About Mini-Max USA
Minimum cost. Maximum fun. Mini-Max USA carries forward one of America’s most recognizable homebuilt aircraft families with simple, affordable, wood-and-fabric aircraft designed to make the dream of flight more reachable.
Maximum Fun. The idea that built the Mini-MAX name.
Affordable aviation with a hands-on spirit.
The Mini-MAX story began with Wayne Ison, a pioneer in the homebuilt and ultralight aircraft world. At a time when aircraft were becoming larger, faster, more complex, and more expensive, Ison believed many pilots still wanted something different.
That idea became the heart of the Mini-MAX name: minimum cost, minimum building space, minimum complexity, and maximum enjoyment.
From Ison Aircraft to Mini-Max USA
Mini-Max USA is the next chapter in a long-running aircraft family shaped by Ison Aircraft, TEAM Aircraft, JDT Mini-Max, Team Mini-Max LLC, and the builders who kept these aircraft flying.
Wayne Ison and the early vision
Before the Mini-MAX became a household name among ultralight and experimental aircraft builders, Wayne Ison developed early designs including the PDQ and PDQ 2. His work reflected a belief that personal aviation could be simpler, lighter, and more accessible.
Ison Aircraft and the birth of Mini-MAX
Ison Aircraft began selling plans and kits for the Original 1100R Mini-MAX, a straightforward single-seat aircraft built around wood-and-fabric construction. The design earned a following because it was practical for homebuilders while still delivering the joy of responsive personal flight.
TEAM Aircraft expands the family
As interest grew, the company expanded and became TEAM Aircraft, short for Tennessee Engineering and Manufacturing. During this era, the Mini-MAX family grew to include models such as the MAX-103, Sport models, Hi-MAX, V-MAX, and EROS.
JDT Mini-Max keeps the line alive
In 2003, John Graber, David Trump, and Thinus Debeer acquired the company and renamed it JDT Mini-Max. JDT Mini-Max was based out of Nappanee, Indiana. This chapter helped support existing customers and continued development work, including the AeroMax.
Team Mini-Max LLC modernizes support
In 2012, the company was reorganized as Team Mini-Max LLC. Based in Niles, Michigan, the team focused on builder support, updated production methods, parts fulfillment, and continuing the Mini-MAX tradition for a new generation.
Mini-Max USA carries the legacy forward
In 2025, Team Mini-Max was acquired by AeroKits USA and rebranded as Mini-Max USA. Today, Mini-Max USA is focused on honoring Wayne Ison’s original vision while improving plans, kits, parts access, builder resources, and the community around these aircraft.
Preserve the legacy. Support the builder. Keep it flying.
Simple aircraft
Mini-Max USA continues to value practical aircraft designs that are understandable, approachable, and connected to the original spirit of homebuilt aviation.
Builder-first support
Our goal is to support builders with plans, kits, parts, replacement components, and clear guidance throughout the project.
Wood-and-fabric craft
Wood is approachable, repairable, strong for its weight, and familiar to builders who want a true hands-on aircraft project.
Staged build paths
Plans, mini-kits, full kits, and support options help more builders start where they are and move forward at a practical pace.
Mini-MAX community
Mini-MAX has always been more than an aircraft design. It is a community of builders, pilots, restorers, experimenters, and dreamers.
The next chapter
Mini-Max USA is working to strengthen the brand with better resources, improved parts access, builder education, and future events.
Classic Mini-MAX character, builder-built.
The Mini-MAX line is known for compact aircraft, traditional construction, open-cockpit fun, and designs that make aviation feel personal again.
Make personal aviation more accessible.
Mini-Max USA exists to offer practical aircraft plans, kits, parts, and builder support rooted in the original Mini-MAX philosophy.
The next chapter of Mini-MAX starts here.
Whether you are discovering Mini-MAX for the first time, restoring an older aircraft, finishing a project, or preparing to build from plans or a kit, Mini-Max USA is here to help keep this legacy flying.