Heli Build

Always amazed at your level of craftsmanship!

Since weed is legal in Florida, now I can get the real good stuff :) Still the same ole drill motor and I added a few shots to that six pack.
Plus I think I get lucky and find chunks of aluminum with the parts I need already in them.
 
Radiation therapy makes it hard to produce when you're sick to your stomach and sleep 16 hours a day but I'm havin fun.
I got a few more pieces tacked up.
I only have a small amount to finish on the main frame then to the Tailboom.
I'm not using skids but some type of rugged flotation that I have no clue about yet.
I may use giant Low pressure tires in the rear and a glass coated styrofoam wheel pants that offer enough flotation for the front


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If someone has a connection for some small pontoons for flotation or even some light rugged plastic floats would work.
 
Hate to be the bearer of bad news Jake but helicopters can't land and take off from water. It might work in the movies but not in real life. The ones you see with floats are strictly for emergency power out landings, or in the case of the Mosquito, to cheat the ultralight weight limit.

The problem is at initial start-up. If you are floating on the water, as soon as you start the engine the rotor will turn one way and without the friction of sitting on the ground, the fuselage will turn the opposite way. The tail rotor needs to build up speed to be effectual but you are already spinning in circles before it gets a chance.
 
Thank you Mr. Bahle.
I understand.
Ultralight classification plus safety reasons since I live and fly over areas that would leave me no choice to water landings in an emergency.
I found some inflatables, but they weigh more than my whole chopper.
 
That being the case the obvious recommendation would be a protective runner of some kind on the bottom of the float. Don't imagine they work too well with a hole wore in the bottom. I'm sure you'll come up with something.
 
Well it's been a bit humid and the pipe is starting to oxidize, makes for a better paint job.
I have the exhaust mounts made, need some detailing
And that thingamajig that moves the blade up and down and stuff in position
Made the adequate modifications to the collective control arm and have the seat mounts tacked in.
Now I have to take it apart, do a bunch of welding, and put it back together.
My next step is to start it up and see if there are any issues before I proceed




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Pool supply stores sell a floating lawn chair type with plastic rectangular floats that might work for your project.
 
In Kent Goddard's last couple of years ...he was working on a water-activated float system to carry on his gyro landing gear ...so he could save his gyro from sinking ...IF he ever had to make a water landing!!! I envisage something light & compact like that ....if he ever brought it to reality! ...may be an option! How about the floats that Bensen Day airboss ( name slipped my mind!)uses on his UL Heli????
 
Hi Jake. Love your work, I saw a YouTube video of your helicopter carrying out a ground test, it looked fantastic. I understand you have suffered some bad health but are you able/planning to carry on working on it?
 
Hi Jake. Love your work, I saw a YouTube video of your helicopter carrying out a ground test, it looked fantastic. I understand you have suffered some bad health but are you able/planning to carry on working on it?
Yes I'm still working on it.
Basically done other than a good flight shake down, but I have to learn to fly it
Been fighting small cell carcinoma for the last two years and built the helicopter to keep my mind and body active.
I believe the good will my friends have showed me and staying active has helped save my life.
There were some dark times when I though I was gonna die and wanted to put a few folks in wheel chairs, but after losing 47lbs I could hardly walk.
Things are looking up. I've gained back 15lbs, I walk and exercise which helped with my energy, strength and attitude.
Chemo and radiation are worse than the disease
I have one more year of chemo to go.
 
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Yes I'm still working on it.
Basically done other than a good flight shake down, but I have to learn to fly it
Been fighting small cell carcinoma for the last two years and built the helicopter to keep my mind and body active.
I believe the good will my friends have showed me and staying active has helped save my life.
There were some dark times when I though I was gonna die and wanted to put a few folks in wheel chairs, but after losing 47lbs I could hardly walk.
Things are looking up. I've gained back 15lbs, I walk and exercise which helped with my energy, strength and attitude.
Chemo and radiation are worse than the dieses
I have one more year of chemo to go.
Way to go, Jake! I am so glad you are improving and able to continue pursuing your passion.
 
You are an inspiration to me Jake!
Thank you Vance
Thank you Stan
Just trying to keep up with you guys :)

Here is a vid of me playing on the ground
My neighbor was standing there with his camera in hand while I did the nice hover but didn't record it, Likely story , right !!

 
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