Quick history of “Team Mini-MAX”
The History of Team Mini-MAX:
Affordable Flight with a Homebuilt Legacy
When it comes to homebuilt aircraft that embody simplicity, affordability, and the sheer joy of flying, few names resonate as clearly as Team Mini-MAX. Since its inception in the early 1980s, the Mini-MAX series has carved a special niche in the world of experimental and ultralight aviation. With its roots grounded in grassroots aviation culture, the Mini-MAX family has enabled thousands of pilots to take to the skies in aircraft they built themselves—all without breaking the bank.
The Birth of an Idea
The Mini-MAX aircraft line began in 1984 with a mission: to provide an ultra-lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-build aircraft that could be flown by nearly anyone with a basic set of tools and a passion for flight. The original design was the brainchild of Wayne Ison, an innovative aircraft designer who worked under the banner of TEAM Aircraft (Tennessee Engineering and Manufacturing).
Ison was known for his focus on practicality and ease of construction. He envisioned an aircraft that could be built in a garage or small workshop, using commonly available materials like wood, fabric, and aluminum. The name “Mini-MAX” cleverly blended the concept of “minimal cost” with “maximum fun.”
The Original Mini-MAX
The first aircraft to carry the Mini-MAX name was the 1100R Mini-MAX, a single-seat, mid-wing aircraft designed to meet the requirements of FAR Part 103—the FAA regulations that define ultralight aircraft in the United States. It used a simple wooden structure with fabric covering and was powered by small engines like the Rotax 277. The aircraft’s empty weight was under 254 pounds, keeping it within legal ultralight limits, and it could be flown without a pilot's license.
Pilots quickly fell in love with its low cost, quick construction time (as little as 250 hours), and forgiving flight characteristics. The Mini-MAX offered a true “back to basics” flying experience.
Expanding the Family
Encouraged by the success of the original model, TEAM Aircraft expanded the Mini-MAX line to include a variety of models tailored to different pilot preferences and requirements. Some of the notable developments included:
The 1030F Mini-MAX: A slightly more refined ultralight with an improved lighter tail .
The 1500R Sport: A heavier, more powerful variant that no longer fit under ultralight regulations but offered better performance and payload.
The 1650R EROS: Our flagship aircraft with a convertible canopy, molded wing tips, steel tube landing gear, and an enclosed cowling.
Over the years, the aircraft line grew to include over a dozen different models, with variations in engine options, landing gear (tailwheel or tricycle), and construction materials. Most models retained the signature look and philosophy of the original Mini-MAX—simple, efficient, and fun to fly.
From TEAM to Team Mini-MAX LLC
In the late 1990s, TEAM Aircraft faced operational and financial difficulties, and its assets were eventually transferred to new ownership. The Mini-MAX designs were kept alive by enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who recognized their enduring appeal.
In the early 2000s, the brand was officially revived under Team Mini-MAX LLC, which began offering updated plans, kits, and support for builders worldwide. Based in Niles, MI, the company continued Ison’s legacy by modernizing components while preserving the aircraft’s classic wood-and-fabric construction ethos.
A new era for the Mini-MAX Brand
In 2025, all copyrights and assets of Team Mini-MAX were acquired by AeroKits USA out of Montana. AeroKits USA has invested a large chunk of time refining the plans and product offerings from Team Mini-MAX and will be returning the Mini-MAX Brand to the market as Mini-MAX USA early Q3, 2025!
A Lasting Legacy
Today, thousands of Mini-MAX aircraft have been built and flown around the world. The designs remain popular not just for their affordability, but also for the unique sense of accomplishment they offer: building your own aircraft and then flying it.
In a time when aviation can feel out of reach for many due to rising costs and regulatory complexity, the Mini-MAX line stands as a testament to the dream of accessible flight. It’s no surprise that even decades later, new pilots and veteran builders alike are still discovering the joy of flying “maximum fun for minimal cost.”
