The Dragonfly Rancher is “The Most Versatile Light Aircraft in the World.” And quite likely the most fun you will ever have.
The Bailey Moyes Dragonfly was first introduced in 1989 by the “Godfather” of Hang Gliding, Bill Moyes. And, quickly gained the reputation as the best aircraft for towing Hang Gliders aloft worldwide. With little surprise, as aero towing was what Booby Bailey designed it for.
In 2012 the American Manufacturer, Pitman Air gained Special Light Sport Aircraft Airworthiness Approval from the FAA. As a Light Sport Aircraft, owners can do their own maintenance and Annual Inspections after taking a 16 Hour Course** that gives them a Light Sport Repairman Inspection Rating. And it only requires a Sport Pilot Rating to fly and carry a passenger.
NOTE: Anyone who has a Private Pilot or Higher Rating AND has an expired Medical, is automatically a Sport Pilot with full privileges as long as they maintain a valid Driver’s License in lieu of a medical certificate. A revoked or denied Medical requires the pilot to regain it and let it lapse on time naturally. Therefore, we strongly recommend you choose early to let your medical lapse or expire. Your Pilot Certificate is good for a lifetime.
Now, Pitman Air has redesigned the Dragonfly into the Rancher. It is more pilot friendly plan-form for the General Aviation Market. But still has all the superb handling characteristics, agility, durability & performance. The Rancher is the best slow flight aircraft, with the lowest operating and maintenance costs on the market. The painted fabric usually lasts more than 20 years, unlike other ultralight type aircraft. The Rancher can be operated for an entire year on what it costs to operate a helicopter for several days.
In today’s world, Farmers and Ranchers have to use every dollar wisely to turn a profit. We have designed the Rancher to help them do this. It can be equipped for Crop Dusting, Livestock Monitoring, Property Security Patrols, even take tools and fencing materials out to make necessary repairs. What took months on horseback and weeks on 4 wheelers, can now be done in a single day. We have patrolled 30,000 acres in a single day, identifying all stock locations, fence security, found trespassers and more, all in one day of fun flying. Set up with GoPro cameras you can document everything you’ve seen.
This is simply the finest tool any property manager should have. The painted fabric surfaces, stainless steel cables and Anodized Aluminum Parts withstand decades of UV and weather exposure, but, we recommend taking better care if it. Commonly stored in Barns or even the hay shed.
The Rancher is the most cost effective tool for property monitoring and we expect it also will be used by Game Wardens, Park Rangers, Fire Fighters, Search & Rescue and numerous other jobs around the world, because it is so Cost Effective and can take-off and land on Jeep Trails or small open meadows. It can also be equipped with floats for water operations.
To get more information visit: www.pitmanair.com or call 530 945 1860.
** 120 Hour Course required for Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Rating and 100 hour Inspections required for commercial use. The LSRM Rating can be used as “stepping stone” to an A&P rating.
