Hmmmmmmm.......
A Waterloo, Ontario industrial hemp supplier, Hempearth, plans to build an airplane that is 75% made of hemp. Hemp is currently used to make all sorts of products like clothing, soap, oil, food, and construction and building materials. Canada legalized the growing of industrial hemp in the 90's.
The company has struck a deal with aircraft kit manufacturer Velocity Aircraft to build the plane on condition that the project is fully funded before building start. Supposedly, it will be one of Velocity's own models. The entire airframe, seats and seating materials will be made from hemp.
Velocity CEO Duane Swing says they tested the strength and durability of woven hemp before committing to the project. They made 2 identical planks, one made from woven hemp fibre, the other from fiberglass. They then tried to break them to determine which was stronger and found hemp was equal to or better than fiberglass, according to Swing.
The engine will run on hemp biofuel.
The eco-friendly benefits are obvious: a sustainable building material, low carbon footprint. What might be the non-environmental benefits? Will the costs to build be lower and therefore a more affordable aircraft to buy?
On those IMC days when you can't or won't fly, you can go to the hangar and smoke it. :>)