Quote:
Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob
It is years since I've followed homebuilt aircraft, but I think some guys were getting over 100 MPG at over 100 MPH. The small-bore racers are a good place to start looking. A super-economy ultralight would still be speed-limited, but far less hassle. You might also want to look at powered sailplanes, and ride the thermals and ridge winds for free.
For real economy on long flights, you climb to the thin air using turbocharging and go fast.
One caveat: Only 30% of homebuilt aircraft are flown. 10% by the first builder, 10% by the 2nd, and 10% by the third. They are a lot of work, and you need confidence in the craftsmanship. However, you can choose your favourite material to work in from a broad selection and come out at a competitive weight.
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Some of those high aero experimental planes are f'n sweet! But the cost of entry and work hours being in the 1000s are a no from me. I see why people don't finish.
The bush planes and the aerolite 103 looked fun. Basically the Jeeps of the sky. Cheap entry, bad aero, pretty slow, bad mpg, but affordable fun.
Paramotoring also looks fun. My best friend and his dad own a couple twin engines and make a lot of money of flying, rentals, instruction, and maintenance. I've been talking to them about building something next year. Gotta make it make sense though. I'm really interested in trying to make money on it on the side. Which you really cannot do with any self-built stuff for the most part. lol