Flying motorized bicycles
- Thread starter Dan
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Re: Flying MBs
Dan, Bikeguy Joe is right, the rotors are on a gimbal and it is very easy to put into a forward tumble, well not that easy but its a consideration that could be devastating. you dont hear much about gyrocopters for this very reason. I think delta wing is the way to go. you talked about filling the fuse with foam....Too heavy! Better to be hollow and take your chances in the drink! I think you might get some good ideas by flying a good steerable stunt kite. they are delta based and you could experiment with a light frame under one with a small model airplane motor and r/c they usually come in about an eight foot wingspan. I think youl be surprised at how much it will lift! The other option to consider would be a Blimp! lol wont take much to power it!
Dan, Bikeguy Joe is right, the rotors are on a gimbal and it is very easy to put into a forward tumble, well not that easy but its a consideration that could be devastating. you dont hear much about gyrocopters for this very reason. I think delta wing is the way to go. you talked about filling the fuse with foam....Too heavy! Better to be hollow and take your chances in the drink! I think you might get some good ideas by flying a good steerable stunt kite. they are delta based and you could experiment with a light frame under one with a small model airplane motor and r/c they usually come in about an eight foot wingspan. I think youl be surprised at how much it will lift! The other option to consider would be a Blimp! lol wont take much to power it!
Re: Flying MBs
It wouldn't matter much anyhow, I think, because if a bicycle engine was used it would be slower no matter what you put it in, whether plane or gyro.
I can only hazzard a guess that if the top rotors were longer (for better lift) and the pusher prop was bigger (for better push) it may work well.
What I like about the gyro is that there's not much to those things. Remember the one in Mad Max? Just a lawn chair with rotors!
Also, one thing I've heard is that when taking off, the rpms of the top rotors have to be just right and what some have done for this is to install a tach for them, which give the pilot a better understanding as to when its ready to lift off.
As far as the problems go for unrecoverabilities, I have always liked these things and it's all I want for Christmas!
That depends on the pusher motor. The models put out by Ken Brock only took 300 feet.
It wouldn't matter much anyhow, I think, because if a bicycle engine was used it would be slower no matter what you put it in, whether plane or gyro.
I can only hazzard a guess that if the top rotors were longer (for better lift) and the pusher prop was bigger (for better push) it may work well.
What I like about the gyro is that there's not much to those things. Remember the one in Mad Max? Just a lawn chair with rotors!
Also, one thing I've heard is that when taking off, the rpms of the top rotors have to be just right and what some have done for this is to install a tach for them, which give the pilot a better understanding as to when its ready to lift off.
As far as the problems go for unrecoverabilities, I have always liked these things and it's all I want for Christmas!
Re: Flying MBs
Source; Story
"Heart of the Problem
Here is an area where the differences between gyros and fixed-wing aircraft become extremely critical. In a fixed-wing aircraft, you can unload the wing without serious consequences. In fact, you may want to unload the wing to prevent a stall. This can happen if you push the stick forward at the top of a zooming climb or at the top of every porpoising cycle if you let the aircraft get into pilot-induced oscillation (PIO).
But note this well: In a gyroplane, unloading the rotor system has potentially disastrous consequences.
Fatal Sequence
As the rotor is unloaded, both control thrust and the drag of the rotor disc fall off rapidly. With a high engine thrustline (relative to the vertical c.g. and center of drag) and/or with a momentary gust that can increase fuselage drag, the gyro can pitch forward and tumble. Such tumbling, also known as bunting over, can occur almost instantly. There is no possible recovery, and bunting over is invariably fatal.
Rotor speed can decay rapidly when the blades are unloaded, leading to rotor instability or flap. This in turn can lead to loss of rotor control and invariably results in a blade strike where one or both blades impact the prop or tail components, further slowing the blades, not to mention the damage to blades and other parts of the airframe. In-flight rotor strikes are also typically fatal.
Almost all gyroplane fatalities involve some combination of rotor strikes and tumbling. You don’t need to worry about stalls or spins in a gyro, but unloading your blades is just as deadly as a low-altitude stall in a fixed-wing aircraft, and it could happen at any altitude. A big amount of gyroplane flight instruction is involved in making sure you avoid that nasty bunting over. "
Source;
Thanks Joe. Is a large consideration. Really like the concept though. Might have to put this further down the list and stick with the floating hang glider concept. Found an inflatable on CL for $375
Source; Story
"Heart of the Problem
Here is an area where the differences between gyros and fixed-wing aircraft become extremely critical. In a fixed-wing aircraft, you can unload the wing without serious consequences. In fact, you may want to unload the wing to prevent a stall. This can happen if you push the stick forward at the top of a zooming climb or at the top of every porpoising cycle if you let the aircraft get into pilot-induced oscillation (PIO).
But note this well: In a gyroplane, unloading the rotor system has potentially disastrous consequences.
Fatal Sequence
As the rotor is unloaded, both control thrust and the drag of the rotor disc fall off rapidly. With a high engine thrustline (relative to the vertical c.g. and center of drag) and/or with a momentary gust that can increase fuselage drag, the gyro can pitch forward and tumble. Such tumbling, also known as bunting over, can occur almost instantly. There is no possible recovery, and bunting over is invariably fatal.
Rotor speed can decay rapidly when the blades are unloaded, leading to rotor instability or flap. This in turn can lead to loss of rotor control and invariably results in a blade strike where one or both blades impact the prop or tail components, further slowing the blades, not to mention the damage to blades and other parts of the airframe. In-flight rotor strikes are also typically fatal.
Almost all gyroplane fatalities involve some combination of rotor strikes and tumbling. You don’t need to worry about stalls or spins in a gyro, but unloading your blades is just as deadly as a low-altitude stall in a fixed-wing aircraft, and it could happen at any altitude. A big amount of gyroplane flight instruction is involved in making sure you avoid that nasty bunting over. "
Source;
Thanks Joe. Is a large consideration. Really like the concept though. Might have to put this further down the list and stick with the floating hang glider concept. Found an inflatable on CL for $375
@ blimp LOL!!! dang LI Joe, that could work!
Re: Flying MBs
Hiker and BG Joe, I didn't see all your replys. I am really liking the blimp thing. Can a lighter then air be "slimed"?
True story, I was dismissed form the U.S. Merchant Marine for med stuff. I was given an education grant that I wanted to use to become a blimp pilot. Back then it was hard to get work doing that and it fell into the "some day" pile. This would be cool. Could be made with a sewing machine, material and rope.
Revision; The lighter then air just got bumped down the list due to HUGEness, lol MAKE: Blog: Personal blimps
Hiker and BG Joe, I didn't see all your replys. I am really liking the blimp thing. Can a lighter then air be "slimed"?
True story, I was dismissed form the U.S. Merchant Marine for med stuff. I was given an education grant that I wanted to use to become a blimp pilot. Back then it was hard to get work doing that and it fell into the "some day" pile. This would be cool. Could be made with a sewing machine, material and rope.
Revision; The lighter then air just got bumped down the list due to HUGEness, lol MAKE: Blog: Personal blimps
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Re: Flying MBs
Good info on the gyro......didn't know that stuff!
I was on Ebay and found an interesting airplane to build. The seller has what's called CRI CRI CRICKET AIRCRAFT PLANS (if you run that, you see this thing).
It claims to be the smallest airplane and can accommodate a number of different engines. Common are engines from lawn mowers, motorcycles, and also RC Jet Turbine Engines. Yeah, this thing has two small engines on it and is a one seater.
A blimp, hey? That would be an interesting ride too! Wouldn't want to get caught in a windstorm though.....might end up doing a cross country flight!
Good info on the gyro......didn't know that stuff!
I was on Ebay and found an interesting airplane to build. The seller has what's called CRI CRI CRICKET AIRCRAFT PLANS (if you run that, you see this thing).
It claims to be the smallest airplane and can accommodate a number of different engines. Common are engines from lawn mowers, motorcycles, and also RC Jet Turbine Engines. Yeah, this thing has two small engines on it and is a one seater.
A blimp, hey? That would be an interesting ride too! Wouldn't want to get caught in a windstorm though.....might end up doing a cross country flight!
Re: Flying MBs
Just found this and am all but sold on the gyro; YouTube - DF02 Gyrocopter: Zero Speed Landing
And this!
YouTube - Sport Copter GyroPlane on Water
This is all just a thought so far. I really, really enjoy and appreciate input. The sky is the limit second only to imagination.
I am having real trouble finding ultra lite flight training in CT. Gonna have to try NY.
Just found this and am all but sold on the gyro; YouTube - DF02 Gyrocopter: Zero Speed Landing
And this!
YouTube - Sport Copter GyroPlane on Water
This is all just a thought so far. I really, really enjoy and appreciate input. The sky is the limit second only to imagination.
I am having real trouble finding ultra lite flight training in CT. Gonna have to try NY.
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Re: Flying MBs
Hwre's a good one for minimal airframes....I'm still looking for the guy who had the "suitcase airplane".
PDQ Aircraft PDQ-2
Hwre's a good one for minimal airframes....I'm still looking for the guy who had the "suitcase airplane".
PDQ Aircraft PDQ-2
Re: Flying MBs
That is the best one yet. Easy, relatively cheap, and the biggest thrill per dollar ratio of anything discussed so far.
You haven't inhaled until you have had to rely on the opening of a parachute to save you.
That is the best one yet. Easy, relatively cheap, and the biggest thrill per dollar ratio of anything discussed so far.
You haven't inhaled until you have had to rely on the opening of a parachute to save you.
Re: Flying MBs
I like that BGJ. I remember I looked up and saw a big rectangle above me. That was the sweetest breath I ever took..................
I like that BGJ. I remember I looked up and saw a big rectangle above me. That was the sweetest breath I ever took..................
Re: Flying MBs
I jumped with an old military surplus chute stamped "Date of manufacture- 1959".
It was O.D. green, round and I hit like I jumped off a two story building....still it was awesome.
I jumped with an old military surplus chute stamped "Date of manufacture- 1959".
It was O.D. green, round and I hit like I jumped off a two story building....still it was awesome.
Re: Flying MBs
My very first thought with all this was a 2 wheeler and a chute, now it has grown into a flying boat trike. If this insanity can actually be pulled off.. (and it can) WoHoo!
Back to the chute as the wing. Big advantage(s) easy to stow, deploy and price. The bad; not ideal for water
Hang glider wing; good for water, more efficient. As always, thoughts and advice welcomed.
All academic until I can get some training
No way bud! All good. One of the most enjoyable things about the group dynamic here is the way threads meander. I learn and enjoy as much from the off the path as on.
My very first thought with all this was a 2 wheeler and a chute, now it has grown into a flying boat trike. If this insanity can actually be pulled off.. (and it can) WoHoo!
Back to the chute as the wing. Big advantage(s) easy to stow, deploy and price. The bad; not ideal for water
Hang glider wing; good for water, more efficient. As always, thoughts and advice welcomed.
All academic until I can get some training
Re: Flying MBs
There is a number of different ultralight plans on Ebay and one is for a motorless glider that looks pretty small.
I remember hearing about a guy years ago that took a very small motor and put it on his hang glider. It had just enough fuel to get him in the air where he could be on his way.
I think the same could be done in any light weight set up and the ultralight wing is a good one too!
There is a number of different ultralight plans on Ebay and one is for a motorless glider that looks pretty small.
I remember hearing about a guy years ago that took a very small motor and put it on his hang glider. It had just enough fuel to get him in the air where he could be on his way.
I think the same could be done in any light weight set up and the ultralight wing is a good one too!
Re: Flying MBs
We had a guy land here in Pampa this summer that flew all the way here with a non powered hang glider from like 150 miles away. He was launched by an ultra light and kept catching thermals and coming this way. Now thats cheap flying, but you can only do that kind of stuff when the weather works in your favor....................
We had a guy land here in Pampa this summer that flew all the way here with a non powered hang glider from like 150 miles away. He was launched by an ultra light and kept catching thermals and coming this way. Now thats cheap flying, but you can only do that kind of stuff when the weather works in your favor....................
Re: Flying MBs
I'm sure a good understanding of what's going on at high altitudes is a plus. When I see eagles gliding the sky, it always makes me wonder what they know and I don't.
You know what kind of glider would be cool to fly?
A Teradactyal!
I'm sure a good understanding of what's going on at high altitudes is a plus. When I see eagles gliding the sky, it always makes me wonder what they know and I don't.
You know what kind of glider would be cool to fly?
A Teradactyal!
Re: Flying MBs
"A Teradactyal!" Snork
Having an after dinner smoke, I keep coming back to the gyroplane. It would solve all the criteria. Easily deployed, and stowed for travel as boat or bike. Not to beat a dead horse. Read the stats on gyroplane fatalities and a good many were attributed to lack of training. Having no flight training, I think I would be less likely to react in the reverse of correct in a panic. Aside from the bunting thing, the drive train and pilot also needs to be pretty high.
Not important, but I really like the way a gyro functions and looks as well.
Gonna look around for ultralight gatherings and ask folks.
"A Teradactyal!" Snork
Having an after dinner smoke, I keep coming back to the gyroplane. It would solve all the criteria. Easily deployed, and stowed for travel as boat or bike. Not to beat a dead horse. Read the stats on gyroplane fatalities and a good many were attributed to lack of training. Having no flight training, I think I would be less likely to react in the reverse of correct in a panic. Aside from the bunting thing, the drive train and pilot also needs to be pretty high.
Not important, but I really like the way a gyro functions and looks as well.
Gonna look around for ultralight gatherings and ask folks.
Re: Flying MBs
BE VERY CAREFUL BUYING "PLANS" ON EBAY!!!!
They can range from the real deal to 20 pages of B.S. put out by fly by night losers.
BE VERY CAREFUL BUYING "PLANS" ON EBAY!!!!
They can range from the real deal to 20 pages of B.S. put out by fly by night losers.