SPORTCOPTER TRAINER 2 PLACE

[scott heger]

Was in Oregon and stopped by to get some parts from SportCopter. Jim was showing me the new trainer, and offered some stick time in it. I took him up on it, and bottom line it in very impressive and responsive. One quick hop around the field to get used to it, and it was time for some serious "cranking and banking". I was surprised how much better it handled than the original trainer. As far as a student getting the high performance feel of the single place Vortex, this machine was much better. The only place that was obvious of its larger size and weight was on takeoff and balancing due to the larger "arm" movement. The 2 place machine did vertical spins and climbs like it was a much smaller machine with lots more power. I greased a perfect landing the first time. Way to go SportCopter!! The students will be the big gainers here.

Scott Heger, Laguna Niguel, Ca N86SH

[PW_Plack]

This past Saturday was the PRA Chapter 73 meeting, and also happened to be sunny and 80 degrees F. Jim Vanek was very generous with his time to take a few of us up in the tandem, and since very few pictures of it get circulated, I thought I'd share two here. Thanks to Chapter 73 unofficial photographer Kevin Richey.

The Vortex II now sports a Soob 2.2 from NSI, including NSI's electric, cockpit-controlled variable-pitch prop hub. As Scott H. noted, it now performs like a smaller machine. Here's a good side view as we start taxiing. (Jim's in the rear seat.)

[PW_Plack]

...and here we come in to land. It had been a year and a half since I flew with Jim, and at 400 hours, this machine still feels pretty tight. Everything about it is smooth. The suspension is so good it's not always obvious when the gear makes contact, the 30-foot blades have plenty of float, and the free-castoring nosewheel is really appreciated on days with crosswinds (of which Saturday was one.) There are several new CFIs in the pipeline in our area, at least a couple hoping to get qualified to train at Scappoose in this machine.

[scott heger]

Jim Vanek does read this forum every now and then...I know. He has always very accessible by phone (from my experience) to customers if you need to reach him.
Finished my annual today, and had a great flight; what a great sport this is!!!

Scott Heger, Laguna Niguel, Ca SportCopter N86SH

[KenSandyEggo]

Steve, it's just something that happens in almost every business. It's true.....the squeeky wheel gets the grease. When I had my business, I had a system of stacking the orders so that they would get done in the order they were taken in. All of a sudden this guy needs it by tomorrow, another guy is racing tomorrow and needs his numbers, so they got put on the top, and the poor, patient slob who doesn't like to make waves or complains, gets screwed and waits for his order. I tried to do it fairly I don't know how many times, but it just never worked out and I was always trying to keep everyone happy, and that seemed to be by keeping people from complaining. The loudmouths got their signs quickest and the gentle souls had to wait. Wasn't fair, but that's how it works. So now when I order something, I become an impatient loudmouth so I get my stuff sooner.

[Chad]

Anyone have a price est. on the above SportCopter? Sent three emails over the last two weeks without reply.
TIA

[Chad]

Steven,
Thanks for the info on the Vortex II. On the website it says "P.O.R" for the Vortex II and, well, assumed "P.O.R" ment price on request. Silly me!!

I hear ya' on the $50k for the SCII. Looks like a sweet bird.

[PW_Plack]

Chad,

First, this is all conjecture on my part...

Sport Copter's tandem is a one-of-a-kind, and probably destined to stay that way. Two years ago, before the decision was made not to produce kits, I heard it would be about $20K plus engine, but the new engine/prop setup costs $18K by itself. If you could buy one now, it would probably be in the mid $40K range, and there probably wouldn't be enough takers to make it worth setting up for kit production.

And that's too bad! The Vortex II is built to take the punishment of dual instruction. Availability of dual instruction in open tandem trainers is getting more limited. Getting dual instruction in a SparrowHawk and then soloing in a Vortex would be like stepping out of a minivan into a Miata. I guess those who want machines like this will have to design and build their own for the time being.

[Chad]

Recieved this a few days ago:

-----------------Begin email-------------------
Hello, and thank you for your interest! We are currently “in-process” of
completing the New “SC-2” prototype and, simultaneously, working on a newer
"Vortex 2" two-place gyro, (side-by-side and tandem versions) that will have
float capabilities, as well. This machine will go into production hopefully
by Jan. 2005. We never took the original tandem V-2 (as shown on our
website) into production as we have had more interest that it be a “center-
of- thrust” design with a side-by-side seating configuration. This machine
will be available to purchase sold in stages and will not have all the
"bells and whistles" of the SC-2, but will be a real workhorse and cost
considerably less. We will post its progress on our web.
------------------End email----------------------

Sounds like they have some good stuff in the works

[Udi]

It sounds from their reply that Sport Copter is finally going CLT!!!

Way to go, Jim!

Udi
p.s. a CLT modification kit for all the existing Sport Copters out there would be a good idea too...

[scott heger]

UDI,
I have never heard of one owner of a SportCopter complain on either forum that having a slightly off thrust line adversley effects the way a SportCopter handles. IT for sure does not need a "kit" to fix it..."cause it ain't broken", and don't understand where you get the idea that it is. If you see one, bring a tape measure, scales etc. It is about 2 to 3 inches within CLT (depending on engine configuration), hardly hazardous. A gyro does not have to be perfect CLT to be a nice flying machine.

Scott Heger, Laguna Niguel, Ca SportCopter N86SH

[Udi]

Scott,

Have you measured the engine thrust line offset? I have not seen anyone reporting the Sport Copter thrust line offset yet - please fill me in.

If the thrust line is only 2-3 inches above the CG than I agree with you that no fix is necessary. I have a hunch that it's more like 4-5 inches high.

Regards,

Udi

[scott heger]

I did, and it is under 3 inches when I checked .

Scott Heger, Laguna Niguel, Ca SportCopter N86SH

[Neil Hintz]

PW, tandem trainers are very available www.autoflight.co.nz Sold through Ernie at RFD, how many would you like? approx $32,000.00 USD plus freight, pre flown in NZ and dissasembled for freighting. 140 hp Autoflight engine. 260 rpm pre rotate, 2000 fpm climb rate @ 50 mph one up, hydraulic disc brakes, 71" warp drive, 70L fuel, inflight electric trim, 97mph top speed, full rising rate suspension opperating on needle rollers and hardened bushes, pressurised engine frame and forward mast for crack detection.

Neil

[PW_Plack]

Neil,

I know the trainers are available, but the training is getting harder to find. At least here in the 'states, several of the busiest CFIs have gone to work for AAI, training in enclosed two-place machines.

I think it's a great idea to train in a tandem two-place which approximates the experience of the single-place you plan to fly later, so the more choices in machines, the better.