AliceHill.com - Where Technology Frolics

AirScooter II: At Last an Affordable and Easy to Fly Ultralight Vehicle

I Have to Have it Dept: This is a personal dream of mine that may actually be within reach in the coming year no less- the under $50,000 personal AirScooter. Here are the details:

"By eliminating the need and complexity of swashplates, collective and cyclic control through a coaxial rotor design a number of benefits beyond conventional helicopter designs are immediately realized. First; enhanced, intuitive flight controls are achieved by simple motorcycle-style handlebars and the absence of a tail rotor. To gain altitude, simply throttle up like you would on a motorcycle, turn left or right on the handlebars for craft rotation and move the handlebar assembly as a joystick for directional control (including reverse). No pedal controls are necessary, which means someone without the use of their legs can just as easily fly the AirScooter. Handlebar controls represent the most distinguishable feature of the AirScooter. AirScooter's patented design also provides an amazing level of stability while in the air and during flight.

"In addition to intuitive and greatly simplified flight control, perhaps the AirScooter's greatest design feature, is that it falls into the ultralight weight class; requiring no pilot's license. With limited practice, a recreational pilot can quickly become confident with the controls and perform basic flight maneuvers."

# Posted at 1:42 PM