Being a tail dragger aficionado since my Citabria ownership days probably gave me a leg up on taking to Belite Aircraft‘s Chipper when I first saw it at Sun N Fun in April. Belite’s president, James Wiebe, made it clear from the start of our conversation in Lakeland that the Chipper was a work in progress and indeed had been shipped to Lakeland aboard a truck. Wiebe said he was creating the experimental Chipper two-place tail dragger as a kit powered by either an 80 or a 100 hp Rotax engine. The Chipper would be a fun airplane to build and fly, especially if short-field characteristics were important to a pilot.
Belite’s Chipper Aircraft Continues Evolving
Key Takeaways:
- Belite Aircraft's Chipper is a two-place experimental taildragger kit airplane, designed by James Wiebe to prioritize short-field performance and ease of building.
- Its construction leverages modern materials like composites and honeycomb, with parts produced efficiently via CNC machines, distinguishing it from traditional homebuilt aircraft.
- The Chipper exhibits impressive short takeoff and landing capabilities, and its designer is committed to continuous improvement, actively exploring new features like folding wings.
- Available as a kit for $8,995 (excluding engine/prop/instruments), the estimated total cost for a finished Chipper is around $32,000.
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