Ultralights and experimental aircraft

[YARP]

I know this doesn't have anything to do with cars, but it is a form of transportation that most wouldn't think about. My uncle had a pilots license for a long time, he let go of it awhile ago but couldn't stand not flying. So instead of messing around with all the rules, licences and in general BS he decided to build his own ultralight plane. My interest is mainly in helicopters and I've thought about taking some classes in order to learn how to fly them. Anyone else on here in to this kind of stuff?

I don't have any sound at work, but these were cool to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1or...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCPsl...eature=related

[tx_bhp]

Private Pilot SEL&S, A&P w/IA. Mostly fly an Aeronca Champ 7AC, trade for maintenance, being in the Light Sport category no medical needed. It is a skill everyone should have. If nothing else take a couple of lesson and learn how to land! It is just eye hand coordination. I always tell people if you can drive a stick shift, you can fly. Never flown a chopper. Go for it!

[sloughfoot]

Private, MEL, Instrument. About 1000 hours PIC.

Civil Air Patrol Transport Mission Pilot. CAP Cadet and JROTC orientation pilot. Going for Mission Pilot the end of March.

My squadron was just assigned a Garmin glass panel C182 this week so I am transitioning to the the Garmin over the next week or so. from what I have seen so far, I may never want to go back to steam gauges......

[clintofio]

My advice for an aspiring ultralight pilot from a Flight Instructor and Aviation Insurance Agent:

Take lessons, don't think you can teach yourself, especially helicopter. Find a Mentor.
Just like shooting, money spent on training is money well spent.
Join the EAA.
If you buy, make sure you trust the builder, and have the aircraft thoroughly inspected.
Avoid the hanglider-winged models, I see more customers die in these than other styles.
Strictly limit yourself on when you'll fly to low winds, clear, nice weather only.
Get liability insurance from the EAA program.

Go for it! I've never met someone who regretted learning how to fly.

[YARP]

clintofio-For sure, lessons would be the top of my list. I'll probably take a couple just to see how well I like it. I'm pretty sure I would be a fair weather flyer for the most part, it'd be nice to get to the hunting camp up north without all the hassle of driving!

[Quasar]

Private, Instrument Rated, 2000 Hrs

Those ultralights have very minimum load carrying ability. Especially with full fuel load and you the pilot. I have about 300 Hrs in the Quicksilver MX ultralight and that was enough. You might want to look at some of the smaller homebuilt options available. I have seen some homebuilt helicopters and all I can say is NO WAY for me. They are just as complex and difficult machine to fly as the full sized ones. Helicopter flight training is also VERY expensive compared to fixed wing.

[YARP]

Quasar-Yeah I've looked in to the cost of training. Lucky for me I'm a half hour away from a small airport that does this kind of training. I checked it out ten years ago and believe it or not, the cost of an instructor has gone down since then! Mostly due to Michigans crappy economy I suspect. I've also thought about Gyro planes. Basically if I was to own one, I'd want to be able to fly it right from home. It'd be the shortest landing strip ever.

[Dorkface]

Why was the first thing I thought of when I read this thread title the Gyro captain from The Road Warrior?

I think it would be fun. lol.

[YARP]

Why was the first thing I thought of when I read this thread title the Gyro captain from The Road Warrior?

I think it would be fun. lol.

That guy kicked ass in my book! LOL!

[Teckomando]

During my first go around in college, ground school was an elective credit. I had a girlfriend at the time who's father owned a Cessna 152. So I took advantage of the opportunity to get my private ticket. There's a local helo pilot school about 15 minutes from me. I want to try them. They're very affordable but it will have to wait until I'm done with school(again) and my economic situation changes. Suarez classes are my first priority after finishing my second degree, then helo training. My suggestion would be to find a friend that has some ultralight experience and/or check for a local ultralight club. We have one in my area. They will have tons of information and experience that would benefit you.