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REPORT #472 March 2002
BELIZE STARTS BUILDING PLANES, SOON AN EXPORT INDUSTRY?
Produced by the Belize
Development Trust
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FIRST AIRPLANE EVER MANUFACTURED IN BELIZE! Nov.
8th., 2001
Owner: Dr. Trummer, Bill Dixon is on the left, an FAA certified Aircraft
& Powerplant mechanic.
Dr. Trummer's son, John Trummer also built a similar kit plane in Corozal and
Bill Dixon using their plans and the experience of the first two built planes,
simply copied his and used local materials in the form of mahagony, instead of a
kit. This of course is how the plane manufacturing industry in Belize is going
to develop. By trial and error as it did in Europe and the USA back in the
1930's, then like the Japanese after World War II, you simply copy and
substitute and improve through on the spot experimentation.
Photos by Sam Riggs of Riggs Aviation, Consejo Shores,
Corozal District, Belize.
Website by Ray Auxillou, of Caye Caulker, Belize
The Ultra Light
regulations of Canada "CLICK HERE!"
The Canadian Ultra Light gross weight for ultra light class is 1200 lbs at
takeoff. Probably in Belize the gross weight should be higher at around 1600
lbs. The reason for this, is to foster a manufacturing industry in Belize for
export. Ultra lights do not require a Pilots License, medical, or plane
certifications. They come under the try it and test it method of pragmatic
construction experimental class. Since Belize is in competition with the rest of
the world, particularly for export plane markets to Latin America, then we need
an edge on the stunting requirements of bureaucracy and legislation, in order to
compete.
We now have our first THREE Belizean built HOMEBUILT
AIRCRAFT in Belize.
Pietenpol wood airplane, automobile engine being built under the mango trees
by Belizean, Ray Auxillou. This was the progress up to February 17th, 2002. This
Pietenpol, two seater in World War 1 open cockpit, overhead wing design type has
been flying since 1929 very successfully. This one is intended for the Mountain
Pine Ridge, Roaring Creek Gorge and one sightseeing adventurous photo safari
passenger at a time, for a flight headquartered out of Belmopan the sleepy
capital of Belize. But if any Guatemalans, Salvadoraneans, or Hondurans want to
buy it when it is finished. It will be for sale.
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