Bringing Homebuilder’s Dreams To Life And Readying The Next Generation:
COVER STORY
A Composite Gem in the Rocky Mountain West
By Annamarie Buonocore
Throughout the years, In Flight USA has worked with the homebuilder's community and has supported EAA and its various chapters throughout the country. Our editorial staff enjoys looking at new homebuilder kits and featuring our ever-popular "Homebuilder's Workshop" column by Ed Wischmeyer every month.
American aviators are proud to live in a country that allows them to experiment with different types of aircraft. This month, In Flight USA is pleased to feature the story of Freeflight Composites, a composite homebuilt aircraft company located just north of Colorado Springs, Co. The editorial staff had the pleasure of interviewing founder, Burrall Sanders and current manager and partner, Ryan Goodman. Both gentlemen had an exciting story to tell, and it is our pleasure to bring it to you.
Part I: Mr. Burrall Sanders
In Flight USA: As founder of Freeflight Composite, where did you get the idea to start a company like this?
Burrall Sanders: I was in a whole different field, construction maintenance. But I always had an interest in aviation. Soon, I was getting calls from people saying, "I'll pay you to come over and work on my plane for me." I was somewhat frustrated in my job at the time, so my wife said to me, "Why don't you quit and work on airplanes?" That's kind of how it came about.
IF USA: How long ago did you get started?
BS: I got started around 2003 before I was Freeflight. Back then I was just doing it as Burrall Sanders. In 2006, I incorporated as Freeflight and made it official.
IF USA: Tell me a little bit about the aircraft and the work you do with the builders.
BS: We sell plans for homebuilders. It's not a kit. We sell the plans. Basically, the builder purchases the plans and instructions and then comes up with the materials on their own. That translates into a lot of work, so that is where we come in. This process could take years, and many never finish. That is when they call us for help. Many would rather do it themselves, but they would rather trade their money for time. They want to build a real showstopper, and that is how we help. We have had three honored at Oshkosh over the years. One was even grand champion, and another won a design award. We're really proud of that.
IF USA: When you sell them a plan, are they all for the same plane or are there different models?
BS: There are different models. Most of the ones we work on, build, repair, or modify are Burt Rutan designs or based on that. These would be the easier ones. They're from the '80s. Then there are the designs that came off of that.
Burt Rutan got out of the business a long time ago, but people still like this design because it is so adaptable. There are many ways to modify them. Originally, it was very small with one seat in the front and one in the back. Now they are all the way up to four seats (two in the front and two in the back).
IF USA: How much do you sell one of these plans for?
BS: We really don't "sell" the plans for money. The builder brings us what he has been working on, and then we help him build it. We actually work with them in our shop in Colorado to help them build it. Some need a lot of help; others don't need much at all. We customize the assistance program to their needs.
IF USA: How many of you work in the shop and are able to offer assistance to the homebuilders?
BS: It fluctuates between three and five here in the shop, including myself.
IF USA: Do you charge by the hour?
BS: Yes, we charge by the hour and the amount of assistance needed.
IF USA: Do you sell any parts or are they entirely responsible for that?
BS: No, we have some parts here but not a lot. We have engine covers and a few other items, but they should be pre-pared to have their own parts. We are often tasked with having to source parts for them, like engines and hardware, but this takes away time from the project.
IF USA: Are you based at an airport?
BS: Yes, we are based at KFLY Meadow Lakes just northeast of Colorado Springs.
IF USA: Are most of your customers from Colorado or do they come from everywhere?
BS: They come from all over. We have had them come from Florida, California, North Korea, and South Africa.
IF USA: Do you offer any flight training in these aircraft?
BS: We do offer some, but that is very difficult because the rules won't allow me to train people for compensation. I can let them borrow my own plane to test it out, but that is only if I have got-ten to know somebody very well. This is often the case because we'll work with builders for two or more years.
IF USA: What is the weight of one of these planes? How far can it go?
BS: A Long easy is 1,000 or 1,5000pounds when empty. The Cozy weighs more like 1,150. I have flown from Colorado all the way to Florida without stopping. My Cozy with the checkers has been to the Bahamas, Mexico, and all over the U.S.
IF USA: Thank you!
Part II: Mr. Ryan Goodman
IF USA: Tell me a little bit about your role in the company.
Ryan Goodman: I am currently the managing member of the company and I am part owner. I started taking over for Burall last May, and I handle the day-to-day operations out there. I am responsible for everything from customer engage-Highlights and Notes marketing.
IF USA: How did you come upon FreeFlight for a job in aviation?
RG: I have been in aviation for a long time and come from an aviation family. My grandfather was in the Royal Air Force in World War II. I grew up visiting many military and aviation museums both here and in England. I maintained that interest later in life. I am working on an experimental aircraft myself, but I have been a pilot for almost 15 years now. I got into it on my own because most of my military experience did not lead to aviation.
I met Burrall about 10 years ago at a fly-in that he hosted. It was a big barbecue. Mike Melville was there, and he piloted the first civilian-constructed aircraft to space. I stayed in touch with both of them, and I live right down the street from the shop. When Burrall started winding down, he had to make the decision if he wanted to continue or pass it onto somebody.
I was working in cybersecurity at the time. I was an engineer for the Department of Defense.
When Burrall told me he was retiring, I expressed interest in the business.
It appealed to me because it was a small business with a great reputation. I have a degree from Embry-Riddle, and I was also in the Navy, so it was a good fit. hope to push toward more success, and I look forward to my future here.
IF USA: What are your plans for the future of this company?
RG: I plan to nurture the success that the company has already had. There is such dedication to quality craftsmanship here. We give our customers great attention, and I want to see that continue. I would also like to expand the business to areas with modern marketing and management. I will take advantage of the resources the Internet has to offer. I happen to manage the largest experimental aircraft group on social media. I am hoping to leverage that down the road. Overall, we want to expand what we are doing to a larger footprint and push the avionics side of our business because there are so many great technologies coming out that could make the homebuilding process more affordable. We want to network with local educational organizations to expand maintenance and piloting to the younger generation. Burrall has done a lot of good stuff, and we want to keep doing it.
IF USA: Ryan is a firm believer that there is more to one path to success in life. He believes that people who work with their hands and who are creative should nurture their passions. He works closely with the Cherry Creek Innovation campus in Denver and wanted to give his colleague, the director, David Williamson the opportunity to participate in this story.
David Williamson: The Aviation Maintenance pathway is one of seven career pathways at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC). We are the only part 147 school that is part of a public school in the state of Colorado. We offer aircraft maintenance training to high school sophomores through seniors. Our goal is to excite and inspire a new generation of aviation enthusiasts. The program IS very popular, and we are planning to add a pilot program for the next school year.
I can give a Zoom tour for those interested to see the space. I really appreciate this opportunity.
IF USA: Thank you!
For more information about Freeflight Composites, visit their website at http://www.freeflightcomposites.com/.
To learn more about Cherry Creek Innovation campus (CCIC)go to https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/ccic
