L i g h t P l a n e Wor l d
Aerotique Parasol by Stan Truman at Oshkosh '83 was designed as an ultralight version of the 1926 Heath Parasol.
30 Years Old
Celebrating 'antique' ultralights
By Dan Grunloh
Plans for the ultralight/helicopter village at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 include special activities and
recognition of ultralights and light planes that were
introduced 30 years ago, in 1983.
ers of Challengers and other ultralights or light planes
introduced in 1983. There will also be a Challenger fly-in
later this year in Erie, Illinois. Watch for announcements
at www.ErieAirpark.com.
The Quad City Challenger, designed by Chuck Hamilton,
appeared at Oshkosh '83, and kit production began in
September of that year. It was initially flown with a 294cc KFM engine. A two-place tandem version followed,
and it became one of the most ubiquitous light plane
designs, with about 4,000 aircraft completed worldwide.
The company recently introduced a light-sport aircraft
(LSA) model, which was optimized to meet the sport
pilot regulations. The ultralight version is still being built
using the Hirth F33 engine. We hope to have a special
parking area, forums, and a birthday party for own-
1983 was a pivotal year in the evolution of lightsport aviation with the introduction of a mixture
of old and new technologies. A survey of faded
30-year-old magazines reveals the Avid Flyer, Rans
Coyote, Aerotique Parasol, Buccaneer amphibian,
Zenair Zipper, Paraplane, and the Sky Pup, which
were all introduced in 1983. The Avid Flyer by Dean
Wilson won best new design at Oshkosh '83 and
spawned about 2,000 copies. At least three more
designs were inspired directly by partners or associates; the Kitfox (4,500 planes), Sky Raider, and Ridge
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Vol.2 N o.2 / February 2 013