Aerolite 103

Flight just before sunset.

[@АнтонСавченко-н2с]

Душа человека свободна только в полёте !!! Удачи и счастье всем Авиаторам.

[@hermannel1310]

Beautiful! Dreaming of owning one myself . And yes, like others have mentioned, thanks for not ruining the experience with the typical unrelated music! Nothing more beautiful than the control of the engine with its sound! That is the "music" I want to hear.

[@SlyWolf5]

Agreed. It's so nice to just hear the engine and the wind. God I need to get one of these someday

[@benjaminrapp7418]

Thank you! I hate the cliche elevator music, club music and royalty free crap they put in videos. I want to hear the engine, the wind and where applicable, the pilots.

[@SlyWolf5]

@@benjaminrapp7418 Exactly! I'm planning on getting one in a few years, once I move down to Texas. I heard that Aerolite themselves offer flight courses, is that true do you know?

[@benjaminrapp7418]

@@SlyWolf5 Offhand, I do not know if they offer any training. I'm sure somebody within a reasonable distance of your location will offer some form on training in at least a similar aircraft. Side note: I lived in Abilene years ago. Texas is a beautiful state, but too damn hot! (I grew up in Alaska, so I might be a little biased) I live in Ohio now. Come to find out, Aerolite was started about 1/4 mile from our old house in Millersburg. I also looked into paramotoring as a budget friendly approach to flight, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable having a giant Nutri-Bullet strapped to my back.

[@SlyWolf5]

@@benjaminrapp7418 Yeah I'm sure. I know you can just hop in it and go but... I kinda like life. Also if Flight Simulator is any indication of my current abilities... lets just say it'd be a short flight lol

[@audiophile1024]

Well done. I always admired the Aerolite 103. I keep telling myself, someday I will own one.

[@robertpilchman2085]

Thanks. I don't have much time in it but I'm happy with the plane.

[@ohwell2790]

Really like the information displayed. I am 80 no longer can fly without a check pilot so looking into ultra lights and the 103 is the one of choice. Thank you for posting.

[@TheMrjetdoc35]

Awesome video. Thanks for not adding music like most. Great flying!

[@robertpilchman6605]

Thanks. I don't like it when music is added either. Besides I don't know how to do it. LOL

[@deerranch6560]

Great video thanks for sharing. I like the fact that you have the air speed, altitude, headings, looks great 👍

[@70sretroguy]

Thank you sir ...for this video ....a thrill of a lifetime for me ...I truly appreciate 🙏

[@johnnukecop]

Thank for sharing such a tremendous video. I have always had a desire to fly an ultralight and in the next few years, I think I will finally have that combination of time and discretionary budget to make it happen. For years, I thought it would be a Quicksilver, but over the last couple of months, The Aerolite 103 has really caught my attention. Seeing how you have equipped yours just causes me like the plane that much more. I am also particularly impressed with how willing you are to reply to the comments, so thank you for sharing that aspect of your experience too. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@robertpilchman2085]

Thanks John. The Aerolite 103 is a great plane and easy to add things to. I bought mine assembled but wish that I had gotten the kit after watching Rick Hayes at Hayesaero.com assemble one...looks look it would be a fun project. As a new pilot with only a few hours I can say that it is an easy plane to fly. Just have to keep the speed up on landing. Check out Robert Pilchman on YT. For some reason it split up my account

[@heartsky]

Looks like the older model without the hydraulic brakes. Thanks for sharing, I so want one of these.

[@LTDan-hu5fq]

Nice Job, I have always wanted to pilot one of these. I must have one!

[@jackryan152]

wow - C-23s neat airplanes. Love your 103, we have a couple here at the airpark in VA. We had a young man fly from here to Oshkosh last year in a 103.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Yeah, those planes are neat. I watched that vid of the boy flying tu Oshkosh....amazing.

[@coryhoggatt7691]

Great flight. Thanks! Bit of a westerly breeze, handled it like a pro.

[@3475883]

Most Shorts aircraft I have seen in one place.thanks for the ride.

[@jjjww975]

This seems to be the best option for Part 103 on the market -- I had a Mosquito XE -- loved it -- but no time to fly & sold it - NOW, I have all kinds of time to fly ---- kinda looking at this as a prime option !

[@caseykelso1]

Love the footage. Thanks for sharing.

[@neilbarriskell7840]

Love these aircraft, pity we don’t have them in the UK

[@TriangleHaunter]

Thanks for the fly along... Seriously considering getting an Aerolite 103 myself. I hope you post more videos.

[@robertpilchman6605]

I'm sure you would be happy with the Aerolite 103.

[@kentwilliams3326]

These can also be electric motor powered and even equipped with a ballistic parachute.

[@michaelmelugin7225]

Looks wonderfully fun ... but as long as I can pass my medical I'll keep flying my Cub ..

[@tracycastleberry9040]

Love watching this. I am not a pilot but want despretly to do this. It's on my bucket list. Spelling ain't my strong point.

[@danielforde-pogson]

Beautiful! I thought rotation was about 30mph though - need to find out more, it's only the third Aerolite video I've watched!

[@jeanbrown9020]

Love the flight , wish there was more to see . In Maine this would of been a beautiful flight today , leaves are close to peak .

[@robertpilchman6605]

Thanks. You can see my other vids on yt under Robert Pilchman

[@johnvera9105]

Enjoyed the ride. Thank you. Not sure what's holding me back the most. Being 6'5" my 275# 4500' altitude or money. Thinking it's all the above. LOL

[@beejaygoody2923]

I'm 74 it's been on my bucket list I bought a kit put it Together in 3 years I have three rental apartments to maintain or I would have been owning one sooner never too old to do this.love it you can't explain what it feels like.You have to do it.

[@MegaHugenuts]

Fantastic video!!

[@robertpilchman6605]

Thanks

[@juga7]

Thanks for the ride. I love it.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Thanks, it is a fun machine.

[@empireengineer1847]

I live in AZ and am interested in one of these aircraft. Judging by the landscape from the video you are in Coolidge! Would be willing to speak to me about your experience with this airplane? I am looking to build myself within the next year.

[@rockharvey5787]

The average price of a new car is over $30k. I would waaaay rather drive a $10k car and own one of these! Now to convince the wife...

[@dannysunwantedopinions]

Good luck!

[@Taboloncawonthemasters]

Just bought one for $2800

[@garyoz]

That was great! I wish I had one!!

[@polkatrumpeter]

Nice landing! I like the landing absorption (acting shocks), the fact that the prop is behind you (quieter). Looks like the clear shielding could be extended another 5-6 inches, in case you're flying in 40-50 temp (Iowa) for example. Also like the yoke, as opposed to a stick. Are these valid points? Is the parachute option something you have considered?

[@robertpilchman2085]

Thanks. The gear is shock absorbing. The main gear is fiberglass and the front has a spring. Have thought about extending the windscreen but with summer close at hand I'll wait until Fall. I didn't think I would like the yoke but I really do. I have a chute on it, you can see the rocket (white tube with the silver piece sticking out of it).

[@Bryan-pz6jg]

What is the device name that showed air speed, altitude, direction,etc on the screen?

[@mikedkc]

That was awesome.

[@artybojangles4153]

i like that smooth landing

[@soaringeag1392]

Now I'm really torn, one of these or a Kolb firefly

[@shakey1311]

That's my dilemma As well. If I can find reasonable hanger space then the Aerolite 103 if not then the Kolb because of its folding wing and tail and a trailer.

[@soaringeag1392]

@@shakey1311 I did see a few that are trailer capable, including the sadler vampire. Even the Merlin lite or ultracrusier would be nice for a small field type runway

[@Salmista15]

What is the price? And is to 2 people? May i travel with this 103 to anothers country?

[@chrisyounkers5207]

1:00 am, flying in Alaska in the Summer?

[@bdrennen2065]

You have great videos. I like this with engine but also enjoy the ones to music. Looks like great fun. Is that an IPad mounted in front of you? Are there apps that display airspeed and elevation? Stay free and be safe.

[@TigerMarine62]

Where is that? I mean you could fly for hours and the view never changes.

[@frankcloskey7789]

Excellent Flying Well Done.5/19/2022yr

[@redraprs8828]

Making these at home any rules and guides?

[@mikeryan6277]

So I have to be the one to mention the clock?

[@robertpilchman6605]

I don't know if it's the GoPro app or yt but it shows GMT.

[@usafmd1]

Very nice. Would like to see more videos. What brand of helmet is that, please?

[@robertpilchman2085]

it's from Gulf Coast Avionics

[@williamfield8576]

Pull Power to idle on down wind, and make landing in the numbers...all of the ultra lites seem to carry power to touchdown

[@robertpilchman6605]

I'll have to disagree as ULs glide like bricks. One has to find the right rpm and glide path angle. If you cut to idle you wont make the runway. That info is gleaned from many UL pilots as well the manufacturers. Do you fly GA?

[@Mike-01234]

Since these are kits can they be registered as experimental Light sport so one can put a 10 gallon tank of fuel fly to more airports.

[@robertpilchman6605]

I believe so but I'm not up on the rules for that classification.

[@jamiecaudill5915]

How did you get the data over the video? Love it

[@tarunbasra8230]

Is there a option for a parachute

[@robertpilchman6605]

Yes. I have a chute on mine

[@GJHeckler]

Hi Robert, what helmet and headset are you using and where did you get them? Thanks!

[@lyndonsia5868]

can this ultralight reach 1000kms in one go by adding gas tanks?

[@catgolfer1]

Where is this? 😺

[@chrisa7237]

Looks to have a very high stall speed. Am i wrong. Touchdowns at 45mph seems fast fir something so light.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Lots of drag so it slows down fast so I tend to keep the speed up .

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

I love it. Thanks for the ride. I subbed. By the way, I love the app you have that shows all the gauge readings on screen. May I ask what app it is for those parameters and if you have/use GoPro camera's - or something else. Blue skies and tail-winds!

[@robertpilchman2085]

Thanks Phil. I'm using a GoPro 7 Black and the app is GoPro Quik. It allows you to pick which items you want to overlay onto the vid.

[@brianrohde9705]

Very much enjoyed the video especially with out music. The gage at lower left was very impressive! Going to do more research on this ultra light!

[@chrisarvin1715]

Is that a gps mounted above your head?

[@BobbyL80123]

I can't decide whether to buy an Aerolite 103 or a Kitfox lite.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Hard choice. Totally different planes. Kitfox...tail dragger, more enclosed , folding wings, stick control, fabric and paint covering. Aerolite...trike gear, more open, yoke control, Dacron skins, don't have to worry about a prop strike.

[@BobbyL80123]

@@robertpilchman6605 good point about the prop strike. is this video in southern arizona? it look like it.

[@robertpilchman2085]

@@BobbyL80123 Coolidge AZ.

[@BobbyL80123]

@@robertpilchman2085 Nice. i'm currently in Tempe. Home base is in Tucson. I'll have to go to you for pointers if i get the aerolite... or the kitfox. i actually might get both. lol. we'll see.

[@robertpilchman6605]

​@@BobbyL80123 I can help with the Aerolite, don't know that much about the Kitfox lite. Would be nice to have another Aerolite to fly with.

[@bigmoonoutfitters6180]

What kind of distance do you cover with that fuel tank?

[@King_TuTT]

can you land these on grassy fields? i figure you need larger tires for that?

[@robertpilchman6605]

I haven't but I don't see why you couldn't. The suspension works very good.

[@teddy615]

I’m pretty sure a KZbin called Peter scripol has one of these in his tree planting bomb video and he lands it beautifully on grass

[@infinitegames100]

Does anyone know what gps he has installed. Also if you see this what radio do you use?

[@robertpilchman6605]

The gps and other info is in the Gopro software. Radio is a Yaesu 450.

[@infinitegames100]

Robert Pilchman Thank you!

[@brunostank]

What are program's your using for air speed and more ? I just got done building my. Aerolite 103 took me 3yrs. Lol I love it.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Three years!!! That's unreal. The overlay in in the GoPro Quik software.

[@Hatred_in_Your_mind]

My concern is the high takeoff & landing speed. I would love to see you do some stalls to see what is the minimum safe approach speed. Some like the control wheel, I don't. I see no advantage in it & think it may confuse some people.

[@TheDornado]

Great Video! I'm looking into ultralights and the 103 is definitely top of the list. Wondering what engine and size tank you have on yours? Thanks!

[@robertpilchman6605]

Thanks. It's a Hirth 2702 and a 5 gallon tank.

[@SunShine-yd5xu]

Did you download flight instruments into your IPad ? Right in front f your eyes. Very Superb idea. And which engine you installed to be able to cruise at 55 - 60 mph ? Literally, as part of my investigative work to find out which one I want, I have watched hundreds of such videos including ultralight trikes from Evolution and NorthWing. This video by far was the best. Where are you located ? Thanks.👍😜

[@robertpilchman6605]

The display is on a I Fly Gps 740. The engine is a Hirth 2702. I had a Northwing trike but wanted a 3 axis plane instead...felt more natural. Fly out of Coolidge AZ.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Robert Pilchman Thanks for your videos and the replies. What kind of winds can these beauties handle?

[@robertpilchman6605]

@@jupitercyclops6521 I think the recommended max is 20 or 25 but I don't fly over 6 or 7 being a new pilot.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Robert Pilchman Thanks again for your reply. I live in ks so might be better for me to invest in a wind mill hahaha. (Not as much fun) I hear gyrocopters are better for windy areas. Idk. Probably stick to motorcycles! Have fun up there! PEACE!

[@marioj.rodriguez3170]

Mr. Pilchman, can you fly that aerolite near sea(ocean)?

[@robertpilchman6605]

I don't see why not.

[@robertpilchman6605]

@larry ballard Check out uflyit.com for prices and options

[@homertalk]

Were you holding her off on take-off? You hit 50mph before rotation. I thought they rotated about 35mph.

[@robertpilchman6605]

No hurry. Just waited a bit. I usually shoot for 45

[@roywhiteo5]

How much does your whole setup cost? id like to get into something like this but i probably cant do it here in the bay area

[@robertpilchman6605]

Check out Uflyit.com for prices and options.

[@N5KDY]

Where can I get the Helmet?

[@robertpilchman6605]

Sorry for the delay. I got it from Gulfcoastavaition.com

[@stevenrashby]

You were climbing at 200 fpm. I hope that was not your max climb rate.

[@EchoKilo]

What engine are you running in that?

[@robertpilchman6605]

Rotax 503

[@thecommentary21]

Awfully bright for 12:53 AM

[@jamesg4728]

What is the display you have overhead?

[@robertpilchman2085]

IT'S THE I Fly 740 unit from IFLYGPS.com

[@romiemiller3093]

It was 12:52 PM, not AM

[@larrehaack9813]

What are you using to overlay the flight infoRmation on the video?

[@robertpilchman2085]

It's it the Gopro Quik app. You down;oad to the app and if you had gps on at the time you recorded you can pick what parts to desplay

[@brunostank]

Robert Is that that the Eis system all digital?

[@robertpilchman6605]

Yes.

[@erinbiggers7709]

How do they know if you illegally suppt it up ?

[@tommurrell6146]

Nice vid. I’m thinking about purchasing an Aerolite. I use the iFly in my Grumman. How do you power it on the Aerolite?

[@robertpilchman2085]

The guy that built my plane installed a power outlet on the panel so I plug into that and ran the wire to the unit

[@tommurrell6146]

Robert do you have an electrical system or just a battery to power it?

[@robertpilchman2085]

@@tommurrell6146 Electrical system

[@PaulLawry]

I've been studying about the Part 103, this one has caught my attention. How has your experience been, any hints? Great video BTW!

[@edgarbrito5014]

Niceeeeee

[@andreweverts4291]

Are flaps used on take off/landing?

[@robertpilchman6605]

not needed but if you have a short runway I'm sure they would help. I'm planning on trying them out soon

[@johnnybumpous9108]

I kept waiting for you to back off the RPMs a little...I guess you run it wide open...lol

[@johnnybumpous9108]

@larry ballard , maybe that's it...I've never flown one of those little things..lol

[@kentwilliams4152]

Wow! That is desolate looking terrain.

[@robertpilchman6605]

Yeah, it's called the desert, lots of it here in Arizona. LOL

[@rogerlarson8040]

Nice Flight. This is the first video I watched. What airport is this again? What engine do you have?

[@robertpilchman6605]

It's Coolidge airport. The engine is a Hirth 2702

[@marksmith2738]

Love the sound of that engine. Thanks@@robertpilchman6605

[@scottv3337]

The monitor above your is the GPS?

[@robertpilchman2085]

Yes it's an IFly 740.

[@usafmd1]

Which airport are you flying out of?

[@robertpilchman6605]

Coolidge.AZ

[@СергейЯкунин-ь2м]

Из России есть кто купил?

[@scottv3337]

What did you use to mount the gps?

[@robertpilchman2085]

It's a Ram mount made for the IFly 740 unit. then I used Ram V shaped mount and a Ram arm to connect it to the down tube' I'll take pics but it wont be until next weekend

[@ssp_339]

I want this plane, because i can takeoff from taxiway🤣

[@eugenelayton5231]

That's a dumb idea. They have traffic control and established patterns for a reason. Maybe you should just stick to your tricycle in a park, not in the street!

[@ssp_339]

@@eugenelayton5231 it's humour🤦‍♂️ Not serious

[@eugenelayton5231]

Funny how you have sunrise at 1:00 a.m.

[@robertpilchman6605]

I know, right. Actually it was sunset but something in the GoPro app changes it,

[@barneyw.robinson9657]

A crash helmet is utterly useless if the chin strap isn’t used. Not a good idea to fly with it unsecured.

[@Realtà_Virtuale_Meta_Quest_3]

Il volo più piatto e noioso al quale abbia assistito! E dagli un po' di pace a quel motore...lo tieni tutto il tempo tirato per il collo...

[@sergiomaldaner8030]

K

[@captensky9288]

I need plese

[@deltaangar]

скучное видео

[@robertpilchman2085]

The red flashing light on the yoke is the remote control for the gopro. I also installed my I Fly GPS 740

[@tommurrell6146]

How do you power the iFly?

[@robertpilchman2085]

@@tommurrell6146 12 volt power outlet on the dash with the wire run up the center tube. I might redo it to the fuse block to be controlled by the power switch.

[@tommurrell6146]

Robert Pilchman so do you have a 12v battery? I thought part 103 ultralights couldn’t have electrical systems. Sorry if I’m showing my ignorance. Also, what sort of radio are you hooked up to?

[@robertpilchman2085]

@@tommurrell6146 Yes and any UL can have a battery. It uses a light weight lithium battery. Radio is a Yaesu 450.