Buckeye Dream Machine Explained

The Buckeye Dream Machine is an American powered parachute that was designed and produced by Buckeye Industries, introduced in 1985. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft, as a kit, in the form of plans for amateur construction.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Design and development

The aircraft was designed as a two-place ultralight trainer. It features a parachute-style high-wing, two seats in tandem, tricycle landing gear and a single 500NaN0 Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration. The 640NaN0 Rotax 582 liquid-cooled engine was a factory option.^{[1] [2] [3]}

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted aluminium and 4130 steel tubing. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension. The aircraft was factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–40 hours to complete.^{[1] [2]}

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 640NaN0 engine is 5000NaN0 and the landing roll is 1000NaN0.

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that 300 kits had been sold and were completed and flying.^[2]

The design won Best in Category and both AirVenture and Sun 'n Fun and Grand Champion - Powered Parachutes" at the EAA Northwest Fly-In at Arlington, Washington.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-3. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001.
2. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 336. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.
3. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 80. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X