Badland Part 103 Pilots and Builders Forum

broughtonkicks

Nice job for AI. Like you said, as with all AI requested info, it needs some refinement.
BTW, I don't mind blurring "the line between ultralight and experimental aircraft, potentially alienating purists who prioritize affordability over capability". LOL!

broughtonkicks

Chris bought the jigs, etc. in 2016. Built the first Badland Aircraft is 2017, and started the company in 2018.
At least you've got the Onex for now! Those are cool little planes as well!

broughtonkicks

Hi Rusty, During the EAA Webinar presentation that Chris did last week he mentioned that there were "39 kits out there" with 9 currently flying. I'm not sure if the Ready-to-Fly (like mine and several others) are counted the 39 total that he presented. I'm sure that the "hurry up and ...

broughtonkicks

Great info Todd. A search of the FAA website (https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation_data_statistics/civil_airmen_statistics/2022) showed that there were just 6,957 Light Sport certificate holders in 2022; with 4,824 in 2013. A Very modest increase in 9 years in my humble opinion. As you mention...

broughtonkicks

Looking at all 3 Any comments appreciated Alan Hi Alan, I may be late to the party on this thread, but I must agree with all of the comments previously stated here. Knowing your mission is key, followed by your personal preference and tastes. Before I made my final decision on purchasing my Badland...

broughtonkicks

Congratulations Todd! That certainly is great news! I look forward to seeing your build process... and meeting you in the air! Chris had also asked me a couple nights ago to look over the new website; besides looking more modern with a "fresher" look, the first thing I too noticed was the ...

broughtonkicks

Now that's funny. I had a 40 acre ranch in Colorado that I sold a number of years back (still in the family so still usable - what a deal). It's name was Serenity Christian Ranch. Because it's no longer in my name, the name has moved to my future plane. It'll be Serenity and dedicated to my dad, MS...

broughtonkicks

My wife usually asks me if I'm going "Thor-ing" today! Now that's funny. I had a 40 acre ranch in Colorado that I sold a number of years back (still in the family so still usable - what a deal). It's name was Serenity Christian Ranch. Because it's no longer in my name, the name has moved ...

broughtonkicks

Thanks for the photos Chris!
In reference to nick names... I'm not feeling it with Tweety Bird! LOL
Nick names are a must! Mine is named Thor... for obvious reasons! LOL. My wife usually asks me if I'm going "Thor-ing" today!

broughtonkicks

Thanks for gathering all of this info Todd!
I hope that this helps to move the process forward for Jim.

broughtonkicks

Greetings Jim.
Welcome aboard. I look forward to seeing (hearing about) the progress on your plane. There are a lot great posts/threads on this forum that I you find helpful.
Happy flying.

broughtonkicks

Excellent write-up and fantastic pics to match! Thanks for this! Just more motivation to get me back into the garage to wrap up the final details on mine, and then get it out to the desert. But first these temps need to come down! A squadron flight someday would be epic for sure. Yes! Do It! Get it...

broughtonkicks

Yes Todd! I do recall saying that... and have told numerous people the same thing. Now that I am able to actually fly it, and after flying other planes, I am even more convinced! We (Badland Aircraft pilots) are very fortunate to have such an amazing aircraft. I look forward to you receiving your ki...

broughtonkicks

Greetings All! It has been a while since I've posted here. I've been going out to MI (from NY) periodically (over the past several months) getting flying lessons. I was finally able to get Thor, my F3 Speed+ out today! I took the doors off and went up for an hour of evening flying! What an amazing f...

broughtonkicks

Hi fellows, I also live in Michigan in the "Thumb" and have had a downpayment on an F2 for awhile. Really looking forward to the build. I am sure that I have the technical experience to build it but dont know yet if I have the balls to fly it. I do not have a license but I did train in a ...

broughtonkicks

Badland-F5 Pilot wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 10:13 am
broughtonkicks wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 9:25 am I love the "Badland Pilot Squadron"!
Yes sir. I can hardly wait to be a member of the Badland 103rd Division!

Do you have an updated ETA on your Titanium F5?

broughtonkicks

I love the "Badland Pilot Squadron"!

broughtonkicks

I learned a lot when I trained with CFI Wolf Emonds last year in OR. However it is a tough trip from NY to OR for continual training. A quick trip to MI every once in a while is a bit more manageable. Have a club like MULA, as you mentioned, is more ideal. I wish that there was more that I could do ...

broughtonkicks

Wow! Very Impressive work!
Please keep us in the loop if you come up with any other weight saving innovations!

broughtonkicks

Great concise Info!

broughtonkicks

LA F2 Flyer wrote: ↑Mon Apr 04, 2022 2:08 pm Fantastic read, thanks for posting. I made the investment in VGs, and am looking forward to attaching them to my wing. This article confirms that it was money likely well spent!

Did you end up attaching VGs to your F2? If so, what are your thoughts regarding performance?

~Barry

broughtonkicks

This is all very intriguing Todd. When I was doing flight training in OR last year, one of the pilots there was doing a lot of 3D printing for custom parts/accessories for his plane. This type of technology is way outside of my wheelhouse, so I defer to the "experts". I'd love to see what ...

broughtonkicks

I look forward to seeing what you put together Todd. I am glad that you are taking the initiative, considering that it sounds like Jim Pfarr is running into obstacles with the EAA making any formal changes. I will be attending a 5 hour Ultralight Seminar Ground School event (https://www.facebook.com...

broughtonkicks

Greetings All! Things have been rather busy here and I have been negligent in updating everyone on the additions/changes to my F3 Speed. I had received some messages from a couple of “concerned” individuals about my doors, and "being over Part 103 weight" (wanting to debate if doors count ...

broughtonkicks

Good afternoon Rusty! I took a run up to the hangar to get a few measurements and photos for you. My horizontal seat cushion is angled back slightly, so I've got a few measurements here. From the front edge of the seat cushion straight up to the canopy it is 35 inches. Center of seat cushion to cano...

broughtonkicks

LA F2 Flyer wrote: ↑Thu Apr 04, 2024 9:38 am
Here are a couple of shots of my UL which I just pulled off my computer. There are probably more in my posts somewhere. The cowl will have to change since I upgraded the power unit...

I love the look of the Yellow! Keep up the great work!

broughtonkicks

Hey Rusty, I am 6'2" tall and weight right at 200 lbs. Even wearing a flight helmet I have plenty of head room. When I go up to the hangar on Saturday I can get a measurement of clearance for the top of my head if you'd like. I live in western NY State, so it may be quite a trip for you to come...

broughtonkicks

Thanks for sharing this Todd. Nice and concise video.
Here is a link to a longer (25 min.) video that discusses a similar topic of DMMS (Defined Minimum Maneuvering Speed) that I found informative.

I hope that it ism useful to others as well.

~Barry

broughtonkicks

Great idea. I have 2x4s covered in carpet that are connected via bolts and wing nuts.
I like your option better. They will certainly be lighter and more convenient than mine.

Thanks for sharing this.

~Barry

broughtonkicks

Signed and Donated!
Thanks for Sharing this.

~Barry

broughtonkicks

Great article! Thanks for sharing!

broughtonkicks

A little "dressing up" inside! Kind of like inside of the Aeroprakt that I flew a few weeks ago.

~Barry
F3 Speed + / "Thor"

broughtonkicks

Looks really good. My plan is for half naked (white powder coat frame) Sky Blue and Fokker Red Oratex. I'm now thinking of doing the whole bubble cowl in the red with black " bumps". I spoke with Chris last night ( mostly chasing my 303 no spark problem ... looks to be a bad CDI) when he ...

broughtonkicks

Hey Todd, The Carbon Cub does have a sweet looking cowl...as you mentioned it is going to take some work to make that transition on the Badland. I'm wondering how it would look transitioning from the boxy airframe. You should do a mock-up! Do you know where you are in the queue for your F5? I know t...

broughtonkicks

Hey Barry, thank you for posting especially with all the pictures. This is by far the best looking Badland I've seen Chris produce so far. The color scheme is outstanding and the pictures show the attention to detail of the plane. I envy you having such a great looking, not failing to mention I'm s...

broughtonkicks

Greetings Badland Aircraft Enthusiasts! I apologize for the delay in posting these images since the Virtual Fly-in on June 25th. I had just returned from a 2 week aviation journey the evening of June 24th, which culminated with spending a couple of days in Truman, MN! I was able to spend some time w...

broughtonkicks

Mountain Cat wrote: ↑Sun May 21, 2023 1:33 pm I've had my Kitfox wings folded all winter and the SR folded all winter and no adverse effects. I do recommend you put the wing braces on while leaving it folded. Same for towing. Leaving it inside an enclosed trailer isn't a concern providing its dry.

Thanks! I appreciate the insight.

broughtonkicks

I've got a lead on an enclosed 8.5 x 20 ft. V-Nosed trailer for $7,500. What are any of your thoughts on long-term storage (over winter, etc.) with the wings remaining folded? I seem to recall reading somewhere that planes should be stored in the configuration in which the fly, i.e., wings extended ...

broughtonkicks

I have submitted my preferred day of the week. However, if I can make a suggestion for which week, I'd prefer the last week of June. I pick up my F3 Speed (RTF) the 3rd week of June and will therefore be out of town! ...just a suggestion. Thanks

broughtonkicks

Knowing that many of us are having difficulty in securing hangar space in which to store our Badland Aircraft, has anyone here built, modified, or converted a utility or boat trailer into a covered/enclosed trailer for their aircraft? I seem to recall seeing photos on one of the FB Ultralight groups...

broughtonkicks

Hi Barry, and welcome to the forum! Glad to have you here. I am actually in the same boat and am storing my Badland in my garage. Being in Los Angeles, I don't have too many other options that make sense for me and my situation. But it works for now. I had considered an enclosed trailer, but then I...

broughtonkicks

I finished (in a 2-car garage) a MiniMAX 1103R shortly after moving to North Texas. Closest hangar space was almost an hour away and I had to share with 12 other aircraft. Since the 1103 was so small and low wing, I got tucked in the rear of the huge hangar. After an hour drive I (by myself) would ...

broughtonkicks

I flew into Minneapolis and rented a one-way Budget box truck for my drive from Truman to the Dallas area. You can step down to a 20' or 22' truck with ease. Nice folks at the Minneapolis Budget Office near the airport. The box in the foreground is my Polini 303. Bring a few rachet straps, several ...

broughtonkicks

Good afternoon Badlanders! I have been lurking here behind the scenes reading many of the posts for about a week! I will be picking up my F3 Speed RTF (with Polini Thor 250 DS engine) next month in Truman, MN. I am so stoked about it that it has been harder and harder to sleep at night! I stumbled a...

broughtonkicks

Thanks for the reminder (and clarification) Todd ref. "removeable" doors, etc.
I looked at the Comelli BRS that was mentioned in another post; it only weighs 11 lbs, but I don't know about getting a loaner while it is being repacked.
Thanks again!

~Barry

broughtonkicks

Greeting All! I will be picking up my F3 Speed RTF next month. I am considering adding doors for cold weather flying...however a set of doors weighs 6 lbs., which pushes the plane over the 254 lbs limit. Therefore, I am also considering adding a parachute in order to get the additional weight allowa...

broughtonkicks

Thanks for the info LA F2 Flyer. I too am not very concerned about actually needing to deploy it. I am primarily interested in having one so that I can get the extra weight allowance and still comply with Part 103 restrictions.

broughtonkicks

LA F2 Flyer wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:10 pm Here is a nice option for a BRS. The price is fair, and it's comparatively light.

http://www.newmexicotrikes.com/Comelli/ ... hutes.html

Hi LA F2 Flyer. Are you using the Comelli BRS?

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