The Aircraft
A simple, proven ultralight design for homebuilders
The Affordaplane, or A-Plane, is a single-seat, all-aluminum aircraft designed by Dave Edwards and flown since 1999.
Purpose and design philosophy
The Affordaplane was designed for people who want a safe, inexpensive airplane to explore the sky with. Ultralights are a wonderful expression of freedom, and good training still matters.
The design emphasizes clear plans, common materials, visible structure, and a pace that lets builders work as time and budget allow.
Construction method
The fuselage is made from square aluminum tubing held together with flat plate gussets. This method is similar to construction used by gyrocopters and is strong, light, and does not require welding.
The wings and tail are made of round aluminum tubing. The flying surfaces are covered with Dacron, shrunk with a clothes iron, and can be painted.
Flight characteristics
The stall is gentle and straightforward, and the wings feature full-span ailerons. Pilots who have flown the aircraft describe it as a sweet flying airplane.
Those are owner/designer descriptions, not a substitute for transition training, inspection, testing, or good pilot judgment.
Typical engine range
The aircraft is powered by a 35 to 40 horsepower motor. Engine examples include Polini Thor 202, Rotax 377, Rotax 447, Kawasaki 440, and 1/2 Volkswagen engines.
Specifications
| Empty weight | 254 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Gross weight | 540 lbs. |
| Wingspan | 27.5 feet |
| Wing area | 117 sq. ft. |
| Length | 17 feet, 3 inches |
| Height | 5 feet |
| Fuel capacity | 5 gallons |
| Engine | 35 to 40 hp |
| Stall speed | 27 mph |
| Cruise speed | 65 mph |
| Never exceed speed | 85 mph |
| Takeoff roll | 150 feet |
| Landing roll | 150 feet |
| Build time | Approximately 250 hours |
Specifications can vary by aircraft configuration and builder execution. Final aircraft weight and regulatory eligibility depend on materials, equipment, engine, workmanship, and configuration.
History
Dave Edwards designed and flew the Affordaplane starting back in 1999. The design has flown for over 25 years with many aircraft flying around the world.
Regulatory considerations
The Affordaplane can be built as an FAR 103 ultralight or as a Light Sport Aircraft (or to be more precise, an Experimental Amateur-built Aircraft that qualifies as Light-Sport). A complete 103 package of drawings is available in the plans.
Regulatory compliance is not automatic. Builders are responsible for understanding current rules, documenting their aircraft, keeping weight under the required limit when applicable, and getting qualified local guidance. For Light-Sport (Experimental) operation, the FAA in the United States, and aviation authorities in other countries, require a specific airworthiness process; completing that process is the builder's responsibility.
Want to see airplanes built from these plans?
Builder stories and gallery photos show completed Affordaplanes from real homebuilders.