|
Questions and Answers:
Q. Can l really build my own Ultralight?
A. If you are reasonably mechanically inclined, you can build the LiteSport 103.
Q. Are there any government regulations for Ultralight's?
A. Each country has its own regulations governing Ultralight's. The Plans package includes USA, FAA FAR part # 103 ~ Regulations for Ultralights. Some state and local governments may have special regulations.
Q. Does the LiteSport 103 meet the USAFAA- FAR part # 103 requirement to qualify as an Ultralight?
A. Yes. If you build it to our specs, it does meet all of the FAR part #103 requirements.
Q. Will I need a pilot's license?
A. No pilot's license is required in the USA. If you live outside the USA, check with your government's aviation authority.
Q. How will I learn to fly it?
A. There are over 1000 Ultralight Flight Instructors in the USA and many more in Canada, South America, Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. A list with phone numbers is included in the Plans.
Q. What will instruction cost?
A. The typical cost of ultralight flight instruction in the USA is about eight hundred dollars. Ground school courses are sometimes available at community colleges.
Q. I already have some flying experience. Can I teach myself to fly ultralights?
A. Many of today's ultralight pilots taught themselves to fly because instructors were hard to find. Today, there is little reason to risk damaging your new Ultralight and possibly hurting or even killing yourself when instruction is so readily available.
Q. Are there any wood parts in the LiteSport 103?
A. No. It is constructed of aircraft grade (6061 T-6) aluminum tubing.
Q. What tools will I need?
A. No special or expensive tools are required. Everything you'll need is probably already in your tool box. No welding is required. Some components are purchased rather than built such as mounting brackets, nose wheel fork and control cables.
Q. How long will it take to build?
A. The plans are complete, concise and loaded with pictures. Construction will take about 250 hours. The actual construction time will vary from one builder to another. You may elect to purchase certain components preassembled or a complete Quick Build Materials Kit which would reduce build time.
Q. What material is used to cover the wings and tail surfaces?
A. The LiteSport 103 uses the same material to cover the flying surfaces that is used on many certified aircraft. It is a heat shrinkable fabric that is very easy to apply. Also, available for the LiteSport 103 are Dacron covers called “sails" that can be purchased pre-sewn and in any color combinations. “Sails" can easily be installed.
Q. How will I find the materials I'll need?
A. The LiteSport 103 is constructed of readily available aircraft grade materials. The Materials Source List that comes with your plans includes several distributors, some with toll free phone numbers and parts catalogs. You can mail order everything you'll need and have it as quickly as overnight when shipped “UPS". You may also purchase a complete materials package from FBI of basic materials only or a quick build kit that includes all tubing precut, bent, drilled, and anodized and all other materials needed to construct the LiteSport 103.
Q. I'm a big person, can the LiteSport 103 handle my weight?
A. The LiteSport 103 can easily lift and fly a 250 lbs. pilot plus 5 US gal. of fuel with a 35 HP engine. 52 hp 2 seat conversion models can carry up to 425 lbs. plus fuel.
Q. Can a Ballistic Chute be used on the LiteSport 103?
A. Yes. BRS makes chutes especially for the LiteSport 103. There is no FAA part 103 weight penalty for chutes.
Q. Where will I get an engine?
A. There are many sources for engines, however, if you purchase an engine from FBI you can also purchase an engine kit that will come with the motor mount and wiring harness making installation a snap.
Q. How long does it take to remove the wings for trailering?
A. Each wing is detached by removing 5 pins or bolts. This can be accomplished alone or with 2 people in about 15 minutes.
Q. How can I convert it to a 2 seater?
A. The structural conversion can be done as you build or as an addition later on. Total additional costs will be about $400. You will also need a larger engine to handle the extra weight of a second person.
Q. I'd like to fly off water. Can I add floats?
A. Yes. You may need a larger engine depending upon your weight. The extra weight of the floats are exempt from the FAA103 total weight requirement so you can still be FAA Part 103 legal.
Q. Does the $3000 builder’s kit come with an engine?
A. No, The builder’s kit has materials for the airframe only. The engines, engine mounting hardware, throttle quadrant, and propellers are sold separately.
|
