| When flying on your own with the use of | | | | |
| homemade and "ingenious" constructions are | | | | Or if you still prefer to buy it off the |
| discussed, it is not surprising if some would | | | | shelve, here are some facts to read. |
| react with a laugh. That is, if you are still | | | | Helicopters are measured in terms of |
| talking about some weird inventions that | | | | passenger capacity, comfort, versatility, |
| could be seen on some video clips taken way, | | | | speed, and of course cost. Choosing the right |
| way back where people try to fly using wings | | | | one for you depends on these criteria. For |
| made out of wood strapped on each arm or | | | | example, if you want a cost effective |
| machine with an umbrella used as a source of | | | | helicopter strictly for personal use, you can |
| lift. The fact is, modern homebuilt | | | | take the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 |
| helicopters surpass way too far from these | | | | (helicopter for 2). It has basic comfort and |
| early helicopter concepts. | | | | few features. |
| | | | |
| For those who have heard this for the first | | | | The exact opposite are the McDonnell-Douglas |
| time, you should realize that you only | | | | 500, Enstrom Shark, and the Agusta 109A. They |
| require standard parts from an auto parts and | | | | are fast and more convenient to fly. In |
| hardware store to create a helicopter (that | | | | between these 2 extremes are Eurocopter |
| can really fly). These parts can cost you a | | | | Squirrel and the Bell Jet Ranger. These are |
| little under a thousand dollars if you know | | | | single turbine-engined helicopter that are |
| how to select good parts. Or, if you want | | | | more commonly used for filming work and |
| instant parts, homebuilt helicopters are sold | | | | charter flying. The Eurocopter Squirrel and |
| in kit. You can order this online complete | | | | the Bell Jet Ranger are agile, fast, and |
| with instructions on how to build it. This is | | | | comfortable, but are constrained to fly on a |
| becoming more and more popular for its | | | | fair weather. |
| guaranteed safety and sure flight. | | | | |
| | | | This is not the case with the Sikorsky S76 |
| With an engine, rotors, rotor head, rotor | | | | and The Eurocopter Dauphin 2 which can fly at |
| blade, control stick, foot controls, a seat, | | | | 200mph and can accommodate up to 14 people |
| and other basic component of a conventional | | | | safely and comfortably. With these, we can |
| helicopter, the homebuilt helicopter can lift | | | | narrow down your selection into 3: |
| you off the ground. | | | | |
| | | | Light Piston-engined Types - If you want a |
| You might question the danger it can present | | | | cheap personal helicopter that could sit for |
| to the pilot. The reality is homebuilt | | | | two, the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 |
| helicopter are as stable as any other types | | | | would be your choice. They can fly at the |
| of helicopters provided it flies on a good | | | | speed of 80-110 mph. With a seating capacity |
| weather condition. They can fly as fast as | | | | and small size, these helicopters are light, |
| 80mph and as high as 10,000 - 12,000 feet. | | | | easy to fly, and easy to maneuver. |
| | | | Surprisingly, the light piston-engined |
| Homebuilt helicopter imposes great | | | | helicopters use a more expensive fuel than |
| experience. It gives opportunity for | | | | that of the kerosene based turbine engines |
| individuals to fly their own helicopter | | | | but they consume less fuel. However, the |
| without the need to spend so much money on | | | | Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 is less |
| flight training school. Since homebuilt | | | | buyable for charter and corporate use. They |
| helicopters are considered ultralight | | | | are more popular, however, on training and |
| helicopters (weight usually at the range | | | | personal use. |
| between 150-190 lbs), you don't have to | | | | |
| acquire Pilot license. Flying a homebuilt | | | | Light turbine helicopters - McDonnell Douglas |
| helicopter can convert you from a simple | | | | 500E, Eurocopter Squirrel and the (Agusta-) |
| mechanic into a pilot instantly. Here's the | | | | Bell Jet Ranger are widely used around the |
| analogy: if bicycle is to motorcycle; | | | | world for its practicality and mid-range |
| homebuilt helicopter is to twin-engine | | | | amenities, comfort, size, speed, versatility |
| helicopter. The main difference is, the | | | | and price. Private owner often prefer light |
| homebuilt helicopters are motorized (although | | | | turbine helicopters among other types for |
| wit less power) and can lift you off from the | | | | these given reasons. The look is sporty and |
| ground with the same experience you can get | | | | performance is almost perfect (if not |
| from a conventional full-size helicopter. | | | | perfect). |