OT / Kit Helicopter
Discussion
There's a program running on Discovery called 'A Plane is Born'. From what I can recall from the few episodes I caught of it, it seemed to be far more technically challenging and time consuming than building a car from scratch.
I think the process of getting it classified as airworthy proved to be quite long as well. But saying that having your own plane does sound pretty fab!
I think the process of getting it classified as airworthy proved to be quite long as well. But saying that having your own plane does sound pretty fab!
Chassis is on the telly building areoplanes and helicopters! 
Friend of mine has built a helicopter and apparently it is quite hard. First flight would be pretty nerve racking as well. Planes use lots and lots of very messy fibreglass and you need an epic garage to be able to di it properly. Not as cheap as you might think either. If you want a chopper better to source a second hand Robinson R22. Will try and find the name of that kit chopper for you as well, but buying a copy of PIlot and scouring the ads may be a start.
There was a really cool personal helicopter released in Japan a couple of years ago that I'm sure you can buy and build yourself for about 15k. You basically sit in what look like an office chair with rudimentary controls attached to it and there's 2 set of blades going in opposite directions above you. Looked superb but I've lost the url.
Have a look round this site for more info then find a local flying club and talk to the guys there.
www.jason.net/heli/helimain.htm
www.jason.net/heli/helimain.htm
Friend of a friend is(was?) building a plane - 2 seater powered by scooby flat 4. Had been going for 7 years last I heard, thought he probably had another 2 to go...
My uncle flies Microlights - has one that looks quite plane like I think (enclosed cockpit etc) - a lot easier to manage/use for recreation but I doubt you'd want to go to the South of France in one.
AdrianR
>> Edited by adrianr on Tuesday 9th July 20:53
My uncle flies Microlights - has one that looks quite plane like I think (enclosed cockpit etc) - a lot easier to manage/use for recreation but I doubt you'd want to go to the South of France in one.
AdrianR
>> Edited by adrianr on Tuesday 9th July 20:53
That Solo-Trec was bought out lock-stock and barrel by the US military so I heard.
I've got a brand new fully assembled Hughes 500 with flying computer etc that you can have for £400 which is what I paid for it,honest.
Its best to join a club with some experienced pilots to help you get set up properly otherwise it can be a costly learning experience and also their's bound to be great second hand deals amongst the members,it takes about 80 hours to get the basics of hovering and basic flight but its a realy rewarding hobby and one that I highly recomend.
I've got a brand new fully assembled Hughes 500 with flying computer etc that you can have for £400 which is what I paid for it,honest.
Its best to join a club with some experienced pilots to help you get set up properly otherwise it can be a costly learning experience and also their's bound to be great second hand deals amongst the members,it takes about 80 hours to get the basics of hovering and basic flight but its a realy rewarding hobby and one that I highly recomend.
Ayrton Senna was an ultra successful model helicopter enthusiast. Apparently he could fly them upside down and every other way too.
They're easy to build but diabolical to fly. Friend of mine can fly full-size, but never got a model more than 3ft off the deck - and he can fly R/C model aircraft with one arm tied behind his back!
Still like to have a go
They're easy to build but diabolical to fly. Friend of mine can fly full-size, but never got a model more than 3ft off the deck - and he can fly R/C model aircraft with one arm tied behind his back!
Still like to have a go
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