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Building An Ultralight Helicopter - Start ActionThis article is Part Two of a series about Building an Ultralight Helicopter. To read Part One click here. The idea to build an ultralight helicopter on your own is very challenging, but you should approach it judiciously. The reason is that this decision will cost you money and time (which is again money). You have probably made a search on the web for producers of ultralight helicopters and helicopter kits in order to find out the best quality, the best price or just the heli which fits best to your dreams. Before making the final step towards ordering a plan, different pieces or a complete kit, look at the following checklist, which will help you to make better decision. Self-confidenceDo you have it enough? Many people decide to built their own aircraft, but they do not believe in their technical skills and knowledge. What is worse, some of them give up after paying good amount of money for a kit. The companies, producing the plans and the kits have very good instruction manuals and videos to help you. If you are ready to learn and to acquire new skills, you need just a little training and time to practice in order to build your ultralight helicopter. Basic knowledgePurchasing the helicopter kit with detailed manuals and plans makes your life overlgenerally easy. However, you need to be well versed in some subjects like comprehension and reading of instructions and plans as well as organizing and planning of the tasks to be performed. You will need as well basic skills in working with metal, like: measuring and cutting of required lengths, drilling and countersinking of holes, work with aluminum (sheets and tubes), bending of aluminum pieces, smoothing of holes and edges, gluing of metal parts, etc. You have to be good enough in fitting the components together, assembling different pieces, welding (required for the exhaust system), connection and testing of the electrical systems, setting the engine and the particular fuel system. TimingUnfortunately you cannot build your ultralight helicopter in one day. You will need at least several weeks, up to 6 months, depending on the time you can spend and the skills you have. Before purchasing the kit think about the following aspects of your future work:
The DesignLook carefully and select your helicopter design not only based on its price. You should like the model. Do not expect (if you are experienced enough) that you will change its design later . Do not do this! In any case you have to ask the producer of the kit, as there are construction reasons behind every detail. The HelpThere are several places where you can look for help and useful answers to your questions. First of all the companies which sells kits or plans supports forums and FAQ sections on their websites. Look at the sites of builders of ultralight aircrafts as well. What you should take into account in case of doubt is to ask before you have drilled or cut, in order to avoid a costly mistake. Still hesitating? Read some success stories and advice from people who already built their ultralight helictoper. If you liked this article subscribe to our Free Newsletter 
Post Your Comment User comments: daniel grogan at May, 16 '08 07:41 Bob at May, 27 '08 18:13 Sud at Dec, 14 '08 09:23 Farron L. Miller at May, 09 '10 20:01 | |
