Todd: you mentioned you liked the R22; whats its performance like? How much did it cost to get your rotorcraft?

Sam,

The R22 is unique in that it will lift 2 adults and an 1:30 of fuel on 131HP. Rental runs around $235/hr compared to a Enstrom usually around $350/hr. It's systems are dirt simple and require very little relative maintenance or deep understanding. It does have some limitations that require respect, but other than that it is the perfect "inexpensive" helicopter.

I never did finish my rotorcraft rating. back in 2003 my instructor signed me off for solo a few times and I flew my Brantly about 75 hours. He then moved to Florida and I just lost interest due to other projects. I sold the Brantly and just recently took a few hours in the 22. Experimental aircraft with only the pilot in the machine do not require specific rating - only a pilot's rating. In other words, if you are a fixed wing pilot you can legally fly an airship, helicopter, airplane, etc as long as it is just you in the machine. Experimentals do not have category and class ratings.

My idea is to do all of the commercial manuevers practiced in the Helicycle that costs about $90/hr to run and then to take dual instruction just enough in the 22 to qualify for the commercial rating. I may then sell the Helicycle and possibly buy a runout 44, install a turbine, and take it experimental. We shall see.

Todd,

I have a question about the above... I understand your point about experimental aircraft not requiring a specific rotor or fixed-wing rating or certificate. My question is, would total hours in experimentals still count toward the experience requirement for a particular certificate or rating?

In other words, do you believe time in the helicycle counts towards the 50 hours needed to satisfy the experience requirements for a helicopter commercial add-on?

Jeff,

That is a good question. It would seem to me that if no category rating is required then time in the machine would not count either. It does not matter in my case since I already have 75 hours in certified helicopters, but I think I will find out the answer. Let me know if you come up with the answer before me.

OH how I need one of these for the farm in Indiana! That just looks so cool.

Spent last weekend hanging with a bunch of Rescue HH-60 pilots and a few Combat Rescue Officers. The stories they told. The fun they seem to have.

It left me thinking, as a military aviator: if you don't fly helicopters, you're a p**ssy.

From the RotorFX website pertaining to experimental helicopters. These guys do extensive training in helicopters - both experimental and certified:

** Although their is no regulatory requirement to hold any type of pilot license at all to fly the Mosquito AIR or XEL, or that you can fly the XE, XE3 or XET experimental helicopters with just a fixed wing private rating or higher, training is still necessary to teach you the flight skills to pilot your Mosquito. An accelerated 10 hour class is available which can usually be accomplished in 3-4 days at which point you should have very basic competency in hovering, pedal turns, hover taxi, quick stops, pick ups and set downs which should provide you sufficient skills to return home and practice these maneuvers for many more hours. For new pilots this time counts towards your rotorcraft rating and for fixed wing pilots this time does count towards your rotorcraft add on rating. This is an absolute minimum, additional time is highly recommended.**

So, it does seem that the time would count.

I think that's on a sign at the main gate of Ft. Rucker.

Todd, did the kangaroo fly with you?

Are they considered part 103 ultralights ?

Other than that, I am curious to know what interpretation of the FARs doesn't require a rotor rating to fly an experimental helicopter. Unless you consider yourself a student pilot forever, but if you do that, you'll need endorsements for every cross-country flight etc.

Florian,

Experimental aircraft are just that - experimental. They have an Amatuer Built airworthiness certificate that does not specify category. An Amatuer built helicopter has the same airworthiness cert as an Am built airplane, glider, airship, etc; therefore, there is no category specific rating needed as long as only the pilot is in the machine. You only need to have an Airman's rating in any aircraft since you are commanding a machine that is not an ultralight.

This is basically a loophole allowed by the FAA to enable builders of experimental aircraft to test fly their creations.

With that said, if you want to carry passengers the FAA does require you to have the appropriate rating in the machine that most resembles the proper category.

Also, Mosquito does offer an ultralight legal helicopter requiring no license of any kind.

Florian,

Here is your answer all legal and such. Scroll down to the bottom at "Exceptions" section (I) subsection (B). If you are not carrying a passenger you are good to go:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.31