Al
Clark's Mini-MAX
(Webmaster's
note: Al's Mini-MAX is equipped with a Rotax 277.)
Second
Update 8/28/05
Saturday
afternoon cruise (July 2). Check out the altimeter (photo below)-
that's 10,650
-Al
First
Update 4/9/05
My MiniMax was built from a kit from T.E.A.M.
It is the original flat-topped version with a Rotax 277. Construction
began February 1997 and the first flight took place September
2003. It took 1250 hours for me to complete the plane. Construction
was uneventful with no difficulty in any particular part of the
process. I have built model planes for years so to me the MiniMax
is just a large model plane! She flies very nicely and is quite
docile. Handling is very good and she is a lot of fun to fly.
Ground handing is good but the direct steering tailwheel is a
bit touchy on asphalt. I get 60 mph cruise speed at 6000 rpm.
Even with only 28 HP the takeoffs happen extremely quickly and
the acceleration is surprising for such low horsepower. The glide
throttled back is quite good and the plane slips nicely if needed
to land short. Mine weighed 241 lbs. when finished but I had to
add 7 lbs. in the nose to bring the balance point forward within
limits. I later changed to a Warp Drive prop which added 4 lbs.
and added another instrument (EGT) and a Key West regulator/rectifier
which added 1 more lb., so she now weighs 253 lbs., one pound
under the limit! I could remove 5 lbs of the nose weight now but
it’s not worth the trouble. I have the flaps so my MiniMax
is a truly legal part 103 ultralight. It’s the most ultralight
for the money anywhere!
Al Clark
Alabama
Note:
Read a wonderful newspaper article from The Huntsville Times about
Al Clark and his Mini-MAX in the "MAXs
in the News" area of our JDT Mini-MAX web site.
All
Photos Copyright 2005 The
Huntsville Times. All rights reserved.
Used with permission of The
Huntsville Times.
