Electric Motors for Aircraft

[robert l]

Personaly, I like the sound of the engine up front, once you get atuned to it, you can hit almost any RPM just by the sound. I've never cared for gliders either, even though there is a glider field less than 15 miles from my house. When I'm flying, I don't want to have to depend on thermals and wind currents to stay aloft, heck, I may change my intended flight plan just because.
Bob

[rwanttaja]

Personaly, I like the sound of the engine up front, once you get atuned to it, you can hit almost any RPM just by the sound.

Anyone who has flown electric RC airplanes can tell you: It may sound different, but the noise varies significantly by motor speed. One could set the RPM by ear.

The elephant in the electric-airplane closet is 14 CFR 91.151, Fuel Requirements for VFR Flight.

(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed -

(1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes;
(2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.

I'm sure this'll require a re-interpretation by the FAA, since battery power isn't a binary situation (e.g., having gas vs. not having gas). If I were to have absolute control over the regulatory process ("What, AGAIN?") I'd word this to require that the aircraft have enough juice to maintain altitude for 30 minutes after arriving at the first point of intended landing.

Most electric-airplane articles I see mention about a 30-minute duration; in these cases, the plane shouldn't even be taking off. Even if your battery has a 1-hour life, you're still expected to land after 30 minutes to comply with 91.151.

Ron Wanttaja

[Ron Blum]

Just do it. The FAA will not move until they are forced to do so. Newton knew that years ago. "An object at rest will continue to stay at rest until a force is acted upon it." You're best off to start with something that is already up and operating and adapt it to your installation.

[Bill Berson]

I have talked to several experimenters that buy a wrecked "Zero" motorcycle and use all of the electric system.
There was an article in Kitplanes a few months ago, I think a motorglider fitted with a "Zero" electric system.

[rwanttaja]

I have talked to several experimenters that buy a wrecked "Zero" motorcycle and use all of the electric system.
There was an article in Kitplanes a few months ago, I think a motorglider fitted with a "Zero" electric system.

Only trouble is, they keep flying into aircraft carriers. :-)

Ron Wanttaja

[gcvisel]

Only trouble is, they keep flying into aircraft carriers. :-)

Ron Wanttaja

Different Zero, Ron, different Zero!

[raytoews]

Dale Kramer of Lazair fame has a kit for that aircraft. I believe there is another one, Thundergull? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eYIfGGk2yg