Niteshade Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 I know that most experimentals rotorcraft aren't very well recieved here, and usually for good reason. I don't think this one is going to be an exception either. Its called the AirScooter - here's a pic Apparantly, this contraption is generating a lot of excitment from people eager to fly but who don't want to get a license, and it is expected to be about $50k. The manufacturer's website makes several claims of the financial benefit of not having to get a license to operate this - which is terrifying to me. They seem to be more concerned with making money than saftey - no mention of any training on their site. Being a single-seater, you obviously wouldn't be able to get any dual on it. Doesn't look overly crash-worthy either, to say the least (especially the landing gear). But that's all peanuts compared to what their FAQ says- "Question: Does the AirScooter auto-rotate? Answer: The AirScooter is designed for the recreational sport flyer and as such does not auto-rotate. The AirScooter is designed for recreational flying at low altitude where even traditional helicopters have little benefit from auto-rotation. Design efforts have been done on a ballistic emergency chute for the AirScooter." So, if you don't have the altitude to auto (or the ability), a chute is going to save you?! I would like to think that no one in their right mind would get this thing into FF, but making such assumptions about people who won't have to get a license is absurd. I hope this never reaches the market where anyone can have it delivered, slap on the blades, and try their luck. How about the "intuitive controls"? I'll take my cyclic, collective, and pedals where they should be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeliZach Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 YIKES!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARCTICFOX Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 I know that most experimentals rotorcraft aren't very well recieved here, and usually for good reason. I don't think this one is going to be an exception either. Its called the AirScooter - here's a pic Apparantly, this contraption is generating a lot of excitment from people eager to fly but who don't want to get a license, and it is expected to be about $50k. The manufacturer's website makes several claims of the financial benefit of not having to get a license to operate this - which is terrifying to me. They seem to be more concerned with making money than saftey - no mention of any training on their site. Being a single-seater, you obviously wouldn't be able to get any dual on it. Doesn't look overly crash-worthy either, to say the least (especially the landing gear). But that's all peanuts compared to what their FAQ says- "Question: Does the AirScooter auto-rotate? Answer: The AirScooter is designed for the recreational sport flyer and as such does not auto-rotate. The AirScooter is designed for recreational flying at low altitude where even traditional helicopters have little benefit from auto-rotation. Design efforts have been done on a ballistic emergency chute for the AirScooter." So, if you don't have the altitude to auto (or the ability), a chute is going to save you?! I would like to think that no one in their right mind would get this thing into FF, but making such assumptions about people who won't have to get a license is absurd. I hope this never reaches the market where anyone can have it delivered, slap on the blades, and try their luck. How about the "intuitive controls"? I'll take my cyclic, collective, and pedals where they should be! Have they tested the emergency chute? Just curious if they did at what alttitude? How long for chute deployment? Just my opinion I don't think I would like to fly anything that comes equipped with a rip cord option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Morai Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 There are training requirements for ultralights and I think a license that goes with it. Was lookning into it awhile back. I also agree with the OP, I would not get on that Rube Goldberg rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
67november Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 That's an accident looking for a place to happen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flybull Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 Oh brother! How do you get around the certificate requirement? As far as I can recall, there is no "rotor" category of ultra-lights. And... the Sport Pilot as well... This isn't considered an auto-gyro, is it? Mmmmmm........???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeliZach Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 This isn't considered an auto-gyro, is it? Mmmmmm........???? Good luck trying to pass it off as an autogiro... no prop to create forward thrust and no wheels to facilitate that movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flybull Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 No doubt that it's definitely not a gyro, but I can't for the life of me figure how you could fly that thing, even as an experimental, without a rotor certificate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomw Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 No doubt that it's definitely not a gyro, but I can't for the life of me figure how you could fly that thing, even as an experimental, without a rotor certificate? Easy! You just do it illegaly. When anyone sees that thing flying anywhere near them they are sure to run for cover. As long as the blades are ah-spinnin' I dont think you will have ANY problems with aviation enforcement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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