There is a two place tandem high wing light plane that looks a little like a single engine AirCam that has been knocking around for over a decade in, of all places, the hang gliding community. This sturdy craft, the Dragonfly Rancher, has been used to tow hang gliders to altitude without the necessity of plunging off a cliff. Developed by Bobby Bailey in the 80s, the Dragonfly earned its position as the premier hang glider tower when Bill Moyes invented a reliable and effective release mechanism for towing use.
The Dragonfly Rancher has also been put to agricultural use, as a ranch surveyor and even a spot sprayer. This workhorse has had almost a cult following, with many pilots taking advantage of its beefy construction to perform impressive aerobatics on YouTube. It is designed to take +6 to -2 Gs.
The Dragonfly Rancher design was owned by Pittman Air, LLC. When its founder, Ed Pittman died, a young entrepreneur and aviation fanatic from Dunnellon, Florida, Randy Dorsey, took up the mantle and purchased the company from the family. After making the deal, Randy loaded up all of the materials, tooling and a completed airframe into a trailer and re-homed them from California to Florida, where he hopes to reenergize the design.
One look at the Dragonfly Rancher leads to the obvious conclusion that this aircraft is sturdy. Its landing gear looks like it could take a great deal of punishment. Even the tail wheel is massive. Four beefy wing struts support a thick wing. The real story, however, trails the wing. Two giant flaperons are suspended under and behind the wing by five mid chord hinge points, providing lift and excellent controllability up to and even through a full stall. These flaperons also contribute to the Dragonfly’s aerobatic capability.
The Dragonfly is powered by a humble Rotax 582. Although some have placed a Rotax 912 on their Dragonflies, Randy states that 65 hp is a good sweet spot for sport flying. So powered, you can expect a comfortable 50-55 mph cruise and a clean stall of 30 mph. Randy says that flaps and power will allow you to motor to a soft landing at 17 mph. Perhaps the best flight review came from Randy’s sweet daughter, Layla (age 13), who reports that the Dragonfly is light on the controls and more fun than a Skyhawk. There you go.
The Dragonfly Rancher basic kit, less engine, wheels, brakes, instruments and upholstery, is listed at $35,000. Dorsey plans to offer builder assistance and transition training at his home base in Dunnellon, Florida (X35). For more information, visit baileymoyesdragonfly.com.
