DBN
Member
The American GEM - Youth Flight Training System consists of: American GEM Ground Effect Machine ( hence GEM) glider, a Plane on a Post [PoP] Stationary trainer rig, powered ground tow line loop, ground school - and sortie by sortie flight plan for students, all of which fit easily into an 8'X8'X22' standard enclosed trailer. We are based in Indianapolis IN. There is a FaceBook page American GEM will get you there.
Currently have two GEM's, prototype is a modified Kolb Firefly - 22' wingspan, with safety cage, PoP fitting, and Glider Tow release. Gear is modified to be nearly "flat" for initial training. GEM #2 has FireStar wings (27'- w/ under camber) and has flown at less than 25 mph.
GEM #1 has been used extensively with youth 11-16 (and some adults! it is FUN) for PoP training and low and high speed taxi training. It "hops" at about 25-27 mph.
Next step is the Ground Tow Line power system - fabrication is underway now!
We start tow testing and verification of the taxi portion of the Instructors and Students curricula next week.
Video is of GEM #1 (still wearing some leading edge flagging for attention at an event - will not do that again!) as we did an assembly / disassembly check list confirmation.
Intent is to get to a full package that we will provide INFORMATION on to others wanting to duplicate the Lithuanian LAK-16 based ground tow line flight training system.
If you are in the Central Indiana area and want to help PLEASE contact us via the FB page.
Currently have two GEM's, prototype is a modified Kolb Firefly - 22' wingspan, with safety cage, PoP fitting, and Glider Tow release. Gear is modified to be nearly "flat" for initial training. GEM #2 has FireStar wings (27'- w/ under camber) and has flown at less than 25 mph.
GEM #1 has been used extensively with youth 11-16 (and some adults! it is FUN) for PoP training and low and high speed taxi training. It "hops" at about 25-27 mph.
Next step is the Ground Tow Line power system - fabrication is underway now!
We start tow testing and verification of the taxi portion of the Instructors and Students curricula next week.
Video is of GEM #1 (still wearing some leading edge flagging for attention at an event - will not do that again!) as we did an assembly / disassembly check list confirmation.
Intent is to get to a full package that we will provide INFORMATION on to others wanting to duplicate the Lithuanian LAK-16 based ground tow line flight training system.
If you are in the Central Indiana area and want to help PLEASE contact us via the FB page.
Last edited: