The custom-built Draco aircraft, conceived by Mike Patey, quickly became a legend in just over a year. Lauded by Garmin as “a bush plane reaching new extremes,” and hailed by Plane&Pilot as “the coolest airplane in the world,” this unique craft captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. People were captivated by this “beast of a bush plane” and began to wonder, just how much would a Draco cost? Unfortunately, this isn’t a product you can simply purchase. However, to understand its allure, let’s delve into its specifications and the story behind its creation.
Draco’s Impressive Specifications
Draco was not just any aircraft; it was a testament to Patey’s vision and engineering prowess. Here’s a glimpse into what made it so special:
- Base Aircraft: 2008 PLZ-104 Wilga
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28
- Horsepower: 680
- Top Speed: 205 mph
- Cruising Speed: 180 mph
- Fuel: Jet fuel (adaptable to diesel or fuel mixes)
- Fuel Consumption: 28 gph (cruising)
- Fuel Capacity: 160 gallons
- Range: 1,000 miles
- Stall Speed: 35 mph
- Take-off Distance: 78 feet
- Landing Distance: 97 feet
- Climb Rate: 4,200 fpm
- Build Time: 5 months, 3 weeks
Draco Airplane in flight, showcasing its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.
For an intimate look at Draco, check out Trent Palmer’s mini-documentary featuring Mike Patey, offering a behind-the-scenes tour.
Mike Patey: The Man Behind the Legend
Draco was the brainchild of Mike Patey, an aviator, entrepreneur, and innovator. He and his twin brother Mark discovered their aptitude for problem-solving early on.
Mike Patey standing proudly in front of Draco, the custom bush plane he meticulously built.
Despite facing challenges with dyslexia and ADHD, they launched a successful decking business as teenagers and enjoyed tinkering with machines, laying the foundation for their future endeavors.
The advanced Garmin avionics suite in Draco’s cockpit, highlighting its sophisticated technology.
The Patey brothers later ventured into healthcare records. Mark’s frequent travels sparked an interest in flying, which soon became a shared passion. Mike went on to set five world speed records in his custom-built aircraft and was inducted into the Sport Air Racing League Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Inspiration Behind Draco’s Design
Mike Patey’s vision for Draco stemmed from a desire to access remote, high-altitude backcountry locations with his family. “I’ve always wanted to be able to take my family into the backcountry at a really high elevation,” he explained. “I live in a high mountain desert; we have mountain elevations that are over 14,000 feet. And I just couldn’t find a plane that could go up to 14,000 feet with a density altitude of nearly 17,000 and land with camping gear and four people.” His love for the Wilga and its characteristics inspired him to create the ultimate backcountry bush plane.
Draco’s Recognition and Achievements
Draco’s debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 catapulted it to fame. It graced the cover of Plane&Pilot magazine in March 2019, and Mike and Draco triumphed at the 2018 High Sierra STOL drag race.
Mike Patey and Draco showcased together, embodying the passion and innovation behind this unique aircraft.
The Unexpected End and a New Beginning
Tragically, on September 16, 2019, Draco crashed during takeoff from Reno Stead Airport due to strong, gusting crosswinds. The Aviation Safety Network’s accident report detailed the incident, noting that the left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to bank and crash. While the occupants were unharmed, initial reports indicated that Draco was a total loss.
In a display of accountability, Mike Patey shared his reflections in a video titled “Simply Draco Crash today,” available on YouTube. He admitted his mistakes and hoped others could learn from them. He identified two key errors: attempting to fly despite an approaching storm front and proceeding with takeoff despite feeling the crosswind’s impact on the aircraft.
Despite the setback, Mike announced plans to rebuild Draco, teasing a more powerful, capable successor: Draco X. This new iteration promises to be even more impressive, embodying the spirit of innovation that defined the original.
So, while you can’t exactly put a price tag on a custom masterpiece like Draco, its legacy lives on, inspiring innovation and pushing the boundaries of aviation. The real value lies in the ingenuity, passion, and dedication that went into its creation, a testament to the remarkable vision of Mike Patey.
