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Aircam - 1st Flight
http://skywolverines.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3188		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  loftus [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Aircam - 1st Flight
Well it's not a gyro, but there's definitely something called the 'Aircam Grin' after flying in one of these. Got my first ride today with Ken Allen at Deland. His was built in 1999 with twin 80 HP Rotaxes. Take off roll and climb out is impressive, much quicker off the ground than the gyro, and even with the smaller Rotaxes can climb out close to 2000 fpm. Considering how his performs, the twin 100HP should be even more impressive.
It's definitely a low and slow airplane. We did some awesome low level stuff just like in the gyro. I got to fly her a bit, really well behaved.
Ken demonstrated single engine outs, and they are almost a non-event.
I took him up in the gyro as well, showed him some slow flight vertical descents, and of course he could not match the gyro landing roll, that impressed him. Take off on the other hand it blows the gyro away. Some quick and dirty video from the back seat, check out the low level flying starting just before 2 minutes.
Just an awesome morning flying with friends - that's what it's all about.
Author:  loftus [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
JAKE! wrote:
Awesome stuff.
You should get one, then you could enjoy the different applications of each machine.
I used to fly ultralight fixed wing and at times, had their moments of euphoria and peace.
Then there were times, ya got the livin shit beat outa ya and couldn't wait to set her down, that's where the gyro comes in.

I'm working on it. :yoda2
Author:  GordonT [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
NICE!!!

:like :like :like
Author:  elwood [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Very cool even if it is over to the dark side....Two engines over water is always good just like the airlines....
ETOPS.........Engines Turn Or People Swim actualy Extended Twin Operations Bla Bla bla.......

But yes two engines is cool if you can afford to feed them.
Author:  Gabor [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Ok if you insist I'll go up with him too.
:laughing
:plike
Author:  loftus [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 8:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
elwood wrote:
Very cool even if it is over to the dark side....Two engines over water is always good just like the airlines....
ETOPS.........Engines Turn Or People Swim actualy Extended Twin Operations Bla Bla bla.......

But yes two engines is cool if you can afford to feed them.

The second engine is almost like a spare (like the one in the trunk in a Volkswagen - :) )
Flies easily at half power on one engine. General cruise is at half power or less on both engines, 6-8 gph depending on cruise speed and load.
Gabs, Ken would love to take you up I am sure.
Author:  Gabor [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 12:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Will certainly try if offered.
:)
That thing must have a very low stall speed!!!!!
Author:  Gabor [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 12:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Will certainly try if offered.
:)
That thing must have a very low stall speed!!!!!
Author:  loftus [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Gabor wrote:
Will certainly try if offered.
:)
That thing must have a very low stall speed!!!!!

About 33 knots (39 mph)
Author:  MadMuz [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
I am still going to send you some great big, granny style frilly knickers if you buy one if you don't try a gyro on floats first at least :laughing :rofl :fuckum :Nazi :yoda2 :Wolvie

:Confederate
Author:  loftus [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 1:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
MadMuz wrote:
I am still going to send you some great big, granny style frilly knickers if you buy one if you don't try a gyro on floats first at least :laughing :rofl :fuckum :Nazi :yoda2 :Wolvie

:Confederate

I think I'd look good in an Aircam with knickers. :)
I think both aircraft have their pros and cons, not knocking the gyro, it's huge fun to fly, but in terms of utility the gyro just does not compare in so many ways.
Putting my gyro on floats will need an engine upgrade, and then will still be a very draggy machine. By the time one upgrades the Rotax to 135HP, fuel economy is not going to be that much better than the twin 100HP Rotax's on the Aircam running mostly around 4000 RPM. There's also always the reliability concern pushing the Rotax to 135HP, can be done, but not really proven yet.
So for comparison purposes:
The Aircam I can put Gabor and myself in it and about 200 or more pounds of payload - whether it's travel gear, scuba tanks, photo and camping gear etc. The gyro, its just me and Gabs.
The Aircam cruises about the same, maybe a little slower than the gyro, but I think with both on floats the Aircam performs better.
Range and endurance on the Aircam are going to be significantly better, 5-6 hours in the Aircam.
Some personal things, I can share it with my son and maybe even get my wife in it to do some island hopping. The gyro is just not going to cut it two up and fully loaded on floats. And then there is that second engine on the Aircam, huge, particularly when one sees how well the Aircam flies on one engine.
Another good thing about Aircams is that they are really holding their value.
Now the Aircam is a whole lot of cash and it's going to take me at least a couple of years, maybe 3 to get it all done. In the meantime Annoying Orange is not for sale. In fact I think my Aircam will be Annoying Orange as well. For pure fun of flying they are both right up there and not that different.
Author:  Hillberg [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
If you spend 8 hour days it takes 2 months 22 day to assemble an aircam from box to first flight..... :bunny
Author:  loftus [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Hillberg wrote:
If you spend 8 hour days it takes 2 months 22 day to assemble an aircam from box to first flight..... :bunny

Sounds like you've built a few. I am going to be getting some help from someone who's built a bunch of airplanes, and is a Rotax mechanic.
If I count on 8 hours a week, that's gonna be a year and a half at least. Cash flow is going to dictate a lot in terms of time to build.
I also have to get my rating etc, and try and fit some work in to pay for it.
Author:  Gabor [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Didyall catch the "put Gabor and 200# in it" part?
:rofl
Author:  Dropbear [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
Aircams are "bitch'n' sweet aircraft ... I saw my first one @ Lockwood - rotax courses 3 years ago ...also got to look at the kits & some construction under way!! Also saw several ... on wheels & floats in the shop for service! Oh yeah they showed us the promo video too! Simply gorgeous! Solid first rate aircraft! if fix-wings ever had any appeal to me ...AIRCAM's are way on the top!

I totally get where you are coming from Lofty.. best of luck in the dream to get one ... you live in the best state & got the right kinda job to make it all happen! :twopennies

WTG!!! :Flag
Author:  MadMuz [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
I think you might look alright in some of these? :noidea :laughing :pop :yoda2 :Wolvie

:Confederate
Author:  farmer jim [ Sun Oct 11, 2015 6:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
MadMuz wrote:
I think you might look alright in some of these? :noidea :laughing :pop :yoda2 :Wolvie

:Confederate



PLZ GAWD,

NEVER let me see Lofty in Knickers !

fj, jus sayin -
Author:  Gabor [ Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aircam - 1st Flight
That's what his flight suit looks like!
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