Badland Part 103 Pilots and Builders Forum

I’m not close enough to pulling the trigger to feel comfortable bugging Chris. Can anyone explain the difference between RTF and Almost RTF? I don’t have a space to build, but if the Almost version requires a minimal number of hours to complete I’m open to kicking cars out of the garage for a time.

I feel bad correcting anyone, but VG is Vortex Generator, not Velocity Generator.

I have not done much research into Wiebe’s gauges. I think he has expertise in that arena. I am personally not concerned with loss of an electronic panel. I can’t think of any data I couldn’t live without to get home or, more urgently, on the ground. In GA steam gauges are going the way of the dodo.

Todd: https://www.flyingmag.com/belite-aircra ... d-by-fire/

I wasn’t aware of the power increase from the Smart Carb. I live at 3000 MSL so not only is a baseline HP boost good but the altitude compensation will make the rare cross country to the other side of the Cascades easier without the worry of extreme mixtures.

Just saw the video on YouTube and came here to comment. I don’t intend to make any significant financial moves until at least after the election and we get an idea of the direction of the economy, but I’m keeping my eyes on Badlands and the Top Rudder 103 Solo. With the availability of the tricycle ...

You may get a warning about this site but it looks legit. US distributor Blackhawk Paramotors

https://www.helvenco.com/aero1000.htm

Anyone heard much about the Helvenco AG Aero 1000? EFI, water cooled, and expensive. Also 80lb.

Top Rudder’s FB page says they will offer a folding wings option. Looking forward to weights, performance, and pricing info.

Looking forward to seeing the performance specs on the Solo and Ruckus. As I understand it, the Solo barely makes weight (chute required) and the Ruckus will be ELSA/EAB. I’m pretty sure the videos of the very short takeoffs and landings are the Ruckus. More HP plus aero enhancements like slats. As ...

Apparently someone has purchased the tooling and rights to the Solo and Ruckus from Troy Woodland with the intent of bringing it or them to market. I’ve been set on an F3, but depending on STOL performance and final weight I may have to reconsider. The first Solo seemed heavy, so it will be interest...

I recently took a PPG demo flight, and while I know flying solo with the ability to get low and do such maneuvers as wingovers would be more fun than the dual flight, not to mention overall portability and store ability, I wasn’t thrilled and I think a fixed wing is still my choice. However, the fli...

@LA F2 Flyer. Disgruntled future ex-son-in-law made up a story about the in-law’s Cessna being out of annual. The FAA guy who works the air show every year was waiting for them when they taxied in. As far as I know no problems were found and the airplane flew home after the show.

“ the FAA has better things to do than hunt down an ultralight that my regularly see near 60, 62 knots.” I’m just a bit skeptical since witnessing a ramp check at a local air show a few weeks ago. It wasn’t an ultralight, but I think there are a few Feds among all the good ones who would relish bust...

Found this interesting old article about Badlands’ predecessor, the BeLite. https://www.kitplanes.com/flight-review-return-of-the-ultralight/ Wiebe utilized VGs to manage the flight envelope. Would they be an advisable option? This story raised another question: If I tune the motor and pitch the pro...

One can go onto the United States Ultralight Assoc.org website and get a list of UL clubs in your state. I've been a member for many years. I don't do EAA, but the USUA is more my kind of flying. Plus, if you are a member of USUA, you have access to the club insurance which is reasonable cost. The ...

Thanks for the feedback. I now realize something I had given only a little thought to should be my numero uno consideration, and that is looking into local clubs or groups with whom to fly and share other activities. I think on my own I might fall into the trap of finding excuses not to go flying fo...

I’ve been dreaming/scheming/planning about an ultralight aircraft for a few years, and I’d like to take a step back and solicit opinions from experienced UL pilots. I earned my PPL way back in 1976. SEL/VFR. I flew a lot right out of college as a Cessna employee and then went about 30 years complete...

I just stumbled into this, and while it’s too far in the future for most of us, it could be perfect for Part 103 aircraft. https://invest.liquidpiston.com/?utm_so ... technology

Todd, I’m in Central Oregon. Flat/rolling ground that’s largely grasslands and juniper, and rocks. Also a fair amount of hayfield and other friendly emergency landing areas. The surrounding mountains and bluffs are rugged and treed with juniper and pine. Not ideal engine out territory.

I’m still at the dreaming and scheming stage of acquiring a UL. A question of great importance is how will any of the higher HP & Torque motors work for me where takeoff altitude will be at or near 3000 Ft MSL? The plane I would build will be near max Part 103 weight and I’m about 180lb dry. Wil...

Wondering what an 800 hour pilot of tri-gear aircraft (Cessna 152/172 and RV12) can expect transitioning to the tailwheel. Is the Badlands slow enough that one might comfortably learn on their own or is tailwheel training recommended? No more medical, so I don’t know what aircraft would work for dua...