James and Kathy Wiebe previously developed and marketed digital forensic computer storage devices as the founders of Wichita-based enterprise, WiebeTech LLC. They acquired the tooling, existing parts and manufacturing rights of an older aircraft in March of 2009. James immediately began improving and reinventing this design, and has created the new Belite aircraft.
Wiebe is an avid pilot, having begun his flying career at Cessna Aircraft as a summer intern in 1978. Wiebe recalled that he was unable to join the flying club, due to the waiting list at that time. He was unexpectedly moved to second shift in the middle of the summer, and as a result, was able to start his pilot training. Two months later, he passed his check ride.
Wiebe has combined his passion for flying with the creativity and experience he demonstrated in his previous business ventures. He has developed a new lightweight carbon fiber process which he has incorporated into the Belite airplane's structure. By utilizing proprietary carbon fiber technologies, instead of older steel, wood, or aluminum, he has created a full featured airplane that is well below the 254 pound limit specified in FAR Part 103.
Kathy Wiebe, a graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, contributed her marketing and management expertise to the operation of WiebeTech LLC, and will now serve in that capacity with Belite Aircraft. She teaches an Introduction to Entrepreneurship class at Wichita State University and is the Sam Walton Fellow for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) at Wichita State.
James is a graduate of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. James and Kathy are the parents of two daughters: Jamie, an enterprising journalism student at Northwestern University in Chicago; and Jennifer, an inter baccalaureate high school student and aspiring film director.
