About the TENNESSEE ENGINEERING & MFG TANDEM AIRBIKE
The TEAM Airbike is an ultralight, homebuilt aircraft that emerged as a unique addition to the general aviation market in the early 1990s. Produced by TEAM, Inc., the Airbike was conceived with the goal of offering an affordable, easy-to-build, and fun-to-fly aircraft that would meet the regulatory standards for ultralight aircraft as defined by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft's name, 'Airbike', aptly reflects its design philosophy, which is to give the pilot an experience akin to riding a motorcycle in the sky.
Production of the Airbike began in 1993, capturing the interest of aviation enthusiasts looking for a low-cost entry into the world of personal aviation. The aircraft's design features an open cockpit, high wing, and fuselage made of welded 4130 steel tubing, which provides both strength and light weight. Its wings and tail surfaces are covered with standard aircraft fabric. The Airbike can be powered by a variety of small engines, most commonly the Rotax 447 or 503, depending on the builder's preference and performance requirements.
Key Features and Capabilities
Motivation for the production of the Airbike stemmed from a demand for aircraft that could be built and maintained by amateurs without formal aviation training. In addition, it taps into the niche of pilots desiring a recreational, low-altitude flying experience with minimal operational costs. The Airbike's ultralight category placement exempts it from many stringent regulations, making it accessible and simplifying the certification process for pilots.
One of the standout benefits of the Airbike is its affordability. The simplicity of its design and the availability of kits allows aviation enthusiasts to construct the aircraft at a fraction of the cost of traditional general aviation aircraft. Its ease of assembly and maintenance also means that owners can enjoy hands-on involvement with their aircraft. Additionally, the Airbike’s design offers excellent visibility and handling, making it a joy for low and slow recreational flights. While TEAM, Inc. is no longer in business, the Airbike community remains active, with builders and pilots continuing to share their experiences and provide support for this distinctive and beloved aircraft.