For Don Chubb and I, our first experience with ultralight aviation was
a 15 hp. (Yamaha KT-1000 go-kart engine), weight-shift Quicksilver,
which we purchased in 1981. Those were the days prior to Part 103, where
powered ultralights could weigh no more than 155 pounds and you had to
demonstrate foot-launches to any FAA inspector that wanted to see you make
a fool of yourself! That's why I tend to be intolerant of those who whine
about the "restrictive" nature of Part 103!
During 1981 and 1982 our flight operations were based at Bill Chubb's
farm (Don's dad) near Webberville, Michigan. The runway, cut down the
middle of a wheat field, was certainly one of the first ultralight
airstrips in Michigan.
A flock of Quicksilvers! During the 1982 flying season the local
Quicksilver dealer was based at the Chubb farm, which became a
center of ultralight activity in mid-Michigan. The aircraft on the right
was ours, but we could fly the machine on the left (all decked out in
Michigan State University "Spartan" colors) because we were the
weight-shift flight instructors for the dealership.
Having two aircraft to fly gave us experience in flying cross-country
in loose formation. Here I photographed Don in the "MSU Machine" on a
flight over to Bergeon Field in Mason (about 17 miles). In 1983 we moved
our Quicksilver to Bergeon's and the dealer moved to another
farm not far from the Chubb's place.
One of the things we experimented with during the Winter of 81-82 was
flying with skis. Here is a shot on our first day of tests - the
temperature was about zero (F) with a misty ice fog. Not ideal, but we
couldn't wait to try them out!
Here's a takeoff shot from the Winter of 81-82, but on a much nicer
day! I think every active Quicksilver pilot in the area
showed up at the field this day, since we were the only aircraft around
with skis!
This was a gorgeous day where the afternoon temperatures got up into
the high 20's - a really spectacular day of ultralight flying where every
snow-covered field was a potential landing area.
We sure loved that old Quicksilver, but as the years
passed, the weather/wind limitations got very frustrating. That was the
major factor that started us on the Gyrobee project as the
80's drew to a close.
