Harmening High Flyer

The Harmening High Flyer is an American powered parachute that was designed and produced by Harmening's High Flyers of Genoa, Illinois.[1][2][3][4][5]

High Flyer
Role Powered parachute
National origin United States
Manufacturer Harmening's High Flyers
Status Production completed circa 2008
Produced 1988-2008
Number built 75 (1998)

The aircraft was introduced in 1988 and production ended when the company went out of business in circa 2008.[6]

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg).[7] The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 247 lb (112 kg). The aircraft was designed to be a single-place or optionally two-seater. The base model High Flyer features an MK Superfit rip-stop nylon parachute-style high-wing, tricycle landing gear and a single 45 hp (34 kW) 2si 460-F engine in pusher configuration. Variants use other engines.[1][4]

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted 6061-T6 aluminium, welded 4130 steel tubing and mild steel. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates sprung steel suspension. The aircraft was factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–40 hours to complete.[1][4]

Reviewer Andre Cliche described the aircraft as "a proven design".[1]

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that 75 kits had been sold and 75 aircraft were completed and flying.[4]

Variants
High Flyer
Base model with 45 hp (34 kW) two-stroke 2si 460-F engine. Cost was US$9,500 in 2001.[1]
High Flyer Standard
Model with 50 hp (37 kW) two stroke Rotax 503 engine. Cost was US$9,395 in 2000. Twenty-five completed and flown by early 2000.[2]
High Flyer Deluxe
Model with 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine and larger fuel tank. Cost was US$9,895 in 2000. Twenty-five completed and flown by early 2000.[2][5]
High Flyer Premiere
Model with 60 hp (45 kW) four-stroke HKS 700E engine. Cost was US$14,980 in 2000. Thirty completed and flown by early 2000.[2]
High Flyer Executive
Model with 65 hp (48 kW) two-stroke Hirth 2706 engine. Cost was US$11,999 in 2000. Thirty completed and flown by early 2000.[2]
High Five
Model with 64 hp (48 kW) two-stroke Rotax 582 engine. Cost was US$12,250 in 2005. Ten completed and flown by early 2005.[3]

Specifications (High Flyer Executive)

Data from Kitplanes[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: optionally one passenger, if second seat fitted
  • Length: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft (12 m) parachute wing span
  • Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) carriage height only
  • Wing area: 550 sq ft (51 m2)
  • Empty weight: 280 lb (127 kg)
  • Gross weight: 830 lb (376 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 9 U.S. gallons (34 L; 7.5 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Hirth 2706 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 65 hp (48 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 26 mph (42 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)

References
  1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-7. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 50. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
  3. Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 50. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  4. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 337. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  5. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 82. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  6. "Harmenings High Flyers". Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
  7. "Electronic Code of Federal Regulations Part 103 (Ultralight Vehicles)". ecfr.gov. US Government Publishing Office. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
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