When Others Don't Fit the Bill... Company Makes Their Own

Free Bird Innovations, manufacturers of the Litesport Classic and Litesport Ultra airplanes, has designed a new controllable camera mount and a new hydraulic brake system for ultralight aircraft. Both new components stemmed from Free Bird's unsuccessful searches for existing components to fit their needs.

According to a company press release, the VMC360 controllable pan-and-tilt camera mount came about when the company was producing a promotional video, and couldn't find a camera mount in the right size for their needs. Available mounts were either "too big, too expensive or too small," so they decided to build their own.

A non-working prototype was introduced at Sun-n-Fun this year, and due to "overwhelming" response the company has produced a fully-functional model that will be on display at Free Bird Innovation's booth in the ultralight area at AirVenture.

A similar "necessity is the mother of invention" approach resulted in the company's new Ultra-light Sport hydraulic braking system. The new braking system, which includes two calipers and rotors, hubs, wheels and tires, and an easy-bleed master cylinder, retails for $349. The braking system will also be on display at AirVenture in booth 610C in the ultralight area.

FMI: www.flyfbi.com