Rest in peace Brian... August 9, 1971 - October 4, 2018

Just watched this video. Sad to hear he passed. This is just the ultralight I was looking for. Wish plans were made available.

So sorry to hear. Rip Brian.

I wish his family would solidify his memory and reputation by releasing plans for this awesome little bird.

This guy represents what amateur-built aircraft building and flying is all about! I have been around them for many many years and it seems as a lot of us have forgotten Our Roots. This brings it back. I went back to my roots with the acquiring of a Sisler Cygnet SF2A. A very nice airplane even though the Volkswagen engine has some issues. The airplane itself handles absolutely beautifully and is a basic stick-and-rudder. Totally different class and category than this but again it is really great to see someone that represents what Grassroots Aviation building was and is still all about.

Thank you Dan for informing us also about these strange ultralights. Ingenious builder.

What a nice demeanor Brian had. Lost him way too soon.

I did not know you could use two engines on a 103 ultralight. Cool airplane!

I don't know if this applies to the Lightning Bug, but I know for the Hummel Ultracruiser clipping the wing 30" actually gives you 75lbs MORE gross, which seems counter intuitive until you think of it in terms of extra span = more leverage on the center of the spar.

This guy is an inspiration. What a cool thing to do!!?!

When it is shown flying, it even looks like a model aircraft. KJZI

I like this dude! It would be nice though if he would share that creativity with the rest of the aviation world. Any designer like him that is able to accomplish what he has, with the minimal investment he's put into his projects, could help those that would be inclined to build but can't afford it into the air. Come on Buddy, share with the world!

Still interesting after 1 year with updated aircraft

Are any plans available for this plane?

G'day, Yay Team ! That's a very nice little bit of kit... Did you catch Peter Scripol's series of Videos showing his design, building & flight-testing of a Twin Pusher (Electric) Motor Biplane, entirely cobbled-up from Foamboard & Aluminium & using Model Aeroplane Techniques (with Aircraft-Grade Nuts, Bolts, Cables & Fasteners...) ? His Flight-Test programme suffered greatly from "Press On-Itis", in that he made his Ground-Hops at Sundown and then tried to fly a Circuit after what was technically "Last Light" (with no Lights on the Aircraft) in a Tail-Heavy condition, which resulted in an Outlanding in the next paddock...(Oopsie !). Sadly, the Laws here in Oz require ALL Ultralight/Recreational Aircraft to have ONE Engine....; no multi-engined types will be considered for Registration..., and neither will the Authorities permit the use of any Ultralight Sailplanes. (The Hang Gliding Federation of Australia will register Aerodynamically-Controlled Gliders, but only if they are capable of being Foot-Launched - into the Wind from a Hilltop, like Jim Maupin's Carbon Dragon...; any Aerodynamically-controlled Glider needing to be Aerotowed {being too fragile for Winch-Launches} must be administered by the Gliding Federation of Australia & they require a VH-registred General-Aviation Towplane for aerotowing, which all fly far too fast for Ultralight Sailplanes....). It must be nice to be permitted to make a personal choice regarding how many Powerplants with which to equip one's Ultralight Aeroplane. Have a good one, ;-p Ciao !

I chose motorcycles and old cars as a lifetime hobby(s)....poor decisions..If I were 25 years younger...lol

can you put me in contact with Brian? i would love to pick his experience a bit.

Very good plane. But how will present for all people

This guy flies out of his back yard, but where do most Part 103 pilots take off and land?

you got my respect

I see he improved pitch control and stability with an all flying larger canard. But you should have asked him about the structure. Last year it looked like he was using unreinforced store bought foam for ribs - no facings to increase rigidity. This would not be normal construction for a professional aircraft designer, and could lead to in flight failure. He really should strength test the aircraft for positive and negative G forces, before promoting it. A plane is more than parts, and has to offer pilots inherent strength built into the design. Even Part 103 ultralights are tested for positive and negative Gs, so this plane is no more than a large model plane. Materials Engineer for aircraft companies