Open-source airplane could cost just $15,000

TEAM (the miniMax people - well used to be, they changed names at least 2-3 times) are the same company that designed the AirBike, which is another airplane I think would be a total blast. That one unfortunately stopped being sold due to some lawsuit (typical aviation B.S.)
 
rframe said:
That's awesome. When I was about 13 I had the MiniMax info packet all worn out and dog-eared. I was certain I would build one. I still think about starting one every once in a while.
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I completed the tail feathers and ribs about a decade ago. Another project I need to finish. I have flown a Himax and I don't think I've ever had so much fun.

I had the pleasure of meeting the designer. I wonder if he's still around.
 
rframe said:
Of course it's also somewhat funny that someone would spend $15,000 on materials but be set back to spend the normal $250-300 for a set of plans for the airplane they want to build.
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A buddy of mine built one for about $6500, but he was a good scrounger. Here's why free plans are great. After spending a couple of days and a $100-$200 on materials, you will have a better idea if you are cut out for building a plane.
 
rframe said:
TEAM (the miniMax people - well used to be, they changed names at least 2-3 times) are the same company that designed the AirBike, which is another airplane I think would be a total blast. That one unfortunately stopped being sold due to some lawsuit (typical aviation B.S.)
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When Ison was going through the lawsuit, I was interested in getting a group together to buy him out. As it turned out, he protected himself pretty well and relaunched as TEAM. He later sold the rights to kit production and later design rights.
 
SteveCostello said:
How's about things like allowing manufacturers to use off-the-shelf components? From what I understand, the alternators in many light GA aircraft bears very little difference from some of the most common automotive alternators, yet costs significantly more just to have an FAA sticker on the side. I understand the need for testing and ensuring a particular piece of equipment is safe for aviation use, but come on... let's get real. Between purchase costs, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, GA is quickly becoming a rich man's sport only.
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Ford alternator $90. Hartzell PMA alternator (same guts) $400.
Duralast regulator $25. Zeftronics STC regulator $140.
Falcon non TSO gyro $300. Sigmatek TSO gyro $1200
Pyramid noise filter $12. AmeriKing TSO noise filter $100

Of course on an experimental home built, you determine what you put in it.
 
rframe said:
TEAM (the miniMax people - well used to be, they changed names at least 2-3 times) are the same company that designed the AirBike, which is another airplane I think would be a total blast. That one unfortunately stopped being sold due to some lawsuit (typical aviation B.S.)
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Did you see the Airbike's cousin, the Aeromax?
 
durind said:
My dad and me built a minimax for about 9,000 from plans. Found some old growth douglas fir to use for the wood from an old schoolhouse that was getting torn down. It is a blast to fly!
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What engine did you use? I have an unused 2SI (Cuyuna) , in the box.
 
Pilot Fighter said:
What engine did you use? I have an unused 2SI (Cuyuna) , in the box.
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We originally had a 1 cylinder engine that turned out to be a disaster, first guy who test flew it, my uncle who was a pilot for Alaska, flared too high and lost power and couldn't power out of it, ended up hurting his back, now we have a 2 cylinder 40 hp Hirth engine on it.
 
Mini-Max does sell a parachute kit.

Can't decide if that's a good idea or a potential Christmas gift from a spouse.

Watch out if it's an insurance policy instead!:eek2:
 
rframe said:
Looks like it is or was flying under part 103. I wonder how hard it would be to convert it to a taildragger and get an experimental amateur built certificate for it.... cheap tailwheel time builder :)
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It wouldn't be that difficult. The only issue is documenting both that it was amateur built and that you were the primary builder. Apply for an N-number. Break it down enough to inspect, clean, and modify. Document your "rebuild" and shop for a friendly and liberal DAR. Apply for repairmans cert.

If you have wings, engine, and tail feathers off most DARs will ignore that you weren't the original builder.

Technically, you could prove that it was amateur built by somebody other than you but you wouldn't qualify for the repairmans cert.
 
Hmmmm, "crowdsourced"....

To quote Despair.com: "None of us is as dumb as all of us"

Richman
 
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