The WT-11 was the eleventh aircraft designed by Ukrainian-born aeronautical engineer Vladimir Talanczuk, a graduate of the Polish Institute for Aviation Specialists.
[2] The WT-11 was designed to comply with the then-new US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, including the maximum 254 lb (115 kg) empty weight.
With the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 single cylinder, two stroke powerplant the aircraft has a factory standard empty weight of 250 lb (113 kg).
[6] Talanczuk's design is a high-wing, enclosed cabin monoplane with a high aspect ratio wing of 8.75:1, giving a large wingspan of 35 feet (11 m).
The low-drag airframe and high aspect ratio wings gave remarkably good performance on the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 engine and the aircraft can cruise at 50 mph (80 km/h) burning 1.5 US gallons per hour (5.7 litres/h) of automotive fuel, giving a range of 200 miles (320 km) on 5 US gal (19 L) of fuel.
The structure was static load tested to +6/-3 g. The fuselage is built on a 4 in (10 cm) central "spinal" tube that supports the cockpit and the tail surfaces.
[2] The landing gear is of conventional configuration, with bungee suspension, giving good rough field capabilities.
The enclosed cabin includes a cargo area that is located on the aircraft's center of gravity, eliminating trim changes as the load varies.
The tail surfaces use a similar sealed-gap system, utilizing seamless transitions from the fixed fin and horizontal stabilizer to the movable rudder and elevator.
[2][6] Initial results showed that with the 28 hp (21 kW) Rotax 277 engine the aircraft would sustain level flight at low throttle settings and would cruise comfortably at 50 mph (80 km/h).
Company testing showed take-off distances of about 300 feet (91 m) on the water and no need for additional vertical surfaces to be added.
[10] The two models of the Chinook built by Birdman were only in production for five years before the company went out of business in late 1987, but close to 700 aircraft were delivered in that time.
Initially ASAP concentrated on supplying parts, but with assistance from the University of Alberta, Holomis redesigned the aircraft.
The new model has a completely new landing gear and many other improvements over the 2S and was built by Canadian Ultralight Manufacturing, which ASAP acquired.
[8][11][15] The Chinook Plus 2 [with the 912 engine] is definitely not a beginner's airplane and [ASAP factory demonstration pilot] Larry [Williams] reports that students take quite a bit of extra time to adapt to its handling.
ASAP produced the Beaver and Chinook lines of light aircraft kits in Canada for over 25 years until its owners decided to retire from the business and liquidate the companies.
In November 2013, AM received consolidated shipments of parts, materials, equipment, tooling, jigs, inventory, machines, intellectual property, and records from two locations in Canada.
The unpacking, counting, and computerization of existing inventory extended over additional months, with the installation and operationalization of machinery taking even longer.
In early November 2014, upon completion of the facility and machinery setup, Glenn and Kurt Holomis from St. Paul visited Gloster Aerodrome to train the Couches on fabrication and assembly techniques.
As with many small businesses facing learning curves, the Couches worked to provide quality products at competitive prices, building upon the Holomis' established reputation.
As a commercial pilot, Reynolds holds an air charter license and operates several aircraft, including two Super Cubs and a Cessna 185.
In addition to his aviation pursuits, Reynolds is involved in hay production for his local community and operates an outfitting business from August to October each year.
It featured an extended body tube and an enlarged rear fuselage, which allowed for a larger door and increased passenger or flight instructor space.
The front cabin was taller than previous Chinook models and included lighter, larger aluminum seats.
They are modernizing and upgrading the aircraft kit with factory and custom-designed parts at their facility in Plainview, TX at the Hale County Airport.
We are pleased to report that we are ahead of that schedule, but we also want to ensure that we deliver a product that meets our high standards and exceeds your expectations."
[5] In 1993, a 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582-powered Chinook Plus 2 on skis and Full Lotus Floats was used by the National Geographic Society in filming a television special about marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic.
In 2020, the Yukon bush pilot came in second place,[21] and with the shortest landing at the 2020 Lone Star STOL competition in Gainesville, Texas.