Dan was the nicest guy to talk to in person. Probably talked with him for 30 minutes at the competition. There wasn't a plane there that could land shorter. So glad I went.
@@None-zc5vg 120 billion of "us" have lived on this planet, give or take...I'll bet the number that died "doing what they loved" is significantly less... Mind your business, it isn't your life...
The wind acted like a slope for the aircraft to climb, the stronger the wind the steeper the slope thus resulting in faster ascend and also more engine throttle is required to climb the steeper slope. ..
@@johanrynjah8241 Yeah, I get it. All these explanations beautifully explain the mechanics behind this-- but ignore the simple fact that virtually no other planes do this so efficiently in so little space. Can we all just damn appreciate that?
When I was in my twenties I saw an ultra-lite Bi-plane with a canard on the front. It took off at 7 MPH and was a difficult aircraft to stall due to the canard. Would have love to learn basic flying on that craft. I still think about it 50 years later.
Your description makes me want to know the type... Searching "canard biplane" gets only one good result and you know what that is (hint: wing warping, not ailerons).
What a beautifully designed custom aircraft, the fact the maker used his suspension design speaks volumes, one of my favourite bits is the heater,"keeps my feet warm in -35" , thanks for letting us see it👍🏴
You should. Build an Aircraft. You would probably be very attention to detail and build a beautifully functional Airplane. Maybe buy a set of plans and start reviewing a build? Thanks for watching!
This is a very impressive performer! That take off roll was almost helicopter like! This Constructor Pilot clearly knows what he's doing in the areas of design, fabrication, construction and piloting!
I don’t know much about planes and flying other than that I have always loved to fly. My father was a pilot in the USAF. This video was just fascinating….so much respect for the knowledge and passion that this guy demonstrates!
Awesome job at interviewing and telling the story of this amazing aircraft !! I’ve seen it on a video competing at Valdez years ago and I was hooked after that. Dan has definitely took this aircraft to its maximum potential and on the way created something that is unique.
@@maszkalman3676 It can do that, just depends on the wind. As I recall, he set that record in Valdez with a REALLY consistent breeze off the ocean, no gusting to worry about so he could slow it right down to the edge of falling through.
Love the way on Takeoff how the Tail Raises for just a split Second to gain Speed then Drops to Get Lift . Was a Machinist who checked out a few Plane plans back in 70's. Would Love to see a Boat Version of This with Hydrodynamic structures giving the Wheels Less Aerodynamic resistance. Lovely Job !!!
I noticed the takeoff roll also, the way you describe it, and I’m sure that’s the best way to do it for the shortest takeoff. With a little stronger wind you would just pull back on the elevator and it would take off and go backwards.
I love it I owned two WT11 Chinooks with 277 Rotax single cylinder. Slow yes but very fun to fly mine did great hammerheads and it could get in and out beautifully. You did an amazing job I love it.
I talked to the Polish (immigrant) designer of that plane many years ago at the Birdman facility in Edmonton. He was "matter-of-fact" about the design. His mission was function over form in every detail. All these years later his philosophy aged like Benjamin Buttons. This builder has done a commendable job.
The pusher prop is one of many advantages for bush flying, not only for the great visibility forward, but also to prevent prop strikes when braking hard after landing. It seems that at most big STOL competitions at least one airplane has a prop strike. Tricycle gear could prevent that as well, though.
@@mtkoslowski Everything on a pusher goes through the prop. Dont have to nose over to destroy it! Taxing in snow will do it. Perfectly safe as it wont fly!
Plenty of tricycle gear tip forward onto a wingtip and strike the prop. Even more collapse the weak little nose gear leg and wreak the engine/prop. Tail wheel is king for everything except loading freight onto a level cargo area with a forklift or having old passengers feel comfortable walking on a level isle to the seat while boarding. Real planes have tailwheels
Delighted to have happened onto this video. Thank you for posting! It's been 57 years since I was in the Yukon. Sounds like things have changed tremendously. I don't recall anyone like you up there. What fun.
As a teenager I worked for Birdman Enterprises. They were displaying the planes at shopping malls and I got to answer questions and hand out brochures. I flew with my Dad in a 2 seat Quicksilver at the time. So cool to see this!
Nice weather, perfect for STOLing. Great segment, great photography and editing, and loved the way the inserts of the STOL competition breaks up the on camera dialogue. Thoroughly enjoyed it. WELL DONE.
Neat! What really impressed me was his takeoff and landing. I was expecting to see the plane travel 200 feet to lift and land but that was done right away⚠️
Absolutely beautiful. This guy is a mechanic's, mechanic. I know because I've fixed cars without even looking at them; after being told that mechanics had already tried and failed, so not to bother. Wish I could disclose my wingless, propeller less, aircraft but can't do that. Maybe someday. The Wright Bros. are smiling at you dude!
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel You don't know how tempting that is. I've been thinking about this since about 1978. I've been attacked, and mutilated, for suing a criminal doctor who has friends on the police dept. The doctor harvested a woman's uterus and then changed the consent form using White-Out, so; sorry they don't get to benefit from me. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
What a great guy who definitely knows his stuff, and what a fab plane . Having been an RAF tech doe 20+yrs all bar 2 yrs on aircraft line, i found that fascinating.
It's truly an amazing thing to watch an STOL aircraft land or take off. You understand the physics of it, Bernouilli's Theorem and all, and yet after it's done you find yourself thinking "Holy crap, that was almost like a rotorcraft, how was it able to remain aloft with so little air flowing over its wings?"
That landing was impressively short. I have a tiny E-Flite UMX Beast 3D biplane, which will tolerate an amazing amount of wind. I once landed it with a negative ground speed on a paved runway. (i.e. landed it going backwards 😁). I'll bet Dan could get this bird to land going backwards. Anyway, there are quite a few RC kits and AFRs so kit-bashing a reasonably scale (appearance and performance) RC version should not be too hard. Look what HH did with the Draco Wilga! 😁
@@SkyWriter25 for me it reminds me my old Limbo Dancer funfly, its wasn’t the prettiest but it landed exactly like this one and I loved to hover it in the air at a good headwind ,it could even fly backwards.a 3d printed model could also be possible.
First saw this plane in an Alaskan UA-cam video featuring a Cub doing a STOL competition. Nice to see the actual guy that created it. It looks and sounds so reliable. The interview was like a soothing lullaby 😌 getting late 😴 I'll probably dream of flying now 😏
7:54 The Fowler (leading edge slot) flap brackets seem to have a lot going on! Would love to know more! 12:47 “…I really don’t know if glass panels work at 35 below.” Typically delightful Canadian understatement!
As a Texan, I prefer to function between 60 and 160 degrees F. Hearing "35 below" is hard to wrap my head around, and I'm pretty sure it would not go well for me. Lovely person, great interview. 50 yrs ago, Texas had a lot of genuine, kind folks like this and I miss it.
Never seen a regular airplane almost hover without any forward motion! That is amazing and then Dan starts saying how little it weighs and I'm out of words at that point. Thanks for showing us what's possible, Dan, with vision and tinkering passion! Bravo.
I started to learn how to fly about 20 years ago, my father got sick and i gave up my aspirations to fly until he got better, but he passed away 6 weeks ago. I would still love to learn how to build and fly an experimental, ultralight or sports aircraft. Any chance you would take on an apprentice?
Wow, that it one sweet little plane, I love it! Here in the UK, that would be classified as a microlight. If I had the money, I would definitely buy one!
Love these little aircraft. Did a few STOLs during training with my crazy instructor just need 30+knot windy days to do the same trick. Always weird to cut the throttle at the end of the runway and land short of the captain's bars. (Runway 22 at Edward's AFB) Need one of these for my back yard.
This is super cool. This is how people would have imagined aircraft would be in the 21st century. You guys are super cool. Would love to operate something like that! Congrats!!!
That was so cool to watch you land and take off in 50 feet! Wow! That little plane is so cool, I want one now! Nice work engineering your own aircraft! I am impressed!
This is like a very large RC plane...seriously I've been flying large electric RC planes for years and there build very similar. Piloting and building this plane is a huge step above RC, but it would not take much to turn this into a remote control plane. I'd love to fly this thing. Great job.
@@markstephens7236 I use 2 stroke chain saws a lot, with modern oils and correct mixing, never had a problem. When I started with two strokes 60 years ago on my motor bikes, they were very unreliable, mainly I think it was to do with the oils we used back then, we just used standard car engine oil. May I shouldn't do it but I've run my Husqvarna 251 chainsaw with the original plug for 16 years. Of course I only use the saw maybe once every 2 weeks for say 3 hours, not as much as a commuter motor cycle. Cleanliness with the two stroke oil mixing containers/funnels etc is vital, some people have poor ways of mixing the fuel!!
@@srnunan4783 The two stroke engines are not as efficient as 4 strokes on fuel economy but do last a long time if designed correctly and run properly with modern oils. Where I work as a volunteer, the chainsaws are not looked after by some users, my chainsaws have always had a trouble free long life. Two strokes are cheap to make and lighter than 4 strokes, so what you choose as an engine typically depends on the application.
@@markstephens7236 My first 2 stroke was Kawaski KX 80 in 1980. 1987 I was on a KX 500 2 stroke that thing was a monster. Took it to the drag strip with a street tire on it 3 gears did 11.20 at 121 MPH got such bad speed wobble only did 2nd run shut down at the 1000-foot mark. Used to take it to Glamis also jump dunes with a paddle tire talk about flying about 50-60 feet in the air it was like the ground just dropped out under you. I later got into bass boats of course I hopped up the engine overhauled a 200 HP V6 3 Liter 2 stroke after it sucked a metal reed was my fault for not replacing them soon enough. My experience with motocross bikes I just learned how to work on 2 strokes. They don't tolerate vacuum leaks lean running they seize up. With this lighter is always better Rotax Rick 670 engine can make 92HP.
What a great solo fly/camp platform. I bet DR has a fabulous time playing in Alaska with this thing. Any 100-yard field, frozen lake, or sand bar within a one hour radius is his playground, with a 500 pound useful load, subject to the right conditions, of course, as always up North.
Totally fantastic.I was listening to the podcast.And heard the name birdman a couple of times and I thought, Could it be the same thing .Back in the 70s?I flew a birdman raider hangglider back in nineteen seventy eight in the fraser valley bc. Haven't done any flying since but I love this Aircraft and Dan seems like just a fantastic person.
Cool little airplane for sure. I wonder what the fuel burn per hour is for that engine. It would also be cool to know its speed envelope as we know if flies impossibly slow.
I mounted a Yamaha Apex engine on a amphib airplane , 140hp water cooled and about same weight as your engine. It was amazing replacement for the 120hp Rotax two stroke that came on his Sea Ray . I had to do a lot of wiring to get it in the air but it sure did so easily with the Apex motor.
That just about hits the spot. In the future, with photovoltaic top surfaces, a low-slung battery, and a high-efficiency three phase electric motor, and that lovely suspension, and that spot will definitely be hit. Beautiful. Imagine flying with the power of sunlight.
I have a friend who has a massive PV array next to his hanger/shop/house. He says the next owner will own an electric plane and he may very well be right.
It’s a long way off, even as an unmanned. Planes and helicopters even more so need a lot of power. Even high discharge batteries can barely fly a manned aircraft and then only for a few minutes. Solar panels on the wings would have no chance
@@srnunan4783 You only need power to climb. Then you will use the power in the air, collecting and storing surplus for use. The future holds for AI technology and carbon-composite ornithopters to attempt to mimic Nature's fastest and most agile *_swifts._* Far out, yes. But not impossible. Tribute to Iain M. Banks.
I love slow flying aircraft. Something about them brings out my love of nature. The nice thing about designing and building for slow is that drag is not only not a handicap, but is a virtue. This gives the designer and builder far more structural latitude. Powering it becomes simpler as well. You require enough to get right off and climb steeply, that's all. Cruising is not, of course, a concern. Cooling is also no problem as the complete lack of concern about drag permits you to place the engine right out in the wind. Of course, you use an air-cooled engine which is much lighter and less expensive than any other kind. What airfoil(s) did you use? Did you ever think of using an undercambered airfoil? Covering the bottom is a little more challenging, but they are wizard for slow flying. Any diagrams or drawings available? I'd love to build an electric R/C of this. Just a fascinating vid. Thank you so much.
@@billynomates920 Yes, I heard that, and I suppose I could come fairly close regarding the general outlines and areas, but airfoils are a different and crucial thing altogether, particularly with regard to an aeroplane designed for a very specific purpose, such as very slow flight with very high lift. You may guess about landing gear configuration and such, however, the airfoil used will make or break this sort of project, and accordingly is usually, if not always, selected from a specific well-tested group of shapes. I never heard of pixel counting to determine such a shape, or whatever. :D Anyway, there were no photographs equivalent to a three-view, or of the airfoil, so even that crazy thing is out. Anyroad, in an R/C model these things can be somewhat fudged and still come out alright. I would surely use a well-known undercambered airfoil on the model. I was just curious about what is working so well on his full-sized aeroplane.. Cheers, mate. (see, you've got one after all)
You have a great spirit if the motor dies is it a problem landing that plane is awesome take off and landing no runway needed that would be my first choice nice plane thanks for sharing
That is fantastic. I've always been drawn to a pusher aircraft with the unrivalled view out front. I bet you have to really concentrate on wind speed to acieve the results you do. Excellent design and skills in producing it.
I notice a nice, stiff headwind on the day of this competition, greatly imlroving STOL distances. I wonder what the STOL distamces would be on a calm, no wind day.
YES. Many point that out. But... everyone has the same "Wind" while competing for the most part. So it keeps it "relative" and "fair." So YES... you may have one day that the take off distance is shorter than the next. But.... you are simply competing against the shortest distance compared to other short distances. Thanks for watching today!
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel that's a good point a lot are forgetting, keeping everything within this specific tournament in a bubble it seems all is fair. i get what others are saying to though, if your going to compare it outside of this day and these conditions then it doesn't seem fair to do that
@@nzsaltflatsracer8054 am I allowed to enter with my powered hang glider? In a wind like this I'd have no roll at all. Just spot land and take off vertically.
If he hadn't scratched that first landing, I think he would have gotten first place. My 2 youngest girls ( 11 & 7 ) and I went there last yr and this yr and loved it. When we left, I stopped right across the interstate so they could hold so.e baby alligators. We can't wait until next yr.
Dan was the nicest guy to talk to in person. Probably talked with him for 30 minutes at the competition. There wasn't a plane there that could land shorter. So glad I went.
Had another old Canadian design been there he may have lost. Some hovering and flying backwards for real.
m.ua-cam.com/video/W1KHlNXjDt4/v-deo.html
He sure sounds that way!
So true,
now that's an achievement!
I love this guys style, just doing what he loves
The man is a bird
Said it well!!
People are so often reported as having died "doing what they loved".
@@None-zc5vg 120 billion of "us" have lived on this planet, give or take...I'll bet the number that died "doing what they loved" is significantly less...
Mind your business, it isn't your life...
Man, that thing's practically VTOL! I guess STOL? Was airborne in about 2.5 seconds (15 feet?), and landed in less than that? Just wow!
It looks like he does have some wind helping him watch the flags
@@skipbickford3970 Yes, I noticed that right off (take off and landing), but still very impressive.
The wind acted like a slope for the aircraft to climb, the stronger the wind the steeper the slope thus resulting in faster ascend and also more engine throttle is required to climb the steeper slope. ..
@@johanrynjah8241 Yeah, I get it. All these explanations beautifully explain the mechanics behind this-- but ignore the simple fact that virtually no other planes do this so efficiently in so little space. Can we all just damn appreciate that?
@@crustycurmudgeon2182 👍👍👍
I designed and built the propeller on that one. Powerfin. That hub brings back memories. Cool plane, man.
When I was in my twenties I saw an ultra-lite Bi-plane with a canard on the front. It took off at 7 MPH and was a difficult aircraft to stall due to the canard. Would have love to learn basic flying on that craft. I still think about it 50 years later.
Your description makes me want to know the type... Searching "canard biplane" gets only one good result and you know what that is (hint: wing warping, not ailerons).
What a beautifully designed custom aircraft, the fact the maker used his suspension design speaks volumes, one of my favourite bits is the heater,"keeps my feet warm in -35" , thanks for letting us see it👍🏴
Yea, his humble attitude masks pure genius.
That plane is near helicopter performance.
I agree with Patrick. I’ve gotta get one to Australia
I like his knowledge."exactly how much it weighs" not arrogant just knowledge. He's the guy I would study if I wanted to build an aircraft.
You should. Build an Aircraft. You would probably be very attention to detail and build a beautifully functional Airplane. Maybe buy a set of plans and start reviewing a build? Thanks for watching!
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel h
brilliant! I am a former airforce mechanic . Refreshing to hear His passion ! grateful . Stephen australia
This is a very impressive performer!
That take off roll was almost helicopter like!
This Constructor Pilot clearly knows what he's doing in the areas of design, fabrication, construction and piloting!
with some head wind ..
I don’t know much about planes and flying other than that I have always loved to fly. My father was a pilot in the USAF.
This video was just fascinating….so much respect for the knowledge and passion that this guy demonstrates!
Awesome job at interviewing and telling the story of this amazing aircraft !!
I’ve seen it on a video competing at Valdez years ago and I was hooked after that.
Dan has definitely took this aircraft to its maximum potential and on the way created something that is unique.
Absolutely brilliant, amazing STOL capability. No ideal what the world record is this category is but 15-20 feet looks promising?
it isn't tho i know 3 years ago the record was only 9 feet 5 inches... this should be halved to even try to beat an older record...
@@maszkalman3676 that 9 foot 5 inches was set by DR (guy in the video) so get your facts straight!
@@zit11owner so what? this plane can'"t do that that was my point, not even close it wasn't about who did it...
@@maszkalman3676 It can do that, just depends on the wind. As I recall, he set that record in Valdez with a REALLY consistent breeze off the ocean, no gusting to worry about so he could slow it right down to the edge of falling through.
How would such a record be measured? Depending on the headwind, takeoff and landing could be zero feet, or even minus.
Love the way on Takeoff how the Tail Raises for just a split Second
to gain Speed then Drops to Get Lift . Was a Machinist who checked out a few Plane plans back in 70's.
Would Love to see a Boat Version
of This with Hydrodynamic structures giving the Wheels Less Aerodynamic resistance.
Lovely Job !!!
I noticed the takeoff roll also, the way you describe it, and I’m sure that’s the best way to do it for the shortest takeoff. With a little stronger wind you would just pull back on the elevator and it would take off and go backwards.
Helicopter :D
Heck yeah Dan!
I love it I owned two WT11 Chinooks with 277 Rotax single cylinder. Slow yes but very fun to fly mine did great hammerheads and it could get in and out beautifully. You did an amazing job I love it.
no more interviews?, man, it was a joy to hear you talk about this airplane.
I want one! Coolest light aircraft ever. Dan's mountain flying videos are the best.
I talked to the Polish (immigrant) designer of that plane many years ago at the Birdman facility in Edmonton. He was "matter-of-fact" about the design. His mission was function over form in every detail. All these years later his philosophy aged like Benjamin Buttons. This builder has done a commendable job.
The pusher prop is one of many advantages for bush flying, not only for the great visibility forward, but also to prevent prop strikes when braking hard after landing. It seems that at most big STOL competitions at least one airplane has a prop strike. Tricycle gear could prevent that as well, though.
Trouble is that for bush flying the tail-dragger is King. Too many nosewheels knocked off.
@@mtkoslowski Everything on a pusher goes through the prop. Dont have to nose over to destroy it! Taxing in snow will do it. Perfectly safe as it wont fly!
Plenty of tricycle gear tip forward onto a wingtip and strike the prop. Even more collapse the weak little nose gear leg and wreak the engine/prop. Tail wheel is king for everything except loading freight onto a level cargo area with a forklift or having old passengers feel comfortable walking on a level isle to the seat while boarding. Real planes have tailwheels
Delighted to have happened onto this video. Thank you for posting! It's been 57 years since I was in the Yukon. Sounds like things have changed tremendously. I don't recall anyone like you up there. What fun.
This channel covers airplanes better than "Light sport and ultralight flyer" channel.
As a teenager I worked for Birdman Enterprises. They were displaying the planes at shopping malls and I got to answer questions and hand out brochures. I flew with my Dad in a 2 seat Quicksilver at the time. So cool to see this!
That's awesome!!! You are a part of the history for this Airframe.
Nice weather, perfect for STOLing. Great segment, great photography and editing, and loved the way the inserts of the STOL competition breaks up the on camera dialogue. Thoroughly enjoyed it. WELL DONE.
Neat! What really impressed me was his takeoff and landing. I was expecting to see the plane travel 200 feet to lift and land but that was done right away⚠️
.... the strong headwind is the reason for the short takeoff and landing... had it been a windless day , it wouldn't have been so impressive.
That is the point of S.T.O.L. = Short Take Off and Landing as a competition & design goal.
@@tv10morehead it almost looked like a VTOL! Either way, it was awesome and cool 😎.
Blink and you can miss it ! Incredible !
I love this dude. He needs his own channel like yesterday
Great video! Fun affordable backcountry bird
Now that’s the coolest airplane I’ve ever seen!
With that take off and landing speed, that seems like the safest airplane ever.
Indeed! It will be the foremost transportation mode in the near future.
Absolutely beautiful. This guy is a mechanic's, mechanic. I know because I've fixed cars without even looking at them; after being told that mechanics had already tried and failed, so not to bother. Wish I could disclose my wingless, propeller less, aircraft but can't do that. Maybe someday. The Wright Bros. are smiling at you dude!
You have a what that you are what with? If you really are interested in sharing a little send us an email to discuss. Thanks for watching today!
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel You don't know how tempting that is. I've been thinking about this since about 1978. I've been attacked, and mutilated, for suing a criminal doctor who has friends on the police dept. The doctor harvested a woman's uterus and then changed the consent form using White-Out, so; sorry they don't get to benefit from me. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Looks like it has a stall speed of like, five miles per hour! That's awesome!!
Wind was fairly decent
Looks like one of the slowest I’ve ever seen and I grew up around Tiger Moths. (WE once had the biggest fleet in the world, five)
Almost looks like if the wind had been going faster it might have gone backwards with it .
In a blasting headwind, sure.
Very cool!
What a great guy who definitely knows his stuff, and what a fab plane . Having been an RAF tech doe 20+yrs all bar 2 yrs on aircraft line, i found that fascinating.
I like this guy immediately. Passionate and gets it done...
It's truly an amazing thing to watch an STOL aircraft land or take off. You understand the physics of it, Bernouilli's Theorem and all, and yet after it's done you find yourself thinking "Holy crap, that was almost like a rotorcraft, how was it able to remain aloft with so little air flowing over its wings?"
the 15+ mph headwind helps a lot
Planes like this make me smile when I watch them.
The way how it fly's especially that hover landing reminds me of my RC FunFLy models, I love it. I hope someone makes a model out of this.
I was considering it plus FPV set up …
That landing was impressively short. I have a tiny E-Flite UMX Beast 3D biplane, which will tolerate an amazing amount of wind. I once landed it with a negative ground speed on a paved runway. (i.e. landed it going backwards 😁). I'll bet Dan could get this bird to land going backwards. Anyway, there are quite a few RC kits and AFRs so kit-bashing a reasonably scale (appearance and performance) RC version should not be too hard. Look what HH did with the Draco Wilga! 😁
@@SkyWriter25 for me it reminds me my old Limbo Dancer funfly, its wasn’t the prettiest but it landed exactly like this one and I loved to hover it in the air at a good headwind ,it could even fly backwards.a 3d printed model could also be possible.
Que alegria ver un video de Dan y sus Juguetes.
this guy does the slow plane land i ever seen. and he loves what he does thank you for the video Dan
First saw this plane in an Alaskan UA-cam video featuring a Cub doing a STOL competition. Nice to see the actual guy that created it. It looks and sounds so reliable. The interview was like a soothing lullaby 😌 getting late 😴 I'll probably dream of flying now 😏
7:54 The Fowler (leading edge slot) flap brackets seem to have a lot going on! Would love to know more!
12:47 “…I really don’t know if glass panels work at 35 below.” Typically delightful Canadian understatement!
As a Texan, I prefer to function between 60 and 160 degrees F.
Hearing "35 below" is hard to wrap my head around, and I'm pretty sure it would not go well for me.
Lovely person, great interview. 50 yrs ago, Texas had a lot of genuine, kind folks like this and I miss it.
This is some of the best flying videos. Good stuff. Congrats Dan. we need to hear from you more often.
Ce Canadien est super gentil et intelligent 👍🇨🇦
I have so much respect for guys who can do this kind of engineering and flying.
Never seen a regular airplane almost hover without any forward motion! That is amazing and then Dan starts saying how little it weighs and I'm out of words at that point. Thanks for showing us what's possible, Dan, with vision and tinkering passion! Bravo.
Have a look at the wind.
I started to learn how to fly about 20 years ago, my father got sick and i gave up my aspirations to fly until he got better, but he passed away 6 weeks ago. I would still love to learn how to build and fly an experimental, ultralight or sports aircraft. Any chance you would take on an apprentice?
Fantastic. The fully enclosed cabin is great.
I'm sure it increases pilot comfort and airstream efficiency.
WOW... as an Ultralight Fanatic I've never seen one of these before, ....😍I LOVE IT !
Near vertical take off! That's amazing!
What a clever, skilled and industrious man Dan Reynolds is. Pleasant and modest too :-)
Incredible! Props to Dan
Афигенные вертолёт блин, с крыши дома можно взлёта ь и садиться, смотрю буквально до 5 метров на взлёт посадку, Браво конструктору 🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍
Wow, that it one sweet little plane, I love it! Here in the UK, that would be classified as a microlight. If I had the money, I would definitely buy one!
Great review, I’ve always been interested in Dans planes.
Love these little aircraft.
Did a few STOLs during training with my crazy instructor just need 30+knot windy days to do the same trick. Always weird to cut the throttle at the end of the runway and land short of the captain's bars. (Runway 22 at Edward's AFB)
Need one of these for my back yard.
This is super cool. This is how people would have imagined aircraft would be in the 21st century. You guys are super cool. Would love to operate something like that! Congrats!!!
What a cool video!! 😍
That was so cool to watch you land and take off in 50 feet!
Wow!
That little plane is so cool, I want one now!
Nice work engineering your own aircraft!
I am impressed!
This is like a very large RC plane...seriously I've been flying large electric RC planes for years and there build very similar. Piloting and building this plane is a huge step above RC, but it would not take much to turn this into a remote control plane. I'd love to fly this thing. Great job.
A couple decent hydraulic actuators and a servo or two and I think most decent modern rc drone\plane brains could probably run it lol
No need for hydraulic, just some autopilot servos to the 12v giant rc ones
That would get rid of a lot of weight ....85kg of pilot
I was astonished to see how that thing lifted off in just a few yards. Loved it!
Might look into building one of these kits. Always liked 2 stroke engines no oil to change as long as you keep fresh fuel in them they always start.
Ha ha! Not what my 50 years of 2 stroke experience tell me.
@@markstephens7236 I use 2 stroke chain saws a lot, with modern oils and correct mixing, never had a problem. When I started with two strokes 60 years ago on my motor bikes, they were very unreliable, mainly I think it was to do with the oils we used back then, we just used standard car engine oil. May I shouldn't do it but I've run my Husqvarna 251 chainsaw with the original plug for 16 years. Of course I only use the saw maybe once every 2 weeks for say 3 hours, not as much as a commuter motor cycle. Cleanliness with the two stroke oil mixing containers/funnels etc is vital, some people have poor ways of mixing the fuel!!
The fuel burn is very high and they wear out pretty quick. But i like the too
@@srnunan4783 The two stroke engines are not as efficient as 4 strokes on fuel economy but do last a long time if designed correctly and run properly with modern oils. Where I work as a volunteer, the chainsaws are not looked after by some users, my chainsaws have always had a trouble free long life. Two strokes are cheap to make and lighter than 4 strokes, so what you choose as an engine typically depends on the application.
@@markstephens7236 My first 2 stroke was Kawaski KX 80 in 1980. 1987 I was on a KX 500 2 stroke that thing was a monster. Took it to the drag strip with a street tire on it 3 gears did 11.20 at 121 MPH got such bad speed wobble only did 2nd run shut down at the 1000-foot mark. Used to take it to Glamis also jump dunes with a paddle tire talk about flying about 50-60 feet in the air it was like the ground just dropped out under you. I later got into bass boats of course I hopped up the engine overhauled a 200 HP V6 3 Liter 2 stroke after it sucked a metal reed was my fault for not replacing them soon enough. My experience with motocross bikes I just learned how to work on 2 strokes. They don't tolerate vacuum leaks lean running they seize up. With this lighter is always better Rotax Rick 670 engine can make 92HP.
Is this airplane very different from a SR71? That one is a 2 seater too
Excellent stuff bro
Nice to listen to you and glad that you are enjoying doing it...
Quintessential man's man. Confident, understated, jovial.
Well done, sir!
Awesome build!
Shortest takeoff I've ever seen...
Thanks for sharing...
Great Aircraft Dan, thanks for the display. Wish I could.
What a great solo fly/camp platform. I bet DR has a fabulous time playing in Alaska with this thing. Any 100-yard field, frozen lake, or sand bar within a one hour radius is his playground, with a 500 pound useful load, subject to the right conditions, of course, as always up North.
I like that plane. I have personally seen a piper cub take off into the wind and climb backwards into the sky. It was the most amazing thing to see.
heck i seen a f4d do that. thai whisky will do that to ya
A go-around becomes quite difficult!
Wow what a nice aiecraft
Damm! that little a/c beats Mike Patey's take-off and landing distances.
Dan!! That Craft is Beautiful! Wow.
Amazing! Love it - great video and what a plane!
STOL? That's amazing almost VTOL. Was almost in the air before advancing forward. Perfect for the bush.
Man, you really can tell what happens when the slats move into their most efficient range. The already steep climb angle goes almost vertical.
Totally fantastic.I was listening to the podcast.And heard the name birdman a couple of times and I thought, Could it be the same thing .Back in the 70s?I flew a birdman raider hangglider back in nineteen seventy eight in the fraser valley bc. Haven't done any flying since but I love this Aircraft and Dan seems like just a fantastic person.
That’s impressive, but I would like to see it perform without such a strong headwind..
Nice. He can take off or land between the fridge, and dining table. Seriously, we had barns big enough to turn this around in.
Ok... WAY TOO COOL!
This guy knows his stuff!!
Cool little airplane for sure. I wonder what the fuel burn per hour is for that engine. It would also be cool to know its speed envelope as we know if flies impossibly slow.
That plane will fly abt 65-70 top speed, and lands at 20mph or less.
Superb ! Thank You
It would be interesting to see Dan and Mike Patey talk airplanes and do a walk around. Very nice work and a beautiful bird, Dan.
I mounted a Yamaha Apex engine on a amphib airplane , 140hp water cooled and about same weight as your engine. It was amazing replacement for the 120hp Rotax two stroke that came on his Sea Ray . I had to do a lot of wiring to get it in the air but it sure did so easily with the Apex motor.
Be great for sheep/cattle stations in Aust, land at tanks/troughs, and check stock on the way!
The hornets are here for that, the difference is the price, you could probably build three of these for a hornet price
That thing looks like a great little search and rescue unit.
I want one 👍🏻
That just about hits the spot. In the future, with photovoltaic top surfaces, a low-slung battery, and a high-efficiency three phase electric motor, and that lovely suspension, and that spot will definitely be hit. Beautiful. Imagine flying with the power of sunlight.
I have a friend who has a massive PV array next to his hanger/shop/house. He says the next owner will own an electric plane and he may very well be right.
It’s a long way off, even as an unmanned. Planes and helicopters even more so need a lot of power. Even high discharge batteries can barely fly a manned aircraft and then only for a few minutes. Solar panels on the wings would have no chance
@@srnunan4783 You only need power to climb. Then you will use the power in the air, collecting and storing surplus for use. The future holds for AI technology and carbon-composite ornithopters to attempt to mimic Nature's fastest and most agile *_swifts._* Far out, yes. But not impossible. Tribute to Iain M. Banks.
Love your flying videos
I had a wt11 with a 277 rotax slow and fun with a warp wing. Flew it 400hrs did wing overs very well a whole lotta fun.
I love slow flying aircraft. Something about them brings out my love of nature. The nice thing about designing and building for slow is that drag is not only not a handicap, but is a virtue. This gives the designer and builder far more structural latitude. Powering it becomes simpler as well. You require enough to get right off and climb steeply, that's all. Cruising is not, of course, a concern. Cooling is also no problem as the complete lack of concern about drag permits you to place the engine right out in the wind. Of course, you use an air-cooled engine which is much lighter and less expensive than any other kind.
What airfoil(s) did you use? Did you ever think of using an undercambered airfoil? Covering the bottom is a little more challenging, but they are wizard for slow flying.
Any diagrams or drawings available? I'd love to build an electric R/C of this.
Just a fascinating vid. Thank you so much.
i think he said they were all in his head - i guess you will have to get creative counting pixels or holding a rule to the screen! 🙂
@@billynomates920 Yes, I heard that, and I suppose I could come fairly close regarding the general outlines and areas, but airfoils are a different and crucial thing altogether, particularly with regard to an aeroplane designed for a very specific purpose, such as very slow flight with very high lift. You may guess about landing gear configuration and such, however, the airfoil used will make or break this sort of project, and accordingly is usually, if not always, selected from a specific well-tested group of shapes.
I never heard of pixel counting to determine such a shape, or whatever. :D Anyway, there were no photographs equivalent to a three-view, or of the airfoil, so even that crazy thing is out.
Anyroad, in an R/C model these things can be somewhat fudged and still come out alright. I would surely use a well-known undercambered airfoil on the model. I was just curious about what is working so well on his full-sized aeroplane..
Cheers, mate. (see, you've got one after all)
You have a great spirit if the motor dies is it a problem landing that plane is awesome take off and landing no runway needed that would be my first choice nice plane thanks for sharing
The killer headwind is helping substantially
That is fantastic. I've always been drawn to a pusher aircraft with the unrivalled view out front. I bet you have to really concentrate on wind speed to acieve the results you do. Excellent design and skills in producing it.
I notice a nice, stiff headwind on the day of this competition, greatly imlroving STOL distances. I wonder what the STOL distamces would be on a calm, no wind day.
YES. Many point that out. But... everyone has the same "Wind" while competing for the most part. So it keeps it "relative" and "fair." So YES... you may have one day that the take off distance is shorter than the next. But.... you are simply competing against the shortest distance compared to other short distances. Thanks for watching today!
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel that's a good point a lot are forgetting, keeping everything within this specific tournament in a bubble it seems all is fair. i get what others are saying to though, if your going to compare it outside of this day and these conditions then it doesn't seem fair to do that
Simple and smartly designed 😊
Cool plane. What are the rules of this type of a competition? Is it how fast you stop or how slow you are flying?
Shortest ground roll, takeoff & landing.
@@nzsaltflatsracer8054 am I allowed to enter with my powered hang glider? In a wind like this I'd have no roll at all. Just spot land and take off vertically.
@@gasdive I don't think that's excluded but you might want to check the rules.
@@nzsaltflatsracer8054 woohoo, a competition i can win!
Brilliant. Experimentation is definitely the shortest flight to discovery.
If he hadn't scratched that first landing, I think he would have gotten first place. My 2 youngest girls ( 11 & 7 ) and I went there last yr and this yr and loved it. When we left, I stopped right across the interstate so they could hold so.e baby alligators. We can't wait until next yr.
That's what I was thinking, You did it. Outstanding!