The ordinarily empty Perry County Airport attracted a small crowd of about 15 people for its May 15 promotional event for ultralight aircrafts.
Today is National Learn How to Fly Day
organizer Andy Snedden said.
Snedden is an avid ultralight enthusiast who has recently been gaining attention for his custom-designed and built plane - the Snedden M7 Advanced Ultralight.
The plane is one of the most innovative and powerful ultralight flying machines in existence and caused quite a stir at last year's Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh. The largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts congregates in Wisconsin for the venture, Snedden said.
The plane includes many unconventional elements, including handlebar-like steering and a twist-grip throttle resembling that of a motorcycle. The plane's custom design also includes wagon wheels, more than 1,400 zip ties and a plastic pretzel canister used as a muffler.
Snedden began designing his prototype in 2005 and has spent about $20,000 to date on its development, he said.
To be classified as an ultralight flying machine, the plane cannot weigh more then 254 pounds, not exceed a speed of 55 knots and cannot carry more then 5 gallons of gas, he said.
In the wake of new government regulations, limits on training and the overhead costs associated with obtaining a standard pilot's license, Snedden said he hopes ultralight planes like his can motivate young pilots all over the country. 5
Multimedia
Eric Jones
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Andy Snedden prepares to fly his custom-designed Snedden M7, one of the most innovative and powerful ultralight flying machines in existence. Snedden began designing the plane in 2005 and has spent about $20,000 on its development. (Eric Jones | PICTURE EDITOR)
