Texas Parasol

Texas Parasol: The Sturdy Backyard Flyer

The Texas Parasol is a no-nonsense, open-cockpit aircraft designed specifically for the first-time builder. With over 60 units flying, it has earned a reputation for being incredibly robust, forgiving, and inexpensive to construct. It strips aviation down to the essentials, offering a rugged platform that bridges the gap between ultralights and experimental homebuilts.

Why Is It a Legend?

• The “First-Timer” Favorite: The plans are published as a comprehensive “builder’s manual,” including 50 pages of narrative tips and sketches alongside the technical drawings. It is designed to teach you how to build as you go, requiring only basic hand tools for almost every part.

• Incredible Versatility: It is one of the few airframes adaptable enough to fly as a featherweight ultralight with a 30 hp two-stroke or as a muscle-bound sport plane with a 1600cc VW engine (up to 90 hp).

• Rugged Construction: Known for being “very sturdy,” it features an aluminum front deck, wood fairing strips for the aft fuselage, and a custom fiberglass cowl. It is built to handle the learning curve of a new pilot.

• Control Authority: It features full-span ailerons with push-rod controls (no sloppy cables), giving the pilot excellent roll control and responsiveness, which makes it a very nice flying little airplane.

Performance and Key Numbers
The performance of the Texas Parasol varies wildly depending on the engine, transforming from a slow floater to a rocket-ship climber.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Wingspan: 26 ft (7.9 m)

• Wing Chord: 4.6 ft (56 in)

• Wing Area: 125 sq ft (11.6 m²)

• Empty Weight: 252 – 350 lbs (114 – 158 kg) (Depending on engine)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 600 lbs (272 kg)

• Useful Load: 250 – 300 lbs (113 – 136 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 30 – 90 hp (2-strokes or VW 1600cc)

Performance:

• Cruise Speed: 55 – 90 mph (88 – 145 km/h)

• Max Speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 34 mph (55 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: Up to 1,200 ft/min (6 m/s) (With larger engines)

• Takeoff Distance: 200 ft (60 m)

• Landing Distance: 300 ft (90 m)

• Fuel Capacity: 5 – 12 gallons (19 – 45 L)

• Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft

In short, the Texas Parasol is the perfect choice if you are a first-time builder looking for a project that comes with a “how-to” manual, offers great control with full-span ailerons, and is tough enough to handle a heavy VW engine.