Benson aluminum rotor blades and hub bar

[BrianInVa]

I have a set of original aluminum Bensen rotor blades and the corresponding two foot hub bar that came with the Brock KB2 gyro I recently picked up. Due to my size I need a longer rotor.

They appear to be in good condition for their age (1982) with some superficial dirt/ dust from long term storage, but I do not know enough about rotors yet to comment further.

From the log books it does not appear these have been used since 1994, and again according to the logs, they have 120 hours on them.

I’m also unsure of the relative value of an original set of Bensen rotor blades so feel free to comment or PM in that regard. I am open to trades.

I’m located in northwest Virginia.

 

[BrianInVa]

Each blade is 10 feet, with a 2 foot hub bar so it’s a typical 22 foot Bensen aluminum rotor.

 

[BrianInVa]

I was told I could increase the rotor size and therefore lift somewhat with a longer hub bar and just found a machinist who also flies gyrocopter who is willing to make me one. Plus they are in good condition for their age, and cleaned up and shined up well with aluminum polish and elbow grease, with no signs of corrosion.



So for now I’m going to keep these and they are no longer available for sale at this time.

 

[Jazzenjohn]

put off you decision until after you get to talk to the Barnstormer guys. Yes you can do it. not worthwhile IMO.

 

[BrianInVa]

put off you decision until after you get to talk to the Barnstormer guys. Yes you can do it. not worthwhile IMO.

I was down there last week and had a great visit. It was generally agreed that I need to drop the keel and raise the mast on my KB2, but I don’t think there was a definite consensus on my current Bensen rotor. I had hoped to go back for the fall get together in two weeks but I may need to save up what discretionary spending funds I currently have for flight instruction to complete my sport pilot certificate.

So I may need to wait to go back down in the spring.

 

[Jazzenjohn]

Another way to get the vertical center of gravity up is to raise the seat.

 

[BrianInVa]

Another way to get the vertical center of gravity up is to raise the seat.

Yes, I am planning to do that, thanks.

 

[BrianInVa]

not worthwhile IMO.

Just curious, I’m eager to learn as much as possible so honest question - why isn’t a longer hub bar worthwhile in your opinion?

 

[Jazzenjohn]

It is worthwhile to use if you have one laying around, but it isn't worth it to make one IMO.