This Aircraft is designed as an introductory Ultralight. Goals of the
design are simple construction technique, and low
cost.
The PoorBoy aircraft comes in three models or
"versions".; The PB-U,
the PB-1, and the PB-H.; When you receive
the plans you get all three
options information.; The specifications
will vary for the versions
on rate of climb, weight, engine, takeoff, etc.;
all the versions
are pretty much the same in appearance.
Handling qualities are intermediate ultralight.
PoorBoy Ultralight design goals:
Folding tail & easy wing removal, a
wing fold attachment is available.
Wingspan 25' (27' option)
Wing Area; 125 sq/ft, (135
sq/ft. op);
Wing Cord 5';
Engine 35 to 52 HP.;
Length 20', Width 25', Height 6'
Never exceed speed 80 mph.
Building time 450 hrs.
Construction Method:
The PoorBoy series are constructed with aluminum tube as the primary;
material, some 4130 steel parts are used in critical areas, and the
covering is fabric.; Every effort is made to keep the cost down, the;
building simple, and the construction time as short as possible. Tools
required are what most guys have in their homes if your are building with
Kit #1 (premade steel parts), you would need to borrow; or purchase a
few things like cable swedge and pipe bender.; The; steel parts
fabrication are not difficult but you need access to a; press, slip
roll and welder.
Kits:
A parts kit is available that has prefabricated
parts such as the hang cage bow, tail post assembly, control horns
etc., these are tack welded and will require the finish welding (Kit
#1), or completely
welded kit also.;
None of the kits are
necessary to build the
airplane, they are offered to make things go
faster if you wish,
(saves about 50 hrs).; A more advanced parts
kit is also available
with wing ribs etc. and is a customer request
type Kit.
PoorBoy Concept:
The concept of the PoorBoy is to make aviation
available to those on
a budget, to keep construction time short so that
the project will
show results fast enough to keep interest alive
and fun while
building.
Cost:;
Materials list include 6061 T-6 aluminum, some
2024 T-3
aluminum, 4130 steel for some parts, hardware,
fabric covering
w/supplies, and the engine.; A few general
hardware items like
wheels/tires are used.; Aircraft grade
hardware is required for all
bolts, turnbuckles, etc.
You can expect to pay
about $ 2500.00 for
materials to build the airframe of this aircraft
and this does not
include the engine or covering.; Cost will
vary depending on which
of the models you choose, PB-U is used for
pricing here.
The plans are $ 250.00 (see plans cost sheet
PG-4) and include
drawings, materials list, and in-depth
construction Manual.; These
plans are written for the first time builders, if
you are an
experienced builder/flyer the instructions may
appear unnecessarily
detailed.
Covering & paint about $350.00 (paint depends a
lot on what process
you choose), the engine "kit" is under 2500.00
for a new engine for
the PB-U. Materials are available from suppliers
like Wicks (1 800
221-9425) and Aircraft Spruce & Specialty (1 800
824-1930). We sell
2SI engines, others like Kawasaki and Rotax work
well. With misc
freight etc. you should be able to build the
plane easily for under
$7500.00 and could cut that down if you found a
used engine and
inexpensive paint.
Safety: The PoorBoy tries to use materials and
procedures that have
been in use on Ultralights in the past, thus we
gain some experience
of others general safety history.; We
encourage a parachute system.
Clearly Safety is the big concern.; Flying
Ultralight aircraft can be
a risky activity, a person needs to be acutely
aware of the dangers
to life and limb.; PoorBoy Aviation takes no
responsibility for your
safety in this endeavor, these plans are
available with that
understanding. This design will show how to build
ultralight
aircraft based on the flying prototypes that
PoorBoy Aviation flies
itself.; If you do not have enough
experience to evaluate building
and flying one of our designs it is strongly
suggested that you take
the information and plans to someone with
sufficient knowledge that
you trust to help you with an evaluation of this
activity.
Some information sources would include Ultralight
Flying clubs such
as EAA locals or the EAA national and Ultralight
Pilots that are
actively involved in the sport.
PoorBoy version (the PB-U is "intended" to be part 103
compliant).
These Ultralights do require state registration
(usually), a
knowledge by the pilot of aircraft rules and
regulations, and of
course the knowledge and skill of pilot in
command.
The PoorBoy is a good performer, it is not meant to be
an eloquent or
deluxe aircraft, if cost is not a factor in your
decision then you
may like to consider purchasing one of the
already existing
Ultralight Aircraft on the market.;
Generally look toward aircraft
and companies that have some in business history
and the model of
craft that you are interested in has been in
production for some time with a trackable reputation for safety.
There are
some pretty good
ones out there but of course the cost goes up.
Just as a general
recommendation example to consider try some of
these: Quicksilver,
Kolb, Challenger, Rans, Titan, Fisher, T-Bird,
and ...others.
These are companies that have established a
product reputation and
safety record. A note of caution when looking at
"used" ultralight
aircraft, pay attention to alterations from the
original specs and
previous damage/repairs. PoorBoy Aviation
5920 62nd St. SW
Minot, ND 58701-8814
701 833-8029 |
