Customer Testimonials
“(The Skybolt is) one of the most beautiful airplanes that I have ever seen” “One of the most beautiful airplanes that I have ever seen”… “Recovery was prompt in both stalls and spins”… “Roll rate was terrific”… “Loops were made from cruise speed without diving.”
“The Skybolt is a strong powerful design, capable of sportsman and intermediate competition and a whole lot of fun in general flying.”
“The 260hp fixed-pitch Skybolt climbs as fast as my Pitts S1 and is an excellent aerobatic airplane, very light on the controls… Easy to take off and land, one of the smoothest rollouts on landing of any plane I’ve flown… It’s really a fun plane to fly.”
“Are Skybolt builders happy with their projects? We wrote to several and found out that the design is alive, well and flying both for fun and profit; several builders are using Skybolts in airshows… “I’d never built anything in my life – not even a model airplane,” said Ned Crowley. “The project took 3000 hours and $24,000. Now that Hale Wallace has the company, the support has been fantastic.” Earl Buchannan, WWII Navy pilot, says the stall characteristics of this airplane are exceptional, a real honest airplane with excellent ground handling characteristics. Jim Crunkleton says the Skybolt is a great airplane with no nasty habits and is very easy to fly.”
“The Extra 300 and Skybolt 300 have similar performance.”
“After 3 years of empty promises and excuses from [other suppliers of Skybolt wing kits] I noticed teh purchase of the Skybolt program by Hale Wallace. A few weeks later, I was assembling a beautiful wing kit from Steen Aero Lab. The quality of materials is excellent as is the attention to detail. My kit was shipped on time as promised!”
“Thank you for your speedy response. My complements on an extremely well presented brochure – Thanks!”
“I appreciated the time you took to speak with me today regarding the Skybolt. I have been trading off various designs and keep coming back to the Skybolt. Frankly the whole purpose of the call was to verify that someone who really knew the aircraft would answer the phone. Enclosed is my check for a set of plans.”
“Just received your shipment of axle spacers, hardware kit and complete wing fittings kit and am very pleased. Things are going well.”
“My fuselage assembly arrived this week. The crate was in good condition. I was overwhelmed and thrilled. I can’t believe it. The work you have done is very very good. Thank you very much.”
“Eleven months into the project with wings ready to cover, fuselage finished working on tail surfaces. Can’t believe I didn’t use your wing kit on my last Skybolt. Your wing kits are great!”
“I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am with the quality of all your work and parts.”
“Well it’s done! First flight was hands off with no trim required. Can’t thank you enough for all the support, time and help you provided. Ordered the plans 5 years ago and after 3500 hours I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Although not the official IAC symbol, the Pitts Special is clearly the most popular airplane choice.”
“I really appreciate all the research you have done for me over the last year. As always, I could always count on you to respond quickly to my questions. I would be more than happy to give you guys a reference anytime and hope to work with you on my next Skybolt (Nothing else compares.)”
“All in all I am extremely happy with the product and the support I am getting. Thank you. For a person who does not know how to build an airplane, and has neither the time or the money, you are making my dreams come true!”
“I appreciate your effort and will pass on to all the builders in this area your outstanding support of the Skybolt, Pitts, Knight Twister, etc. Thanks again!”
“I have found the plane to be the most exciting and fun plane that I have ever flown.”
“Aerobatics in the Skybolt are just about equal to the Pitts S-2 … Performs aerobatics in a smoother manner than the Pitts.”
“[The Skybolt has] excellent roll rate and good control balance… It was in slow flight that I came to appreciate the airplane… Aerobatics were excellent, what really impressed me was the vertical performance, almost 1000 ft with more than enough time for a vertical roll… The Skybolt lands slow and easy with little tendency to swerve… How does the Skybolt compare with other aerobatic biplanes? The Skybolt is a better airplane all around. It has much better slow speed characteristics and it is truly easy to land. The Skybolt has twice the roll rate of the Decathlon, Starduster II or Great Lakes and you don’t give yourself a hernia to get it.”
“I first flew my Skybolt in 1977 and earned all IAC badges through unlimited with my 180hp version. Teh Skybolt is large enough to not intimidate the pilot during landings yet not too large for competitive aerobatics. It’s a comforting feeling to know that the aircraft is built stronger than the pilot during those not so perfect maneuvers. I’ve flown Skybolts from 150hp through 360hp and all have the same delightful feel. People have attempted to clip wings, shorten/lengthen fuselages, modify landing gear configurations and so on in an attempt to make a great design better only to end up with an unusual looking and flying aircraft. My recommendation is to leave the present design alone and enjoy flying a great aircraft.”
“Certain details stick in an observer’s mind for a long time. The inside of Steen Aero Lab’s Skybolt wings make a builder wish they didn’t have to be hidden under cover, they are such works of art.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“A few months ago I received your information packet on the Skybolt. Let me mention that I like the tone of your info packet as well as the information contained. Some information I’ve received isn’t nearly as informative nor does it raise one’s confidence in the company.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“Thanks for the wing kit and super support. N777JW has 31 hours on the tachometer.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“Thought you’d like to know that I was very pleased with the quality of the fittings I purchased. The workmanship was really first class!”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“Steen Aero Lab is a no-nonsense operation totally committed to their business and the Skybolt airplane. They give excellent service at a fair price and always are available for questions. I bought a project about 40% complete and without Hale Wallace as a resource, I doubt I would have been abel to finish it. The first flight was 7/8/94.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“Your information pack is excellent. Very thorough with all wanted information. It makes others I’ve received look like newspaper want ads. The degree of professionalism displayed by your company makes my decision much easier.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“When I opened my rib/aileron kit, I was happily surprised to find that the parts were already cut. I was expecting sheets of plywood. Your materials kit is a better value than I was anticipating.”
“After a lot of conversations with various IAC members, I’ve decided to build the new Pitts S1-SS by Steen Aero Lab. I’d never sent a check for thousands to someone I’d never met for workmanship I’d never inspected before. My wing kit arrived when promised and the workmanship is immaculate. The packing and labeling of all parts was impeccable. I’d just finished working on an RV-8 project from Van’s so I have high standards. I’ve seen so many bad experiences with aerobatic vendors that I felt I should share a really good one.”
“The I-Struts you fabricated for my Skybolt arrived yesterday along with the replacement fuel tank. All arrived in good condition and the construction was of high quality.”
“I got the Skybolt Delta update plans yesterday. I can’t wait to see the main ones. I’m really glad I decided to build a Skybolt. The plans and builders guide are clear and easy to follow, and most of all, if I run into some difficulty I can talk to someone who can really help. I have talked to you on the phone on two different occasions and each time you have been friendly and courteous. The competition cannot hold a candle to your operation and support. I highly recommend Steen Aero Lab to anyone considering building his own plane. Thanks Again!”
“I really loved my Skybolt, but was operating an emergency room and putting in 100 hours a week, and had no time to fly. Now that I have been retired for 5 years, wish I had kept the biplane! It is an amazing biplane, very nice for aerobatics, and quite stable for a biplane (biplanes are noted for instability.) I learned to fly 60 years ago in the Royal Canadian Air Force, on Fleet 16B bipes. Overseas in 1943 I transferred to the RAF and did ops in Scotland and Ireland on 3 types of Spitfires, Hurricanes, and the last of the RAF biplane fighters, the Gloster Gladiator. In mid January 1945 I made the last operational flight of an RAF fighter biplane, in Gladiator N5592, on a weather recce flight. I have also flown a Tiger Moth and a Starduster. Just love biplanes! The ‘Glad’ was a wizard for aerobatics, with its 950hp Bristol and 4 flaps on the wings. Enclsoed is a check for your brochure. Don’t intend on building another (I’m almost 80!) but always said that if I ever did build another plane, it would be a Skybolt! If you ever have a customer who wants a recommendation, give ’em my name and address. Have flown over 62 different planes, from Fleets to Wellington bombers, so I feel like I know airplanes! Cheers!”
“I just recieved them today and all I can say is wow. No, wait, I can say wow and thank you. They really look great and I do appreciate the work that you’ve done.”
“Well the day finally arrived… it is a dream to fly, handles very positively, climbs like a rocket, lands very easily. I flew a Citabria a few times from the back seat, climbed into the Skybolt and did it. Thanks to all of you for your support.”
“I flew Hale Wallace’s 260hp fixed pitch Skybolt in 1982. The ailerons were quite light and produced a roll rate that was equal to the Pitts S2-A. The elevators were also light and well harmonized… Running through a series of maneuvers such as loops, Immelmann turns, vertical rolls and other aerobatics went very well indeed. I was pleasantly surprised when I found I was able to fly the 6000ft length of the Rock Hill airport at knife edge finishing off by rolling inverted and pushing outside up to a 1/2 outside loop.
In conclusion, I found the Skybolt to be a very straightforward aircraft. The takeoff was easy requiring very little right rudder. The airplane lifted off by itself at about 80 mph. The landing was easier than the Pitts due to superior visibility. In the 3 point position, the airplane rolled straight ahead and did not exhibit the ground challenges that are characteristic of the Pitts.”
“That first solo in the Spitfire IV can only be equaled by my Skybolt’s first flight in May of 1978.”
“Since my first aerobatic flight in a Skybolt last year, I have completed an aerobatic course in a Pitts S2-S. After having flown botht eh Pitts and Skybolt, I feel that although a Pitts may have the edge in unlimited aerobatics, the Skybolt is easier to land, more suited to cross country flights and can perform the type of comfortable aerobatics that I want to fly.”
“All designs aren’t created equal. Some marginal aircraft have made it to the plans market. It’s best to stick with proven birds like the T-18, Emeraude, Skybolt, etc.”
Test flights included checking overall performance and evealuating aerobatic capability in loops, rolls, spins, and steep turns. The Skybolt performed flawlessly.
“The information pack is great.”
“The wing kit is superb! All the parts are there, neatly wrapped and labeled. The wood quality is excellent and dimensions are exactly true. I am very pleased and will highly recommend the kit for anyone interested in building a Skybolt. This kit is far superior to the first one I bought from another supplier and makes building the wings a simple task. I also appreciate your service. Your responses have been accurate, speedy and the price is right.”
“I am impressed with the Skybolt, you and your company. I am appalled at the slip shod way most kit manufacturers handle sales leads and info requests. Your company stands out as professional, all the way.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Great wing kit, Thanks!”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“The three shipments arrived promptly and it was a pleasure to open the crates and see your excellent products… Thanks for your great support in building the Skybolt.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Many times I have read and heard about other pilots and builders who have invested in kits and products with poor or disastrous results. We need to be reminded that good companies like Steen Aero Lab exist to support experimental aircraft builders.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“The Skybolt was found to be structurally adequate for aerobatic flight within the flight envelope and weight and balance limitations provided by the manufacturer with engines up to 260hp… There was no tendency of any part of the aircraft towards flutter nor was there any tendency towards a short period oscillation… The aircraft envelope was demonstrated to +6.5 and -3 G indicated with snap roll maneuvers performed up to + 5 G. The 5 G snap maneuver when interpreting FAR 23 A23-9 translates to 6.7 G on an outer wing panel and would allow unlimited class aerobatics… Handling qualities were adequate for all unlimited category aerobatic maneuvers with no vices being evident.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“WOW! That’s my first reaction to the shipment of parts I just recieved for my Pitts S1-SS project. I have only one problem — I’m not sure whether to be more impressed with your workmanship or your integrity! Your decision to honor the commitments of Hale Wallace at your own expense is very respectable. I can say that you’ve now created at least one loyal and enthusiastic customer. Furthermore the welding and finishing of the parts themselves is fantastic. I’m very satisfied and looking forward to incorporating these parts into my project straight away!”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Just wanted to thank Dave and John, the wing master, for their help in answering my questions regarding wing construction. Once again, I am ever so pleased to pick the Skybolt as my first project, and so pleased at the quality support that Steen Aero provides. It’s comforting to know that you’re there for us first-time builders. By the way, the laminated wing spars are absolutely beautiful! My ribs slide right on with no problems!”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“It [the Skybolt] seemed to have surprising amounts of directional stability… Four of the smoothest, lightest ailerons, much lighter than anticipated. The Pitts’ are a fair amount heavier and a Starduster’s seem set in concrete by contrast… The Skybolt snaps faster than a Pitts S-2 and even better than that it stops where you want it… It spins extremely well… Controllability and pitch stability when inverted was really excellent… The rollout had been disappointingly eneventful considering the crosswind and reputation the little biplanes have.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Aerobatics is what the Skybolt is all about, the Skybolt is structurally sound, flies beautifully and has no bad habits… The Skybolt does the aileron roll so easily with ailerons alone that I use it with students as a confidence building maneuver… Spins are normal and predictable.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“The Skybolt is a well designed aircraft that exhibits excellent stability and control parameters for precision aerobatics. Ground handling is superb for a short coupled taildragger. I really like the lines of teh Skybolt, it presents itself very well esthetically on the ground as well as in the air and has been a good airshow performer for me.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Larger than most homebuilt bipes, the Skybolt has been around long enough that all of its weak points have been discovered and fixed. It enjoys a good reputation for doing serious aerobatics into the advanced category and can handle 150hp to 260hp powerplants. More stable than most biplanes, it is probably the easiest one to land. It is definitely low demand as a taildragger. It is available in either plans form or in completed component form from the plans seller who gives excellent and practical builder support. This is probably the best combination sport/acro plane and will accomodate pilots of all sizes.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Joseph Flood reports that his 180hp Skybolt takes off in 400ft at 65mph. Climb is 1500 fpm at 80 mph and cruise is 145 mph at 2400 rpm. Over the fence speeds are 80 mph with touchdown at 60 mph.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Really happy with your wing kit and prompt delivery.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Thanks for a great information packet. It’s a real confidence builder knowing I can expect prompt professional service at good prices.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“It was great to receive your information so quickly. Your company is very professional and your product excellent.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“We decided on the Skybolt not just because it’s a good looking bird, but because we felt we could get the best technical and product support.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Last Friday the crate arrived and I unpacked it Saturday. I’m really thrilled with all your products, especially the fuselage. Everything is perfect and no one could have done it better. I’ll try to finish the plane the same way.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“Really like the quality of your router cut parts and am very happy with your product.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“The landing gear is great, some things are better left for the pro’s. I’ll be ordering the torque assembly and tail feathers soon, also better left for the factory.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“My Skybolt won an award for Outstanding Workmanship from EAA at Oshkosh in the plans built category. My sincere thanks for all your support throughout the project.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the technical support you’ve given me since I started this project. It has been invaluable to have such a great source of technical information available whenever I need it. The large stock of Skybolt parts you have is a great help as well. I have found your parts to be reasonably priced especially considering the high quality. I have yet to be disappointed with anything you’ve supplied!”
“Larger than a two-place Pitts by nearly four feet, [the Skybolt] gives near Pitts-like aerobatic handling (if built strictly to plans) with Citabria-like landing characteristics.”
“We are currently giving my father’s Skybolt ZK-TSB a repaint after 20 years of service and 366 hours of GREAT FLYING. We still think it’s the best biplane from plans. We love it.”
“I have owned my Skybolt for 7 months and have about 55 hours in it now… and LOVE it!”
“Many people compare the Skybolt to a Pitts since they are both biplanes. Granted, the Pitts is a fine airplane to be compared to, however the Skybolt has far more variety in the examples built. Each one is customized to satisfy the needs of the owner. That’s the great thing about a Skybolt – it can encompass broader desires than any other type. It will carry two people and 150 lbs of air show supplies cross country at 185 MPH. Once unloaded at the show, it will entertain thousands of people by performing the most difficult modern maneuvers such as Harrier Passes, Vertical 4-Point rolls, Lomcevaks and loops with the top half in knife-edge. The Skybolt has all the qualities pilots appreciate – it’s comfortable, tough, durable, attractive and yet forgiving. All this and it will out-turn a Sukhoi SU-26/29, Extra 300, Yak 55, Edge 540 or Pitts S2-B/C (in case you get a hankering to do some friendly dog-fighting). Given these capabilities, a properly configured Skybolt clearly has many advantages over a number of airplanes (including the Pitts).”