My Pilot training/Bee Build

[WingNut]

Well the time has finally came, I have done it. I have finally ordered my first pieces for my Bee project. Ever since I got back from Panama, building and training has constantly been on my mind. The past couple weeks I have been stocking up on some tools, but today was the day, I ordered basically everything needed for Phases 1-3, plus the tail boom. I have been waiting for this day for years, ever since I saw a pic of a Gyrobee back in the late 90's.

Not only did I order some material, but I also have my first couple hours of autogyro lessons this Saturday, so I am very excited about that. I am hoping to align the end of this build with the end of my training which I expect(hope) both to be completed before the end of the year. I would like to be ready to fly by Spring 2011.

The build is going to be a pretty simple gyro. I am going to try to keep it light as possible and most likely power it with a 447. I would like to keep it ultralight, but its not necessary since I should have my license before its done. Ultralight prefered tho. The build should prove to be quite challenging, the last time I did metal work was in 1995, in 8th grade metal shop. I am learning everything as I go. I am confident I will be able to build a nice machine tho. Well, I suppose that is all I have for now, I will post some training and parts pics when I have them.

[Jazzenjohn]

I don't know how big you are, but I'd look for a 503 instead of a 447. Don't hesitate to ask questions, there's plenty of people here with Bee's, and a wealth of experience.

[Dirtydog]

WingNut :
How much do you weigh? I have the 503 on my bird and I can't see it with only 40 HP but I know that the MZ is a 60 HP but cost a little more. I know a few guys that used them.....

[WingNut]

I weigh about 180lbs. I originally was going for the 503, but I liked the 447 since it is lighter. I am not set on anything for the engine at this point, 503 may end up being the choice.

[Resasi]

I have researched this in the past without any really convincing answers, but it was my observation at this Bensen Days that a good power to weight ratio may well provide an additional margin of safety.

It obviously has to be within reason, dependent upon pilot weight, temp, density, rotor length, prop type blade length, number of blades and the host of other variables that apply, however, on a Bee type and generalizing a Rotax 447 would seem to be a minimum, 503 adequate, 532 582 good performance. Above that and you had probably better have some gyro experience to handle it safely.

At 180 you are certainly better placed for the 447 than many of us.:)

[Dirtydog]

Resasi :
Come on now you have the 503 also on your hornet and is it just ok? Mine seem to push my bee pretty good. I was at 230 but now down to 208 today...But at 230 she moved. are they still making the 447?

Wingnut :

make sure you check around a lot on prices before buying to get a good deal. I got mine from http://ulparts.com/ when I bought it the price was 4,500.00 for motor, oil pump, B gear box Remember the prices on the ul parts part are not US money canada money Call
My email to Paulette" paulette@uniserve.com at UL parts
let's recap what I am getting! $4850.00 incl shipping and insur. 2 to 3 day AIR
1---503UL DCDI per 8 engine with oil pump
1---B gear box 2.58
1---Side muffler / exhast system

[Resasi]

Yes Chris, gyro weight is around 350 205-210 for pilot (with all the gear) and 60 for the ten galls so 503 is OK but would like the 10 extra horses. I think your Bee is lighter?

They may not be selling the 2 strokes too much longer due to emission concerns?

[Dirtydog]

Resasi :

Yea mine is no were near 350 I was wanting a bigger motor but I will wait until I want something bigger

[WingNut]

yeah, I was certainly hoping to keep it below 300lbs. Plus I am heavy at 180lbs, usually I weigh less but we are coming off a lazy winter.

I got my new drill press today, I was happy about that, the last one was terrible.

5 pieces of metal arrived today. I really don't know what to think about this, one part missing, ONLY ONE part is stamped and the mast pieces are scratched up, I am not even sure if I can use this metal. There are some deep gouges and scraps in the metal. QUITE DISAPPOINTING, I was hoping for better results for my first shipment.

[Dirtydog]

WingNut :
I would send a picture of that to the people you bought it from. You might get a new piece...for free

[Resasi]

If they are sending out crap they might not.:sad:

[WingNut]

Yep, I was on the phone with them as soon as I got done writing the last post on here. They are sending out a new piece(hassle-free). Not sure what to do about it not being stamped. All the pieces have stickers on them saying 6061, but only the one piece is "stamped". I asked when I called, they said they cut it from larger stock and it isn't all stamped, but that it is 6061. The one piece that is stamped appears to be continuously stamped along the whole piece of metal. Not sure if I should trust this stuff or not.

[WingNut]

Well, I got a couple more shipments in the mail. Hardware and a couple more pieces of metal, nothing real exciting. I still have not gotten the missing piece of tubing from onlinemetals.com. I got screwed out of my first lesson due to severe weather in Tennessee, I am hoping to start training a little more local here in a few weeks.

I have been working on a few pieces. I did most of the work on the seat braces and have drilled a few of the 1/4inch holes in the mast and keel. Everything has went surprisingly smooth. I have to delay my next parts order due to some unexpected costs that arose... tickets to Roger Waters(floor, row 2;) ).

Other than that, I am just waiting to start the next task and clean up some of the parts I already have.:plane:

[choppergabor]

I have to delay my next parts order due to some unexpected costs that arose... tickets to Roger Waters(floor, row 2;) ).


Can't blame you for that expense....it is well worth it :)
It's looking good so far. Little by little you'll get there :)