Denney Kitfox PH-RAY

One of the more popular homebuilts in the States, the Kitfox has started its European invasion, as witnessed by this Dutch example.

Evans VP-1 Volksplane OO-64

Intended to be a very simple homebuilt, the VP-1 lacked any form of refinement or even streamlining. Its strutted wing and box-like fuselage make it hardly an attractive machine, but homebuilders without loads of cash can try their hand at it. It flies well enough if speed is not the main requirement.

This aircraft is unconventional in the sense that it uses the geodesic wing construction technique, similar to the Wellington bomber of World War II.

Jodel D.9 Bébé OO-31 homebuilt

The European homebuilt movement got a tremendous impetus during the late forties when Eduard Joly and Jean Delemontez (Jodel for short) built their very first D.9 and started to sell the plans to would-be homebuilders. Thanks to the French government, which partly sponsored French amateur aircraft builders, the design became very popular in France and consequently known the world over. Even nowadays, plans are still available.

Jodel D.112 Club OO-VDS

As a logical evolution of the single seat D.9, the D.11 became a much built side-by-side twoseater. Some versions with other engines received new type designations, such as D.112.

This aircraft exemplifies the current generation of American kitbuilt aircraft.

Henri Mignet started the homebuilt movement in the thirties, when plans for his 'Flying Flea' were offered to interested amateurs allover Europe. The British example shown here is part of the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden.

Continuing the tandem-winged layout, later Pou's became more streamlined and obtained a more powerful engine. This HM-293 was amateur-built in the sixties and now resides in the Brussels Air Museum.

Monnett Sonerai II OO-99

A two-seat racer like aircraft, the Sonerai is available for homebuilders as a kit. It is very popular, especially in the United States, because of its simple yet rugged construction.

Murphy Renegade Spirit F-59TF

Sporting a French ultralight registration, this small biplane even has 2 seats. Its engine cowlings do not, as one would be inclined to think, hide a radial engine but a small Rotax powerplant.

Pegasus SW-01 HB-YAA

Petrel amphibian

Pober Pixie OO-93

Another popular homebuilt, the Pixie's plans are available through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Pottier P-80S OO-54

Zenair CH-600 Zodiac

The Canadian designer Christophe Heintz is known for his designs of efficient STOL aircraft, the ultralight CH-600 series being no exception. Look at the extremely thick wing and you know this thing gets in the air at extremely low airspeeds.

... and if you do not fancy a tailwheel, the Zodiac also comes in tricycle gear version.