Aero-Works Aerolite 103

{{Short description|American ultralight airplane}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}} {{Use American English|date=January 2022}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = Aero-Works Aerolite 103 | logo = | logo_size = | image = Aerolite103Flight.jpg | alt = | caption = | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = [[Ultralight aviation|Ultralight aircraft]] | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = [[United States]] | manufacturer = Aero-Works Inc.<br />U-Fly-It Light Sport Aircraft, LLC | design_group = | designer = Terry Raber | builder = | issuer = | status = 1997-2005<ref name="WOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.wingsoffreedomaviation.com/aero-lite/history.html |title=Aero-lite 103 |access-date=17 November 2012 |last=Wings of Freedom |year=2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426073729/http://www.wingsoffreedomaviation.com/aero-lite/history.html |archive-date=26 April 2010 }}</ref><br />2013-present | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 150 (December 2004)<ref name="KitplanesDec2004">Downie, Julia: ''Kit Aircraft Directory 2005'', Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 44. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851</ref> | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = 1997 | retired = | first_flight = October 1996<ref name="KitplanesDec1998">Kitplanes Staff: ''1999 Kit Aircraft Directory'', Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 34. Primedia Publications. IPM 0462012</ref> | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = [[Wings of Freedom Phoenix 103]] | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Aero-Works Aerolite 103''' is an American single seat, high-wing, [[pusher configuration]] [[Ultralight aviation|ultralight aircraft]], designed by Terry Raber and introduced by Aero-Works, Inc, of [[Millersburg, Ohio]], in 1997. The aircraft's model number indicates that it was designed to comply with the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] [[Federal Aviation Regulations|FAR 103]] ultralight rules.<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /><ref name="Cliche">Cliche, Andre: ''Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide'' 8th Edition, page B-2. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-9680628-1-4}}</ref><ref name="AeroliteHome">{{Cite web|url = http://www.aerolite103.com/|title = Aerolite 103|access-date = 2009-07-25|last = Aero-Works}}</ref><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12'', page 16. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X</ref><ref name="Aerocrafter">Purdy, Don: ''AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition'', page 343. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. {{ISBN|0-9636409-4-1}}</ref>

Production of the aircraft ended in 2005 when the manufacturer went out of business.<ref name="WOF" /> The rights to the design were purchased by its original designer, the aircraft updated with an improved aluminum fuel tank and put back into production in 2013 by U-Fly-It Light Sport Aircraft, LLC of [[DeLand, Florida]].<ref>{{citation|title=The Wonderful World of Ultralights at AirVenture|publisher=EAA|work=Light Plane World|url=http://www.eaa.org/lightplaneworld/articles/1008_ultralights_airventure.asp|access-date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125024122/http://www.eaa.org/lightplaneworld/articles/1008_ultralights_airventure.asp|archive-date=2013-01-25|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16'', page 86. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref>

==Development== The aircraft was designed to meet the requirements of [[Ultralight aircraft (United States)|FAR 103 ''Ultralight Vehicles'']], including maximum {{convert|254|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} empty weight.<ref name="Cliche"/><ref name="WDLA11"/><ref name="WDLA15"/> The builder-achieved empty weights vary from {{convert|252|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|275|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} being typical.<ref name="AeroliteSpecs">{{Cite web|url = http://www.aerolite103.com/web2004/Aerolite103%20Specifications.htm|title = Aerolite 103 Specifications|access-date = 2009-07-25|last = Aero-Works|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090318133314/http://aerolite103.com/web2004/Aerolite103%20Specifications.htm|archive-date = 2009-03-18|url-status = dead}}</ref> To remain under the FAR 103 empty weight requires the use of a lightweight engine, such as the {{convert|35|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[2si 460]]-F35 or the {{convert|28|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Hirth F-33]].<ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="Aerocrafter"/><ref name="WDLA15"/>

==Design== [[File:Aerolite103.JPG|right|thumb|An Aerolite 103 at [[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh|Oshkosh]] 2001]] The Aerolite 103 features a high wing with half-span [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]] that are extended by use of an overhead bellcrank to a maximum of 40 degrees. The flight controls are three-axis and are actuated by a wheel mounted on a control column via flexible push-pull cables and conventional rudder pedals connected to the rudder by cables. The engine throttle is a [[twistgrip]] type and incorporates a brake lever to operate the non-differential mechanical drum brakes installed on the main wheels of the [[tricycle landing gear]].<ref name="Cliche"/><ref name="WDLA11"/><ref name="WDLA15"/>

The aircraft has conventional nose wheel steering connected to the rudder pedals. The main landing gear utilizes sprung-tubes for suspension and absorbing landing loads. There is a fourth small caster-wheel under the tail, because when the pilot's seat is unoccupied the aircraft rests on its tail, due to the aircraft's empty [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity]].<ref name="Cliche"/>

The Aerolite 103 is sold as an assembly [[homebuilt aircraft|kit aircraft]]. The kit includes an illustrated assembly manual and pre-built [[fuselage]], wings, [[Flight control surfaces|control surfaces]], [[Bracing (aeronautics)#Jury struts|jury struts]] and [[strut]]s. The wings are covered by the builder with pre-sewn [[Polyethylene terephthalate|Dacron]] envelopes. The company estimates the time to complete the airframe at 60–80 hours. The kit does not include powerplant, propeller or instruments.<ref name="Aerolitekit">{{Cite web|url = http://www.aerolite103.com/web2004/kit04.htm|title = Aerolite 103 Kwik Kit|access-date = 2009-07-25|last = Aero-Works|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090318143624/http://aerolite103.com/web2004/kit04.htm|archive-date = 2009-03-18|url-status = dead}}</ref>

When the aircraft was first introduced, the standard engine was the {{convert|35|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2si 460-F35, with the {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 447]] optional.<ref name="Cliche"/> In 2009 the standard recommended engine was the Rotax 447, with the {{convert|46|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 503]] single carburettor engine optional.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="AeroliteEng">{{Cite web|url = http://www.aerolite103.com/web2004/Recommended%20Engines%2004.htm|title = Aerolite 103 Recommended Engines|access-date = 2009-07-25|last = Aero-Works|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090318144359/http://aerolite103.com/web2004/Recommended%20Engines%2004.htm|archive-date = 2009-03-18|url-status = dead}}</ref> In 2021 an [[electric aircraft]] option was added as the manufacturer offered a complete electric drivetrain and up to four batteries as an alternative to gasoline powerplants.<ref name="Bertorelli14Apr21">{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/multimedia/sun-n-fun-2021-aerolite-103-gets-electric-propulsion/|title= Sun 'N Fun 2021: Aerolite 103 Gets Electric Propulsion|access-date= 15 April 2021|last= Bertorelli|first= Paul|work= AVweb|date= 14 April 2021|archive-url= https://archive.today/20210415135711/https://www.avweb.com/multimedia/sun-n-fun-2021-aerolite-103-gets-electric-propulsion/|archive-date= April 15, 2021|url-status= live}}</ref>

Aerobatics and spins are prohibited.<ref name="AeroliteSpecs" />

==Operational history== Since its introduction the Aerolite 103 has won many awards, including:<ref name="AeroliteHome" /> *[[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh|AirVenture]] 1997 - Grand Champion Ultralight *[[Sun 'n Fun]] 1998 - Best Commercial Design *AirVenture 1998 - Reserve Grand Champion Ultralight *Sun 'n Fun 1999 - Grand Champion Ultralight *AirVenture 1999 - Grand Champion Ultralight

In December 2004 the company reported that 150 aircraft were flying, the majority as unregistered US ultralights. In July 2009 there were 12 Aerolite 103s registered as [[homebuilt aircraft|experimental amateur-builts]] in the USA.<ref name="KitplanesDec2004" /><ref name="FAA">{{Cite web|url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/acftinqSQL.asp?striptxt=Aerolite103&mfrtxt=&cmndfind.x=19&cmndfind.y=19&cmndfind=submit&modeltxt=Aerolite+103|title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|access-date = 2009-07-26|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|date=July 2009}}</ref>

==Accidents==

On 15 September 2019, former NASCAR driver [[Mike Stefanik]] was killed in the crash of an Aerolite 103 at Riconn Airport near [[Greene, Rhode Island]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/nascar-champ-mike-stefanik-killed-in-ultralight-crash/|title = NASCAR Champ Mike Stefanik Killed In Ultralight Crash|access-date = 18 September 2019|last = Cook|first = Marc|work = AVweb |date = 17 September 2019|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20190918141052/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/nascar-champ-mike-stefanik-killed-in-ultralight-crash/ |archive-date =18 September 2019 }}</ref>

==Specifications (Aerolite 103 with Rotax 447) ==

{{Aircraft specs |prime units? = imp |ref=Aerolite 103 website<ref name="AeroliteSpecs" /> & KitPlanes<ref name="KitplanesDec1998" /> |crew=one |capacity= |length ft= 17 |length m=5.19 |span ft= 26 |span in= 10 |span m=8.18 |height ft=6 |height in=5 |height m=1.96 |wing area sqft= 124 |wing area sqm= 11.54 |empty weight lb= 275 |empty weight kg= 125 |max takeoff weight lb= 600 |max takeoff weight kg= 272 |eng1 name=[[Rotax 447]] |eng1 type= fixed pitch |eng1 number=1 |eng1 hp= 40 |eng1 kw=30 |max speed mph= 70 |max speed kmh=113 |cruise speed mph= 63 |cruise speed kmh=102 |stall speed mph= 35 |stall speed kmh= 57 |never exceed speed mph= 75 |never exceed speed kmh= 122 |range mi= 120 |range km=194 |climb rate ftmin= 800 |climb rate ms= 4.1 |wing loading lb/sqft=4.83 |wing loading kg/m2=23.6 |power/mass=15 lb/hp (0.11 kW/kg) }}

==See also== {{aircontent |see also= |related= |similar aircraft= * [[Avid Champion]] * [[Beaujon Enduro]] * [[Birdman Chinook]] * [[Chotia Gypsy]] * [[Fisher FP-202 Koala]] * [[Fisher FP-606 Sky Baby]] * [[ISON Airbike]] * [[Spectrum Beaver]] * [[Titan Tornado]] |lists= }}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *[http://www.uflyit.com/aerolite103main.htm U Fly It official page] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120615000000*/http://www.aerolite103.com Aerolite 103 website archives] on [[Archive.org]]

[[Category:1990s United States ultralight aircraft]] [[Category:Electric aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]] [[Category:High-wing aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1996]]