Badland Part 103 Pilots and Builders Forum

Todd: https://www.flyingmag.com/belite-aircraft-facility-destroyed-by-fire/ Yep I had read about that and because nothing was insured he didn't have the funds to rebuild. Then I heard that in 2023 he was thinking he could start small and build the company back up. I guess that was either just hear-...

Oh wow, I never noticed the smooth wings on the UL. It looks good. I also was always a fan of the rounded wingtips. However, on the bright side our Hershey bar wings lend themselves nicely to fences or droops, as you mentioned. (Is James still building ULs? I thought I had heard he was focusing exc...

Hey Todd, the pics you posted are actually not of the Belite UL...it looks more like the 2 place Chipper that James has been building. You know, I didn't even notice that. It was listed in the magazine article as a Belite Chipper. So goes it, I got that one wrong. Oh well, the look is the same - sm...

I just watched the Trent Palmer video. He was trying to add extra cuff to stretch the chord and in doing so he created a new flatter airfoil shape. The new shape was not a carefully engineered airfoil like the original Riblett, but was something that has a lower chance of performing well in the int...

My perfectionism is starting to catch up. Or, is that properly called "ADHD Hyperfocus"? Anyway, I feel like zero progress was made because these still aren't perfectly straight and smooth. I think I'm going to glue some 120 grit sand paper to the edge of a 4-foot level and use that to kn...

For part 103 where ounces count, I can't imagine the droop tips being much of an option. I do think they'd improve performance at least to some extent, and would likely be worth having if you're going experimental. As for the wing shape, I don't have any data, which is why I'll be interested to see...

Todd, your questions are exactly what I'm hoping to answer with my testing. I'm going to need a test aircraft that can swap wings back and forth so we get real apples-to-apples tests to prove if the consistent smooth shape with correct leading edge profile is worth doing. This is great. I had many ...

I make assumptions that the material supply challenges are finally unclogged! I'm going to be at his shop in 2 weeks so I'll probably get to check out the progress. Actually, he's still having a lot of difficulty getting the Titanium. However, I've been on the list for a long time. We discussed the...

FWIW, I'm pretty sure you could buy the leading edge strips from Kitfox since they still support the model 4. I don't see them listed in their catalog, but you can't list everything. Since people with the earlier planes probably wanted to try these, I'd be surprised if some other company wasn't als...

This all is really amazing guys. I'm really enjoying seeing this level of experimentation in improving the wing. Peer and I were looking into making some improvements by printing parts for our planes. Some ideas are still possible, others proved to be more difficult than expected. However, you all a...

My kit has been started!

viewtopic.php?t=448

Todd

Chris just sent me a text. It's a picture of my F5 Fujita cockpit! My kit is moving forward! So freaking excited.

Woo Whoo!

Really good information and also nice to have you back on the ground in one piece. Like they say, it's not if, it's when. However, that's no excuse for a poor build. Thanks for posting. That's what this forum is for, sharing good, and bad situations, and all learning from them, so thank you again. T...

Nice pics Chris, especially the first one. Thanks for posting them.

Todd

Thanks for gathering all of this info Todd! I hope that this helps to move the process forward for Jim. I'm hoping it helps him Barry. It appears that FAA wishes we would just disappear. That's sad. Yes, I wish to stay out of their way, but at the same time, we do exist and deserve some credit for ...

However, my rule in life when the $#!+ hits the fan is just try to make it to the next day. My wife and I are doing well now and my mom passed away peacefully at 95 years old. She loved flying and was fearless in all her crazy adventures. I am truly blessed to be here. I had a pilot friend offer me...

mrpilotron wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2024 4:44 pm I think we need a few more built so we can get better real numbers.

Doesn't torque also factor in? I was under the impression that a high HP engine with lower torque can be outperformed by an engine with lower HP and higher torque for take off. Yes, No?

Todd

I'm not sure where I goofed on my acceleration estimate, You forgot to subtract the two JATO rockets. :lol: Now THAT, would be a heck of a ride! Really though, don't other things come into play - prop size/pitch and such? I still think your corrected calculation is very reasonable. There may be oth...

I like the 4-stroke and I'll put one together for a kit or RTF client if they so desire. There is no way I can tell you a TBO until we fly them more. So quit typing and go fly, please. -Chris Well you know I want that 4 stroke and why. The 55 sounds great. I'll be happy to stop typing.....but..... ...

I bought the cable off of Amazon and modified it to serve my purposes. As I recall I had to lengthen the sheath (using a piece of hose as a sleeve and some extra sheathing from an old bicycle cable). This is what I ended up with. It took some doing but it works well - the choke stays put when pulle...

I would love to have the skills to build a nice boxer twin 4 stroke, specifically for Ultralights and PPG. I saw Tucker Gott order a Chinese boxer twin as part of an entry PPG from Ali Express. It was funny, and it didn't fly well at all, just getting off the ground after a long run. However, I woul...

Good point...except I've seen videos of other ribbed aircraft (mostly STOL) that have added VG's, and they all claim 3 to 4 knots drop in stall, and no effect to top speed. I would like to have my plane and be able to run some tests to see what the effect would be. I'm still waiting for my kit.

Todd

Did he say he's in the US? I don't remember, but yes, even with a chute he's slightly over by 1Lb, if he's a US UL pilot.

Todd

...down the runway? Depends on if I end up with the same issues Chris has run into (down the road) or if the engine is reliable (down the runway) :D That F23 just gained a few notches up the possibility scale. I still would like a 4 stroke, but ... it needs to run properly and be reliable first! Todd

Very interesting. I've got to run, but will post some questions for you later if you don't mind? I like the modification to the leading edge of the wing. I was considering something similar but more like a slat, but I like your design.

Thanks,
Todd

Last week I made my 8th unplanned "emergency" landing. 7 of those 8 landings were directly related to the failure of a component due to improper installation at the engine builder level. Let this be a strong warning that if you choose to put a 4-stroke, 390cc, 420cc, or 460cc engine on yo...

I've been helping Jim Pfarr on collecting information to present to the FAA. Jim has been seeking a path for volunteer Ultralight training for several years now. Revently Jim asked if I could do some research using ChatGPT. I submitted the below questions, and the responses from ChatGPT in some case...

Hey Craig, I've moved the topic over to this forum "Badland F1 - F5 Talk" since it's grown past your original introduction. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Todd

Hi Craig - go ahead and post exactly what you are having problems with, and I'm sure we can give advice or help you find a solution. Are you currently stumped on anything in particular? Most certainly Craig, ask questions. I've not had the pleasure(?) of building my kit yet. I'm still waiting for C...

Kurt, I am anxiously awaiting news of your next taxi tests and accompanying videos! Fingers crossed that you are able to get back out there sooner rather than later! Agreed, looking forward to hearing from him. The good thing is the weather must be getting more reasonable that it was just a few mon...

Hey Todd, depending on whether Kevin means they built the plane themselves (versus Chris built it), I know Kurt definitely built his. He's not active on the forum that I am aware of, but there is Doug on the east coast (Pennsylvania?) who is building his own as well. Good point. Kevin, we don't hav...

Does anyone on here have a delivered kit? We've actually got several on the forum Kevin. Here are a few you can take a look at and feel free to asking questions. Broughtonkicks (Barry) https://badland103forum.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=433 ksatter26 (Kurt) https://badland103forum.org/phpBB3/viewtop...

For me, I set up a separate savings account and built up the full funding for the plane. If something were to happen, the only effect is that I'm out the money. I didn't take the funds from any other account, putting those accounts into possible jeopardy if I can't get the money back. This is a Dav...

The concern with all kit aircraft deposits is that the money is gone, and if anything happens to the business, you're never getting the money back. There are lot of things that can happen to a business that are out of their control, such as lawsuits, injury/death to major owners, fires, etc. I'm ri...

Hi Todd. Some good points, and perhaps the longest post I've ever read. Do you need admin privileges for a post that long :-) I do like the idea of the production order. If he only built basic kits, it would be easy, but his willingness to build kits to any level of completion has to be a major com...

17 months is getting a bit ridiculous IMHO. The reason being that people’s “life” situations can change dramatically in that amount of time. Furthermore, 17 month wait then maybe a year beyond that for assembly. If a manufacturer can’t produce a product in 17 months I’d suggest they need more help....

I'd be interested in seeing some answers to this as well. I was told 10 months back in May, and Chris says that should still be a good estimate. I don't think I've heard of anyone getting one that quickly, though he DID just add 1.5 employees which is something he didn't have in the past. Of course...

Continues to look really nice Kurt. You're making me jealous and eager to get my kit from Chris.

Todd

Hi folks, I've been busy trying to find info on the Kitfox lite but there is very little to find out. We've been working on and off on the plane but it's a project and will be done when it's done. I have found the diameter of the bungee cord (3/8") and am using the old, somewhat stretched cord...

Took delivery of my F2 on Wednesday. The quality is unbelievable. I am now in the process of gathering tools to complete the build and advice from other members. I do plan on joining MULA ( Michigan Ultra Lite Association ) very soon but it looks like it will be sometime before I am ready to fly th...

I would also suggest looking at Smart Carb 2 if you haven't already done so. My original plan for my F5 was the F23 with the SC2 carbs over the fuel injection. In my research, the F23's fuel injection is more for reliability than improvement in HP. What's sort of funny about that is I read a lot of ...

I've used those very same volt meters on my travel trailer solar charge system. Note that they are up to .1 volt off, but plenty close enough to use. The one I had in the trailer was very reliable, no flicker or lost part of the display after over a year of constant display. I've been playing with A...

I have spoken to Chris recently and to Scott sometime back. My concern was the TBO. Scott said the problem with determining the TBO is that they just don't have enough hours on the engine. He did say that he expected it to go to 500 hours or beyond. If I remember correctly, Chris said they've got ov...

Rusty, do you by chance have any select links to information about the Briggs? I'm talking with Chris now about using it. Also looking at other options. That rotary is going to have one heck of a reduction isn't it? Todd Hi Todd, I've got a thread running on the Homebuilt Aircraft forum about it. Y...

More fun with Chat GPT. What is the Badland part 103 builders and pilots forum? ---- The Badland Part 103 Builders and Pilots Forum is an online community or platform specifically for individuals who build, own, or fly ultralight aircraft that fall under Part 103 regulations, particularly those rela...

Does anyone supply a V-Twin engine package, or a belt reduction setup for a V-Twin? I don't think I've heard of any company supplying v-twin packages at the moment. Ace sells a good belt redrive, but it takes months to get. I've been testing a Briggs model 38 (23HP) like Leonard and others have use...

I think a potential problem with the half VW may be fuel supply. The Badlands doesn’t easily lend itself to gravity flow from tank to carb like the forward fuselage mounted tank on the Legal Eagle. Most two cycles have vacuum powered fuel pumps. Not so on the VW. An electric pump would add weight. ...

I'm looking at several options. I do like the reliability and more important to me, the lower fuel burn of a 4 stroke. My original choice was the Hirth F-23 twin two stroke. It's a real nice engine and 1000 hours TBO. There are some drawbacks to it. The fuel injection has been a problem for some use...

And here's why you don't believe anything from the Internet unless you've done a ton of research. You said: What is the maximum allowable weight for a US ultralight aircraft with an emergency parachute? ChatGPT said: ChatGPT In the United States, the maximum allowable weight for an ultralight aircra...

Yeah, they forgot to tell us the AI is that of a 6 year old!

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