- #211
mugaliens
- 196
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Cyrus said:
Counting thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bensen_Aircraft" , make that 58 years!
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Homemade Helicopter: For the People.
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- Helicopter Homemade
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the feasibility and challenges of building a homemade helicopter, particularly focusing on the cost, safety, and technical requirements involved. Participants explore various concepts related to DIY aviation, including autogyros and ultralight aircraft, while expressing skepticism about the practicality of such projects.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the viability of building a cheap helicopter, suggesting that "cheap" may still mean tens of thousands of dollars.
- Others propose that the term "cheap" could refer to avoiding expensive components, like a $15,000 motor, but acknowledge that safety is a significant concern.
- A participant mentions the existence of plans for a propeller-driven backpack and ram chute, suggesting a lower-cost alternative for personal flight.
- Concerns are raised about the legal implications of building and flying homemade aircraft, particularly regarding safety regulations and public safety.
- Some participants express doubts about the simplicity of constructing a helicopter, emphasizing the complexity and expertise required in aviation design.
- References to specific kits and plans for autogyros and other flying devices are shared, with some participants noting that these may not be true helicopters.
- There is a mention of the emotional aspect of building aircraft, with personal anecdotes about aspirations and experiences in aviation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not agree on the feasibility of building a homemade helicopter, with multiple competing views on cost, safety, and technical requirements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality and safety of such projects.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the need for significant engineering knowledge and experience to undertake such projects, and there are references to the complexity of aviation regulations that may affect the ability to fly homemade aircraft.
Counting thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bensen_Aircraft" , make that 58 years!
- #212
Cyrus
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mugaliens said:
Note the inventor: Dr Igor Bensen
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- #213
mugaliens
- 196
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Cyrus said:
Ok, noted. I'm curious as to why, for the "Bensen autogyro" has gone by that name, without the academic accolade, since it's inception. Even his company, Bensen Aircraft, exists sans the doctorate, similar to Freeman's "Dyson sphere." It's not the Dr. Dyson sphere, and having met the man while visiting a good friend from high school who attended Princeton, I'll say "wow" as in "extremely mentally adept," but I'm thankful he never lorded his credentials.
I never met Dr. Bensen.
Plans for homebuilders of his Bensen B-8 remain available to this day. Remarkably capable aircraft! I've flown two helos, a Hughes 500C (369HE), used as a sherrif's helo, and a UH-1N. The Huey was solid as a rock, although it tended to slowly beat you like a washing machine, while the 500 was a bit squirrely!
- #214
Cyrus
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The note was for the people thinking they should build one in their garage with no expertise. 
The fact that its still in use says a lot because there are many home builds that fell by the waist side due to unsafe designs.
The fact that its still in use says a lot because there are many home builds that fell by the waist side due to unsafe designs.
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- #215
mugaliens
- 196
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Cyrus said:The note was for the people thinking they should build one in their garage with no expertise.
The fact that its still in use says a lot because there are many home builds that fell by the waist side due to unsafe designs.
It's true: Amature-built aicraft experience experience approximately 3.5 times the accident rate of FAA-certified general aviation aircraft.
However, I'm not so sure that's a function of design or poor quality workmanship as it is the psyche of your typical amateur bilder! Most of them accept more risk than your average pilot, as evidenced by the fact they enter the home-build arena at all.
Having said that, I'm a very meticulous garage mechanic (i.e. I work on my own cars), builder of R/C models (though not since high school), and an aero engineer.
If I ever decided to enter the home-built market, I would rework all calcs, as I'm not about to sit my butt in an airplane that may contain hidden defects! But that's just me...
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