I wonder... Why would anyone want to spend months working in a garage, reading papers and sketches, playing with tools, cutting and splicing metals and all that without being paid a penny? It sounds crazy, doesn't it?
Not if you want to build an ultralight helicopter. Besides the fun and fulfillment that such a adventure can bring you, at the end of it you will own an exciting ultralight aircraft that makes you proud and happy... and lets you fly for real.
If you love the ultralight aviation you can't stay indifferent in front of a homebuilt ultralight helicopter - many of these otherwise complex vehicles are build just by one single person. And yes, they look great and really fly.
What does it take to build an ultralight helicopter?
If you have decided to take this serious step, you probably have enough self-confidence. And you'll need even more of it because building a helicopter is a challenging project.
Enthusiasm is a great starting point and then you need some basic knowledge in working with metal and wood, physics and aerodynamics and finally knowing how to organize yourself and your time, how to read plans and follow instructions.
The time required
It takes time to build even a simple aircraft, so don't expect such a complex thing as a helicopter to build itself. The timing of your project will depend on the complexity of the project, your skills, the number of people in your team (is it just you or there is also someone else?) and the number of hours you can put per week.
For most people building an ultralight helicopter takes up to 6 months and of course some never put enough passion to finish their project.
Before starting carefully select the design of your ultralight helicopter. There are many companies which sell plans online so choosing the one that suits you best wouldn't be hard.
What exactly are you going to build and how to start
The ultralight helicopters are sceletons of normal helicopters. Your project might not include a cockpit and normal shell at all.
Unless you decide to build your helicopter with a kit - which is easier but less exciting and more expensive - you should do the following:
- Pick a model. Choose something simple especially if this is your first aircraft.
- Buy construction plans. They usually cost between $80 and $300 with some models being cheaper. Some plans may come with video manual which is very handy.
- The alternative of buying a kit will cost you from $3,000 to $30,000,
- Ensure you have the most common working tools and a place where to build. Your garage or backyard will do the work.
Some quick tips:
- Don't get stressed when opening the plans or the parcel with the kits. It may be confusing at the beginning
- Use masks when painting and soldering
- Start with the big pieces then care about the details
- If there is a metal factory near you go and ask to do some free work in exchange for training
- Buy some books on building things and aircrafts. Videos also do good work especially for some people.
Whatever happens, try not to give up. There is nothing more sorrowful than a helicopter which never start flying. And remember, building an ultralight helicopter is fun - don't lose your sleep over it.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Bobby Handzhiev
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