Pterodactyl Ascender part 103 legal ultralight aircraft, Ultralight Aircraft Magazine.

Ultralight Aircraft Magazine - The Dactyl, Pterodactyl Ascender - Introduced into the U.S. by Jack McCornack in 1981, the Dactyl features a high wing monowing with an all-flying canard control surface and wingtip winglets. All control surfaces are movable. Control features are similar to Ptraveler. Weight shift is not necessary but can affect trim. Sink rate can be increased by using the canard as an air brake in the full-up position. 

A mixer stick deploys the winglets and canard. Construction con-sists of aluminum tubing, with stainless steel cable and aircraft hardware used throughout. Dacron sailcloth covers the wings and winglets. Stitts Poly-fiber covers the canard. With optional bridle and release, the No Pturkey can be used to air-tow gliders. 

In 1982 it was succeeded by the Ascender II, which has the benefits of a wider track, shock absorbers of laminated glass-fibre in the main-axles and a nosewheel increased in diameter from 14 to 16 inch (36-41 cm). The price in May 1983 is $5242.

Another version, the Ascender II+, has an enlarged framework for the heavier pilot and appeared the same year. It has a reinforced structure and makes use of larger-diameter tubing. In addition, it has as standard the double capacity fuel tank, which is only an option on the Ascender II. Price for the Ascender II+ in May 1983 is $5536, as a kit requiring some 75 h assembly time.

Three-axis, nosewheel steering and parachute options are available as on the Ptraveler, and in addition the Ascender buyer is offered an optional rigid seat, made of glass-fibre and weighing some 5 lb (2.3 kg) more than the swing seat it replaces.

Ascender II

Ascender II - Another version, the Ascender II+, has an enlarged framework for the heavier pilot and appeared the same year. It has a reinforced structure and makes use of larger-diameter tubing. In addition, it has as standard the double capacity fuel tank, which is only an option on the Ascender II. Price for the Ascender II+ in May 1983 is $5536, as a kit requiring some 75 h assembly time.

Three-axis, nosewheel steering and parachute options are available as on the Ptraveler, and in addition the Ascender buyer is offered an optional rigid seat, made of glass-fibre and weighing some 5 lb (2.3 kg) more than the swing seat it replaces.

Ascender
Engine: 430 cc / 30 hp Cuyana 2-cylinder Two-stroke
Wing Span: 33 ft
Wing Area: 162 sq. ft. (canard: 11 sq.ft.)
Aspect ratio, 6.5
Overall length, 14 ft
Cruise Speed: 36-45 mph
Stall speed: 23mph
Max. Rate of climb: 1,000 fpm
Empty weight: 215 lbs
Max. pilot weight: 230 lb
Usable payload (include fuel), 265 lb
Wing loading, 2.75 lbs/sq.ft
L/D power-off glide ratio, 9:1
Takeoff roll distance, 75 ft
Fuel capacity, 5 Usgal
Range at cruise, 100 mi
Range: 130 miles

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