Heldeberg Spirit 103

The Heldeberg Spirit 103, also called the Blue Heron Spirit 103, is an American powered parachute, designed and produced by Heldeberg Designs of Altamont, New York.

Design and development
As its name implies, the Spirit 103 was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb. The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 205 lb. It features a parachute-style high-wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and originally a single 45 hp 2si 460 engine in pusher configuration. The 40 hp Rotax 447 and 50 hp Rotax 503 engines are used on current models.

Early models used a large sized 500 sqft parachute, whereas current models use a smaller and faster 400 sqft wing.

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted aluminium and stainless steel tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The 5 u.s.gal fuel tank is made from aluminium. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals, or optionally a control stick, that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates gas strut suspension. The aircraft is factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–50 hours to complete.

Originally marketed by the factory under their own name, the aircraft is now marketed under the brand name Blue Heron, although the manufacturer remains the same.