Bensen info request
- Thread starter Rainman 2
- Start date
Actually, I should have said a Bensen with a 70 hp Mac engine.
jany77
Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2008
- Messages
- 574
- Location
- central california
- Aircraft
- cessna 150,172,182,trikes,ul
- Total Flight Time
- over 2250
I had weighted the 72 hp version once long time ago for shipping quote and I think if I remember correctly, it was roughly 75 lbs., but it adds up if you add muffler, prop etc..
WaspAir
Supreme Allied Gyro CFI
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2006
- Messages
- 7,271
- Location
- Colorado front range
- Aircraft
- Bell 47G-3B-1, A&S 18A, Phoebus C, SGS 1-26A, etc.
- Total Flight Time
- rather a lot
I think the answer is "maybe" for Part 103, considering instruments, prerotator, etc. Certainly some have been flown that way, but until you weigh it as equipped, you can't say for sure.
MikeBoyette
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Messages
- 3,749
- Location
- Plant City, Fl
- Aircraft
- Dominator
- Total Flight Time
- 200+
If it is a stock Bensen maybe. The thing is you need to remove the boat gas tank replace it with a seat tank. No exhaust and no prerotator. You would be flying a relic.
Have to agree. No way to know for sure, but to put it on a scale. And I guess it didn't matter in that Era. Before sport pilot rules. Thanks for the reply
MikeBoyette
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Messages
- 3,749
- Location
- Plant City, Fl
- Aircraft
- Dominator
- Total Flight Time
- 200+
Actually that would be FAR Part 103. Which is from the early 80s and it states no matter what it is a broomstick flying machine anything leaves the ground if it’s under 254 pounds goes less than 54 miles an hour I think and 5 gallons of fuel it’s an ultralight and does not need a license 72 horse McCullough Bensen can be made to be ultralight. The heaviest things on them can be removed is the as I said the boat tank. The next thing that you can replace to reduce weight is the wheels with lighter stronger wheels and the nose gear those are all very heavy things on Benson by the time you do better off just a Gyrobee or something.
Feedback that I was desiring. Thanks
While I am sport pilot certified for ppc's and certainly value transitional training, just inquiring about staying in the FAR Part 103 for gyro's.
MikeBoyette
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Messages
- 3,749
- Location
- Plant City, Fl
- Aircraft
- Dominator
- Total Flight Time
- 200+
I’m pretty sure that because it’s a different category it requires more than just a check ride. Make sure you get plenty of training. A gyro is so different than a PPC. One of our members had a difficult time transitioning and wrecked his first single place gyro. Turns out the procedure of going to full throttle on landing was something he was taught and had a hard time not doing that in the gyro. Good luck.
BTW only one guarantee with a Mac engine for a power plant. It will quit and it will quit often. The other things it will do with a certainty is be loud and make you have your right arm much bigger than the left from trying to start it. Best to get a more modern engine in my opinion.
BTW only one guarantee with a Mac engine for a power plant. It will quit and it will quit often. The other things it will do with a certainty is be loud and make you have your right arm much bigger than the left from trying to start it. Best to get a more modern engine in my opinion.
Doug Riley
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2004
- Messages
- 7,256
A truly stock Mac Bensen, as Mike says, is heavier than you might imagine. It won't quite make 103 weight. The steel wheels, gas tank, tow hitch, and even the plywood tail, can be lightened to slip under the 103 limit. Ken Brock did it, with pounds to spare.
But such a craft is indeed a dinosaur; not the safest thing flying, nor the most reliable. It's really most suitable for a "classic aircraft" buff with lots of experience. It's a terrible choice for a gyro newbie.
But such a craft is indeed a dinosaur; not the safest thing flying, nor the most reliable. It's really most suitable for a "classic aircraft" buff with lots of experience. It's a terrible choice for a gyro newbie.
