April 1999
By Dan Johnson

Here's a fun little plane with a good design heritage. Something of a sleeper till now, new builder Midwest Engineering & Design is starting to promote the Flitplane. This interesting aircraft is an Ultralight in the best tradition; she comes in well under the 254 pound weight.

True 103 aircraft are more popular than ever as federal regulations remain aviation's lightest load. The Flitplane joins a welded steel fuselage to aluminum wings covered with dope and fabric. A cleverly laid out cockpit shows marvelously good use of triangulation for strength with the least structure. Her rounded tail preserves some style in the simplicity.

With such a light airframe, Flitplane has enough weight allowance to accommodate a beefy 35 horse engine from 2si that will push the plane enthusiastically into the air. However, this is an ultralight in which to enjoy slow flight. Using a big wing loaded lightly to only 3.4 pounds per square foot, the Flitplane can stall at only 26, cruise at 45, and not exceed 63 mph. Still I found the plane to be full of energy and enjoyable to fly.

You sit close under the wing in the style of Weedhopper. Flitplane's full span ailerons offer great roll authority that never leave you in doubt.

Best of all, the Flitplane can be built from plans. You can obtain the plans from Midwest Engineering & Design for only $35.00. The Flitplane is a legal Ultralight Classified Design in compliance with the FFA Legal Part 103 Guilines.