Bringing Aviation
Back to the People
Av8r Capital Group Corp is a family-owned aviation investment company dedicated to reviving iconic brands and making flight affordable again.
A Family Built
on Aviation
Av8r Capital Group Corp is a family-owned aviation investment company with a singular focus: the Experimental and Ultralight aircraft market. We believe the dream of flight should be accessible to everyone — not just those with deep pockets.
We acquire, revive, and grow iconic aviation brands that have been neglected, mismanaged, or left to fade. We bring them under one roof, restore their integrity, and breathe new life into communities that depend on them.
Currently operating from Niles, MI and Sheridan, WY, our portfolio includes Mini-Max USA, Carlson Aircraft, V-Twin Werx, and Ace Redrives USA — with more acquisitions actively in progress.
Affordability.
Accessibility. Aviation.
The dream of flight has been drifting out of reach for everyday Americans. Rising costs, neglected brands, and supply chain failures have left thousands of builders and pilots without the support they need.
We're changing that. By acquiring and reviving the most beloved names in Experimental and Ultralight aviation, we're rebuilding the ecosystem from the ground up — with inventory on American soil, real customer support, and a commitment to keeping flight within reach.
Revive Iconic Brands
We identify beloved aviation brands that have fallen dormant or been poorly managed, acquire them, and restore them to their former glory — and beyond.
Domestic Inventory
No more waiting months for parts from overseas. We bring inventory to US soil so builders and pilots get what they need, when they need it.
Grow the Community
Fly-ins, builder assist programs, online communities — we invest in the people, not just the products. Aviation thrives when its community does.
Our Brands
Four brands. One mission. More on the way.
Mini-Max USA
The revival of one of America's most beloved homebuilt aircraft brands. Originally founded by Wayne Ison in 1984, Mini-Max has helped thousands achieve their dream of flight. After years of dormancy under Team Mini-Max, we acquired the brand in 2025 as AeroKits USA and relaunched it as Mini-Max USA — restoring full kit production, builder support, and community from our Niles, MI facility.
Carlson Aircraft
A storied name in the Experimental aircraft world, Carlson Aircraft produces the Sparrow series of ultralight and experimental aircraft. Known for their durability and simplicity, Carlson designs have earned a loyal following among builders who value proven engineering and straightforward construction.
V-Twin Werx
V-Twin Werx specializes in V-twin engine conversions for experimental aircraft — bringing automotive-derived power to the homebuilt market. These conversions offer builders a cost-effective, reliable, and readily serviceable alternative to traditional aircraft engines, with parts available at any auto parts store.
Ace Redrives USA
Ace Aviation UK has long produced quality redrive systems for ultralight and experimental aircraft, but US customers have faced chronic frustrations: long international shipping times, customs delays, no domestic warranty support, and difficulty sourcing replacement parts. Ace Redrives USA solves this — we're bringing Ace inventory stateside so American builders and pilots get fast fulfillment, local support, and real accountability.
We are actively in the process of acquiring additional legacy aircraft brands to bring under the Av8r Capital umbrella. Stay tuned.
From Neglect to Revival
The Mini-Max story is a testament to what happens when a beloved brand is abandoned — and what's possible when the right people step in.
Wayne Ison's Vision
Wayne Ison, EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame member, designs the original Mini-Max — a simple, affordable, wood-and-fabric aircraft that would go on to help thousands achieve their dream of flight.
TEAM Aircraft Era
The company grows into TEAM (Tennessee Engineering And Manufacturing) Aircraft, expanding the lineup to include the 103 ultralight, Sport models, Hi-Max, V-Max, and the EROS. Thousands of kits sold worldwide.
JDT Mini-Max
John Graber, David Trump, and Thinus Debeer acquire the company and rename it JDT Mini-Max. They continue development, including the CNC-laser-cut AeroMax. John retires in 2012.
The Dark Years: Team Mini-Max LLC
David Trump reorganizes into Team Mini-Max LLC. Over the next 12+ years, the brand struggles with inconsistent fulfillment, poor communication, and a community left in limbo. Builders report waiting months or years for orders, no responses to support requests, and a general sense of abandonment. The once-thriving Mini-Max community fractures.
The Revival: Mini-Max USA
Av8r Capital Group Corp acquires the brand through AeroKits USA out of Sheridan, WY. We immediately relaunch as Mini-Max USA, restore full kit production from Niles, MI, rebuild the website, reopen the shop, and re-engage the community. Within 11 months: 9 models available, plans from $299, full kits shipping, LX Navigation avionics partnership launched, and a builder assist program in development.
The Ace Redrives Problem — Solved
For years, US pilots and builders wanting Ace Aviation UK redrive systems have faced a familiar nightmare: ordering from the UK means weeks of international shipping, customs uncertainty, no domestic warranty support, and no one to call when something goes wrong. The product is quality — the supply chain is the problem.
Through Ace Redrives USA, we're bringing Ace inventory directly to the United States. That means faster fulfillment, domestic customer support, and real accountability — no more transatlantic headaches for American builders.
Let's Talk Aviation
Whether you're interested in our brands, have a legacy aircraft brand you'd like to discuss, or simply want to connect with a team that's passionate about keeping aviation affordable — we'd love to hear from you.