| Aero-Works Aerolite 103 | |
|---|---|
| An Aerolite 103 at Oshkosh 2001 | |
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Aero-Works Inc. |
| First flight | October 1996[1] |
| Introduction | 1997 |
| Number built | 150 (December 2004)[2] |
The Aero-Works Aerolite 103 is an American single seat, high-wing, pusher configuration ultralight aircraft that was introduced by Aero-Works, Inc, of Millersburg, Ohio in 1997. The aircraft's model number indicates that it was designed to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration FAR 103 ultralight rules.[1][3][4]
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The aircraft was designed to meet the requirements of FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, including maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight.[3]
The company reports that builder-achieved empty weights vary from 252 lb (114 kg) to 300 lb (136 kg), with 275 lb (125 kg) being typical.[5] To remain under the FAR 103 empty weight requires the use of a light-weight engine, such as the 35 hp (26 kW) 2si 460-F35.[2]
The Aerolite 103 features a high wing with half-span flaps that are extended by use of an overhead bellcrank to a maximum of 40 degrees. The flight controls are three-axis and are actuated by a wheel mounted on a control column via flexible push-pull cables and conventional rudder pedals connected to the rudder by cables. The engine throttle is a twist-grip type and incorporates a brake lever to operate the non-differential mechanical drum brakes installed on the main wheels of the tricycle landing gear.[3]
The aircraft has conventional nose wheel steering connected to the rudder pedals. The main landing gear utilizes sprung-tubes for suspension and absorbing landing loads. There is a fourth small caster-wheel under the tail, because when the pilot's seat is unoccupied the aircraft rests on its tail, due to the aircraft's empty center of gravity.[3]
The Aerolite 103 is sold as an assembly kit aircraft. The kit includes an illustrated assembly manual and pre-built fuselage, wings, control surfaces, jury struts and struts. The wings are covered by the builder with pre-sewn Dacron envelopes. The company estimates the time to complete the airframe at 60–80 hours. The kit does not include powerplant, propeller or instruments.[6]
When the aircraft was first introduced the standard engine was the 35 hp (26 kW) 2si 460-F35, with the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 optional .[3] In 2009 the standard recommended engine was the Rotax 447, with the 46 hp (34 kW) Rotax 503 single carburettor engine optional.[7]
Aerobatics and spins are prohibited.[5]
Since its introduction the Aerolite 103 has won many awards, including:[4]
In December 2004 the company reported that 150 aircraft were flying, the majority as US unregistered ultralights. In July 2009 there were 12 Aerolite 103s registered as experimental amateur-builts in the USA.[2][8]
Data from Aerolite 103 website[5] & KitPlanes[1]
General characteristics
Performance
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