Thanks, Gary! I have lots of other Aviation stuff you might be interested in. My website is a good jump-off point: www.fitzvideo.com/ Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Congratulations on your work of art! I'm passionate about aviation, but I had very few opportunities to fly. It was my childhood dream, but I couldn't make it happen. . .I am very happy for you. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your invention with us. Thank you.
Great video and a marvellous explanation of the mechanics of this helicopter. It flies very smoothly. I hope the pulsating of your left foot is a nervous disposition rather than a mechanical fault.
I thought the same thing about his foot! I would say that it's something with him, because if it was the machine vibrating, which it visibly does, it would effect both feet. Plus, it was a larger movement than could be attributed to vibration...
This is from "UFM2" which I released in 2009. The tune was probably written in the 80's but I like it a lot. Go to: www.fitzvideo.com to see more of my movies.
Not quite as minimal as Powered Paragliding, or Paramotoring - the only form of powered aviation which goes in the boot/trunk of a car! See: th-cam.com/video/Vwr-g-j9tYA/w-d-xo.html (yes, I know you were talking about the minimal design, but I am currently fired up by watching PPG videos, sorry)
I've seen several videos showing this particular helicopter, and was impressed and amazed at the stability during takeoff, hover, and landing, and I suspect the experience is fantastic for the pilot since it is likely he isn't overpowered by thoughts of impending death as I think happen during the 'average' helicopter takeoff and landing! This machine is still a little pricey, but I don't fault the manufacturer as the attention to safety and performance, along with what looks like high quality parts and production, probably combine for an unequaled piloting experience (no, I don't work for the company)! While I would like nothing more than owning one of these, I will have to settle for the r/c version.
One correction to the controls explanation - the stick does not tilt the whole rotor. Stick tilts the swash plate which changes the angel of attack of the blades during their rotatation. This changes the lifting force created by the blades while rotating which causes the heli to tilt forward, backward, left or right.
sensational, I'd love that you send me up detailed pictures of the aircraft it will build one for me. I am very grateful to you. My email vendasdivinopolis@hotmail.com .Thank you. My name is Alberto
yes i agree. however the dynaflow over the armature sprocket is only disengaged when the doomaflitchy is not 90 degrees or in caddywampus mode. the parambulation of the pedal extremity, seems to be hindered by the insertion of a foreign botanical offshoot in the upholstery. can be fixed before preflight inspection however......
Very well done video Bryan! I can see that you are very serious about building quality aircraft that have been designed well. I can see the application of sound engineering practices in the construction of the helicopter. Very important that things stay together when you are flying! May you have many decades of fun flying your creations!
"requires skill, some shop equipment, and ability to run it" LOL! * high five * the music mixed with this gentleman's demeanor and that fact that he lifted off in loafers is #winning
Peter Benner noticed the same thing I noticed, his left foot seems to be either having a spasm or pumping. It might be the tail rotor kicking back with a rhythm of some sort. When I soloed a Cessna 150 for the first time almost 40 years ago both of my legs were shaking like crazy. I seriously doubt Doug Bryant still has this kind of nervousness, so it must be a tail rotor feed-back. Just guessing though. Great video. (except maybe for the unnecessary special effects, but this didn't ruin it for me by any means)
+Brian FitzGerald I thought it was somehow helping the fuel economy. My grandmother used to power a whole sewing machine in a similar fashion. Very effective. She always appreciated a good sewing machine, but not my dry sarcasm.
I was allowed to air taxi one of these once and found it to be the easiest to control of any helicopter that I have hovered. I had expected the little thing would be super sensitive and would want to leave for 4 different zip codes at the same time. Not true. I asked John Uptigrove how he achieved this unique control harmony and he didn't make up a complicated technical conversation but just said that it came with the rest of the design. Watching some auto-rotation demonstrations I'm really impressed with John's design.
Very cool. Excellent explanation of the aircraft controls and how they interact with the machine. Igor Sikorsky would love that thing. Looks like one of his early designs on steroids! Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your hobby
I would have preferred listening a bit to the engine of that while he was flying around. The music was nice but.... And, will it auto rotate and keep Doug alive if there's a malfunction?
Yes. Auto rotation is simply spinning up the rotor and building up kinetic energy, then reversing pitch and bleeding the kinetic of the rotors against falling. Should be fine to do that with just the collective.
That's an explanation of what auto rotate is. What is the mechanism on the mosquito that allows free wheel rotation once power is lost? In a ch-46 we had sprag clutches.
I have no experience in any type of full scale or ultralight Helicopters, but do have countless hours flying and building R/C Helicopters. With that being said, I can't imagine that they are much different in design and concept as well as controls, but the R/C Helicopters of today have an unbelievable power to weight ratio that allow them to do things that would kill a pilot if there was a full scale helicopter that could match the performance. These extreme loads and constant vibration cause components to show signs of wear and fatigue to virtually every moving part, bearings, linkages, ball joints, gears, in a short amount of time, and any wear in even one of those components can have a huge effect on several of the control functions. I have yet to build or rebuild a helicopter that did not require some type of adjustment or linkage trim to get it to fly to my standards. If the tail rotor issue was my only problem after putting one of these together, and I still had that much control to maintain a safe, controllable flight, I would be extremely happy because that is only minor adjustments away from dialed! Well done...
It appears that way but that is not the case. There is a vibration running through the frame that causes that pulsing of the pedal. He says it is normal.
Superb. What fuel are you using? How much of weight can this copter carry... can this be used in mountain terrains to deliver essentials to the mountain people. How much will it cost ? Pls
not true, flown one in the 90's. you got almost no throttle room after flying. its basically all-out all the time. the blade is also very big compared to the rest so its very sensible to input. the one i tested was pull-start, so i guess they upgraded since then.
I remember seeing this vid ages ago,and someone else asked the same thing.. the dude flying the chopper,Doug Bryant actually replied and explained it was something to to with an oscillation in the tail rotor,which he subsequently fixed,but yeah,looks a bit shady!🤪
Afraid to ask the price. Would like to know what horses your running.knots per hour, and distance with full tank(s). Probably hard to tell without gauges. Thanks for your time and knowledge. And that skill of smoothest that wasn't learned overnight.
Dear Jigha, Thanks! I believe the swash plate is inside the mast. Doug can tell you more if you want to send me your email address. You can do that by visiting my website and sending it to me by email. That is better than posting it here. I have used hundreds of tunes in my productions. Some of them I can locate quickly. Some I can't. That production is off-line right now so I can't tell you at this moment. Thanks for joining my TH-cam Channel. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
As a retired USAF helicopter crew chief I'm a bit alarmed at the construction of that machine. The pilot's seat appears to be liberated from a 1970s bowling alley. That fellow though was most definitely the strangest guy in the back of the avionics van.
Hi Brain, Thanks for the upload. Awesome little Prop, would love to give it a try over at our Airfield here. By the way I am into Ultralights.....Cheers !!
Dear James, I have a thing called The Flite Blog that has some neat travelogs shot from my Ultralight in Kansas and Oklahoma. You should check it out (fitzvideo.com/flite_blog). If you have any pictures of your airfield or airplanes you can put them on The Flite Blog, too. Blue Skies & Tailwinds! Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
I can't wait until I work hard enough and smart enough to have a little hanger and some land somewhere to tinker and putz around...I'm hands on..so it could be fun...beers and fears.
"Hard enough and smart enough?" I like the sound of that. It sounds American to me. My guess is that you will achieve exactly what you strive for my friend.
Why is Doug pumping the left pedal? I assume those to be rudder-like pedals controlling yaw, where one raises when you push the other down. But the right pedal is holding still.
It would be a good idea to explain this in the video's description. I did wade through the comments and finally get the answer -- it is a result of vibration in the control rods. Before I got this answer, I had to cross over quite a number of your "please read further down, this has been answered" replies. I really had no idea how far I needed to scroll, it was quite a lot of reading.
Mr. FitzGerald, I have a question about certifications in pilot licenses. From what I understand I do not need a license to fly an Ultralight or Light Sport?
Part right, part wrong. As per regulations, you do not need a license to fly an Ultralight "vehicle" although you still must abide by the general regulations pertaining to air space and safety. If said "vehicle" is too heavy, goes to fast or lands too fast and moves into the Light Sport arena, you need a license. For Ultralights, the Federal Air Regulation (FAR) is Part 103. You can look it up on the web. Please note that regardless of the non-necessity for a license you still must know how to fly before getting airborne. This sport has been plagued over the last decade by the loss of the training exemption whereby certified Ultralight Clubs were able to train prospective pilots in 2 seat Ultralight Trainers. The FAA in concert with some "industry representatives" basically took away the exemption and gave us "Sport Pilot". As I predicted at the time, this resulted in a near death to the sport. At this time it is relatively hard to get training to fly an Ultralight. I could write a few pages on this topic but if you are wanting to fly in the Ultralight category please give me a phone call and I will talk to you about it. It can be done and, as a matter of fact, I was at a Fly-In two days ago and met a guy who had just bought a Quicksilver like mine and was on his 9th flight. If you call and I am not in, please leave a message with your phone number and best time to reach you. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
+Prokitch Media Dear Prokitch, You are obviously a man of great taste and culture, and from your moniker and logo, one who should know good from mediocre... This tune under the music video segment of "Mosquito Ballet" has drawn more attention pro and con of anything I have produced and posted thus far. Half the guys complain that they cannot "hear the engine" and hate the "elevator music". About 10% ask me what the tune is because they like it so much. I used that music bed because it is one of my all time favorites. It is from a buyout album sold by Fresh Music. The cut is called "Ripping Tones". They never let on as to who are the artists and these beds so I can't tell you that. If you get a dull moment, review the comments for this and you will see what I mean. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
@Well Water Are U serious or delirious?? There's very few pilots that would even attempt to loop a helicopter, let lone looping this mosquito! "Not to mention flying upside down"!🙄 th-cam.com/video/Az_pH9zNs-0/w-d-xo.html
The thing that always gets me about "non-fixed wing" aircraft is they still have a wing, and theoretically can glide to a landing through auto rotation. If I was going to spend money on upgrades it would be for a ballistic chute.
I'm not a pilot, but don't they always perform a pre-flight visual inspection of the equipment? I do understand mechanics and doubt that such a failure would be instantaneous.
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer I agree. I was simply making the point that a pre-flight alleviates Live Wire's concerns over the possibilities of the 3" belt failing.
price? why don't people ever mention this? obviously prices vary but ballpark i think would be appreciated. love this. even if it's crazy. i guess of coarse, unless they're not for sale.
Sorry, Doug doesn't get these messages. I'm the producer of this video and many more. The instrument panel is down near his feet. Get to more of my movies from my website: www.fitzvideo.com/ Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Dear Ramon, I think they are relatively balanced but they supply small weights to get it perfect after building the kit. I don't think you have seen the interview. It will answer more of your questions. You can see it here: th-cam.com/video/0TgfG7cFtHc/w-d-xo.html Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer , well, you can take at least one hand off the controls of a 'proper/real' helicopter, pilots do it all the time...I assume that the collective lever must have a friction clutch or something to hold it in position. I wonder why this Mosquito does not have that, or maybe its simplicity makes it too unstable to allow that technique.....
My friend let me take the controls of a R-22 at 3000ft 75knts over the Pacific Ocean on the way to the Channel Islands... TERRIFYING but fun. No scratching no blinking no farting
It's a really nice gokart helicopter. Amazing are all the weight saving materials. I'd like to know what is the survival/crash rate for pilots and the aircraft.
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer I watch all those "air disaster" shows on the weather channel. Heli crashes seem pretty frequent. I just hadn't heard of too many ultralight heli crashes.
Love flying,lived in Wichita in 1971 and attended Kasas Newman University. Did you know there is a Musem at top of Friends University,most people don't know
Yeah, that's what you want: Hard, square, pointy footpads, that can easily jab into the ground on the slightest horizontal movement and flip the helicopter... NOT.
I was about to comment that the experience is similar except no one is going to turn in front of you or do the numerous other deadly moves that can kill a rider!
What is the Gross Weight lift capacity of the Mosquito? This would be the Mosquito plus pilot? Should gross weight become an issue. Does the mosquito have the ability to increase the HP to over come an increase in the gross weight capacity or is the current engineering configuration an stresses set for the current gross weight capacity an not recommended to be increased? Great video. I am still young enough, an retired, an have been looking for an affordable project to get me in the air. However I would need the Mosquito to be able to lift Net weight plus 320lbs +/- 5%. Is there a height restriction to pilot the Mosquito? I am 6'5" .
+jim short Dear Jim, I cannot answer all those things but you can check this website and there should be answers for you there: www.composite-fx.com/Compfx/Welcome.html There is also a turbine powered Mosquito! Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
If you live in the USA and have the paperwork, go for it! :) (That's bureaucracy for you---no license needed to fly a small helicopter, but gotta have that paper lined up for carrying a .22 pistol)
At first glance it doesnt seems like much.But looking closer at rear and front propellers and mechanicals,you realise it is a nice piece of engineering,done by skillfull engineer.
+Sanjay Bhagath Dear Sanjay, The best I can do is refer you to their website: www.composite-fx.com/Compfx/Welcome.html Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ The Sky Surfer
Howdy - How many hours of instruction (Dual & Solo) on average would be needed to become proficient enough to safely fly the Mosquito Air? I understand that it would vary, depending on one’s apptitude, but I am just looking for an average. Thaks much
Great and exciting concept! Would be interested in how this qualifies as an "ultralight" (which FAR).. As to the tail rotor turning in the less efficient direction, my only other question is why no horizontal stabilizing airfoil in the after part of tail boom to keep nose from tucking under at higher forward speeds? Thanks, Gordon.
Gordon McCoy Dear Gordon, Check out F.A.R 103 for the definition of an Ultralight Vehicle. From that, the Mosquito qualifies. As part of that reg. the Ultralight can fly no faster than 55 knots so the tuck doesn't seem to be an issue. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Gordon McCoy I'm curious what you mean about less efficient direction? This is a counter clockwise rotation heli like many European. The main rotor rotates opposite of US heli's and so the tail rotor goes to the left.
Less efficient means the leading edge of the tail rotor is "traveling in the main rotors "descending air"..... Reversing the tail rotor direction-of-travel will dictate the leading edge of the tail rotor will be "attacking" opposite direction relative wind...IE: more effective peddle control input....
Im a mechanic and saw a lot of VIDs explaining products. This fella hands down does a PERFECT job explaining and knows his stuff
I agree with that.
beautiful but dengerous
The music while he's flying totally matches that guys personality.
Michael Franks
This is probably the best video I have seen on these ultra lite heli-craft.
Thanks, Gary!
I have lots of other Aviation stuff you might be interested in.
My website is a good jump-off point:
www.fitzvideo.com/
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Mr. Doug Bryant, I want to congratulate you on this standard project, the best I could see.
A clear explanation of the controls how they work , and then a masterly display of flight. Great pleasure to watch !
Congratulations on your work of art! I'm passionate about aviation, but I had very few opportunities to fly. It was my childhood dream, but I couldn't make it happen. . .I am very happy for you. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your invention with us. Thank you.
Great video and a marvellous explanation of the mechanics of this helicopter. It flies very smoothly.
I hope the pulsating of your left foot is a nervous disposition rather than a mechanical fault.
I thought the same thing about his foot! I would say that it's something with him, because if it was the machine vibrating, which it visibly does, it would effect both feet. Plus, it was a larger movement than could be attributed to vibration...
The tail rotor was a little out of balance at the time. He fixed the problem later.
There is a very 80's vibe to this whole video . Awesome little machine .
This is from "UFM2" which I released in 2009. The tune was probably written in the 80's but I like it a lot. Go to:
www.fitzvideo.com
to see more of my movies.
Very smooth flying, very well made machine. I like it a lot! Thanks for posting.
Such smooth flying. I really like the quality of manufacture of the mechanical components, fit and surface finish etc.
A truly minimal, elegant and beautiful design!
Not quite as minimal as Powered Paragliding, or Paramotoring - the only form of powered aviation which goes in the boot/trunk of a car!
See: th-cam.com/video/Vwr-g-j9tYA/w-d-xo.html
(yes, I know you were talking about the minimal design, but I am currently fired up by watching PPG videos, sorry)
"How much for the flying lawn chair?"
"Sir, that's a helicopter."
He has that"crazy genius" look in his eyes!
I've seen several videos showing this particular helicopter, and was impressed and amazed at the stability during takeoff, hover, and landing, and I suspect the experience is fantastic for the pilot since it is likely he isn't overpowered by thoughts of impending death as I think happen during the 'average' helicopter takeoff and landing! This machine is still a little pricey, but I don't fault the manufacturer as the attention to safety and performance, along with what looks like high quality parts and production, probably combine for an unequaled piloting experience (no, I don't work for the
company)! While I would like nothing more than owning one of these, I will have to settle for the r/c version.
I like how he got the seat from an abandoned roadside diner.
nice machine, very nice build, excellent piloting skills!!!
I'm an aerospace engineer and a helcopter pilot but I don't have any friend like you to help me to build one machine like this.
One correction to the controls explanation - the stick does not tilt the whole rotor. Stick tilts the swash plate which changes the angel of attack of the blades during their rotatation. This changes the lifting force created by the blades while rotating which causes the heli to tilt forward, backward, left or right.
His explanation is correct. It's called a teetering rotor, and it's the most common type used in small helicopters.
Beautiful machine. Doug is obviously an excellent pilot.
+chrislauritzen
Yes, he is.
sensational, I'd love that you send me up detailed pictures of the aircraft it will build one for me. I am very grateful to you. My email vendasdivinopolis@hotmail.com .Thank you. My name is Alberto
Alberto, nobody understands what you're asking
yes i agree. however the dynaflow over the armature sprocket is only disengaged when the doomaflitchy is not 90 degrees or in caddywampus mode. the parambulation of the pedal extremity, seems to be hindered by the insertion of a foreign botanical offshoot in the upholstery. can be fixed before preflight inspection however......
Finally someone who understands.
Very well done video Bryan! I can see that you are very serious about building quality aircraft that have been designed well. I can see the application of sound engineering practices in the construction of the helicopter. Very important that things stay together when you are flying! May you have many decades of fun flying your creations!
"requires skill, some shop equipment, and ability to run it" LOL! * high five *
the music mixed with this gentleman's demeanor and that fact that he lifted off in loafers is #winning
Dear Church,
I'm glad you liked the movie and the music.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer
Peter Benner noticed the same thing I noticed, his left foot seems to be either having a spasm or pumping. It might be the tail rotor kicking back with a rhythm of some sort. When I soloed a Cessna 150 for the first time almost 40 years ago both of my legs were shaking like crazy. I seriously doubt Doug Bryant still has this kind of nervousness, so it must be a tail rotor feed-back. Just guessing though. Great video. (except maybe for the unnecessary special effects, but this didn't ruin it for me by any means)
TubeAngst
Yes. It is a sympathetic vibration issue. If you drop back a way in the Mosquito comments you will see some discussion of it.
+Brian FitzGerald I thought it was somehow helping the fuel economy. My grandmother used to power a whole sewing machine in a similar fashion. Very effective. She always appreciated a good sewing machine, but not my dry sarcasm.
@@briansmobile1 Ha ha, you are so funny. I think he is just keeping the beat of the music.
I was allowed to air taxi one of these once and found it to be the easiest to control of any helicopter that I have hovered. I had expected the little thing would be super sensitive and would want to leave for 4 different zip codes at the same time. Not true. I asked John Uptigrove how he achieved this unique control harmony and he didn't make up a complicated technical conversation but just said that it came with the rest of the design. Watching some auto-rotation demonstrations I'm really impressed with John's design.
Dear Stu,
I just finished an article about the Mosquito in the EAA Experimenter Magazine. They echo your observation precisely.
Later,
The Sky Surfer
Very cool. Excellent explanation of the aircraft controls and how they interact with the machine. Igor Sikorsky would love that thing. Looks like one of his early designs on steroids!
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your hobby
This feels so much like an Adult Swim show and I love it.
Hmmmm... I'm not sure about that.
I would have preferred listening a bit to the engine of that while he was flying around. The music was nice but....
And, will it auto rotate and keep Doug alive if there's a malfunction?
Yes. Auto rotation is simply spinning up the rotor and building up kinetic energy, then reversing pitch and bleeding the kinetic of the rotors against falling. Should be fine to do that with just the collective.
That's an explanation of what auto rotate is. What is the mechanism on the mosquito that allows free wheel rotation once power is lost? In a ch-46 we had sprag clutches.
@@Slasher2344
He mentions a sprag clutch on the main rotor shaft during his initial walkaround.
@@Slasher2344 the mosquito has a sprag clutch too. He talks about it while describing the structure and layout.
@Slasher2344 at 4:46 he mentions that it has a sprag clutch.
I have no experience in any type of full scale or ultralight Helicopters, but do have countless hours flying and building R/C Helicopters. With that being said, I can't imagine that they are much different in design and concept as well as controls, but the R/C Helicopters of today have an unbelievable power to weight ratio that allow them to do things that would kill a pilot if there was a full scale helicopter that could match the performance. These extreme loads and constant vibration cause components to show signs of wear and fatigue to virtually every moving part, bearings, linkages, ball joints, gears, in a short amount of time, and any wear in even one of those components can have a huge effect on several of the control functions. I have yet to build or rebuild a helicopter that did not require some type of adjustment or linkage trim to get it to fly to my standards. If the tail rotor issue was my only problem after putting one of these together, and I still had that much control to maintain a safe, controllable flight, I would be extremely happy because that is only minor adjustments away from dialed! Well done...
I honestly love the design but wouldn't a carbon race car seat and harness be better suited than an old school chair??????
I look forward to the Blairo 15 model soon.
blairo15 when you build your own helicopter, you can put whatever damn seat you want to in it.
blairo15 ~ Would be better as long as it worked where weight is considered.
oh you just had to be picky huh :D
@@b4ds33d i do agree ... you all must build your own and put whatever u want to seat on
That is a absolutely awesome Helicopter!
Doug
"Thanks for Sharing"
It appears that way but that is not the case. There is a vibration running through the frame that causes that pulsing of the pedal. He says it is normal.
Superb. What fuel are you using? How much of weight can this copter carry... can this be used in mountain terrains to deliver essentials to the mountain people. How much will it cost ? Pls
Talk to these guys:
composite-fx.com/
Looks like you need 200% concentration to fly this baby.
true .
not true, flown one in the 90's. you got almost no throttle room after flying. its basically all-out all the time. the blade is also very big compared to the rest so its very sensible to input. the one i tested was pull-start, so i guess they upgraded since then.
Man, ive been thinking about a mosquito for a long time, your video pushes me further
yeah, whats up with the pumping left foot?
mopar92 I was wondering the same thing.
It's the palsy
Keeping the music beat?
I was wondering the same thing. If it was me, it would be from nerves!! lol
I remember seeing this vid ages ago,and someone else asked the same thing.. the dude flying the chopper,Doug Bryant actually replied and explained it was something to to with an oscillation in the tail rotor,which he subsequently fixed,but yeah,looks a bit shady!🤪
You are one hack of a genius. What an amazing simple machine. I would suggest putting a altitude, air speed, fuel guage on the helmet visor.
wow. .good done. ..what cost this kind of helicopter. ..I wish I had mosquito helicopter
Afraid to ask the price.
Would like to know what horses your running.knots per hour, and distance with full tank(s). Probably hard to tell without gauges. Thanks for your time and knowledge. And that skill of smoothest that wasn't learned overnight.
Go here to answer your questions:
composite-fx.com/
I fly RC Helicopters for fun. This looks like it would be a blast!!!
Eggbeaters are not meant to fly. Chuck Yeager said that, as a test pilot, helicopters gave him some of his hardest landings.
My old friend Lamar Steen built in his garage many Skybolts and would taxi out his driveway onto the neighborhood runway in Colorado ..
This is a sweet rig, Sir. I am both impressed and super- jealous. Lol. Be safe.😃
Dude goes flying in a cafeteria chair!
That's awesome.
Go here:
composite-fx.com
When the cute helicopter lift up，the BGM is great！Thank you for sharing! ^_^
That is flying. Exposed to the wind, smells, humidity, temperature changes, unobstructed view...
And insects. I have hit few on an unfaired motorcycle. It does come with the turf though. :)
Hi Doug I noticed your left foot was kind of pulsing was that a control movement?
Fantastic!!!
marvelous work! where is the swash plate, which is located under? please, how is called the song that starts at minute 8:17?
i wait for response, tnx!
Dear Jigha,
Thanks! I believe the swash plate is inside the mast. Doug can tell you more if you want to send me your email address. You can do that by visiting my website and sending it to me by email. That is better than posting it here.
I have used hundreds of tunes in my productions. Some of them I can locate quickly. Some I can't. That production is off-line right now so I can't tell you at this moment.
Thanks for joining my TH-cam Channel.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
I like the Mosquito, but every time I fly one I itch for days.
LMAO, I just got your joke
What music goes with ultralight helicopter flight? You're damn right it's smooth jazz.
It is called "Ripping Tones". I bought it from Fresh Music.
As a retired USAF helicopter crew chief I'm a bit alarmed at the construction of that machine. The pilot's seat appears to be liberated from a 1970s bowling alley.
That fellow though was most definitely the strangest guy in the back of the avionics van.
WHY , wouldn't you put a front wheel on this copter ?
Would love to fly one of these. Great job.
Hi Brain, Thanks for the upload. Awesome little Prop, would love to give it a try over at our Airfield here. By the way I am into Ultralights.....Cheers !!
Dear James,
I have a thing called The Flite Blog that has some neat travelogs shot from my Ultralight in Kansas and Oklahoma. You should check it out (fitzvideo.com/flite_blog).
If you have any pictures of your airfield or airplanes you can put them on The Flite Blog, too.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!
Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
I can't wait until I work hard enough and smart enough to have a little hanger and some land somewhere to tinker and putz around...I'm hands on..so it could be fun...beers and fears.
"Hard enough and smart enough?" I like the sound of that. It sounds American to me. My guess is that you will achieve exactly what you strive for my friend.
Hollow
Why is Doug pumping the left pedal? I assume those to be rudder-like pedals controlling yaw, where one raises when you push the other down. But the right pedal is holding still.
Dear Dan,
Please review the comments about this below. It has been discussed several times.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian - The Sky Surfer
It would be a good idea to explain this in the video's description. I did wade through the comments and finally get the answer -- it is a result of vibration in the control rods. Before I got this answer, I had to cross over quite a number of your "please read further down, this has been answered" replies. I really had no idea how far I needed to scroll, it was quite a lot of reading.
Dan. Most people don't even notice it. I'm sure not going to draw attention to this minor issue in the description.
Mr. FitzGerald, I have a question about certifications in pilot licenses.
From what I understand I do not need a license to fly an Ultralight or Light Sport?
Part right, part wrong. As per regulations, you do not need a license to fly an Ultralight "vehicle" although you still must abide by the general regulations pertaining to air space and safety. If said "vehicle" is too heavy, goes to fast or lands too fast and moves into the Light Sport arena, you need a license. For Ultralights, the Federal Air Regulation (FAR) is Part 103. You can look it up on the web.
Please note that regardless of the non-necessity for a license you still must know how to fly before getting airborne. This sport has been plagued over the last decade by the loss of the training exemption whereby certified Ultralight Clubs were able to train prospective pilots in 2 seat Ultralight Trainers. The FAA in concert with some "industry representatives" basically took away the exemption and gave us "Sport Pilot". As I predicted at the time, this resulted in a near death to the sport. At this time it is relatively hard to get training to fly an Ultralight.
I could write a few pages on this topic but if you are wanting to fly in the Ultralight category please give me a phone call and I will talk to you about it. It can be done and, as a matter of fact, I was at a Fly-In two days ago and met a guy who had just bought a Quicksilver like mine and was on his 9th flight.
If you call and I am not in, please leave a message with your phone number and best time to reach you.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
What is the top speed on this?
I have been watching this video more than ten times an have fallen in love with the background jazz music and will like to know the title please.
+Prokitch Media
Dear Prokitch,
You are obviously a man of great taste and culture, and from your moniker and logo, one who should know good from mediocre...
This tune under the music video segment of "Mosquito Ballet" has drawn more attention pro and con of anything I have produced and posted thus far. Half the guys complain that they cannot "hear the engine" and hate the "elevator music". About 10% ask me what the tune is because they like it so much. I used that music bed because it is one of my all time favorites. It is from a buyout album sold by Fresh Music. The cut is called "Ripping Tones". They never let on as to who are the artists and these beds so I can't tell you that.
If you get a dull moment, review the comments for this and you will see what I mean.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Brian FitzGerald I tried to Shazam it but failed... was glad u explained
Smooth operator, I enjoy watching a pilot let the aircraft fly.
Just curious.... are the bearings in the tail boom replaceable?
I wanna see it autorotate to safe landing:)
th-cam.com/video/z2U0p9N5hFY/w-d-xo.html
@Well Water Are U serious or delirious?? There's very few pilots that would even attempt to loop a helicopter, let lone looping this mosquito! "Not to mention flying upside down"!🙄
th-cam.com/video/Az_pH9zNs-0/w-d-xo.html
In real life that almost never happens.
I wanna see you go and test the airbag on your fucking car. I bet you a million dollars doug could auto rotate that shit from space or 10 feet.
It would be nice to see it reach an altitude greater than six foot, too.
What happens if that 3" drive belt loosens, frays or disintegrates ? Wouldn't it be more dependable if it was gear driven ?
The thing that always gets me about "non-fixed wing" aircraft is they still have a wing, and theoretically can glide to a landing through auto rotation. If I was going to spend money on upgrades it would be for a ballistic chute.
I'm not a pilot, but don't they always perform a pre-flight visual inspection of the equipment? I do understand mechanics and doubt that such a failure would be instantaneous.
He did a pre-flight before rolling it out to the field. I didn't think covering the pre-flight was necessary to the movie.
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer I agree. I was simply making the point that a pre-flight alleviates Live Wire's concerns over the possibilities of the 3" belt failing.
He flies pretty well... hold my beer
Looks like the tail rotor could use a balance. The stinger and his left pedal are vibrating like crazy.
You are correct.
Dear Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny...
Approximately how long is the boom for its tail rotor..? Please somebody tell me...
"Doug?" "Oh, he's not home, Dave. He's out on his chopper again!".
"Dave ain't here, man." lol
price? why don't people ever mention this? obviously prices vary but ballpark i think would be appreciated. love this. even if it's crazy. i guess of coarse, unless they're not for sale.
Cool music, nicely made machine, always flying in ground effect......... AN ABSOLUTE DEATH TRAP !!!!
Absolutely GAY ASS music at 10:00. This ruined the otherwise informative video.
Redub that stupid saxophone.
What is the flight ceiling and top speed of the craft ? I have wanted one of those small helicopters since I was a boy . Looks so cool.
composite-fx.com/
Man you are Crazy!!! You’ve got only a pelvic strap! 🥴. Must be a feeling like sitting on a folding chair. I would have died in fear.
Hey Doug, love your helicopter but where are the instruments, how much fuel, engine rpm etc.
Sorry, Doug doesn't get these messages. I'm the producer of this video and many more. The instrument panel is down near his feet.
Get to more of my movies from my website:
www.fitzvideo.com/
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
That's great, but I never trust a belt instead of gear.
just wonder if the kit comes with balanced tail and rotor blades. the belts must have cogs in them similar to a car's timing belts.
Dear Ramon,
I think they are relatively balanced but they supply small weights to get it perfect after building the kit. I don't think you have seen the interview. It will answer more of your questions. You can see it here:
th-cam.com/video/0TgfG7cFtHc/w-d-xo.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Loctite would be your best friend ...
Does the Mosquito Helicopter use any type of electronic gyro for tail stabilization? You know like the model RC Heli's (ex. Align T-Rex)
No.
at least with a fixed wing you can scratch your nose .
Kevin Young No kidding. Doug told me you just DON'T take your hands off the controls.
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer , well, you can take at least one hand off the controls of a 'proper/real' helicopter, pilots do it all the time...I assume that the collective lever must have a friction clutch or something to hold it in position. I wonder why this Mosquito does not have that, or maybe its simplicity makes it too unstable to allow that technique.....
My friend let me take the controls of a R-22 at 3000ft 75knts over the Pacific Ocean on the way to the Channel Islands... TERRIFYING but fun. No scratching no blinking no farting
Kevin Young my thoughts exactly!
It's a really nice gokart helicopter. Amazing are all the weight saving materials. I'd like to know what is the survival/crash rate for pilots and the aircraft.
Frankly, I can't think of any airplanes that are made to crash. If you are looking for a crashworthy airplane maybe you should stick with video games.
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer I watch all those "air disaster" shows on the weather channel. Heli crashes seem pretty frequent. I just hadn't heard of too many ultralight heli crashes.
I'd love to fly to my friend's house in that 😁
AWESOME VID. why does left rudder keep getting feathered?
Nicely put together but I think that I'd be happier to sacrifice some weight gain to have more durable engine components
Love flying,lived in Wichita in 1971 and attended Kasas Newman University.
Did you know there is a Musem at top of Friends University,most people don't know
Dear Carl,
I had no idea about the Friends Museum. Thanks for the tip. I will check it out.
Later,
Brian
Yeah, that's what you want: Hard, square, pointy footpads, that can easily jab into the ground on the slightest horizontal movement and flip the helicopter... NOT.
don't the inputs on the cyclic show up on the disc 90 degrees later?
Kobe Bryant would have love to have one of these.
Dear Sir, i have a question
Why don't we use tilt rotor system instead of cyclic pitch system? It's far more simple and reliable, i guess so far
Sorry. I can't answer that.
Simplemente Genial.
The controls seem to be highly responsive. What is the speed, range and ceiling? Lift capacity?
Go here:
composite-fx.com/
Flying motorcycle.
I was about to comment that the experience is similar except no one is going to turn in front of you or do the numerous other deadly moves that can kill a rider!
What is the Gross Weight lift capacity of the Mosquito? This would be the Mosquito plus pilot? Should gross weight become an issue. Does the mosquito have the ability to increase the HP to over come an increase in the gross weight capacity or is the current engineering configuration an stresses set for the current gross weight capacity an not recommended to be increased? Great video. I am still young enough, an retired, an have been looking for an affordable project to get me in the air. However I would need the Mosquito to be able to lift Net weight plus 320lbs +/- 5%. Is there a height restriction to pilot the Mosquito? I am 6'5" .
+jim short
Dear Jim,
I cannot answer all those things but you can check this website and there should be answers for you there:
www.composite-fx.com/Compfx/Welcome.html
There is also a turbine powered Mosquito!
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
It needs guns
JK I thought the exact same thing. LOL
JK ROCKETS!!!
If you live in the USA and have the paperwork, go for it! :)
(That's bureaucracy for you---no license needed to fly a small helicopter, but gotta have that paper lined up for carrying a .22 pistol)
Move to Kansas. We have Constitutional Carry.
I'll keep that in mind if I ever want to live in the States (I've always wanted to, I'm from Canada)
Can You Purchase This Helicopter Kit Still Today And Whats The Price Of A Completed With Motor Also?
Go here:
composite-fx.com
At first glance it doesnt seems like much.But looking closer at rear and front propellers and mechanicals,you realise it is a nice piece of engineering,done by skillfull engineer.
Hi i am Sanjay . i like u r Mosquito air its wonderful. can u plz help to know the rotor Mecanisam . its very intersting
+Sanjay Bhagath
Dear Sanjay,
The best I can do is refer you to their website:
www.composite-fx.com/Compfx/Welcome.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer
***** Thanks..
Doug. I noticed you feathering left tail rotor torque throughout flight?
More power and pitch on the main rotor more torque reaction on the body that needs to be counteracted and less and you need to back off
My question exactly.
Just curious what the approximate altitude is
AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST. AND HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED???
Howdy - How many hours of instruction (Dual & Solo) on average would be needed to become proficient enough to safely fly the Mosquito Air? I understand that it would vary, depending on one’s apptitude, but I am just looking for an average. Thaks much
All I know is that they give you a discount of $1500 if you show proof of dual instruction. Go here to find out more:
composite-fx.com/
Why is the rotor gear so large.? Wouldn't it turn faster and rev the engine less if it were smaller.?
Thanks for your time.
Faster is not a concern. Helicopter rotors like this need to stay around 300 rpm.
Why does your left foot quiver on the pedal?? Do you have to do that??
Great and exciting concept! Would be interested in how this qualifies as an "ultralight" (which FAR).. As to the tail rotor turning in the less efficient direction, my only other question is why no horizontal stabilizing airfoil in the after part of tail boom to keep nose from tucking under at higher forward speeds? Thanks, Gordon.
Gordon McCoy Dear Gordon,
Check out F.A.R 103 for the definition of an Ultralight Vehicle. From that, the Mosquito qualifies. As part of that reg. the Ultralight can fly no faster than 55 knots so the tuck doesn't seem to be an issue.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Thanks for your quick response, Doug... I might try your acft.... can/may we get in touch with other?
Dear Gordon,
This is Brian FitzGerald. If you send me your email address, I will forward it to Doug Bryant and he can contact you.
The Sky Surfer
Gordon McCoy I'm curious what you mean about less efficient direction? This is a counter clockwise rotation heli like many European. The main rotor rotates opposite of US heli's and so the tail rotor goes to the left.
Less efficient means the leading edge of the tail rotor is "traveling in the main rotors "descending air"..... Reversing the tail rotor direction-of-travel will dictate the leading edge of the tail rotor will be "attacking" opposite direction relative wind...IE: more effective peddle control input....