| SpyderMike |
03-08-2019 10:46 PM |
I built a Bensen and flew it with a VW engine and then a MAC72 back in the late 1980s at El Mirage dry lake. Taught myself how to fly it (not real smart). It was a blast. I am currently looking at two place ones and looking to get one in a year or less. Engineering has improved them greatly. They are more popular outside the US but the momentum is slowly growing here.
To me it isn't necessarily about the short takeoff or landing. It is the flight experience which is closer to the helicopter but not nearly as expensive. Pretty basic and reliable.
Here is a forum focused on them:
www.rotaryforum.com
Proper training is critical as they are different than fixed wing in the way they are flown. Plenty safe if flown properly (like most aircraft). They had a rough reputation back in the day because of people like me. There were very few instructors, so we just learned to fly. Some of the designs weren't that great either. Quite a few were killed.
The nice ones coming out of the Europe are tested and certified. A few are available as certified in the US too. But my problem is that a couple that I like are not available in kit form, so I would have to import them and go the Experimental Exhibition route which has some restrictions on use. I am narrowing it down...
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