[ULF-1] Intro and looking for others with active ULF-1 projects

From: Member 132
Date: 2020-11-01 18:54 UTC-05:00
Message: #0713

Hello Member 67, I’ve watched the Experimental Aircraft Channel youtube video on your project and Chapter 309 posted photos. We really enjoyed the tour, please consider an update as you begin final assembly and control installation / covering.
Searches of youtube found several videos to watch on ULF-1 flying but not much on construction stages and progress. I read in the list archives that communication with Dieter has become harder. Has anyone approached him about selling the design rights and plans business when he is ready to retire? Possibly it is complicated by required type responsibility support for existing airplanes in Europe? But for continued survival of the design there will have to be a change eventually. The complexity actually interested me compared to an aluminum Goat type glider or similar.

I’ve been watching great advances in the paramotor industry with small portable winch setups available which I think could be adapted. Instead of building a simple but low performance open frame Primary glider type I’m comparing the “old” technology ULF-1 glide performance to an advanced hang glider even the high end carbon ones. Road Transport is more difficult but a traditional Member 60 and fabric fixed wing airplane appeals to me more and justifies the construction time. Low weight lends itself to possibly suspended storage in the hangar to take up less room. I liked your approach with electric motors for self launch but I’m looking for just an ultralight sailplane. Try to keep the list going if you can for possible future communication. It appears interest is worldwide but few builders after the plans are purchased due to complexity and materials availability in some countries. With your build well documented there is a lot of information to add as a supplement for materials lists, modifications that have been tested after your flight testing is finished and materials / processes substitutions if originals are not available or better solution exists. We can all ride the tail feathers of others who have been through the process and learned a thing or two along the way.

If anyone in the US has a complete later S/N (post limiting airspeed changes) set of plans for sale I’d be interested if there is no contact from Dieter.

Thanks Member 132