Engineering the fastest, longest-range aircraft you can build in your garage

Learn how to make your own high-quality carbon fiber parts: darkaero.com/courses
2022 was a significant year for DarkAero, both in terms of progress on the DarkAero 1 and growth of DarkAero as a company. Important milestones were achieved that brought the DarkAero 1 prototype closer to first flight, a new facility was secured for initial production of DarkAero 1 kits, and the offering of DarkAero courses grew. Thank you all for your support! We can't wait to share more in 2023!
DarkAero Courses - www.darkaero.com/courses
DarkAero 1 Aircraft - www.darkaero.com/aircraft
DarkAero Knowledge Base - www.darkaero.com/knowledge
DarkAero Apparel - www.darkaero.com/shop
Join the DarkAero Community! kzbin.infojoin
(Exclusive, members only content including photos, videos, live Q&A and more!)
If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more of this type of content, follow along as we work to engineer the fastest, longest-range aircraft you can build in your garage!
More information on DarkAero can be found on our website and other social media accounts:
www.darkaero.com
/ darkaeroinc
/ darkaero-inc

[@jamesroberts7137]

It’s one of these rare experiences where you are absolutely certain that these guys will be successful just because of the way they behave. Very excited for them and their continued success

[@baomao7243]

I agree. Investors will be strongly attracted to the “these guys will be successful with or without me” confidence they see from the dedication and milestones to date. 👍

[@mitchell87ification]

@@baomao7243 That confidence begs the question; Why bother with investors? Investors just sit there skimming your profit forever because they once loaned you some money. Potentially even worse investors possibly dilute their passion and vision with the incessant demand for growth not just profit - ultimately undermining innovation and quality for returns. I hope they can continue self funded, or look for funding approaches that allow them to keep control of their vision. A traditional bank loan has a percentage cost, but you retain 100% of your creation, factoring the percentage into a business plan isn't that hard it's just like any other overhead. But once it's paid. It's paid. Investors are legal loan sharks.

[@baomao7243]

@@mitchell87ification Don’t get me wrong - if no money is needed then generally no need to waste time on investors. As far as “only skimming” I take a different view. You only want investment from “smart money” - ie those who can open doors for you, help solve vexing challenges, help you recruit rock star employees with an amazing business/engineering network for key positions, etc. Sure, your piece of the pie gets smaller by selling equity, but the desire is to grow the pie “more than you’ve given up.”. The investor also has to be a competent, fully involved member of the BoD, esp. since GA is a tough market.

[@nwanchorcertification]

Is it just me or do other listeners want to find a way to partner with there guys i would be happy as a silent investor its clear these guys will succeed

[@baomao7243]

@@nwanchorcertification Even a group fund which allows donations and gives donors a “DarkAero Extended Development Team” patch.

[@davidf2281]

I have no pilot's license, no garage to store a plane and probably not enough in my bank account anyway, but thoroughly enjoy watching your process and engineering videos. Best of luck for the next year and I hope you manage to get yourselves through to profit in the end!

[@Peanutdenver]

Yet...my friend yet.

[@J9045hello]

@@Peanutdenver good on you, ThunderCock

[@nikopaseman7147]

All it takes is the determination to set a little aside at every chance, and doing some homework. There are multiple flight schools that have been recorded and fully uploaded. Planes don't change value much, and can be resold after you're certified for about as much as it was purchased. Entry level two seater Cessnas can be as affordable as a mid-tier SUV. Many pilot jobs provide planes, so you don't need to be rich. If you want it, it can be in your future.

[@robertfpv7733]

I am working towards my private pilot certificate and got a garage but I don't have the funds to afford an airplane like this but it is my dream so I better save save save

[@nonegone7170]

@@Peanutdenver Every american thinks they're not a millionaire... yet...

[@davidgardener1152]

wow. the fact that you achieved all this with no outside investing is simply amazing. Ive been following for a long time, but that just adds so much! Congratulations!

[@DarkAeroInc]

Thanks David! :)

[@regel303]

@@DarkAeroInc Beyond engineering and design brilliance, you three brothers exemplify ethical and sound business practices.

[@helplmchoking]

@@regel303 Yep, just the fact they're documenting, in a very digestible way even for someone without much aeronautical knowledge, and making it so publicly available is awesome. Showing the components, the specific structure in some of the carbon parts and so on speaks to the sort of transparency and confidence you don't see often

[@Mike-oz4cv]

Three people with engineering degrees can earn and save a lot of money in - let’s say - 10 years.

[@jimj2683]

@@DarkAeroInc How much lighter could you make the parts if you had an autoclave and used prepreg? 10%? 20%?

[@michaelsiebesma4535]

It has been so enjoyable to see the three of you develop and execute your dream and turn it into reality. I also am doing such an endeavor. While not in the field of aviation it still requires a structural engineer in all steps along the way. The emotional up and downs are a thrill and keep me young. You brothers rock and its good to see such wonderful camaraderie between the three of you. Happy Holidays and may 2023 be truly epic for your venture.

[@bksl09]

This is some amazing stuff! The open book nature of this startup makes this entire process a treat. I’ll be sure to do my best in my career so that I can afford one of your aircraft once they start rolling out

[@JH-tc3yu]

Absolutely killing it guys. Most exciting general aviation development of the last 20 years in my opinion.

[@IntegralKing]

hey, you wanna buy a Cirrus for $750k - $900k? or get a Dark Aero for like $150k? Call it $250k because of the work to build it. But you're going higher, faster for way cheaper with these guys. Can't wait for a 4-seater!

[@mattgridley9958]

It's been an absolute pleasure getting a peek into everything you've developed and watching the 3 of you check off milestone after milestone. Following your journey has been an inspiration. Congratulations on all that you've achieved in 2022 and I can't wait to see what amazing things are in store for you in 2023!!!

[@mikespencer237]

I've been watching since the beginning. The 3 of you have been steadfast in your pursuit! So happy for all of you and I know the DarkAero is going to be a game changer! You can be proud of yourselves!

[@TheGreatBooger]

Tuning in for first time. Being a aeronautical mechanic and LO Coater and seeing the work you all have put into this is awesome. It warms my heart seeing stuff like this. Basically how bigger companies started. I may not be able to afford one, but to watch the journey and development of this is a treat in itself. Look forward to see what you all accomplish. The future is bright for you all.

[@iuppiterzeus9663]

I always was kinda like "when does the next video drop" in like expecting a major step forward within two weeks or so from the last one, completely neglecting that this is actual, current development / engineering of a delicate aircraft besides building of a proper, profitable and good business. Seeing / reflecting on what you guys achieved within the last years, especially last one that I followed closely, is amazing and crazy in a good way. Thank you for doing this, as in the creation of this marvellous aircraft, the journey on this youtube channel and being insprirational with realizing a dream. I hope the best for you and which you good luck in flight testing (I'm really looking forward to it)

[@tomcoryell]

I wish you nothing but the best outcomes. It has truly been a pleasure watching you both develop an amazing prototype and keep forward thinking to what will be required to produce the end units. I know watching you guys has helped me in my own project planning and pushed me to learn more about various materials and their properties. Thank you!

[@shawnwedge5833]

I wish I could like this "more" than once. I share almost all your videos to my Facebook page and get a lot of responses. What you are doing is amazing and a guidebook for what I want to do with an aircraft myself.

[@mikelaughlin4470]

So exciting seeing the Dark Aero 1 getting closer to first flight!

[@smokeco7]

I've been following you guys for quite a while now. It's quite amazing and inspiring what you guys are doing in pushing the limits of home built experimental aircraft.

[@paulslevinsky580]

Developing the prototype in parallel with the hard tooling is a bold move. You guys are very confident with good reason. Your efforts have yielded stunning results...on both sides of the equation.

[@jckphotograph]

Working for a large aircraft OEM as a pilot and helping a friend build a few Ferraris out of carbon fibre, I am so impressed by how far you have brought this project. This aircraft is very exciting, and I can't wait to see how she preforms. Once upon a time almost 120 years ago, brothers working together to build an airplane changed the face of history. Keep at it!

[@sooyster4033]

This is the first video I've seen, but I like your spirit about things and I look forward to following closely!

[@kristofnagy5829]

I have been following you since your first youtube content came out. The work you do is incredible. It keeps me going with my own project which I have nearly abandoned several times. Thankyou for the inspiration. I hope I will be able to fly your aircraft one day, because it is a piece of art.

[@mikee9065]

It's been my experience that a passion for aviation brings out the best in people and you three are a bright shining example of just that. Thank you for sharing with us and wishes of much success.

[@TheRangerBob]

You three Amigos are rocking it. Stay the course, you have a following. Ready to see the flight testing progress.

[@spikekavalench]

Outstanding! Very impressive work guys! I thought this was going to be a plea for cash but it looks like you have that part taken care of, so glad to hear that and I'm looking forward to seeing your kits take flight!

[@Searey07]

Well done guys. I really like that you have avoided the hyped up marketing that so many folks fall into. Keep standing on your achievements, not promises. You have been building credibility since your first video.

[@booshkoosh7994]

Happy New Year! You guys are a big inspiration! You three are working your way to becoming the modern Wright Brothers!

[@ericsandberg3167]

I've seen a lot of start up airplane kit companies over the years, but I have to say, you guys never take your eye off the ball, stay on track schedule wise and make sure the engineering aspects and requirements are the cornerstone of each decision. Looking forward to first flight in 23.

[@andreleonard4754]

This is one of the best videos I’ve watch on KZbin in a long time. It is inspiring and informative, and I recommend everyone to watch this video. Thanks guys for making the video and good luck in your journey, I’ll be watching and supporting.

[@jacquesventer1419]

Fantastic job, very obvious clear understanding of aeronautical engineering coupled with manufacturing design and business sense. Three brothers together at that level will do amazing things. 👏👏👏

[@charliebrown8278]

This is an incredible project. I’m fascinated at the forward canted landing gear. I’ve always preferred trailing link as they make my landings feel so much smoother. Can’t wait for the inaugural flight. You guys are amazing!!

[@XavPitz]

Keep up the great work guys ! I wish you all the best for 2023 and I hope we will be able to see a DarkAero in the air soon, and who knows maybe fly in it one day :) Greetings from France !

[@morkovija]

the choice of background music is really good! Oh and a plane is nice too!x) Good luck to you guys, wish you all the success

[@76MUTiger]

Been watching for at least a year. You guys rock! Thanks for giving us the inside view of all this. It has been great seeing the engineering and manufacturing challenges. Best of success to you going forward.

[@DarkAeroInc]

Thank you for following along and for the support! :)

[@misterlocapone6604]

So crazy what 4 years of hard work focused on one goal can do! You guys are such an inspiration and don’t even know how much your content will positively effect future generations!

[@vincea1830]

We call that daddy's money

[@wtfvids3472]

@@vincea1830 has to be right? what did these guys used to work as? investment bankers?

[@apisdude]

I was part of the team that designed and built the HP-24 sailplane. it was a great adventure. best of luck to you guys. fantastic project

[@brois841]

Love you guys, what you do and the information you share with us. I've been watching your video's and following this journey for years and wish you the success you deserve. I just checked out your online courses - brilliant! Great idea to go virtual, again: wishing much success. Good luck!

[@josephyang8236]

Huge congratulations guys! You guys aren't only chasing after your dream but inspiring tens of thousands of people who followed you here as well.

[@shanakaliyanage6875]

I knew you guys were brothers!. Excellent stuff guys and keep it up. Wish you guys a very happy and successful 2023!!

[@OurCrafter]

Was building interior/control surface kits for twin otters a while back, was interesting to see what looked to be some of the same processes used. Keep up the neat work guys!

[@itaibar8909]

Very admirable work and it’s great to see three brothers working together and being so bonded 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@user-wb6zb6xj4q]

Love from morroco to us For your dream and your love to aviation we share the same good continuing and success

[@malibudan]

I did not know you were all brothers, how fantastic is that?? You guys have laid the foundation of something big, I believe you have a carbon version of the Van's RV story in which one group set's itself apart from all others so as to establish a moat on your product line. I love your persistence. God bless you guys!!

[@XXfea]

Congratulations 👏👏 Looking forward to the turbo upgrade!

[@RussianThunderrr]

I'm so happy for you guys, you not only "leaving the dream" - you executing it! Best of luck in this new year.

[@Stopinvadingmyhardware]

You guys have come so far. I am glad I got to see it happen through KZbin.

[@Dev_G07]

Great motivational video.... All Engineering and great execution!!!

[@Senne_Maebe]

Amazing to see the progress you guys have made. Best of luck!

[@begginercoding.3919]

I am fascinated by aircraft and this is my first time. The presentation was superb I wish you all the best in your endeavour.

[@marcosiccardi7956]

This is beyond incredible for a group of three, kinda envying your achievements!

[@xxmeanyheadxx]

i just got randomly recommended this video but let me get this straight you're just some kids who grew up loving airplanes and you started your own airplane manufacturing company to make aviation more accessible as a hobby? you're my heroes :D

[@uzeirdautbegovic1148]

This is an amazing video, no time wasted. The story behind is more beautiful, almost movie-like.

[@compspace]

I’m so hyped for the maiden flight, hope everything goes smoothly 👍

[@AbdurahmanAlomrani]

Go team. Best of luck to you guys you have shown professionalism and kept it organized. Can’t wait to check out your contribution next july!.

[@spdcrzy]

I have no doubt that this will become the new benchmark single seater years down the road. A Miata for the skies - what a beauty :)

[@edenyanko9521]

wow, such great work! good luck, waiting to see you fly together :)

[@ajaxmuchacha3758]

What a journey, thank you for sharing along the way. I’ve learned so much. Exciting!

[@squatchusmc9133]

I dont think that it can come soon enough for yall! Your dedication and hard work is going to be awesome to see come to fruition. And (im sure like myself) everyone else cant wait to see it either. Salute!

[@dennisharm6577]

Way to go guys. I just completed a vans RV14A and can’t wait to see your plane fly and hopefully see it fly at Oshkosh.

[@rey3081]

Amazing to follow along for 4 years and see yall produce a flight ready prototype and move into production.

[@fdtank81]

Fantastic job Love your progress, very inspiring

[@rallye81]

I have always enjoyed aviation and dreamed about flying, but have not pursued obtaining my pilots license. Within the last few months, I have started considering a future in flying recreationally with a possibility of commercially. KZbin happened to recommend this video and I thoroughly enjoyed watching. You three seem to have something big going here and the manner in which you summarized your endeavors is captivating. I look forward to watching more of your videos and seeing what your future holds. Sub’d!

[@Buddha_the_Pug]

I love following along with development of the prototype. I wish more industries would take this open approach to development.

[@giovannicaba8202]

The body is amazingly looking, it brings me back memory of the legendary P-51 mustang a plane that I really know very well since I was a kid.

[@PaulTheWonder]

You guys are absolutely killing it.

[@FLYBOY123456789]

wishing you three young men nothing but great success...let me know when it's ready to fly...cheers.

[@adamlowe005]

Great update 😊 looking forwards to 2023 and first flight

[@conservativeokie]

I wish y’all the very best!!! Happy New Year DarkAero!!!🎉

[@jbrownson]

Been loving your videos, excited to see what you get up to next year

[@SteveKuznetsov]

It doesn't look like you were able to get to flight testing or kit production in 2023 like you had hoped. I'd love to see a video from you all about the unexpected challenges you faced and what you learned from them! It's a real treat to listen in on how you all analyze problems and execute on designs within your constraint envelope.

[@StanShimkus]

It is truly amazing what you have accomplished. Can not wait to see it fly this year!

[@methos-ey9nf]

This is the first video I've seen - SUBSCRIBED!

[@DrStoooopid]

and I really appreciate the time you guys took to stop and answer the questions I had about my own project. Your videos have given me some ideas with my own project that I've been mulling over.

[@farrukhabbas1841]

This channel is really an inspiration for people like me. I make composite UAVs. The channel is insightful when it comes to composites.

[@russdixon8957]

I am very excited for you guys. I've been watching since before the canopy, and before wing fabrication was complete. I'm also closely watching SpaceX development of starship, but I believe I'm more excited to see you guys get through all your flight testing and begin manufacturing kits. I raise my glass to salute All Your Blood sweat and tears through this process. I hope you are richly rewarded.

[@debbierudell7422]

Great presentation River. I never doubted that the three of you would succeed.

[@justinstephens7520]

You guys are doing a GREAT job!! I have been following you from the beginning. I’m not far in Effingham, IL. I plan on visiting your facilities at some point!

[@nicholaschriss1706]

Glad I could be of assistance. Keep up the good work.

[@dot73]

You're good people and you really deserve all the best. Happy new year.

[@vaughnbay]

You guys should be very proud. An amazing accomplishment. Well done. Congrats!

[@christopherbeddoe406]

Thank you for putting this project out here for us to view. It's been great to follow. I'm hoping to be able to buy a kit in the future. Probably 5 -7 years out though. Beautiful Plane. Can't wait to see it fly.

[@mikesatchell8317]

Great progress! Wishing you great success in 2023.

[@martinh196]

Retired; i was a tech entrepreneur myself in the past. I know what it takes from you guys. Wow, go for it ...

[@pascalfust1035]

I am super surprised that there are still people with big ideas going the way all by themselves (I mean in financial terms). Taking the financial risk on your own shoulders instead of havivng supporters and early-reserve-and-buyers is a big deal and shows that you are really convinced about the product. I wish you good luck and good success in 2023

[@dovid916]

looks sleek. Must have taken a massive amount of work and effort to get this far. Much respect.

[@kellyb.mcdonald1863]

This was my first time watching the video!!!! It makes me smile because by watching this video I in a way contributed financially!!! Thank You!!! Have A Magical Day!!!

[@mont7481]

So great to see how their dedication and diligence have paid off! Good job fellas

[@SolarRepublic]

Having one or 2 brothers with same mind is blessing. Congratulations 🎊 #darkaero

[@lunarrhombus]

Congratulations!! Excited to see what the future holds for your firm.

[@bbayerit]

Keep hitting them out of the park, gentlemen!!! Happy 2023!

[@palletcolorato]

Looking forward to a continued success. Bravo!

[@scotabot7826]

I wish you three brothers continued success. Very impressive job men!!

[@Mattthewanderer]

I have watched most of your previous videos but missed the part about being self-funded. The progress and methodology was already impressive but now it's far beyond that! Best of luck to you! (but you won't need much) :)

[@mustanggun]

This is exciting. Can’t wait to see the first flight.

[@dieselphiend]

Following this series has been such a pleasure!

[@aaronsimmons4675]

awesome boys! cheers to you guys 🎉

[@wernerdanler2742]

Orville and Wilbur Wright were bicycle shop owners, and they built the first powered airplane out of sticks and paper. You three can achieve so much more with our modern technology. You'll get there!

[@gmodesike]

Heartwarming. Wonderful, gentlemen. All the best.

[@dereksellars]

Hell Yeah!!! I've been with you since the get-go. Can't wait to see her Fly.

[@FinnKuusisto]

Awesome work guys!

[@elihamblet5054]

Love to see a video that Compare/Contrasts with Joby's laser guided hand Lamination method versus the molds you use.

[@IntegralKing]

I'm so excited! I've been watching your updates and stuff since 2020, and am super impressed with the engineering and rigor to go into your kit. I'm not in the market for a 2 seater, but when you launch a 4-seater, I'll be the first to make a deposit!!

[@tjjohnson4185]

I love the simplicity of your design.

[@aerostaraircraftsanctuary604]

Good luck with the Dark Aero aircraft. It looks fast !