Composite Airplane Straddles The Line Between LSA and Ultralight

Wichita, Kansas-based Belite Aircraft unveiled its prototype airplane Tuesday in a unique venue-Wichita's Old Town Warren Plaza-with Kansas' Fourth District Congressman Todd Tiahrt among the attendees for the airplane's debut.  The Belite, which will incorporate stronger, lighter carbon fiber components that easily meet Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103 weight requirements, provides the handling and excitement of an airplane and the economy and fun of an ultralight. Offered in both kit form and as a completed, flyable airplane, the Belite will be built in Wichita.
           
 "It's great to see a Wichita entrepreneur 'stay at home' with this new business venture," Congressman Tiahrt said in remarks at the airplane's unveiling.  "And it's appropriate that this airplane will be built in the city that has produced more aircraft than anyplace else in the world.  I congratulate the Wiebes on this new venture," he added.
           
James Wiebe, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Belite Aircraft, provided details on modifications he had made to lighten and modernize the Belite aircraft. "The Belite design incorporates a new carbon fiber wing and lift struts.  In addition, we've used carbon fiber in the cabin and firewall," he noted.  "As a result, our aircraft is FAR103 legal while offering a real instrument panel with real avionics, as well as a great engine."
           
The Wiebes, who previously developed and marketed digital forensic computer storage devices as the founders of Wichita-based enterprise, WiebeTech LLC, acquired the tooling, existing parts and manufacturing rights of an older aircraft in March of 2009 and immediately began a complete review of the structure and composition. An instrument-rated pilot, James Wiebe applied his creativity and experience to this new venture, developing a proprietary lightweight carbon fiber structure that has been utilized to strengthen and lighten spars, ribs and struts, replacing traditional steel, wood or aluminum in order to reduce the airplane's empty weight to previously unattainable levels.

Photo Courtesy BeLite Aircraft

Wiebe indicated that he plans to take the Belite airplane to the upcoming Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2009 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he has reserved exhibit spaces 612 and 615 in the North Display area.  Additional announcements regarding availability and pricing are expected at that time.

FMI: www.beliteaircraft.com, http://jameswiebe.blogspot.com/