Wed, Aug 05, 2015
Just In Case You Think There Is Nothing New Or Exciting In The World Of Ultralights, The Belite SkyDock Is New, Exciting, And Quite Unusual
For those that have been around ultralights for a long time, it’s pretty obvious not much new has happened lately. That would pretty much be the case if it were not for Jim Wiebe and his Belite Aircraft Company. His new SkyDock design could certainly move ultralights in a new direction.
Wiebe had his new SkyDock ultralight on display at EAA AirVenture this year, but as of that time, it had not yet flown. Now Belite has issued a press release saying that the aircraft has made its first hop and a videotape of the flight is available on the Belite website.
The term ultralight, as it is used in the Federal Aviation Regulations, applies to any vehicle, powered or unpowered, which meets the definitions of FAR Part 103. FAR Part 103 restricts the empty weight to 254 lbs. (278 lbs. with a parachute) and only allows a single seat. Cruise speed is limited to 63 MPH. and only 5 gallons of fuel may be carried. The operator of an ultralight is not required to hold a pilot certificate.
According to Belite, The SkyDock offers Part 103 legal ultralight flying at an affordable price without sacrificing performance or the technology. The SkyDock was designed to be as easy to build as possible, requiring less build time than most aircraft kits. The kit will come with parts machine cut and drilled. The builder just puts it together like a model airplane kit.
The SkyDock is made from precision CNC cut wood, foam and aluminum. No welding is required. Composite utilization of fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforcement ensure strength. The strutless low-wing design is designed for efficient, low drag, low speed fun. Belite says the wings build quickly and are easily detached for storage or transport.
Checkout the website listed below for information about the Belite funding program and the video of SkyDock’s first flight.
(Image provided by Belite Aircraft)
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