The Electric Belite that wasn't at Sun N Fun

We didn't announce an electric airplane at Sun N Fun ... but I did fly an electric Belite late last year.  I was very surprised that I posted so many hints about our work in this area... got no response.

This particular project wasn't far enough along to bring to Sun N Fun, but it sure did fly nice.

Ultralight Aircraft with Electric Motor

Electric Ultralight Aircraft takeoff roll

Electric Ultralight Aircraft takes off

This electric ultralight aircraft was capable of excellent performance with short battery life.  It took too long to recharge.  I still give it thought, but haven't worked on it this year.  Should I?

More on Review of Belite Ultralight Aircraft in Kitplanes Magazine

Now I'm recovering from my camping trip last week to the GSMNP.  I flew out in my delightful Flight Design CTLS light sport airplane.... not a Belite, it's the next best thing if you have to have 2 seats.  :-)

There was some comment chatter on this blog about the Kitplanes review... 

If you are looking for the excellent review of our airplane in Kitplanes magazine, you can read it here:

http://www.beliteaircraft.com/images/scans/2011_04_kitplanes_featured_article.pdf

-- James

Hazel Creek / Wilderness Rest

I took a few days off.  Just returned to civilization from wilderness camping in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  I was camping a few miles up Hazel Creek trail, which is accessed via a boat ride from the Fontana Dam Marina. 

Two quick pics are below.

Extraordinary beauty in God's creation.  The top pic is Hazel Creek, in the wilderness of GSMNP.  The bottom pic is my campground area, through the forest.  My tent is visible in the photo.  -- James

Hazel Creek, GSMNP

Camping on Hazel Creek in the springtime.

More Show Shots of the Ultralight Aircraft "Best Commercial Ultralight" from Sun N Fun

I found some more nice photos of the Belite SuperTrike with the Verner 4 stroke engine.  This is the aircraft that won the 2011 Sun N Fun "Best Commercial Ultralight" award.  Here are the new pics:

Ultralight Aircraft:  Belite's Super Trike with 4 Stroke Engine. 

Ultralight Aircraft:  Belite's Super Trike with 4 Stroke Engine.

Ultralight Aircraft:  Belite's Super Trike with 4 Stroke Engine.

Ultralight Aircraft:  Belite's Super Trike with 4 Stroke Engine.