Hummingbird 300L Kit Helicopter Gets a Subtle Makeover

At the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Vertical Aviation Technologies showcased the kit-built Hummingbird 300L helicopter that continues to reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. Vertical Aviation has attended SUN ‘n FUN on and off for the past 37 years, and this year they returned with a standout: a customer-built 300L that earned the “Best Helicopter” award at the previous expo.

The 300L is Vertical Aviation Tech’s pride and joy, first developed in 2018 and released as a kit in 2019. The Hummingbird line already had a solid reputation in the industry, having been the first FAA-certified helicopter kit on the market.

This particular aircraft demonstrates how far the Hummingbird line has come. It’s now powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine equipped with cold air induction and an aerobatic sump.

“Really good engine,” remarked Brad Clark, owner and president of Vertical Aviation Tech. “It’s worked out real well for us.”

Recent enhancements include a newly completed all-electric air conditioning system, complete with CAD drawings and installation instructions for kit builders. The team has also added an electric throttle governor to maintain rotor RPM in the optimal green range.

While the Hummingbird 300L reflects decades of engineering maturity, Clark noted that the company isn’t immune to the workforce challenges facing the broader aviation industry.

“It’s tough finding people,” he said. “Young mechanics with the gleam in their eyes that they want to be here—we’re still struggling.”

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