HJpro7

If anyone has any other design ideas please send them my way.

I also need help with powerplant choice and propeller. The current theory is to work with ElectraFlyer's kits, ElectraFlyer.com - Price List.

I'm planning to build an electric powered sailplane - Microlift glider (Microlift glider - Wikipedia) over a period of 7 years with a budget of approximately 10,000AUD.

Design Criteria :

• low cost
   
   
   
  
• folding/dismantlable wings
   
   
   
  
• narrow fuselage
   
   
   
  
• an electric motor powerplant
   
   
   
  
• simple construction
   
   
   
  
• steel fuselage with fabric covering
   
   
   
  
• a possible empty weight of sub-100kg and 200kg MTOW
   
   
   
  
• etc..
   
   
   
  

Design idea: I really like how compact this design is, but I want to know if there are any drawbacks with such a design. I prefer this low mounted boom fuselage rather than a high mounted one as its significantly easier to transport.

After more researching, I leaning over towards wood aircraft since there are usually cheaper and easier to work with.

the Kr-2 below.

PS. I have worked with wood for the past 3-4 years at school.

I'm building a tricyle version because its easier to take-off and land, plus I don't need any special training. Is a starter, alternator and battery the only parts required to get a electric startup system. Not intending to build anything else electrical.

Also what do you mean by

There's also a lot of work in a 1/2 VW, making the project fairly substantial over all.

Okay I've been doing extensive research on the Hummel Bird. I have divided most of the costs into different batches so I don't end up spending $17,000+.

Please review the spreadsheet below.

Hummel Bird

Also I wanted to ask if hand-propping an engine is safe or not. And if not how would I go about installing an electric starter.

Thanks,

Has anyone built the Hummel Bird, I'm interested in neccessary instruments used for Day VFR

So I should get my license before starting to build, because I was thinking otherwise. I was planning to start construction on the plane, so buy plans, tools (dont need big power tools since I got school equipment) and material since its cheaper to start (to my knowledge). Then when I'm done on the plane I can start on my license, which means 6 months of training alongside Uni or work. Then trasition training if required.

Anyway thats how I think I might pan things out as.

Also a cool little plane I forgot to mention was the BK-1 tricycle.

Just been doing some research on the HummelBird because you can build it for around 10k USD, but I started getting worried when I saw all the accidents that have happened. I wanna be sure what I'm building is safe so can you give me some insight?

Yeah, I've been doing extensive research for the past 2-3 weeks, but it seems as I'm not getting anywhere! I was initially looking at an RV-4 kit but now I'm looking at scratch building a Hummel aircraft (HummelBird or Ultracruiser)

Thanks for resources btw!

I guess so, but I'm pretty sure were gonna be travelling then as well

Dang it, school finishes on the 22nd and we leave for a 2-week vacation in the US a day after :(

Mum says no, but my dad is coming in October and he might be more optimistic about it :)

Will keep you updated.

PS I live significantly closer to Jandakot (only a 30min) compared to Mandurah (about 1h and a half).

What about the construction of the specific parts ie.

I'd love to, need to discuss with parents though.

Whats the aircraft?

Okay been thinking about scratch-building, so I'm interested in knowing if you've personally done it and what challenges did you face on construction of parts, etc.

Thanks so much, and I'll try to document my progress as much as possible.

Cheers for the support, it's unfortunate since not many people think it's possible especially my mum.

I think what you should do Hjpro7, is scrape together enough money to get a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) with a local flying school, and see if flying is for you. Then work on getting your flight training sorted.

Side note: is it possible to learn in our own aircraft if it is a 2 place.

Oh sorry I misunderstood,

I do indeed like the idea, in fact, I might even design something like this myself in the near future.

And I did watch the video but the audio quality was pretty bad so I muted it lol.

Looks pretty sweet! But I'm looking for a 2 place so I can share the experience with friends and family.

True. But you can buy an awful lot of professional maintenance for $45,000.

I guess so, thanks for the insight

Pretty smart idea actually, might do that but I'm unsure of all the nitty gritty details such as wiring. Could be achievable after building my first aircraft though :)

Thanks for the information, would you say it could've have been a lot cheaper if you didn't go with the numerous upgrades such as the better upholstery and V6 engine.