The Cheapest Way to Fly - Affordable 'Mini STOL' Ultralight Aircraft

Flying an aircraft doesn't have to cost a fortune. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, we caught up with Chris from Badland Aircraft to look at one of the most affordable aircraft we've ever featured on BeSnappy. This bush-plane-inspired ultralight costs as little as US$20 per hour to fly, and under FAA Part 103 rules in the USA, no pilot licence is required to operate it. In this interview you'll discover: • Why it only costs around US$20 an hour (or less) to fly • How it takes off in around 150 feet • Why it lands almost anywhere with oversized bush tyres • The folding wing system that lets you store it in a trailer • The whole-aircraft ballistic parachute • Build times, pricing and running costs • Why it could be one of the easiest ways to get into aviation If you've ever dreamed of owning an aircraft but thought it was out of reach, this might surprise you. Filmed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. Subscribe to BeSnappy for more exclusive aircraft tours, pilot interviews and behind-the-scenes aviation content from around the world. #Oshkosh #AirVenture #Ultralight #BadlandAircraft #BushPlane #STOL #AffordableFlying #Aircraft #GeneralAviation #Flying