Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Nov 23, 2003 03:01am | #1

   wow !.... i don't know , stan.... a twin seater  ?... you are movin up in the world  

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   StanFoster | Nov 23, 2003 03:08am | #2

   Mike:   It is a two seater...fully enclosed heated cabin...I dont have the doors or windshield in it yet...as all the flight controls.  Lots of "fun" work this winter.

   I was able to sell my other one at a nice price...and I really got a good deal on this unfinished brand new kit.  

1. 
   ProDek | Nov 23, 2003 03:19am | #3

   That's pretty cool Stan, Now you can take me for a ride. don't forget your cell phone so I can talk you down to my helicopter pad in my front yard.......

   You're really going to like the views around here.

   See you next spring. "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   Bob

2. 
   joeh | Nov 23, 2003 04:04am | #4

   Stan, your shop is depressingly neat.

   Nice project. My BD5 never looked as interesting as this does.

   Joe H

1. 
   Kennn | Nov 23, 2003 04:17am | #5

   Stan,

   I'm really impressed that you built this beauty just so you could take me for a ride.

   let me know when it's ready to go, so I can book a flight up.

   Oh yeah, thanks for your comments about my roof framing math in the "favorite poster" thread.

   Ken Drake

3. 
   larryscabnuts | Nov 23, 2003 07:47am | #6

   Stan,

   Is that engine a motorcycle engine or is it made by BMV as an airplane engine?

1. 
   StanFoster | Nov 23, 2003 01:43pm | #8

   Larry:   The engine is a 130 horse 2.2 liter Subaru engine.

1. 
   MisterT | Nov 23, 2003 02:04pm | #9

   Stan that is WAY COOL!!!

   But....................

   It needs.................

   A custom bent-lamination dash board......................

   AND...................

   Some Kickasss Flames by KiethC !!!!!!!!!!!

   I'm sure if you offered him some free rides, He would consider.Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

1. 
   StanFoster | Nov 23, 2003 02:07pm | #10

   Mr. T.....there is one piece of wood on this machine.. a 1x2 that is "straight"....and it sits under the fuel tank. 

1. 
   MisterT | Nov 23, 2003 03:51pm | #11

   See!

   I told you it needs more wood!Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

2. 
   larryscabnuts | Nov 23, 2003 09:33pm | #12

   Looked like a BEEMER

1. 
   StanFoster | Dec 06, 2003 02:02am | #13

   I had some down time waiting on stair materials..so I got some "up" time and worked some more on my gyrocopter. I installed some more switches and circuit breakers..and now have the cyclic controls installed. The throttle and carb heat are now working..and the roll and pitch trim box in the center is about done.

   I do not know what is causing those annoying blobs on my photos..I cleaned the lens..and no luck.

   
1. 
   butch | Dec 06, 2003 02:13am | #14

   Keep em coming Stan, thanks for sharing

   What  are some of the stats on this one,

   How fast do you think she'll go?

   What kinda of range,altitude?

   How soon before you have her finished?

   Inquiring minds want to know

2. 
   StanFoster | Dec 06, 2003 04:09am | #16

   butch:   It will cruise around 70 - 75 mph.  Top speed is around 100.   It will fly to 10000 feet.  I should have it running by the end of January.  Lots and lots of stuff to get just right. You have to be patient and not rush any of the details.

3. 
   caseyr | Dec 06, 2003 05:23am | #17

   Stan - I hate to tell you this, but you made a mistake building it in your shop.  Now you'll have to take the roof off to fly the thing out when you're finished...

4. 
   stefs3 | Dec 11, 2003 07:13pm | #18

   Stan,

   does the throttle function like a collective? How do you adjust attitude so as to climb? Just pull back on the stick, and the blades tilt back?

   Do you work the throttle, or adjust the attitude to control airspeed.

   How does that thing work?

   It is beautiful.

   Stef

5. 
   StanFoster | Dec 13, 2003 01:58pm | #20

   Stef:    The throttle only controls the engine speed which drives the propeller through a reduction drive.  The rotor is NOT powered.  The cyclic controls..( joystick) ,  tilts the rotor head the direction you want to go.  Tilt left..and you go left...

   Altitude is more a function of the throttle setting..and speed is more a function of the tilt of the rotor. Its hard to explain but it all balances out while you are flying.  If you want to climb...adding power will get you there.

   The aerodynamics of a rotor blade have always fascinated me. The laws of precession, p-factor, dysymetry of lift,torque are all demonstrated every time I fly. 

   I just am bent to go in circles I guess.   :)

   Edited 12/13/2003 6:01:25 AM ET by Stan Foster

6. 
   caseyr | Dec 14, 2003 08:19am | #22

   Stan -

   I don't know how common it is (was?) but at least a couple of gyros used a mechanism whereby the motor was connected to the rotor to bring the rotor up to speed to give a more verticle initial take off. I believe it was not connected for regular flight. I assume the mechanism to do this added weight, cost, and complexity and thus it probably wasn't a big seller...

7. 
   StanFoster | Dec 14, 2003 02:35pm | #23

   Casey:   Most gyros have a pre-rotator.  Mine is so equipped as well.  This is used to spin the rotor up on the ground to around 200 rpm.  Then the takeoff roll begins and the incoming airflow passing over the rotor blades speeds them up to flight speed. The pre-rotator is not used in flight.

   Some gyros have a pre-rotator capable of over speeding the rotors...then collective pitch is applied to the rotor blades and a jump take off is possible. This basically uses the over spun rotors momentum to lift the craft off the ground and into forward flight where the rotor is just then in a state of autorotation.

8. 
   StanFoster | Jan 11, 2004 03:51am | #29

   Ok....my stairshop is in full production once again.  I have been working nights and weekends the last two months  and I now have my gyro running. It is shown here tied to a tree as I have to run the engine 20 hours at ever increasing rpm's to break-in the engine.  The front fairing..and the rotor are not on.  The engine is running at 2700 rpm in this picture.

   
9. 
   IMERC | Jan 11, 2004 05:04am | #30

   Did this critter do something not so nice that it had to be leashed.

   That is some ride you put together Stan.. Nice work but that seems to be your norm. 

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

10. 
    StanFoster | Jan 11, 2004 06:48am | #31

    Thanks...it was keeping me from my stairwork...so its back to the hanger for it.

11. 
    4Lorn2 | Jan 13, 2004 04:05am | #32

    It looks like it would be happier as a 'free-range' gyrocopter.

12. 
    GoldenWreckedAngle | Jan 14, 2004 10:58pm | #36

    Ok Stan - once again I'm impressed with something you've built. Now if you're done with that break-in can we get some bird's eye views? I've really missed you taking us along on your wild blue yonder adventures.Kevin Halliburton

    "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

13. 
    StanFoster | Jan 15, 2004 02:18am | #37

    Kevin:   I wont be able to get it legal to fly with the FAA until up in Feb.  Then I jsut have to cautiously check it out on the runway.   I probably wont be airborn till March.

14. 
    StanFoster | Jan 15, 2004 02:25am | #38

    Kevin:   I will post some pictures I took last July in Indiana where I flew to a rotorcraft convention. The first is when I arrived. The second picture is base leg for runway 18. The third is on final for runway 18.   The last picture is some of the gyrocopters on the flight line.  Mine is the little red one clear at the back.

    
15. 
    GoldenWreckedAngle | Jan 15, 2004 03:01am | #39

    Thanks for the fix Stan. That'll hold me till the FAA gives your current bird her official wings.

    You're one of a kind man - glad I found your little corner of the world here. Your stairs, your son's health and your pictures from above - I seem to find a level of inspiration in every one of your posts.

    Ah-Pree-shate-cha!Kevin Halliburton

    "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

16. 
    StanFoster | Jan 15, 2004 04:22am | #40

    Kevin:    Thanks....My son getting his health back has caused my life to climb higher than any stairway or gyrocopter can get me.

17. 
    StanFoster | Feb 03, 2004 04:26am | #41

    I finally got my front fairing on and the machine cleaned up. These are similar pictures that I had posted...but it is finally the way it should look.   I have to give it its hang test yet...then its up to the airport.

18. 
    armin | Feb 04, 2004 05:01am | #42

    Simply awesome! I know you must have posted before but how much runway do you need to take off. I have a 400 + foot run before I hit the tree line, is that a safe distance or would I need a better helmet? How about the noise, ear protectors required? How loud is it to people on the ground at takeoff?

19. 
    StanFoster | Feb 04, 2004 07:05am | #43

    Armin:   It takes several hundred feet to take off....unless there is a good headwind.  It will land in very tight places..usually rolling less than ten feet. 

    The rotor is first pre-rotated to about 140 rpm.  Then power is applied and the speed is gradually built up until the rotor rpm is at 200 rpm.  Then full power is applied and a typical liftoff is around 40 mph.   Landing is 0-5 mph.

    Its not that loud...its a Subaru 130 horse engine. Most of the noise comes off the prop.

    I wear a nice headset with gel seal earcups.

20. 
    armin | Feb 05, 2004 05:01am | #44

    Stan' How slow can it go, as in ground speed? Top speed?

21. 
    StanFoster | Feb 05, 2004 05:19am | #45

    Armin:    It can fly and maintain altitude at 25 mph with full throttle in a condition known as flying behind the power curve.  If you slow up below this...it will start descending.

    You can slow it completely to 0 mph and then be in a vertical descent...all the while having full control over it.  You can kick in some rudder and spin as you come down vertically.

    Top speed is 100 mph.  It will cruise at 80...although I will be content at a 70 cruise as it just saves on the engine.

    A gyrocopter will not stall like an airplane. The rotor has enogh airspeed to allow the gyro to slow clear to 0 mph.  This is what is so safe about a gyrocopter. Should you have an engine out..you can practically land it in a rock pile.

22. 
    DavidThomas | Feb 11, 2004 12:49am | #46

    Stan, thought you like this column from The Onion.  I'm taking a copy to EAA meeting tonight.  Titled, "I want to fly a Helicopter, not Look at a bunch of Crazy Dials!"

    http://www.theonion.com/4006/opinion1.html

    David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

23. 
    StanFoster | Feb 11, 2004 02:50am | #47

    Dave:  Thanks for the link.   EAA is a great orginazation.  You will notice their 50th anniversary decal that is on the nose of my gyrocopter right under the yaw string.

    Edited 2/10/2004 8:17:58 PM ET by Stan Foster

24. 
    DavidThomas | Dec 26, 2003 09:38am | #26

    "Altitude is more a function of the throttle setting..and speed is more a function of the tilt of the rotor. Its hard to explain but it all balances out while you are flying. If you want to climb...adding power will get you there."

    Same as a airplane. The reverse of what most people think (and some pilots act). But it's true: Throttle controls climb. Elevator controls speed.

    The best book on it and other aspects of light aircraft is probably still

    Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying -- by Wolfgang Langewiesche

    60 years later, it is still all true. Plus he forecast the popularity and advantages of tricycle gear, etc.David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

25. 
    xMikeSmith | Dec 14, 2003 01:01am | #21

    stan... most of the time i get those blobs it's dust in the air refracting the light..

    another thing... have you bought one of those little pencil type things that look like a small suction cup on the end for cleaning your  lenses... i've had great luck with one.. got  it at Ritz Camera

    nice pics.. you flying  that to RI ?  .. i bet you could hop from one Breaktimer's house to another all the way from IlliniMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

26. 
    StanFoster | Dec 14, 2003 03:01pm | #24

    Mike:  I have no problem flying 2-300 miles...but I refuse to fly over solid wooded areas.  I would be depending on my engine and I just would not be comfortable with that.  I have had 18 forced landings since 1985..never damaging anything.  But I was always in gliding distance of a pasture or a field. 

    The engine in the one I am building now should be much more reliable...but I am going to be content just flying in the midwest.

27. 
    StanFoster | Dec 26, 2003 12:00am | #25

    I have more switches and fuses installed.  All the controls are connected and adjusted to correct fore.aft and lateral limits.

    The windshield is on, dual fuel pumps.  I should have it all wired and running by the end of January.

    
28. 
    NormVila | Dec 27, 2003 12:49am | #27

    Stan--Be careful with that bird!

    home.att.net/~raf2000owners/raf_accidents.htm

29. 
    StanFoster | Dec 27, 2003 07:49am | #28

    kman:   Believe me...I am very careful.  I have flown them since 1985 and have had many forced landings.  They are the best engine out machine I know of because they basically land at or less than 5 mph.

    They are like anything...you have to know the grey areas to stay away from...

30. 
    blues_hound | Jan 13, 2004 06:31am | #33

    Yup looks dangerous safer to have wings I think and a parchute!

    Bluesman found sitting on toilet is said to be high on pot!

31. 
    StanFoster | Jan 14, 2004 06:00am | #34

    It has its own parachute....the rotor.    That rotor has let me donw gently with 18 complete engine outs.

32. 
    CAGIV | Jan 14, 2004 07:48am | #35

    I'd imagine if the engine goes out now you remain pretty calm?  How close to a heart attack did you come on the first one though?

33. 
    Bluegillman | Feb 11, 2004 07:00am | #48

    Where is that place that we all can watch? Are there others around the states? Cool looking toys!

34. 
    StanFoster | Feb 12, 2004 04:52am | #49

    Please dont take this as tooting my horn...ok?  But I took my gyro out to taxi today and spin up the rotor for the first time.  In 45 minutes ...it was feeling so good...as I was learning proper rudder and cyclic reflexes...that I did some low and slow crow hops down the runway.  It felt great..   I just had to be keenly aware of keeping it square with the runway with the rudders..and to stop any lateral drift with the cyclic.

    After about 1.5 hours..I had enough. Time to let the reflexes soak in until the next time out.  It would be very easy to just full throttle it and leave the airport...but I must be slow and methodical about training my reflexes. 

    Even though I have lots of experience in other gyros....this machine is a little more involved.  It really is surprising me though how similar it is to my smaller ones I had.

    Edited 2/11/2004 8:53:57 PM ET by Stan Foster

35. 
    butch | Feb 12, 2004 02:25pm | #50

    I want to ride, unh unh, can I,  oh oh oh ,can  I? LOL

36. 
    StanFoster | Feb 21, 2004 05:21pm | #51

    Here is a picture of my 21 year old daughter ..Jennifer..awaiting her first flight.   It will be getting its airworthiness inspection Feb.28th. If the DAR says all is ok...it will be a legal eagle.

37. 
    quinnf | Feb 27, 2004 12:17am | #52

    Gorgeous, Stan!  I mean really!  The 'copter's pretty cool, too.

    I feel cheated, though, having read in Popular Mechanics/Popular Science/Popular Whatever back when I was a kid in the '60s that by the year 2000 we'd all be commuting to and from work in one of those.  Well Y2K rolled around and . . . no gyrocopter.  What a disappointment.  Glad that dream came true for some of us.  Hope to see one fly some time.

    Back to work . . .

4. 
   butch | Nov 23, 2003 01:36pm | #7

   Stan, thanks for the pictures, that really is going to be a nice ride when you get it

   completed. More pictures, please

5. 
   reinvent | Dec 06, 2003 02:37am | #15

   It would be way cool to show up at the job site in that. Just put a wire cage under the cockpit for your tools'-)

6. 
   Longhair | Dec 11, 2003 07:37pm | #19

   stan i  have a buddy that rides a white police special harley with just about the same picture on his tanks as in raf1.nice looking toy bet its fun