Re: All I want for Christmas...

On Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:35:49 +0000 (UTC), Andy <a@xxx> wrote:

Ron said...

On Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:18:17 +0000 (UTC), Andy <a@xxx> wrote:

George said...

Andy wrote:
OT: All I want for Christmas...

http://www.iconaircraft.com/

OB Food: Look for wine & cheese, Santa!

Andy

That looks like a prototype that I saw at the EAA Oshkosh air show
about 15 years ago. Interest in aviation has been really dying since
about that time. I am surprised anyone is trying to get into that
market.

The popular toys for people who used to be interested in aviation are
high end cars such as those made by bugati that they cart around in
air conditioned trailers and race at private tracks.


George,

I had my eyes on one of these puppies for years and years. Have a 1:32
scale on my window sill.

http://www.moller.com/skycar.htm

Never happened, nor, I suspect will the A5. Too much restricted airspace
and weather restrictions to make it much fun. That and the FAA doesn't
want to see J.Q. Public crowding the skies more than it already is!

Best,

Andy

I agree, the Moller SkyCar will never get off the ground... so to
speak. All of the "flights" to date have been done at the end of a
support cable from an overhead crane visible in some of the videos.

The A5 on the other hand could come to production as a Light Sport
Aircraft if it meets the requirements. As far as airspace is
concerned, that really isn't too much of a problem for general
aviation and light sport aircraft. I fly out of an airport in
Southern California and have no problem finding plenty of airspace I
can fly in. Also, as a seaplane, the A5 is more likely to be flown in
areas away form cities and their low level crowded airspace. If it
does come out as a Light Sport Aircraft, all you need to fly it,
besides money, is a drivers license and instruction in the aircraft
you buy. Good luck, and welcome to the friendly skies.

Ron Kelley


Ron,

I did get my hands on the controls of a friend's Beechcraft (or Cessna, I
forget which, single prop) flying from Gilroy, CA over San Luis Obispo and
flying along the coastline. It was the greatest experience and I look
forward to doing it again. Except the zero-gravity my friend put us
through. My stomach just about came out of my mouth!!! :(

The A5 also has ground take off and landing capability. Time WILL tell.

Best,

Andy
Credit me 30 minutes flight time.

Cool. I didn't notice the wheels on the A5. I"ll have to go back to
their web site a look again. ... Ahhhh, I see I didn't scroll down
far enough. I stopped at the video and clicked on that. It is
indeed an amphibian. That does increase it's utility, especially if
you live in the city and hangar it there, and like to fish in some out
of the way lakes.

I hope your friend asked you before doing the zero G maneuver. Some
people don't like anything out of the ordinary as a passenger, some
like to see the full limit of the plane's capability. It's always
best to ask in advance and not surprise your passengers. :-)

If you enjoyed the flight except for that, I think you would enjoy all
aspects of flying.

If you are at all interested in getting a private pilot's license, the
maneuvers required are really pretty mild. In my opinion, the best
way to start is to attend the ground school portion before you start
the air work, or at least at the same time you start. Some local
colleges and junior colleges have ground schools at reasonable rates.
I was fortunate enough to have a flying club at one of the companies I
worked for and the ground school was free, except for the books and
E6B calculator. I highly recommend flying, it's the most freedom
you'll ever find and the most fun you can have with your pants on.

Ron Kelley
.

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