Ultra-light aircraft with Freedom Flite 
  
   Since 1994 Terry Mayhew has been building and flying Challenger Ultra-light aircraft. He has flown over 1200+ hours, and his workmanship has won awards at the Muskoka Air Show. The award for ‘Reserve Grand Champion’ was presented to Terry by astronaut Chris Hadfield. “It was exciting and rewarding to receive this presentation from Chris Hadfield,” states Terry. His interest in Ultra –lights has developed into a full time business. As a professional builder and a Challenger factory authorized inspector Terry specializes in ultra-light and homebuilt aircraft fabric recovering, sales, repair and assembly.  In addition Freedom Flite manufactures and sells Challenger accessories such as the interior heater, finlets, a tool compartment and stainless steel tie-down rings.

  Terry bought the manufacturing and design rights for the ‘Back Forty’ landing gear for the Challenger. “It is an after-market product, made of better quality materials, and with a superior design,” says Terry. The ‘Back Forty’ landing gear is made from ‘4130’ aircraft grade steel, and has spring suspension. Orders and inquiries have been received from Canada and the States, and New Zealand.”

  What is a Challenger Ultra-light aircraft? It is  STOL aircraft, which means it has the capability of Short Take-Off and Landings. The basic Challenger Ultra-Light kit starts at about $25K, but professionally built and with accessories can cost up to $50K. It is a recreational aircraft that can be used 12 months of the year with the use of skis and amphibious floats as well as wheels. It needs only a 200-foot runway for take off, and to enhance sightseeing it can fly slower than a conventional small aircraft. With a lower stall speed and gliding capabilities it makes the aircraft safer and a pleasure to fly. Upon building completion the aircraft must be inspected by a factory or Canadian dealer authorized person.

  Who can fly an Ultra-light? A person requires a pilot permit, which includes ground school, in-flight instruction and a government written exam. To enter the world of ultra-light flying contact Terry Mayhew at (705) 645-8697, or go www.ultralightassembly.com or e-mail terry@ultralightassembly.com.

COPA (Canadian Owners & Pilots Association) Article
Freedom Flite opens facility at Muskoka Airport

There is good news for the ultralight flying community. Freedom Flite has expanded to a new location in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Owner/Operator Terry Mayhew has opened a 2,000 square foot assembly and maintenance hangar at the Muskoka Airport. Now you can drive or fly in for ultralight aircraft service.

The assembly and maintenance hangar includes ultralight sales and service, fabric covering, painting and certified inspection of ultralight aircraft. Both new and used aircraft will be available for sale.

With his 15 years of award-winning craftsmanship and experience Terry has gained an outstanding reputation for recovering and painting of homebuilts and ultralight aircraft which also includes aircraft such as; Champs, Taylorcraft, Citabria.

Assembly of ultralights, in particular the Challenger continues to be the foundation of Freedom Flite. Terry is a certified Challenger inspector who prides himself in meticulous workmanship. Maintenance includes items such as fuel repairs and installation, kit assembly and modifications, fabric repairs, test flights and manufacturing and installation of Back 40 Gear Legs, including the installation of skis and floats with a complete inspection programme.

Freedom Flite is located off runways 18/36 at taxiway Alpha in the blue hangar with the orange roof. From Gravenhurst Parkway, look for his signs at the road side and on the hangar. Tie down locations are available in addition to a 20 foot enclosed trailer for aircraft ferrying. To enter the world of ultralight flying, contact Terry Mayhew at Freedom Flite Ph. 705-645-8697 or go to www.ultralightassembly.com or e-mail: terry@ultralightassembly.com.