Dalby Pouchel “Ladder Flea”- 1999

In 1997, inspired by the design of Henri Mignet’s Flying Fleas and by Mignet’s philosophy of making flying accessible to the masses, French engineer Daniel Dalby conceived an idea for an inexpensive, homebuilt aircraft utilizing inherently light and strong aluminum ladders. The example seen overhead is actually made out of three ladders; one makes up the clearly visible fuselage, and the other two comprise the inner framework of the tandem wings. The Pouchels (“ladder fleas” in English) use a control system similar to the Flying Fleas, with a pivoting front wing and rudder, both operated by the control column via control rods, and no foot pedals.

Starting in 2002, the ladder manufacturer refused to sell its products as a framework for airplanes, citing liability and insurance issues. Dalby then redesigned the aircraft to replace the ladders with rectangular-section aluminum tubes, and the Pouchel II was born. It was subsequently replaced by an even lighter version, the Pouchel Light. Plans for this plane are readily available today through the APEV, or Association pour la Promotion des Echelles Volantes (English: Association for the Promotion of Flying Ladders)

Specifications

Manufacturer: Homebuilt

Country of Origin: France

Designer: Daniel Dalby

Engine:  Rotax 337 two-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled, 35hp

Empty Weight:  Design – 220 lbs.

Gross Takeoff Weight:  551 lbs.

Cruise Speed:  56 mph

Wingspan:  19 ft. 8 in.

Years of Production:  1999 – 2002

Number Produced:  Over 120 plans have been sold to members of APE.