger, bush-style tires.
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. Contact Top Rudder for more info.
Hi Dan Johnson
Do you know where can buy the Solo 103 kits or plans? I’m very interested for this plane. Maybe if I can’t found the dealer or original company I can make a similar with little differences. Do you see a problem with that?
I assume you have contacted the company. Beyond that I have no recommendation. After generating lots of excitement, the design has gone into hiding. I don’t know when or if any aircraft — much less a plans set — will emerge.
Dear Dan
Last year in November or December you wrote an article that you were compiling a list of reputable part 103 manufacturers for a new category on this website. How is that coming along. I’m very interested in this feature. Thank you for that article from an old impoverished aspiring/failed want to be pilot. Thank you once again.
Here’s what I wrote in my May 1, 2021 article: “Update on the Part 103 List — The survey of Part 103 producers slowed while I attended and worked Sun ‘n Fun but I’m back on the project. I still need to hear from many manufacturers. If you own a Part 103 aircraft of any kind from any supplier, you can help by asking your producer to respond to my inquiries.”
I have information from 18 of 58 producers (31%) so I need more input. When I hear from everyone I can report on the size and state of the 103 industry and after that, I will begin publishing the Part 103 List. IF you own a Part 103 ultralight or know someone who does, encourage them to contact their manufacturer and ask that they report to my ongoing inquiries (I only asked them for 5 numerical pieces of information). I have written all 58 producers three times so far and will continue until I hear from all of them. If I don’t get email replies, I will start calling. You can imagine that calling everyone, with some in foreign countries, that this will take some time. Please be patient.
Dan,
Any updates? It’s March 2021 and figured we would be seeing more info about the kits rolling out and people starting to build.
No updates at this time. Maybe at Sun ‘n Fun 2021? Others have also report difficulty getting a response.
I’m interested in the Ruckus but I’ve messaged them several time with no response! Are they still planning on building these?
Try calling or emailing.
Awesome toy when you can go fly some thing for pennies on the dollar with this kind of performance, at the price of a side-by-side …you can’t beat it. Myself and several other pilots I know are [anxious] to put our hands on one. Have you ever considered the Aeromometum AM10 (I believe 3 cylinder). I’d like that motor option myself: fuel injection modern engine.
Dear son Reto: Maybe we will fly one day together with this plane, somewhere, but not around the world.
Too expensive, you may sell a few units that probably your strategy but the Kolb is similar and has folding wings and the design has 40 year proven track record. It is also quite a bit less money? I’m always suspicious of people that want their deposit to fulfill your dream.
The price might not be right for you, and any Kolb is certainly a fine choice. However, the people behind Top Rudder are reputable and I don’t think your suspicion is warranted.
I have a flying Champ in excellent condition that I have about $30K in. Seems like a lot of money for an ultralight.
Like the simplicity of the craft and would like it more as a 2 seat with the Rotax engine.
It sounds awesome, an inexpensive aircraft with limited capabilities but meets Part 103 regs …YAY! Can a Rotax engine be used on it?
As the article states, a Rotax 582 is an option.
I would like to know more about this ultralight. Thank you.
Then all you have to do is follow the links in the article to the manufacturer’s website where you can make contact.
Finally some good news for 2020!!!
Such a cool plane. But even though I could technically afford it, $30K seems really high. Don’t get me wrong, I understand designing and producing aircraft and “just being in business” isn’t cheap but is the end product worth it? People spend $30K and more on side x side models but when I really look at those I just don’t see being worth it. My opinion, of course. But, if you live for that and it makes you happy then it is worth it. I should probably just go to bed…
It is very nice ultralight plane for me. I’d like to buy one but I do not know where and how.
Use the links in the article to contact the factory and ask how you can buy a 103 Solo.
Price is way off for the 103 builders. Too expensive and not any better than Legal Eagle.
If those Top Rudder prices are too high, I urge you to review the Vintage Ultralight series.
I tried to look up midwestsportplanes.com and Dreams Come True aviation and it appears that the web sites are no longer active. Evector’s web site shows that company as a representative. Do you know if the company is still viable?
Bill: I contacted Steve Minnich, owner of Dreams Come True, and he confirmed that their website is experiencing difficulties. He is engaging others to solve the problem you mentioned. Please be patient. The company is definitely viable and Steve is a very reputable proprietor.