Flying high

[JGtools]

I fly a 1998 ultralight Buckeye dream machine aircraft -ppc. Truth is it is an antique by age standards, I still get annual airworthy checks, but can no longer get an official airworthy certificate on the craft - I do fly it regularly, every chance I get, personal use is fine, but giving rides I no longer partake in .

[Urbish]

In the late 1990's a friend of my dad's got a Buckeye and brought it over to our house on a trailer to show it off. I was looking it all over and noticed that several of the parachute attachment cables had worn through their thimbles where they attached to the chassis. He was in the middle of offering me a ride when I pointed out the catastrophe in the making. "Gee, if he didn't notice this, what else has he overlooked?!"

I declined a ride in it and we lost touch shortly afterward. I saw him a few months back, so apparently he survived ownership of the thing.

Fly safe! Those are really cool machines that allow you to get off the ground reasonably cheaply and at a leisurely pace as long as they are properly maintained (which it sounds like you are all over that).

[JGtools]

In the late 1990's a friend of my dad's got a Buckeye and brought it over to our house on a trailer to show it off. I was looking it all over and noticed that several of the parachute attachment cables had worn through their thimbles where they attached to the chassis. He was in the middle of offering me a ride when I pointed out the catastrophe in the making. "Gee, if he didn't notice this, what else has he overlooked?!"

I declined a ride in it and we lost touch shortly afterward. I saw him a few months back, so apparently he survived ownership of the thing.

Fly safe! Those are really cool machines that allow you to get off the ground reasonably cheaply and at a leisurely pace as long as they are properly maintained (which it sounds like you are all over that).

So true, much respect is needed on the mechanisms for safely flying. I always have mine inspected yearly, second chances don't always happen. Good observation

[Don McCombs]

I’ve often wondered how you get the canopy inflated on takeoff. Do you need assistance or can you do it solo?

[JGtools]

I’ve often wondered how you get the canopy inflated on takeoff. Do you need assistance or can you do it solo?

Inflation of wing or chute happens as you throttle up during takeoff, on the ground during takeoff the aircraft will reach a speed of approximately 30 mph, the ram air chute is designed to create proper attitude and lift at that speed. The chute is layed out behind the aircraft, you as the pilot seated and secured by lap and shoulder straps,, you basically give it throttle and the wing will start rising up and fill with air, creating positive pressure within the cells of the chute, the chute will take shape,and create lift once speed is sufficient.

[outdoors4evr]

Fun Hobby!

[JGtools]

Fun Hobby!

Yes, it is, ..I was hooked after going for a ride as a passenger, very relaxing

[Urbish]

A coworker and I were talking about Mad Max - The Road Warrior some years ago. I was reveling in how awesome the little gyrocopter is in the movie. My buddy didn't realize that those were a real thing. A couple of months later he bought one and was taking lessons.