Dexter, MI February 2025--Hummel Aircraft Company, LLC. sold its 1,000th Ultracruiser
Plans Set as a Ready-to-Fly Ultralight

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Hummel Aircraft Company, LLC established in 2020 is celebrating the sale of its 1,000
Ultracruiser plan’s set. The original design, released in 2000 by Morry Hummel and Terry
Hallett has been sold as a plans build, kit build, lightning build, and ready-to-fly version. Laurie
and Matt Higgins, owners of Hummel Aircraft, LLC are excited to offer the 1,000 plan’s number
as a ready-to-fly ultralight on the designs 25th anniversary.

The Ultracruiser is an FAR Part 103 Compliant Ultralight aircraft which means no license or
medical is needed to fly it. This plane is all aluminum and, along with its 22 ½ foot wingspan, it
carries a “G” rating of 4, which makes it one of the strongest Ultralights on the market. It has
a take-off run of 150 feet, cruises at 63 mph, and has a climb rate of 400-700 ft/minute. It has
an empty weight of 252 pounds, and a gross weight of 575 pounds.

The Ultracruiser was traditionally flown with a Casler ½ VW engine, but currently has a Clarus
V-Twin (38-40HP) option that offers an electric start. It can be flown as a tail dragger or tricycle
gear (standard) version. The wings are detachable which makes it easy to trailer and/or store.
“The 1,000th serial numbered Ultracruiser is a ready-to-fly version and is going to a retired
airline pilot, Ken P., from the west coast area”, states Laurie. “We’ve been working with Ken on
the finer details of his build for a while,” adds Matt, “and he is excited to get in the air.”

Ken began looking into flying again a few years back. “Every pilot has the same desire and
love for flying. Just because physical things get in the way, doesn’t mean you lose that desire.”
In his search for the right ultralight for him he came across some YouTube videos of flying
Ultracruisers. “I liked the way it looked, plus it had no wood, no fiberglass, no cables or
pulleys,” Ken commented, “There is no comparison to what is out there.”

In 2024 he made a cross country trip to visit the Hummel facility and meet with Matt and Laurie
to talk details. “We couldn’t have asked for a better recipient of our 1,000th plans,” states
Hummel. “Ken is a retired Veteran, served the community as a Deputy Sheriff, and was a
Captain flying jetliners for 10 years. His story of returning to flying is inspirational, and one
many of our customers can relate to. We can’t wait to see him in the air.”