Chotia Weedhopper

Many of the early ultralights used a "weight shift" method of control, requiring the pilot to push a control bar to shift the center of gravity of the aircraft. The Weedhopper differed from most other ultralights of the period in that it has a control stick which moves the rudder and elevator, giving it two axis control in pitch and yaw. The pronounced dihedral of the wings, along with the swept leading edge causes it to bank into the turn, and results in a very stable, easy-to-fly aircraft. The Weedhopper differs from many of the other early ultralights in that it had a strut-braced wing, whereas most period ultralights have wire-braced wings.

The Weedhopper is constructed from aluminium tubing and covered with Dacron pre-sewn envelopes. The early versions of the aircraft developed a poor reputation due to the lack of reliable engines available in the 1970s. This was rectified with the adoption of the Rotax 277 {{convert|28|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and later the Rotax 447 {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} powerplant.Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 127. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X

Over 13,000 Weedhoppers have been sold. It was popular because it offered people an inexpensive way to fly for pleasure. The aircraft could be easily disassembled and put on a trailer for home storage. It was not necessary to rent an expensive hangar. It could also be flown from just about any field because of its short takeoff and landing requirements (about {{convert|100|ft|}} with no obstacles). The kits originally sold for $2,000, and in 2011 the Weedhopper model 40 sold for US$8,495.{{Cite web|url = http://www.weedhopperusa.net/|title = Weedhopper Aircraft|accessdate = 1 February 2011|last = Weedhopper Aircraft |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110724130558/http://www.weedhopperusa.net/|archive-date= 24 July 2011|url-status=dead}}

In its home country versions of the aircraft are eligible for the FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category, the experimental amateur-built category and the light-sport aircraft category.

;Weedhopper A

:Initial production version, also known as the JC-24A.

;Weedhopper B

:Improved production version, also known as the JC-24B.

;Weedhopper C

:Improved production version, also known as the JC-24C.{{Cite web|url = http://www.jc-24c.com/weedhopper/Welcome.html|title = Weedhopper-C Resource Site|accessdate = 1 February 2011|last = jc-24c.com|year = n.d.|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214924/http://www.jc-24c.com/weedhopper/Welcome.html|archive-date = 3 March 2016|url-status = dead}}

;Weedhopper Standard

:Basic model with a {{convert|28|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 277 engine and an empty weight of {{convert|235|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} for the US amateur-built category.

;Weedhopper Deluxe

:Improved production model with a {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 447 engine.

;Weedhopper 40

:Current production model with a {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 447 engine.

;Weedhopper Super

:Up-engined model with a {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 503 engine, many extras and an empty weight of {{convert|330|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} for the US amateur-built category.

;Weedhopper II

:Current production two seat side-by-side seating model with a {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 503 engine. Also known as the Weedhopper Two Place.{{Cite web|url = http://www.weedhopperusa.net/WEEDHOPPERUSA/2-Place_Weedhopper.html|title = Weedhopper two place airplane|accessdate = 1 February 2011|last = Weedhopper Aircraft |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120217114239/http://www.weedhopperusa.net/WEEDHOPPERUSA/2-Place_Weedhopper.html|archive-date= 17 February 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:Weedhopper JC-24C.jpg.]]

• National Air and Space Museum

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{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Chotia Weedhopper}}

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{{John Chotia aircraft designs}}

Category:1970s United States ultralight aircraft

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