Homebuilt Helicopters - Kit Helicopters - Experimental Helicopters

On this site you will find a variety of free historical and technical information pertaining directly to experimental helicopters. New content continues to be added to existing helicopter articles. We encourage you to take the time to look around and visit any links you may find of interest. We also hold the marketing rights under licence for the LoneStar Kit Helicopter from the late Ken Rehler of Star Aviation Inc, New Braunfels, Texas.

Our vision was to offer a personal helicopter that can be built from plans to suit individual's varied flying needs. We had been working on two different single seat models, the first being the Buzzard single seat helicopter that could be registered as an experimental helicopter with a two stroke power plant and simple airframe - a direct spin-off from the original LoneStar kit helicopter - originally to be sold as homemade helicopter plans. This was originally based on the second generation LoneStar design with some basic airframe and mechanical modifications. It would have been much like the Mosquito Ultralight Helicopter "Air" version mechanically. While there are always parts that need machining when building, we had tried to keep the design to a minimum and utilize as many off the shelf parts as possible. This design has been currently been placed on hold.

The second release was to be the Spider helicopter which while being heavier, would be more robust and suitable to more extreme flying parameters - eg. real cross country performance. It would have increased endurance along with the more reliable four stroke engine or possible diesel auto engine conversion to suit heavier pilot weight and altitude requirements. The design would share component similarities with such designs as the Kinney HRH (Hot Rod Helicopter) and BUG helicopter designs.

With affordability being one of the most common issues when considering building your own homebuilt helicopter, we have kept our design relatively simple while still maintaining a respectable level of safety. Materials availability has also been an important consideration in our design's so we tend to stick to traditional methods. A rather standard 4130 chromoly aircraft steel airframe was the basis of the design.

While we have spent much money on pursuing these two designs simultaneously, we have resigned ourselves to the fact that concentrating on only one design would be a more sensible solution to presenting a completed project. For this reason the Spider helicopter will be the focus of our design concept. Our previous flying prototype of the Buzzard single seat helicopter has been sold and our Spider helicopter airframe and components are undergoing redesign to cater for new technology enhancements - see news and updates for details they become available.

Our helicopter plans are intended to cater to both the beginner and advanced builder in construction techniques and flight performance. A less experienced builder can have pieces engineered from their homemade helicopter plans in small groups to spread the cost over time. Alternatively, an experienced builder could machine up their entire helicopter and assemble it in as little as a month (assuming you were working on it daily).

Check out our news and updates section for progress on the Spider helicopter designs progress. While development is continuing, it has been at a much slower pace than expected. Being that we invest our own personal money into this project it becomes a limiting factor. On top of that we have the usual day to day challenges of life to contend with but never lose focus of what we set out to achieve; a viable, robust, cross country capable helicopter that can be built from scratch.

Whether the builder is a machining professional or just handy with a hacksaw, personal helicopter ownership can now be realized. With our proposed quality helicopter plans, the ability to successfully build and fly your own homebuilt helicopter can now become achievable.

Redback Aviation's proposed personal helicopter plans sets will be professionally drawn and considered complete. All helicopter designs will feature low maintenance (by comparison to the traditional Rotorway Exec and Scorpion designs), improved safety, and high performance. Our homemade helicopter plans will come complete with builders construction assistance to be posted on this site in various forms including construction videos. Please note: Helicopter licensing and registration rulings may vary in different countries, please check with your local aviation authorities before considering construction.

How to fly a helicopter :: The basics

Piloting this piece of engineering is no mean feat. Immense mental and physical co-ordination is required; the ability to use each hand and foot independently to operate the flight controls is a prerequisite for any prospective pilot. This means training to become a pilot takes a significant amount of time and money. Typically more than 1,000 registered flying hours and numerous written exams are needed if you want to fly commercially.

Controls inside the cockpit

Learn how these controls enable a pilot to maneuver a helicopter.

1. Center console

The radio and transponder tend to be located on the center console. A variety of other instrumentation will also be present, including master switches for the engine, and multiple temperature gauges, too.

2. Instrument panel

Similar to an aeroplane, there are a number of instruments that need constant monitoring while airborne, including speed indicators, as well as the altitude (height) and attitude (forward speed) values.

3. Anti-torque pedals

Located at the front of the cockpit are two pedals, which control the tail rotor. Operating the pedals causes a lateral change in direction, and is used to combat the torque created by the main rotors during takeoff, which causes the helicopter to turn.

4. Cyclic-pitch lever

Sitting between the pilot's legs, the cyclic-pitch lever works to tilt the aircraft forwards, backwards or side-to-side. It tilts the rotor disc in the desired direction of flight, changing the angle of the rotor blades to alter the helicopter's direction.

5. Collective-pitch lever

This works to move the aircraft up and down, and is used during the helicopter's takeoff. When engaged, a collective change is imparted on the pitch of all the aircraft's rotor blade; by changing the angle of the swashplate (inset image). The throttle is also located here, which controls the engine's power.