Carlson Aircraft was born from the vision of designer Ernie Carlson, who believed flying should be accessible, enjoyable, and rooted in simple, dependable engineering. In 1987, his very first design, the Carlson Sparrow, took center stage at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The small airplane stole the spotlight, winning Grand Champion honors at its debut — a rare achievement for any new aircraft design, and proof that Carlson had created something special.

The original Sparrow Ultralight was designed to fit neatly within FAR Part 103 regulations, giving pilots the chance to fly without a license or medical certificate. Unlike many ultralights of the time, it featured a welded 4130 steel-tube fuselage, aluminum I-beam wing spars, and a fully enclosed cockpit, offering strength, comfort, and weather protection in a lightweight package. Builders loved its straightforward kit construction, often completing a Sparrow in about 400–500 hours, and pilots praised its short-field performance, easy handling, and stall speed around 26 mph. The Sparrow quickly became one of the most admired ultralights of its era.

As demand grew, Carlson expanded the line into a family of Sparrows, each designed to meet different flying needs:

• Sparrow Ultralight — The original single-seat Part 103 design. Light, nimble, and affordable, it gave first-time aviators a legal way into the sky with no license required.

• Sparrow Sport Special — A single-seat, experimental-category taildragger that kept the Sparrow’s simplicity but added classic ground handling and an even stronger airframe.

• Sparrow II — A side-by-side, two-seat trainer and recreational aircraft. With folding wings for easy storage and transport, the Sparrow II was ideal for flying lessons, weekend trips, or simply sharing the experience of flight with a passenger.

• Sparrow II XTC — The high-performance variant, designed for more powerful engines like the Subaru EA-81 or Rotax 912. With faster cruise speeds, greater climb performance, and a larger fuel capacity, the XTC opened the door for true cross-country adventures while retaining the Sparrow’s rugged simplicity.

Each new Sparrow carried forward the philosophy that made the first one a success: honest design, ease of construction, and fun, confidence-inspiring flying qualities. Over the years, Carlson Aircraft became a respected name in the ultralight and kitplane community, standing shoulder to shoulder with the most recognizable brands in recreational aviation.

A New Chapter

In 2025, a major milestone reshaped Carlson Aircraft’s future. Av8r Capital Group Corp, the parent company of Mini-Max USA, completed the acquisition of Carlson Aircraft. The deal brought two legendary kitplane families — the Carlson Sparrow line and the Mini-Max series — under one roof. Together, they represent decades of grassroots aviation heritage, proven designs, and a renewed commitment to affordable flying.

With this acquisition, Carlson Aircraft is being revitalized alongside Mini-Max USA, ensuring that the Sparrow’s legacy will not only be preserved but expanded for a new generation of builders and pilots. Plans for updated kits, modernized materials, and continued community support reflect a forward-looking vision built on a strong foundation of history.

The Spirit Lives On

Today, Carlson Aircraft continues to embody the spirit of its founder. The Sparrow remains one of the most beloved American ultralights, remembered for giving everyday people the chance to experience the joy of flight. As we look toward the future with Av8r Capital Group, we carry that same spirit — honoring the past while building the next chapter in recreational aviation.

For us, Our Story is your story — the story of pilots, builders, and dreamers who see the sky not as a limit, but as an invitation.