Ultralight pilot, instructor and designer Ted Nesmith is making a living out of flying by the seat of his pants.

Nesmith began flying ultralights more than four years ago and since that time has dreamed of building one of his own design. Nine months ago, that dream became reality as he began production on an ultralight of his own.

"I took all of the best options available on other planes and put them into one," said Nesmith, owner of Top Dog Ultralights of Cortez.

An ultralight, or trike, is designed with a hanglider type wing, an aircraft engine, three wheels and an open, aircraft aluminum frame.

"The planes I am designing come with either a 42, 53 or 65 horsepower Rotax aircraft engine, a ten-gallon fuel tank, a three-blade propeller for a smoother, quieter ride, larger tires for landing on softer terrain, and a top of the line wing made in Australia," Nesmith said.

The planes were designed using a computer program which helped take into consideration some of the materials’ stress factors, said Nesmith.

Everything on the plane, including the frame, bolts and components, are made of aircraft-quality materials, Nesmith said. "We’re not using lawnmower engines," he said.

Nesmith said that there are a number of other options, such as instrument pods, instruments, intake and exhaust silencers and custom colors, that can be added if a customer chooses.

"You get the same quality plane that you would from Europe, but at a better price," said Nesmith, adding that a basic model with a 53 horsepower engine costs $11,500.

Nesmith added that much of the production work on the planes is being done locally.

"I am using local welders and powder coaters and a guy from Cortez is making the seats for me," Nesmith said.

Top Dog Ultralights has dealers selling its aircraft in California, Arizona, North Carolina, Wisconsin and New Mexico, Nesmith said.

Nesmith said that future plans are being set to expand his current workshop space, located on County Road 18, in order to increase production.

"Within a week of putting out the first model, we had 12 orders from people wanting our ultralight," Nesmith said.