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Air-Tech, Inc.

Website: http://www.air-techinc.com

Email: airtech@air-techinc.com

Phone: 985-536-3994

Reserve, LA 70084 - USA

Quicksilver — Bever Borne of Air-Tech (04/16)

By Dan Johnson || March 11, 2017 2 Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unlDMqehMus If you want to know any and everything about Quicksilver, one man knows it all. He is even more knowledgeable about the aircraft than the company(ies) that have owned the brand as he's been associated with Quicksilver for 40 years, through every owner of the California company. His Lousiana company, Air-Tech, now possesses all inventory and tooling for every part the manufacturer made. He and his team can and will support all parts needed for any model... a great thing. Hear from this interesting fellow in this video.

If you want to know any and everything about Quicksilver, one man knows it all. He is even more knowledgeable about the aircraft than the company(ies) that have owned the brand as he’s been associated with Quicksilver for 40 years, through every owner of the California company. His Lousiana company, Air-Tech, now possesses all inventory and tooling for every part the manufacturer made. He and his team can and will support all parts needed for any model… a great thing. Hear from this interesting fellow in this video.

Read More About:   Air-Tech, Inc.    Quicksilver Aeronautics    Video Review  

Quick Update on Quicksilver… Parts Are Shipping!

By Dan Johnson || March 11, 2017 Leave a Comment

Quicksilver made perhaps the most successful kit in aviation history, with more than 15,000 completed and flying. All photos by James Lawrence

One of the major stumbles in the light aircraft world was the closure of Quicksilver Aeronautic's southern California factory in Temecula. That ended a long-running era dating back to the 1970s. See articles here and here. Plenty of folks expressed concern. Their worry was warranted. As a kit supplier, Quicksilver was one of the most prolific in aviation history with more than 15,000 kits delivered, nearly every one of which got airborne after the short build time. Some have been retired due to age, accident, or neglect, but many thousands continue to fly. What happens when that large fleet can no longer buy parts? With the factory closed, are all those owners orphaned, having no factory-fresh parts available? Don't worry, be happy (so the song said). "We currently have all the Quicksilver parts in stock and are shipping mass quantities daily," said Gene "Bever" Borne, of Air-Tech, Inc. In case you don't know him — almost impossible to believe for any Quicksilver enthusiast, though new Quicksilver owners may be unaware — Bever is arguably the most experienced supplier of all-things Quicksilver since... well, since the very beginning of the powered Quicksilver aircraft. * (See a video interview with Bever.)

Quicksilver Aeronautics achieved Special LSA status for their side-by-side two seater, Sport 2SE.

Bever, his family (wife Kim and son Ken) have operated the Louisiana company for decades, in fact, they can celebrate their 40th year in business in 2017. I doubt anyone in the world knows more about Quicksilver products including all their history. If the Bornes tell you something about the former California company's aircraft, you can accept it as gospel. "We've been shipping kits and are always packing more," Bever added. "We have a great crew." Given his reputation and long time in the business, Air-Tech needs to do little advertising. Everybody who needs to know already knows how to reach them. "Our time is spent on the appropriate media forums and those with needs are being helped," Bever clarified. Keep up with Air-Tech on Facebook. When Quicksilver was about to close their factory, Bever traveled west to negotiate and eventually acquired all the inventory and some of the (more modern) tooling and brought it all back to Louisiana in a caravan of semi-trailers. It was a massive undertaking but assures all the right components remain available. Therefore, if you need factory-original parts, you can still get them ("Whew!" ...for many owners). Yet what if you want a kit?

Way back in 1993, Quicksilver won the very first Primary Category approval from FAA. That program never got any legs and the company sold few with this registration.

Air-Tech can supply them but as Bever cautioned, "I have absolutely no desire to produce 100 kits per year." After many years in the business, the Quicksilver expert prefers "a comfortable pace." Apparently only one exception to parts supply remains outstanding. "The GT500 is a little bit different as I am lacking the aft boom tube drill fixture," reported Bever. I'll bet if the need arises, he and his team will figure something but the good news is that would be a rarely needed part. He added, "I stay close with the Von Hirsch family [that ran Quicksilver Manufacturing for many years before selling it to Quicksilver Aeronautics]." Bever also noted that original design engineer Dave Cronk, presently enjoying his own slower pace in Moab, Utah, is still available for technical details. "He's an endless wealth of knowledge," said Bever. In December 2016, Bever was contacted by the current owners of Quicksilver Aeronautics. "They have been going back and forth on a plan," he said. "If something develops, fine. If not, that's fine as well. We're busy." Quicksilver owners can breathe a deep sigh of relief. Air-Tech is on the job! Those visiting Sun 'n Fun 2017 can find Air-Tech in Paradise City. * Quicksilver was once a supplier of hang gliders before anyone ever heard of anything called an "ultralight." The company, originally called EipperFormance, made delta-wing-shaped hang gliders, which they sold by the thousands. A slightly different hang glider was an unpowered, foot-launched, wing-and-tailplane glider to which a small engine and landing gear was later added yielding, after much evolution, the Quicksilver you see in the lead photo.

One of the major stumbles in the light aircraft world was the closure of Quicksilver Aeronautic’s southern California factory in Temecula. That ended a long-running era dating back to the 1970s. See articles here and here. Plenty of folks expressed concern. Their worry was warranted. As a kit supplier, Quicksilver was one of the most prolific in aviation history with more than 15,000 kits delivered, nearly every one of which got airborne after the short build time. Some have been retired due to age, accident, or neglect, but many thousands continue to fly. What happens when that large fleet can no longer buy parts? With the factory closed, are all those owners orphaned, having no factory-fresh parts available? Don’t worry, be happy (so the song said). “We currently have all the Quicksilver parts in stock and are shipping mass quantities daily,” said Gene “Bever” Borne, of Air-Tech, Inc.

Read More About:   Air-Tech, Inc.    Quicksilver Aeronautics  


Tecnam is the world's leading manufacturer of Light-Sport aircraft offering more models and variations than any other producer. Besides the world's fastest-selling light twin and their new P2010 four seater, Tecnam offers these LSA: P-92 Eaglet, Astore, and P2008.

AirMax designed and manufactures a wonderful Light-Sport amphibious flying boat of the same name. Created in Brazil SeaMax is a beautifully finished, high performing aircraft, the first to win FAA acceptance as a SLSA and it sets a high standard for light floatplanes.

Vickers Aircraft has created one of the most distinctive new LSA seaplanes yet to emerge. Powered by the 180-horsepower Titan IO-340CC by Continental Motors, their Wave model is like no other seaplane ever introduced with multiple features to set it apart from the crowd.

AeroJones Aviation builds the very popular CT-series of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.

Progressive Aerodyne designed and supplies the SeaRey series, arguably the most celebrated of all light seaplanes in America. A close community of hundreds of owners offers camaraderie few other brands can match.


BushCat is the distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget. With a solid heritage BushCat by SkyReach is fun, capable, and available as a kit, fully-built SLSA or ELSA.

Hansen Air Group represents recognized brands in the LSA|space: FK Lightplanes and their distinctive biplane Comet, FK9, and FK51 plus the great-flying Magnaghi Sky Arrow. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Hansen Air Group is an experienced player in the LSA space.

Flight Design USA imports CT, one of the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in American and the world. CT is 98% carbon fiber |with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment ...a market leader for many years!

US Sport Planes offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.

North Wing is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.

SportairUSA imports the dashing and superbly-equipped StingSport S4 that has won a loyal following from American pilots. More recently, they introduced their TL-3000 high-wing LSA. SportairUSA is a full-line operation with maintenance and training, too.

American Legend has been in the LSA space since the beginning, offering their iconic yellow taildragger. The Texas company offers a full line of LSA and kit-built aircraft including the 180-horsepower Super Legend HP.

Aeropilot USA ends your search for a Light-Sport Aircraft that is both familiar and new. Consider L600. This 80%-sized copy of Cessna's 182 is built with modern materials and well equipped but for tiny fraction of the cost of a new Skylane.

Lockwood Aircraft is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.

Evektor is Number One and always will be. The Czech company's SportStar was the number one SLSA to win approval but engineers have steadily improved the model far beyond that 2005 version that started the race.

Evolution Trikes developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.

Just Aircraft has delivered more than 300 kit aircraft since 2002, but in 2012 they electrified pilots with the awesome performance of their all-new SuperSTOL. It may look extreme and performs extremely well, but it is truly docile and forgiving to fly.

BRM Aero manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.

Sonex Aircraft is one of aviation's best-known brands offering exciting performance, easy building, prices to match the budgets of most pilots, and you will do business with some fine people. Taking years of success to new heights, Sonex debuted the "B" models with numerous upgrades.

Glasair Aviation became famous for their Glasair series. Today the Washington state company is focused on the newer Sportsman in several varieties and on Merlin LSA. Later in 2017, buyers can buy a Merlin in fully-ready-to-fly form from this much-admired company renown for its top-tier customer service.

Aeromarine-LSA represents the Part 103 Zigolo, a dual-purpose ultralight and motorglider with prices starting at only $12,000, a genuine bargain among fixed wing, three axis ultralights. Powered by a gasoline engine now, the company is also developing electric propulsion. Click here to read more…

Aeromarine-LSA offers the remarkably well-priced Merlin PSA, a fully enclosed, all-metal single seater. Quick build kits are only $16,500; build time is a swift two weeks. A flying Merlin can be finished for under $30,000. Merlin performs most enthusiastically on a two- or four-stroke engine. Click to read more…

The Airplane Factory (TAF) produces the Sling series of world-circling aircraft (literally) and now this fine-flying, all-metal beauty is available in the United States as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Here is an LSA to follow.

Aero Adventure offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.

Aerotrek Aircraft imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.

SilverLight Aviation created the first all-American gyroplane with modern sophistication and equipment, built by a proven expert. Gyroplanes like AR1 fly much like fixed wings but with real advantages.

Bristell USA distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.

Arion Aircraft has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?

Aerolite 103 is a remarkably well priced (way below $20,000), well-equipped, Part 103 ultralight that flies beautifully. Several hundred are airborne and production has never been more solid. Here is an airplane every pilot can love and afford.




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