Ace Baby Ace

The Ace Baby Ace is a classic single‑seat, high‑wing monoplane that has become an icon of the home‑built movement. Originally designed in the early 1930s by aviation enthusiast Orland K. Corben, the aircraft first flew in 1935 as the “Baby Ace”. After World War II interest waned, the design was revived in the 1970s when Acro Sport of Haines City, Florida, acquired the rights and began offering the aircraft in kit form. Acro Sport’s version retained the original simple wood‑and‑fabric construction, but incorporated modern plans, pre‑drilled ribs and a steel‑tube fuselage firewall for improved safety and ease of assembly. Typical powerplants range from 40‑ to 65‑horsepower Continental or Rotax engines, giving a cruising speed of roughly 75 mph and a stall speed below 30 mph, making it forgiving for novice pilots. The Baby Ace’s lightweight structure, low operating costs, and open‑cockpit experience have kept it popular at fly‑ins and in flight‑training clubs. Its longevity demonstrates the lasting appeal of straightforward, affordable aircraft and its influence can be seen in many subsequent ultralight and experimental designs that value simplicity and hands‑on building. The Baby Ace continues to inspire new builders each year, proving that classic design still meets modern aspirations.