• Welcome aboard HomebuiltAirplanes.com, your destination for connecting with a thriving community of more than 10,000 active members, all passionate about home-built aviation. Dive into our comprehensive repository of knowledge, exchange technical insights, arrange get-togethers, and trade aircrafts/parts with like-minded enthusiasts. Unearth a wide-ranging collection of general and kit plane aviation subjects, enriched with engaging imagery, in-depth technical manuals, and rare archives.

    For a nominal fee of $99.99/year or $12.99/month, you can immerse yourself in this dynamic community and unparalleled treasure-trove of aviation knowledge.

    Embark on your journey now!

    Click Here to Become a Premium Member and Experience Homebuilt Airplanes to the Fullest!

Search results

Find deals on ebay
Find deals on amazon
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
  1. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    Maybe it's top secret so no one can talk about it.....
  2. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    What/how has the military been converting old jets to "drones" for target practice, do they use servo mechanisms to actuate the original control system, or do they change the controls to be directly actuated like in RC aircraft? (Been curious about this one for a while)
  3. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    The main point I was trying to make is not to be condescending to new ideas. Homebuilders are the real R&D of personal aircraft for the most part. Did Piper or Cessna introduce composite construction in the late 60's early 70's, how about some of the new designs for personal air...
  4. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    Maybe this forum is no longer a good place for a discussion if new ideas related to aircraft. Apparently, experience from other industries such as automotive, agriculture, and racing do not apply(I believe they do) Most of the methods and technology that is given as "the right/only way to do...
  5. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    ;) Well said.
  6. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    I understand where the experience is coming from, and I think almost all of the points are valid. However, why can't there be a little more constructive criticism, like hey build a set-up and test it, and share your results? Many of us build what we want to build because we have been told we...
  7. E

    Control via Hydraulics

    Ok, this might offer another viewpoint. Hydraulic systems are used to control jet aircraft control surfaces, you should see the inside of a B-52! Furthermore, the argument about "feel" is very biased because the aircraft industry is VERY resistant to change. Look how long it has taken for fuel...
  8. E

    Peter does it again

    One thought might be that if Peter stuck with one of his designs and refined it so that it was marketable/plans/kits quality that would sway some opinions here. Unfortunately, he starts fresh instead. Many aircraft we see available(many only in old PDF plans format) gave had several years...
  9. E

    Peter does it again

    That about sums it up perfectly. Also, I suspect he has learned more about designing small aircraft(and knowing how to build them) than most engineering students fresh out if college. Plus, just because you can think something up, does not make it worth anything if no one other than NASA or...
  10. E

    Peter does it again

    Oops, I was just watching his videos yesterday and thought the T-tail was the MK 4, ok, I am a couple cans short of a six pack, Sorry! Man he sure keeps busy building airplanes.
  11. E

    Peter does it again

    FYI, his latest UL has a T-tail. I think that is the aircraft that started the discussion. I also agree with his choice of methods and materials, which almost anyone can procure easily and at a decent cost. Furthermore, at least he is building and flying something, which is more than I can say...
  12. E

    New member in Houston,TX area

    All good points. You know, that might actually be a legal loophole to label the batteries as fuel. They do serve the same purpose. If I remember a previous on-line discussion about this the FAA wouldn't go for it because gasoline is a consumable fuel(weight-wise). And the fact of making sure...
  13. E

    New member in Houston,TX area

    So it looks like the battery is @33lbs, motor 8-9lbs, prop, about 2lbs, and esc/motor controller probably 1-2 lbs, wiring and throttle switch???? Props spinner???? I think budgeting for 50-60 lbs total for the complete power system.
  14. E

    New member in Houston,TX area

    Yes.....the motor is about 8 lbs, and I'm still trying to get the weight of the batteries. I'm budgeting 40 lbs for those, so it will be close. I may have to have less flight time due to battery weight to make the 254 lb weight limit😐 I hope the FAA makes a concession for electric powered...
  15. E

    New member in Houston,TX area

    BBC, I'm looking at a 22-25KW motor with 72v with 35-40ah batteries. I'm looking to have the airframe come in at about 185-200lbs max before the power system requirements.
  16. E

    New member in Houston,TX area

    Has anyone built either a J1-B Don Quiote, or J2 Polonez in the US or better yet Texas? I'm working on an electric powered ultralight version that is actually more similar to Janowski's J3 Eagle, but would love to talk to anyone that has actually built and flown one of his aircraft.
  17. E

    How to accurately cut out plywood?

    One other option is to digitize the part outline(and any holes/slots/cutouts) and create a 2D DXF file in AutoCAD or Draftsight(free software that works great). Then take your plywood and a flash drive with your DXF files to a local cabinet shop with a CNC router and see if they will cut them...
Back
Top