Recommendations on what to build

[Spindrift]

Glad to have sparked a bit of lively debate! Thanks for the ideas.

I am definitely going to check out a Sportcopter given that my RV is in the hanger closest to theirs, and they've been kind enough to give me a couple of little things I needed to keep moving on a project (heat shrink, air, etc.). However, I am a bit nervous given that a good friend of mine, who is a much more accomplished pilot than I, balled one up on his first flight after purchase, even after transition training. Luckily he wasn't injured, but the rebuild is taking quite a while.

I talked to a guy in the ultralight area at Arlington a couple years ago, but I can't remember the model name. He seemed to think it wouldn't be a problem to take off and land in well under 200'.

I've got an IO360 in my RV, but my goal with this project would be something smaller and less expensive to build and operate. I won't need any significant cross-country range, and I wouldn't be flying if it was very windy. This would be a calm sunrise/sunset bird only.

- bill
Portland, OR
RV-7 purchased flying after selling my -7A project before starting the finish kit

[steveinindy]

I am definitely going to check out a Sportcopter given that my RV is in the hanger closest to theirs, and they've been kind enough to give me a couple of little things I needed to keep moving on a project (heat shrink, air, etc.). However, I am a bit nervous given that a good friend of mine, who is a much more accomplished pilot than I, balled one up on his first flight after purchase, even after transition training. Luckily he wasn't injured, but the rebuild is taking quite a while.

He is very lucky. If you do go with a gyrocopter, make sure it has some form of structural protection for your head and neck. A lot of them of them don't and they have a tendency to turn turtle or nose over in crash sequences. Without something else between you and the ground, even a helmet isn't likely to offer that much protection.

[SheepdogRD]

. . . and if you're talking STOL and Light Sport, you'll want to look at the Highlander, from Just Aircraft (www.justaircraft.com). Great short field performance, even on 80 hp (but better yet with more hp), and plenty of useful load if you want to take someone along. It's a descendent of the Avid Flyer, from which the Kitfox also sprang, but optimized for STOL operations. There are plenty of powerplant options. Choose standard tires and gear, or move up as far as 31" Airstreak "tundra" tires and extended gear, or make it tricycle gear. The wings fold; it takes one person about two minutes to fold or unfold them, and no plumbing, wiring or control disconnections are necessary. It's a wonderfully responsive airplane that makes you really glad you fly. No, I don't work for the factory, but I'm building my own Highlander. I've been to airshows since I started building, and every time I look at other airplanes, I realize what a good decision it was to build this one. Check out a couple of videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV_HfdBZR2s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7WVcVl-c1M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeQP-H_31JQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHXnQCE0kG0

[feedpro]

. However, I am a bit nervous given that a good friend of mine, who is a much more accomplished pilot than I, balled one up on his first flight after purchase, even after transition training. Luckily he wasn't injured, but the rebuild is taking quite a while.

Do not be quick to blame the gyro. For example, if your friend took tail wheel training and then "balled up" a cub, would you be just as nervous about a cub being safe, or would you figure that the pilot made some kind of mistake since the cub has a good reputation?

I am not a gyroplane pilot as yet, but will be in the spring. The latest edition of gyros are much better designed then the early samples from Benson. The same is true of the early ultralights, so don't let "old wives" tales stop you from doing due diligence. Do your own research and get info from actual pilots who are currently flying the model that you are interested in. Don't listen to those who have never owned or flown for many hours, what they are condemning. The most economical airplanes I have owned over the past 48 years have all been the ones that everyone says are bad. i.e. Tri Pacer, Pacer (flying bricks), Cessna 175 (piece of junk engine) etc. I have found all these stories to be untrue, but thank them for making the price much lower because of the bad press.

[turbo]

you can keep track of the gyro world here. http://www.rotaryforum.com/ these are the dirt bikes of the sky. go out and blast around.

[taylorcraftbc65]

If you decide that you don't need the passenger option that much, Look at the Weedhopper Ultralights. You can build one in a weekend without busting your butt, and mine will rotate in 90 feet on grass, at a 7,000 foot density altitude. I have flown it in 20 MPH quartering headwinds. For even greater crosswind components, I have a Hurricane Ultralight, that will rotate in 110 feet, sideslips just GREAT, (I have done touch and go's in 20MPH ninety degree crosswinds, side slipping in an almost vertical decent).

[steveinindy]

If you decide that you don't need the passenger option that much, Look at the Weedhopper Ultralights. You can build one in a weekend without busting your butt, and mine will rotate in 90 feet on grass, at a 7,000 foot density altitude. I have flown it in 20 MPH quartering headwinds. For even greater crosswind components, I have a Hurricane Ultralight, that will rotate in 110 feet, sideslips just GREAT, (I have done touch and go's in 20MPH ninety degree crosswinds, side slipping in an almost vertical decent).

The question I have is why would you do that in such a light aircraft? It seems like pushing your luck in my opinion as someone with a fair amount of experience in ultralights.

[taylorcraftbc65]

The question I have is why would you do that in such a light aircraft? It seems like pushing your luck in my opinion as someone with a fair amount of experience in ultralights.

OK, let's put in language you will understand. I also fly aerobatics, free climb cliffs, base jump, cave dive, blue water sail, and ride a 150MPH sport bike. Let's just say that because of my not having a problem with getting in the face of the Elephant, I have done more living in my 62 years, than all the timid people on this planet combined could do in ten lifetimes.
HALS UND BEINBRUCH!!!

[jaksno]

OK, let's put in language you will understand. I also fly aerobatics, free climb cliffs, base jump, cave dive, blue water sail, and ride a 150MPH sport bike. Let's just say that because of my not having a problem with getting in the face of the Elephant, I have done more living in my 62 years, than all the timid people on this planet combined could do in ten lifetimes.
HALS UND BEINBRUCH!!!

AKA "Bals und Heinbruch!"

jo - I still say a CH750 has far more value on every level, but just me~

[steveinindy]

you can keep track of the gyro world here. http://www.rotaryforum.com/ these are the dirt bikes of the sky. go out and blast around.

"Dirt bikes of the sky"....sounds like a good analogy except they are so much slower and less maneuverable than a dirt bike. The only thing they have in common is similar bad reputations for safety.