Hello from San Diego

[lajolla103flyer]

Hi All,
I live in San Diego. I've never flow Part 103. I have 40 student hours in Cessna 172, including solo. I was also part of a soaring club many years ago and have a PPL-G (not current). I really got into the idea of flying Part 103 after seeing some videos of an Air Bike 103. I miss flying but even LSA is a heavy time and money investment.
I joined these forums, obviously because the Badland F1 is so awesome, but also to connect with people in this community and share in fun, knowledge, and support. I'm at the beginning of this journey and really figuring out what I need before diving in headlong. I plan on building from an F1 kit both for money but also for the experience.
Thanks,
Shon

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Hey Shon, welcome to the forum. I'm was in about the same place when I discovered the Badland Aircraft. Back in 1999 I was just hours away from visiting the FAA regional examiner. Life issues got in the way of me ever completing and receiving my GA license. In 2004 I had a heart attack, and figured my flying time was over. At that time, it was pretty much impossible to get a license after a heart attack. A few years ago, when I found the Badland Aircraft, I decided that this was the way to go. Though it is easier to get a GA pilot's license today, even with a prior heart attack, the costs have gone way out of hand. When I was training, flight hours on the 152 and 182 I flew was $20.00 an hour wet. Today, it's in the hundred + dollar range. And let's not even talk about the cost of maintaining a registered aircraft today. So, ultralights are the obvious answer since I still want to fly.

I have an F5 on order with Chris Deuel, and hopefully the kit will soon be ready for pickup. I think the experience of building the plane and flying it will be amazing. One of the things that sold me was from Chris himself. During and interview, he was asked why he builds and sells the kit. He said because he wanted something everyone can enjoy and afford, along with the plane flying more like a full size GA plane. That's exactly what I want. With Chris being able to make the Badland Aircraft weigh in lower than many ultralights, and that it flies like a GA plane, it's ideal for us to be able to build and make the plane our own. Multiple engine selections, many modifications can be made, customizing is fully open.

Welcome to the forum. Check out the builder's forum. We have several excellent builders with a lot of detailed information about each step of their builds and a massive number of photos. I hope to add to the group soon with my build, hoping to do video's of each part of the build. Plus, I hope to involve the members. I've built a lot of things in my life, but never an aircraft. I hope to have some live online sessions where members can help me figure out things, especially when I'm stuck.

Don't be afraid to jump in and ask questions, again, welcome.

Todd

[LA F2 Flyer]

Hi Shon, and welcome to the forum! Good to have you "aboard"! La Jolla is known for the hang gliding, correct? Or am I thinking of somewhere else? I feel like I recall a YouTube video of a fellow sailing a Mike Sandlin designed glider off the cliffs there. I think it was a Goat glider. Good stuff.

Todd, you ain't kidding about the prices. As I recall (it's been a hot minute since my last lesson) I pay around $250 for the hour with an instructor - C172.

-Peer

[lajolla103flyer]

Thanks Todd and Peer for the welcome.

Todd, I've been reading the posts you've made about Chris' progress on your F5. Slow and steady. I'm trying to recall what engine you'll be mounting though. I saw the ThumpAir isn't available currently. Honestly exciting stuff.

Yes, Peer you are thinking of the right place. I live roughly 4 miles from the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Absolutely gorgeous place and they offer paragliding rides and instruction there as well. Have you flown down this far?

-Shon

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Hi Shon. I think you can get the Thumpair, but Chris will only support it if it's purchased through Badland Aircraft. Chris goes through the engine to ensure it meets Badland standards. I was going to go that route, but after talking to Chris, I've switched back to the Hirth F23 (https://hirthengines.com/2-stroke-engines/23-series/) two cylinder boxer style engine. It's about the same weight as the Thumpair and produces 50hp. It's a little difficult to give proper weight because the Thumpair is measured more like most engines, just the engine. It's around 63Lbs. The F23 is 84Lbs, but includes the starter/generator and full exhaust in its weight. The F23 produces 12hp more than the Thumpair. The Thumpair has a much better fuel burn rate, just under 2 gallons per hour. The F23 is almost double that. The Thumpair currently has a 200-hour TBO, while the F23 has an amazing 1000-hour TBO. That's around 10 years between rebuilds, and at 1000 hours per year of flying - that's a lot of flying! Basically, I need extreme reliability for what I'm planning on, and the Thumpair just hasn't had the hour to prove itself yet. Not to say it won't last longer, but I don't want to be the one proving it can. I'm 62, and I want to spend more time flying than testing! Though I like 4-stroke engines, the F23 actually runs more like a 4 stroke (lower RPM) than a standard two-stroke. I'm thinking with all the modifications I may make to my F5 to make it use as little fuel as possible, I'll be better off, at least from the start, with the F23. I may switch to the Thumpair down the road, but it's not in the current plan. My F5 has taken a long time and is pretty close to being ready for pickup. That's the problem when ordering a non-standard material aircraft (Titanium). The F1~F4 are produced much quicker, so the wait isn't as long. Considering the vast majority of Titanium comes from Russia, Ukraine, and China, it's taken a while for Chris to be able to get the material. Last call is that I should be able to pick up the plane in late May or June. Keeping my fingers crossed. That's OK though. I have a pole barn on the farm, and I'm having to do some work to it to make it suitable for assembling the kit. I am hoping Chris will give me a call soon and tell me to come and get the kit. I'm not getting any younger!

Todd

[LA F2 Flyer]

Hi Shon - I have actually never been there (to Torrey Pines) which is almost a sin, since I am somewhat local (in the San Fernando valley). It's actually been years since I've ventured any further south than Long Beach. haha

[Bruce_L]

Welcome to the club, Shon. The Badland is a great choice in my opinion. Building it is a lot of fun and you will know every square inch of the airplane by the time you finish it. Plus you have the confidence knowing that things were done correct as well. I would never ever buy a used assembled kitplane unless I knew the builder real good and I probably would still have some doubts anyhow.

[LA F2 Flyer]

I DO know the builder of mine and I STILL have some doubts.