1100R Mini-Max
1100R Mini-Max
The One. The Only. The Original!
The ultralight that started a revolution! Introduced in 1985, the MiniMax was the epitome of Wayne Ison's design philosophy; an inexpensive, simple to build ultralight aircraft that's a joy to fly and has outstanding performance. This evolved into the Max-103 and the 1100R, as shown here. With thousands of Mini-Max’s built all over the world, pilots seem to agree with Wayne's vision.
Although some people might not appreciate the boxy fuselage of the 1100R, others like it's "functional" look. Because of this simplicity, the 1100R is our quickest building standard kit, and the least expensive.
The basic 1100R can be built very light, with a 28HP single-cylinder engine, and qualify as a Part 103 ultralight. Or you can install a bigger engine (up to 40 hp) and other options, like wheel brakes, molded wingtips, curved turtledeck, streamlined cowling, etc., and register it as an Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft. If you're on a tight budget and/or don't have your Sport or Private Pilot's License yet, you can build the basic 1100R ultralight, then as time and money permits, upgrade all the way up to a 1500R or 1600R Sport. They all share the same basic fuselage, wings and empennage!
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Our Least expensive kit
Quickest building "Standard" kit
Mid wing
Open cockpit
Truss landing gear standard
Easily removable wings
One 6 gallon wing tank (optional 2nd wing tank)
Designed for 28 HP engine (Ultralight) or 40HP 2-cylinder (E-AB)
Can be upgraded at any time to a 1500R or 1600R Sport
Outstanding short field performance
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Build time 250-300 hours
Engine 28-40 HP
Fuel Capacity 6 Gallons (12 gallons with optional 2nd wing tank)
Flight controls. 3-Axis
Wingspan 25'
Wing area 112.5 sq. ft.
Length 16'
Height 5'
Empty weight 230-267 lbs.
Gross weight 560 lbs.
Design load factors +4.4 -1.8 G -
Top Speed 70 mph
Cruise Speed 65 mph
Stall Speed 28-31 mph
Vne 100 mph
Climb Rate 1000 fpm
Take-off Roll < 100 ft
Landing Roll 210 ft
Take the next step in your build with our professionally printed, model-specific plan sets. Designed exclusively for Mini-Max aircraft, these detailed plan sets are tailored to the model you select from the dropdown menu above.
Each printed plan set includes:
Blueprint Drawings – Precision prints for accurate construction.
Assembly Instructions – Step-by-step guides to walk you through each phase of the build.
Material Lists – Comprehensive lists to ensure you have exactly what you need.
Hardware Specifications – Clearly outlined to match Mini-Max standards.
Model-Specific Notes & Updates – Includes any design revisions or builder tips relevant to your chosen model.
All sets are printed on high-quality, durable paper for shop use and long-term reference. Whether you're starting your first build or tackling a new model, these plan sets are an essential resource for a successful project.
Select your desired Mini-Max model from the dropdown to get started.
1100R Mini-Max - The Classic Mid-Wing Flyer
The 1100R Mini-Max is the original model that launched the Mini-Max movement—lightweight, straightforward, and incredibly fun to fly. Designed for economy and simplicity, this wood-and-fabric mid-wing aircraft is perfect for builders who want an efficient and rewarding build with great flight characteristics.
Modular Mini-Kits - Build at Your Own Pace
This kit is divided into modular Mini-Kits so you can build it step-by-step, affordably and on your own schedule. Each kit includes the raw materials, fasteners, and structural elements needed for that section. Pre-Fabbed Parts will be available separately to reduce build time and improve precision.
Why Builders Love the 1100R
✅ Classic Simplicity - The original Mini-Max formula that still works
✅ Efficient Design - Low empty weight and great fuel economy
✅ Wood-and-Fabric Build - Easy to work with, even for first-time builders
✅ Modular Format - Flexible build path, buy only what you need
✅ Backed by a Legacy - Supported by decades of proven performance
What’s Included - Mini-Kit Breakdown
Wing Rib Kit - Materials and templates to build all wing ribs
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and bracing components
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Gear legs, tailwheel components, mounting hardware
Empennage Kit - Materials for rudder, stabilizer, elevator, and fin
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control cables, brackets, pulleys, and installation hardware
Additional Required Components:
Fabric Covering Kit - Full airframe fabric and supplies
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade bonding resins
Plans Package - Full-size prints and detailed instructions
Optional Add-On:
Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon for select sections
Aircraft Specifications
Configuration: Mid-wing, single-seat, open cockpit
Empty Weight: ~300 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Wingspan: ~26 ft
Cruise Speed: ~55–60 mph
Stall Speed: ~26 mph
Recommended Engine: 28–40 hp (Rotax, Hirth, or equivalent)
Build Time: ~275–325 hours
Certification: Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB)
Kit Pricing Philosophy
Each Mini-Kit is priced based on the ideal retail value of its components, assuming zero waste.
We then discount the price by 10% to give you up-front savings and eliminate unnecessary surplus.
1100R Mini-Max - The Classic Mid-Wing Trainer
The 1100R Mini-Max is where our legacy began—a classic, wood-and-fabric mid-wing aircraft designed to deliver rewarding performance with straightforward construction. Light, economical, and fun to fly, the 1100R is ideal for pilots who want real airplane handling without breaking the bank or the build schedule.
With its simple structure and reliable flight characteristics, the 1100R is a great step into the world of homebuilt aviation.
Full Aircraft Kit - Everything in One Place
The 1100R complete kit includes all the major components you need to build a flyable aircraft. From spars to tail feathers, we’ve bundled the materials, hardware, and instructions into one unified package. No juggling multiple orders or wondering what’s missing—just open the boxes and get building.
Why Builders Love the 1100R
✅ Affordable Entry Point - Low-cost materials and simple systems
✅ Traditional Craftsmanship - Wood-and-fabric construction you can master
✅ Responsive Handling - Fly like a real airplane, because it is one
✅ Full Kit Convenience - All major components delivered together
✅ Mini-Max Provenance - A design with 30+ years of heritage
What’s Included - Complete Kit Contents
Wing Rib Materials - Templates, wood stock, and fasteners
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, fittings, and hardware
Fuselage Kit - Pre-cut structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Tailwheel, brackets, main gear legs, and mounts
Empennage Kit - Elevator, stabilizer, rudder, and fin materials
Hardware & Metal Kit - Pulleys, cables, brackets, and control components
Covering Supplies - Complete airframe fabric and application tools
Epoxy Kit - High-quality aircraft bonding resins
Plans Package - Full-size prints and complete builder manual
Optional:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Select assemblies to simplify and accelerate your build (available soon)
👤 Who It’s For
The 1100R is a great fit for first-time homebuilders, traditionalists, and pilots seeking an easy-to-fly aircraft with classic charm. It’s forgiving, efficient, and simple—perfect for building skills and logging fun.
💵 How We Price the Full Kit
We believe in straightforward, builder-first pricing:
Listed kit price includes all major materials required for construction
We’ve already applied a 20% discount off ideal retail pricing
You get full value without material waste or unnecessary add-ons
1103R Mini-Max Ultralight - Real Flying, Ultralight Simplicity
The 1103R Mini-Max Ultralight brings the beloved Mini-Max design into full FAR 103 compliance, giving you the freedom to fly without a license or registration. This mid-wing aircraft balances simplicity, strength, and style with an ultralight-legal empty weight and efficient performance.
If you want classic looks, responsive handling, and legal ultralight status in one package—the 1103R is your answer.
Full Aircraft Kit - Lightweight, Complete, and Ready to Build
This complete kit includes everything you need to construct your 1103R from the ground up. Designed with the homebuilder in mind, the package includes all structural wood, hardware, coverings, and plans—bundled for clarity and convenience.
Why Builders Love the 1103R
✅ FAR 103 Compliant - Under 254 lb empty weight, no license required
✅ Efficient Design - Sleek, responsive, and great on fuel
✅ Classic Mini-Max Feel - Wood-and-fabric construction with lineage
✅ Full Kit Simplicity - All essential components in one box
✅ Great First Ultralight - Forgiving flight, fun performance
What’s Included - Complete Kit Contents
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and wood to hand-build all wing ribs
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and fittings
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Tailwheel, gear legs, mounting brackets
Empennage Kit - Materials for the elevator, rudder, stabilizer, and fin
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control system cables, pulleys, brackets, fasteners
Fabric Covering Kit - Full airframe fabric and supplies
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade bonding resin
Plans Package - Full-size prints and detailed build instructions
Optional:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon to make building faster and easier
👤 Who It’s For
The 1103R is ideal for ultralight pilots, first-time builders, and anyone looking for an easy, budget-friendly way into the air. Its light weight and friendly handling make it especially appealing for rural flyers, weekend warriors, or anyone seeking simplicity and freedom.
💵 How We Price the Full Kit
Our pricing model is built on clarity and value:
All full kits are priced using ideal retail component values
A 20% discount is already built into the listed kit price
No excess materials means real-world savings and zero waste

