1700R Hi-MAX
1700R Hi-Max
Mini-MAX fun with an unbeatable view!
The Mini-MAX USA Hi-Max is not just a single plane design; it's a series of planes sharing a few common features: single place, high wing, enclosed cabin and wood & fabric construction. What do we mean by a "series of planes"? Our entire lineup of mid-wing designs is also available in the Hi-Max. Do you want a very simple ultralight powered by a 1-cylinder engine? You can build the Hi-Max to be FAR Part 103 compatible. Are you more interested in something a little fancier, with pretty curves and a little more power? We can provide a Hi-Max kit equivalent to the Sport models or the Eros. Do you prefer a 4-stroke VW-based powerplant? Then you'd love the Hi-Max version of our V-Max.
What are the advantages of the Hi-Max over our mid-wing lineup? Some people love the great "look-down" visibility. The enclosed cabin is more comfortable on cold days. The high wing provides shade on hot days (whether you're flying or just need a cool place to set up a lawn chair). You have the choice of installing the standard truss landing gear or an optional spring gear. The Hi-Max is a little more stable; you can take your hand off the joystick to fold a sectional or check your i-Pad. And finally, many of us learned to fly in a Cessna, Cub or Champ; a high wing plane "just looks right".
The Hi-Max shares the wings, empennage and most of the fuselage parts with our mid-wing aircraft, and just like them it's fun to build and a blast to fly!
1700R Hi-MAX Features
High wing provides excellent downward visibility
Stable, forgiving handling
Outstanding short field performance
Great slow-speed manners
Ideal for back-country strips or small private fields
Enclosed cabin = comfortable cool-weather flying
Truss landing gear standard; Optional spring steel landing gear
Easily removable wings
Optional removable side windows for summer open-air flying
Options for One 6 gallon wing tank, Optional 2nd wing tank, or Ultralight 5G tank available.
Optional Electronic elevator trim
Optional removable side windows for summer open-air flying
1700R Hi-MAX Statistics
1700R Hi-MAX Performance
What Comes in a Kit?
Full Kit Contents:
Your full kit includes every pre-cut (2 of 3 dimensions) wood piece, brackets, hardware, landing gear, control system components, and complete builder plans.
You supply the engine, propeller, avionics, and paint.
No prior aircraft experience needed — basic woodworking tools and attention to detail are the only requirements.
Mini Kits & Their Contents:
Aircraft Plan Sets: From $299.99
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.
Wing Rib Kit: From $999.99
Includes all pre-cut rib material and gussets needed to build the full set of wings ribs.
All wood has 2 of 3 dimensions pre-cut ready for you to trim to length.
Comes with all required material for the famous Mini-Max airfoil, saving hours of shop time and ensuring every rib matches perfectly.
Also Available completely Pre-Fabbed for an additional cost.
Wing Assembly Kit: From $4,329.99
Everything required to turn completed ribs into full wings: spar materials, strut mount material, leading and trailing edge stock, compression members, hardware, and reinforcement pieces.
Designed so your wings go together cleanly with minimal fitting or shaping.
Fuselage Kit: From $3,499.99
All material for fuselage sides, formers, longerons, firewall components, and structural pieces.
The kit is designed to fit together smoothly on a flat build table, giving you a straight, square fuselage without complex jigging.
Landing Gear Kit: From $999.99
Main gear leg material, axle material, hinges, support material, and hardware.
Includes the full landing gear assembly unique to the Hi-Max, built for strength, proper geometry, and reliable ground handling.
Empennage (Tail) Kit: From $789.99
All required material to construct vertical and horizontal stabilizer components, elevator and rudder, hinge hardware, and all reinforcement pieces.
This kit gives you a light, true, and perfectly matched tail group ready for covering.
Metal & Hardware Kit: From $2,679.99
Every remaining metal bracket, hinge, control horn, strap, and specialty piece used throughout the aircraft, all fiberglass parts, plus the exact hardware required for each assembly step.
All parts match Mini-Max factory standards so you never have to track down odd sizes.
FAQs
Can the 1700R meet Part 103 and be flown as an Ultralight.
The 1700R as the plans are written is not a Part 103 ultralight. It is too large and uses a heavier engine than we would suggest for Part 103. The 1700R is usually an Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft and would be registered with an N-number. With that said, If you want a Part 103 legal Hi-Max, we can help you build a 1030R/1700R Hybrid where you would end up with a 22” wide (rather than 24” wide) Hi-Max with a single cylinder engine and a lite tail to keep you within Part 103 Regs.
How long does it take to build the 1700R?
Most builders finish in 350 to 400 hours.
If you work about 8–10 hours per week, that usually means 7–10 months from start to finish. Builders with previous woodworking experience sometimes finish faster.
Is the 1700R a good choice for a first-time builder?
Yes. Many first-timers choose the 1700R because the wood-and-fabric construction is straightforward and forgiving. The instructions walk you through every step, and the build sequence is simple to follow.
What covering system do you recommend?
You can use any of the popular fabric systems:
Poly-Fiber
Stewart Systems
Oratex
Most builders choose Poly-Fiber due to cost and availability.
What engine do you recommend for the 1700R?
Most builders choose a 40 hp Rotax 447 or an equivalent two-stroke in the same power range. You can also run similar-power Hirth or Polini options. The design is optimized for lightweight engines in the 40 hp class to maintain proper CG, performance, and handling. We also have a new engine in development for the Hi-Max series coming soon.
What’s the useful load of the 1700R?
Typical empty weight is around 328 lb, with a 560 lb gross, giving you roughly 230 lb of useful load.
That includes fuel, pilot, and any gear you carry.
What does it cost to operate?
Typical empty weight is around 328 lb, with a 560 lb gross, giving you roughly 230 lb of useful load.
That includes fuel, pilot, and any gear you carry.
Can I customize the cockpit or add avionics?
Yes. Builders commonly add small EFIS screens, radios, GPS units, USB power, and custom switch panels. The 1700R airframe has enough space for simple VFR avionics without affecting weight or balance.
What’s the difference between the Mini Kits and the full kit?
Mini Kits break the aircraft into smaller, affordable sections — Wing Rib Kit, Wing Assembly Kit, Fuselage Kit, Landing Gear Kit, etc.
Each Mini Kit includes all pre-cut parts for that section and hardware where required. Buying the full kit upfront gives you the 20% full-kit discount and saves the most money long term.
Do you ship kits internationally?
Absolutely. We regularly ship both full kits and Mini Kits worldwide. We crate everything for safe transport and handle all paperwork with you.
How does your pricing work?
All Mini-Max kits are priced at the ideal retail value of the materials with zero waste, then discounted 10%. If you purchase the full aircraft kit upfront, you receive a 20% discount, and all full kits on the site already reflect that lower price.
Because everything is pre-cut on 2 of 3 dimensions, builders save significant time and avoid buying extra lumber or hardware.
Get your official printed Mini-MAX USA 2025 airplane flight manual—professionally bound and easy to reference. Includes essential operating procedures, checklists, performance data, and safety information tailored to your Mini-MAX model. A must-have for every pilot and builder for safe, informed flying. Ideal for cockpit use and flight planning.
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.
Hi-Max 1700R - High-Wing Comfort Meets Classic Mini-Max Simplicity
The Hi-Max 1700R is the high-wing evolution of the original Mini-Max line—designed for greater headroom, better visibility, and easier cockpit access. With its elevated wing position and roomy feel, it’s perfect for relaxed cruising, off-field flying, and taller pilots looking for a more comfortable experience.
It’s still simple, still wood-and-fabric, and still proudly homebuilt—but with extra space where it matters most.
Modular Mini-Kits - Spacious, Step-by-Step, Builder Friendly
The 1700R is available in modular Mini-Kits, allowing you to build your aircraft section by section, at your own pace. Each kit includes raw materials, fasteners, and structural components specific to that section. Whether you’re easing into the build or going full throttle, the Mini-Kit system supports your timeline.
Pre-Fabbed Parts will also be available separately for select kits, offering increased precision and reduced build time.
Why Builders Love the Hi-Max 1700R
✅ High-Wing Configuration - Easy cockpit access and great field visibility
✅ Roomier Cockpit - Added headroom and legroom, ideal for taller pilots
✅ Simple Build System - Classic wood-and-fabric construction
✅ Modular Kit Format - Build section by section, no large upfront commitment
✅ Mini-Max Legacy - Built on decades of proven performance and support
What’s Included - Mini-Kit Breakdown
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and materials to construct all wing ribs
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and components for full wing structure
Fuselage Kit - All structural wood, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Main gear legs, tailwheel, brackets, and hardware
Empennage Kit - Materials for rudder, elevator, stabilizer, and fin
Metal & Hardware Kit - Control system parts, pulleys, brackets, fasteners
Additional Components Required for Completion
Fabric Covering Kit - Aircraft-grade fabric and full airframe finishing supplies
Epoxy Kit - Structural bonding resins
Plans Package - Full-size blueprints and comprehensive builder’s guide
Optional Add-On:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon for faster, cleaner assembly
👤 Who It’s For
The Hi-Max 1700R is for pilots who want more comfort and visibility without giving up the joy of building their own aircraft. It’s especially great for taller builders, open-field flyers, and anyone who values easy entry, a high wing view, and a relaxed flying experience.
💵 How We Price Our Kits
Each Mini-Kit is priced based on the ideal retail cost of the components, assuming zero waste.
We apply a 10% discount right away—and you save even more by avoiding surplus or excess material.
1700R Hi-Max - High-Wing Visibility, Homebuilt Simplicity
The 1700R Hi-Max takes everything builders love about the Mini-Max family and lifts it—literally. With a high-wing configuration, this single-seat aircraft offers better downward visibility, easier ground handling, and excellent stability in rough air.
It’s perfect for those who prefer short-field performance, open-air views, and traditional building techniques with modern simplicity.
Full Aircraft Kit - High-Wing, Fully Equipped
This full kit includes every major component needed to build your Hi-Max from the ground up. With structural wood, hardware, covering materials, and detailed plans all included, you’ll have everything you need in one complete package—optimized for the high-wing layout.
Why Builders Love the 1700R Hi-Max
✅ High-Wing Layout - Better visibility and easier cockpit access
✅ Short-Field Friendly - Excellent ground clearance and STOL potential
✅ Wood-and-Fabric Simplicity - Proven methods, forgiving materials
✅ Complete Kit - All major assemblies bundled together
✅ Mini-Max Provenance - Refined from years of builder success
What’s Included - Complete Kit Contents
Wing Rib Kit - Templates and wood to construct all ribs
Wing Assembly Kit - Spars, hardware, and fittings for high-wing mounting
Fuselage Kit - Structural wood components, adhesives, and fasteners
Landing Gear Kit - Tailwheel, gear legs, mounts, and brackets
Empennage Kit - Stabilizer, rudder, elevator, and fin materials
Metal & Hardware Kit - Brackets, cables, pulleys, and fasteners
Fabric Covering Kit - Airframe covering materials and supplies
Epoxy Kit - Aircraft-grade bonding resin
Plans Package - Full-size drawings and complete build instructions
Optional:
🔧 Pre-Fabbed Parts - Coming soon to speed up your build
👤 Who It’s For
The 1700R is ideal for pilots who want the advantages of a high-wing design—from enhanced visibility to better stability during taxiing and crosswind operations. Whether you’re building for backfield strips, local flights, or just want a simpler way to get airborne, the Hi-Max is your high-wing solution.
💵 How We Price the Full Kit
We believe in giving you the most value per part:
Full kits are priced based on ideal retail value with no waste
A 20% discount is already applied in the listed price
You save on materials and time with a clean, efficient kit structure