Hello from Michigan

[TL1960]

Hi,
My name is Tom and I live in West Michigan. I've been interested in Badland Aircraft for much longer than the company has existed. Specifically, I thought the Kitfox was the coolest airplane I'd ever seen when it first came out, and then came the Kitfox Lite. Chris's quality and workmanship are incredible, so you can imagine how impressed I was when I disovered his aircraft.

I haven't built a Badland aircraft, and won't for some time, although I'd love to someday. To meet my budget requirements and my lifelong dream of building, I'm going to build an AirBike 103 from plans. The wood construction is intuitive enough for me (lifelong model builder), and I have all of the resources I need to safely build with wood full-scale. However, I don't know how to weld yet and plan to use TIG, so big learning curve there. But this is more about the experience than how long it takes me to finish and fly. I'm retired now and in no rush.

I am do have a Private Pilot's license for Gliders and stay current. So, as long as I get a decent amount of tailwheel instruction before I fly, I should be fine.

So, thanks for having me. I hope it's OK that I"m not a current Badland builder or pilot, but I'd love to be one in the future.

Tom

[Mountain Cat]

Hello Tom, welcome. I am a member just like you. The Badlands is a top shelf ultralight. Chris has put the effort into it and it is one of the best. As soon as they get the Thump-Air engine fully tested, it will be even better. Hang in there and learn all you can from this group and someday it will all come together. I am working on a SkyRaider 1, which is the granddaddy of the Badlands, and the Kitfox Lite. Chris has refined the airframe a little bit and made it lighter, but still similar. Since the SR1 is not available anymore, the Badlands took over it's mission. Chris will work with you anyway to get you started on your plane. Even if its one piece at a time. Its only too late when regrets take the place of dreams!

[LA F2 Flyer]

Welcome Tom! Much like you, I was aware of the design long before Badland came into being - first in the form of the Kitfox Lite, and then as the Belite that James Weibe was manufacturing for a short time. A good looking bird, and it met my specs (most importantly the folding wings).

No matter that you don't have a Badland kit currently; the more the merrier, I think.

My kit is in the final stages of completion (90% done, 90% to go, as they say). I am in the process of finding (and modifying) a trailer so I can drag it to the nearest lake bed and start taxi testing. In the meantime I've been taking flying lessons. Some day I'll actually be in the air...and hopefully be able to get back to the ground safely!

Peer (in Los Angeles)

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Hi,
My name is Tom and I live in West Michigan. I've been interested in Badland Aircraft for much longer than the company has existed. Specifically, I thought the Kitfox was the coolest airplane I'd ever seen when it first came out, and then came the Kitfox Lite. Chris's quality and workmanship are incredible, so you can imagine how impressed I was when I disovered his aircraft.

I haven't built a Badland aircraft, and won't for some time, although I'd love to someday. To meet my budget requirements and my lifelong dream of building, I'm going to build an AirBike 103 from plans. The wood construction is intuitive enough for me (lifelong model builder), and I have all of the resources I need to safely build with wood full-scale. However, I don't know how to weld yet and plan to use TIG, so big learning curve there. But this is more about the experience than how long it takes me to finish and fly. I'm retired now and in no rush.

I am do have a Private Pilot's license for Gliders and stay current. So, as long as I get a decent amount of tailwheel instruction before I fly, I should be fine.

So, thanks for having me. I hope it's OK that I"m not a current Badland builder or pilot, but I'd love to be one in the future.

Tom

Hi Tom, welcome. We appreciate and welcome all UL and yes even light sport and general aviation enthusiasts and pilots. While we focus on the Badland Aircraft, we're here for everyone that love flying. My aircraft of desire originally was the Velocity canard. I loved the plane and wanted one. I started my flight training, but because of life intervening I didn't complete my training/testing. In 2004 I had a heart attack, and at that time, getting through the FAA was nearly impossible. That has been made easier, over the years, but not much. I pretty much gave up on flying. Ultralights were always an option, but none had any appeal to me, that is until I saw the Badland Aircraft. The Badland's look like (and according to many Badland owners) they fly like real airplanes. The Badland also introduced me to STOL aircraft. Quickly I realized, I could fly again, and who needs airports with a STOL aircraft! My kit is being built now, and then I get to follow those before me, and build my F5. It sounds like you've got some excellent skills for building and flying. I also recently retired, so building an airplane is a great thing to do instead of sit in front of a TV and wasting away. Hit us with any questions you have and jump into conversations. We're glad you joined the group and look forward to chatting with you.

Todd

[LA F2 Flyer]

"Hit us with any questions you have and jump into conversations. We're glad you joined the group and look forward to chatting with you."

Also, feel free to post a build log when you start construction on the Airbike. I'm sure there will be applicable tricks and tips that translate to all ULs.

[CraigDowning]

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 Cessna 152 back in the 90s until a wife and children took precedence. Anyone out there that can give me advice on building the plane or flying it will be appreciated.

[GaryR]

HI Tom. Seems to be quite a few of us with a similar story to yours. Dreamed of flying for a long time and life got in the way and now building a ultralight type airplane is the answer to that dream. I wish I had discovered the Badland before I acquired a powered parachute (with a rotax that needs work) and a mini max that needs finishing and an engine. Then I met Chris and saw the Kitfox looking plane and a used like new plane was for sale. I am the proud new owner. Getting it up in the air is my goal for sure this year. The stories on this forum help keep the motivation alive. Especially watching those building the kits and seeing the progress. So welcome and hope to see a report of you getting a plane in the air!

[LA F2 Flyer]

Craig, you aren't the only one in this boat. I am almost done building my F-2 (90% done, 90% to go, as they say) and am wondering the same thing regarding flying it. Will I have the nerve? We will see. In the meantime I am doing everything to make sure I am ready to "meet the moment" when it arises. I've been training in a 172 for the past few months, and am confident that I can bring the plane down consistently, comfortably and in one piece. However the Cessna has a nose wheel, which I understand helps quite a bit.

From what I've been told, the very large control surfaces on the Badland do help in taming the beast, so to speak. And while no taildragger is completely docile, this is certainly a benefit. I intend to find a very large piece of ground (dry lake bed near me) and practice taxiing until I am comfortable with the plane (and have built some muscle memory), then slowly work my way up from there.

At worst I might ground loop it...right?

[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 Cessna 152 back in the 90s until a wife and children took precedence. Anyone out there that can give me advice on building the plane or flying it will be appreciated.

Hi Craig. Congratulations on your F2. We all look forward to following your progress. I just saw that you live in MI. If you are interested in receiving quality Ultralight flying instruction, the Michigan Ultralight Association Flying Club (http://www.michiganultralight.org) meet at ALKAY Airport in Clio, MI. ...basically in your backyard! They have a club CFI who is amazing. The club has a (2 place) M Squared Breese 2 that they use for instruction, and then you can solo in the club's Quicksilver MXL Sport. I have traveled there from NY for lessons on two occasions this past month (2 days each trip) and anticipate returning next week to solo (hopefully!). Each time that I have been there, there have been pilots with ALL levels of experience receiving training...one thing that is obvious, is that not matter what your previous experience is, if you have not flown ultralights, you NEED training. While I was there last week, there was a GA pilot/CFI who was doing transition training, and a glider and PPG pilot was there... All Needing training. Depending on previous experience, there may be certain skills that need to be relearned or habits unlearned. The club is very supportive and very active.
I hope this helps in preparing you for when your build is complete.

[CraigDowning]

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 this aircraft. I know its never too early to start learning.

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

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 this aircraft. I know its never too early to start learning.

Congratulations on the delivery of your F2. Anyone who knows Chris, knows that "good enough" isn't good enough for his customers. He does outstanding work, and if it's not right, it's redone until it is right before the kit or plane reach the customer. I'm looking forward to hearing about your build as it progresses. If you would like, we can set up a build log for you on the forum (viewforum.php?f=19), just let me know if you'd like that set up for you.

Todd

[13brv3]

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 this aircraft. I know its never too early to start learning.

Congrats on the delivery. I'm curious how long it was total from order to delivery?

Rusty

[LA F2 Flyer]

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing the build progress.

[CraigDowning]

Are there other builders out there that would be willing to give advice to a new builder. I seem to be fighting some issues and could sure use an experienced opinion.

[ksatter26]

Check my Build Log (and some Discussion Posts). I tried to keep a running commentary of my build discussing my problems (many self-inflicted) and fixes. Also Peer's Build Log (LA F2 Flyer) was a big help to me.

Feel free to send us questions ... the forum members are a great source of help and encouragement.

[LA F2 Flyer]

Craig, what are your issues? We are all happy to help.

My build log unfortunately isn't as "information rich" as Kurt's is; I was at the tail end of my build when the forum came into being. But I can certainly provide pictures of my build if needed, or just advice.

[CraigDowning]

The very first issue I had was with the landing gear. I had a problem with the tires fitting the rims. The tires had to be shaved down almost 1/4 of an inch with a utility knife so that they would fit over the 2-piece rim. The inner tunes are very difficult to install without pinching them but with a little patience I was able to get them installed. I ordered disc brakes with my kit. Because the brakes came as a kit I was not able to determine what the individual parts were supposed to be. The discs that I received were 160MM discs. The calipers that I received had different sized mounts. I dont know what I am supposed to have in the package but I ordered the correct mount and was able to flip the aircraft over onto its wheels. I am now working on the flight controls but I find that I am missing small parts for the Control Stick Pivot, the Throttle lever and the brake pedals. Any one else running into these things and can anyone provide advice?

[LA F2 Flyer]

Hey Craig. I also struggled with the tires....Fitting the tube without pinching it was a bit of a chore, but it was made a little easier by pumping the tube up just enough to give it shape before assembly.

I think I have the same brakes you do, and I found that they can only be installed with one brake turned around. You'll end up with one brake line running forward and the other running toward the tail.

I wonder if Chris changed the control stick pivot design since I built mine. I believe mine is just the pivot block, the stick base and a through-bolt. What do you seem to be missing?

Also, let me know if pics would help. My parts may be a generation or two behind yours but they images may still be useful.

Peer