Typically the least expensive of all single-seat aircraft, miniature helicopters come either pre-built, or in kit form such as the MINI-1. This small, lightweight home-built helicopter weighs just 150 pounds, has a maximum payload capacity of 300 pounds and a stop speed of 60 mph. The Merlin GTS Autogyro, another kit-built design, has a maximum payload of 330 pounds and tops out at 90 mph.
The Tornado I, an aluminum, high wing pusher design from manufacturer Titan Aircraft, has a wingspan of just 20 feet, a maximum speed of 120 mph and a range of 250 miles. It's $12,000 price tag does not include the engine. Germany's PC Aero debuted a single-passenger, electric airplane named Elektra One at the Aero 2010 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Powered by solar panels arranged on the wings, the aircraft can fly for up to three hours at 55 mph.
This type does not require a pilot's license, and flies at speeds of 30 to 45 mph on a cushion of air just a few feet above the surface of the water. Often referred to as a cross between a seaplane and an airboat, they offer the best combination of ride smoothness, fuel efficiency and speed. Seair Craft Inc. of Bellingham, Washington, manufacturers several models including the SC-14 personal WIG craft.
This category is still in its infancy, with only a handful of examples flown to date. One of the more advanced designs is the SubSonex, a 240 mph personal jet under development by Sonex Aircraft of Oshkosh, Wisconsin that is small enough to fit in the average garage.
