The J-4 Sportster was designed by Jessie Anglin in the United States and produced by the Anglin Aircraft Company, making its first flight in 1986.

Australian Aircraft Works of Donvale, VIC has been involved in the construction of ultra-light aircraft in kit form for some years.

The Acro Sport was designed by the late Mr Paul Poberezny, President of the Experimental Aircraft Association of America, specifically for construction by persons with no experience in building aircraft.

In 1985 the Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Company sponsored the design and construction of a light aircraft, the goal being to develop a new homebuilt aircraft that could be easily constructed from plans and / or building instructions and using commonly available materials.

In the 1950s Messrs T G Adams and Paul Wilson in California designed and developed a single-seat light sporting helicopter for private use. After a prototype was completed and tested, they produced plans for construction of the machine, then known as the Adams Wilson Hobbycopter, for sale to amateur constructors.