Saturday, July 30, 2011

Photo Essay on Balloons at Oshkosh 2011

(c) 2011 James Wiebe, Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

My co-worker Gene took the following photos at the balloon launch this morning.  They are stunningly beautiful.  Enjoy:





Wednesday, July 27, 2011

James Wiebe named "August Raspet" EAA award winner for 2011

Hi Friends,

I've got big news.

A few weeks ago I received a letter from Rod Hightower.  He is the president of the EAA -- and the EAA is the most important voice in experimental aviation in this country.

I was informed that I had been selected for this year's "August Raspet" award, which is given annually.  Quoting the EAA:

"Since 1960, the Dr. August Raspet Memorial Award has been presented every year to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of light aircraft design."

They cited three reasons for awarding this to me:

1)  My work in developing carbon fiber in ultralight aircraft;
2)  My work in developing lightweight instrumentation for aircraft;
3)  And my work in developing "water in fuel" technology for aircraft.

I was mildly stunned by this news...

Anyway, this evening, they have posted the news story on their website:

http://www.airventure.org/news/2011/110727_raspet.html

And tomorrow night (Thursday) I receive the award.

Kind Regards,

James (For my latest news, I suggest you follow me on Twitter:  @jamespwiebe  @beliteaircraft )

Sunday, July 24, 2011

New Ultralight Airplane promotionally priced for $14,500

Too much to report to you.!

It's Oshkosh week, and Belite has *lots* of news throughout the week.  We'll take our news one chunk at a time; let's start this post with our aluminum ultralight aircraft.

We posted a great video of our new aluminum airplane flying.  We have the prototype of this aircraft at Oshkosh this week, so please come by our booth and see it.

You can see the video of the aluminum ultralight aircraft here on youtube.  We demonstrated it with a 45HP engine, but we will be selling it with our 28HP engine (expect great performance) and also the 50HP twin Hirth (expect unmatched performance).

Prices on this airplane start at $16,500, Ready To Fly.  (Our Oshkosh special promotional price is $14,500, but YOU MUST place a completed order with deposit postmarked by the end of August.)

This aircraft incorporates a bigger wing and a better tail design (compared with older Belites).  Also, in base configuration, it is UK SSDR compliant!

This airplane, in kit form, sans engine/prop/instruments/fuel tank, is $6800.