Can i make an ultralight with a 6.5 hp engine from a rototiller?

Question

the engines i see advertised for ultralights are like 30, 40 , 50 hp (and way beyond my pricerange.)

the wrights flew with a 12 hp engine

could i get a 6.5 hp engine up to (or over) 12 hp by replacing carbuerators and stuff. im not tryna fly fast, just fly

Answer 1

Here's a link to an article about an airplane with an 18 hp Briggs & Stratton. Note the gross weight is only 375 lb. I saw other articles at the time this airplane was built, and one said it was so cramped the pilot had to take his shoes off.

http://www.aircraft-spruce.com/da11.html

Answer 2

Yes, you can make an ultralight with that engine, just do not expect it to fly.  A rototiller engine is heavier than the Rotax 50 hp engines commonly used on ultralights.

Answer 3

I think it depends oh how light you and your ultralight is. One guy flew a human powered aircraft for an extended period just on cycling power. A fit human can only produce about a half of a horsepower for a limited amount of time..and that obviously worked, but barely. If you keep things as light as possible it may work.

Answer 4

Don't try to cut corners with the engine. You need something that is very dependable. Your life depends on it.