Helicopter Kits/Plans/Important Parts?

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Kevin Eggert

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Kevin
So, I'm interested in building a kit helicopter, but many of the options that were previously available, don't seem to be around any more. I like the newer Rotorway, but they are no longer in business. I like the Safari 500 or even the 400, but after talking to someone on the phone at their business number, they have nothing built and aren't sure when anything might even be available. I saw the Aerokopter Ak1-3 at Airventure this year, but after speaking with the man about their 51% E-AB option, I didn't walk away with the feeling that anything would be available to buy any time soon there either. Other than buying someone else's project and not knowing what their build standards are or were, or if the parts I'm unable to fabricate are even all there or available, what are some current options in building a 2 person personal helicopter? Are there even any out there?
 
Did you see Vic Syracuse's series on building a hummingbird in Kitplanes? That one looks like 4 seats though...
 
Kevin Eggert said:
what are some current options in building a 2 person personal helicopter? Are there even any out there?
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There are options, but I've found knowing the reason why or what you hope to achieve with an E/AB helicopter will narrow your choices. For example, in the 2-place category you may be better served to look at a gyroplane vs a helicopter. Its considered a "rotorcraft" so depending on your need it may be a better option. However, for a single-seat the Mosquito or Helicycle is one route and for a 4-seater there is the Hummingbird which is actually based on the S-52. Then there is the Hill HX-50 but its still in the design stages however could set the next standard for E/AB helicopters... but at a price.
 
I do like the Hummingbird option. All in, though, you're getting close to $400k by the time you're done. The HX-50 is beautiful, but beyond my means as well.
 
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I'm sure there are plenty of second hand Rotorway kits on the market. Based on what I saw with two friends who had earlier versions, I'd run away as fast as possible. Same for Mini-500's.

The others? I have no idea.
 

another choice just popped into my youtube suggestions. I have daydreamed for many years about building a helo like this. Always wanted to fly one but they're just so expensive!
I often wonder what life would have been like had I followed through with my thought about joining the USCG after college with the goal of flying helicopters. I was talking to recruiters but "chickened out"
 
k9medic said:
I survived flying 10 hours off of an initial built rotorway. It was a hell of an experience and I would never do it again. For the cost of a Rotorway, I would find a TH55 or H269a
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Would you mind elaborating a little on this. You aren't the first one I've heard (read) this from, so I'm just curious what the problems are. It seems like people either love or hate the Rotorway. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground.
 
It was evaluated by a rotor way guru prior to me taking out for test flights.

First couple of hours were spent hovering and doing ground maneuvers.

I then progressed into quick stops and a little bit more aggressive maneuvering still close to the ground.

My first flight around the pattern, I started to hear some squealing and was losing tail rotor authority. Wound up doing a run on landing to the field at the airport. The belt for the tail rotor had stretched well beyond limits when measured with the dowel.

That was fixed and I went out on a subsequent flight. Wound up getting low rotor rpm on short approach and had to slide it on again.

I left it in the field for the owner to pick it up.


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Kevin Eggert said:
so I'm just curious what the problems are. It seems like people either love or hate the Rotorway. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground.
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The basic design lends itself to premature failures and other issues especially with the tailrotor drive and engine. Its my understanding there have been some upgrades done, but even that has not improved the overall aircraft much. Add in at 200 hours there are some major component replacements so people tend to move on from them once they get close to that.

The only kits I've seen garner a better rep is the Mosquito and HeliCycle. Know a few people that used them with success and moved up to the next level. Regardless, you'll find anytime you deal with a one-off or unique aircraft there will be people for it or against it with minimal middle ground people.
 
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I looked in my loogbook to see where that Rotorcraft 162F wound up. My first flight in it was 3/19/2004 and the last flight I did in it was 5/4/2004. To the best of my knowledge, the original builder (who owned an R22 as well) never flew it. Looks like it was sold 12/12/2005.

The original builder passed away in 2022 at 82 years old.

There was one recorded accident in the helicopter. This was not me - "THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF AFTER REACHING APPROXIMATELY 50 KNOTS AIRSPEED BECAUSE OF A HIGH ROTOR RPM INDICATION. DURING THE TOUCHDOWN SEGMENT, THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN HARD ON THE AFT SKIDS WITH THE TAIL LOW. THE SURFACE THAT THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED WAS SOFT MUD APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY 33. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE SKIDS AND TAIL ROTOR BLADES."
 
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I had two hangar neighbors with Rotorway 162's. Years of showing up on Saturday to see them run-up the helicopters, maybe hover, maybe air-taxi. I literally saw one of those two helicopters out of ground effect once in probably 5 years. Airshows 50 miles away? They trailered the helicopters. One of the guys converted his to a Jet Exec. Among other things, that involved swapping in a drive shaft and gearbox for the tail rotor. The shaft failed one day in a 4' hover and he went for Mr. Toad's wild ride. He set it down quickly enough he just bent the skids. Fixed and sold that one. Entered the business of converting others to Jet Exec's. After 2-3 of them went down for various reasons, he chose a different retirement business. Helicopters are serious engineering because of the fatigue and vibration issues. I'd run and hide from all of the homebuilts other than maybe the Hummingbird, which is/was a certified design.
 
I would not have the stomach for (what I imagine is) their accident stats.
And I think I’m pretty tolerant of risk.
 
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