.....................................................................
We
got to see the best workmanship, and disciplines on a kit helicopter. We
got to hear and smell the T62 run with engagement and a stable RPM of 6500.
I particularly enjoyed the logical simplicity, neatness and spaciousness
of the installation.
Jacks ability to engineer the 1:1 ratio rotation inverting gearbox made on the combination lathe/mill in Garage/Workshop was an achievement in it's own, along with the clutch engagement drive system Jack designed and built, reassemble the quality of those made in the Robinson factory we visited the day prior.
The clutch system is remoted (engage/disengage)
from the coolie hat on the cyclic control grip, with led indication on
the instrument panel to indicate status. The Clutch system replaces the
Cable and lever engagement supplied with the kit. This is something I wanted
to do when I first saw the Angel and am now convinced to follow Jacks initiative.
Jack obviously did a lot more innovative modification
and finishing to his machine, to mention a few: Starter, fiber glass finishing,
blade finish etc.
.
Now you have to appreciate that Jack has spent
I'd say 1000 if not 2000 hrs. enginering/building on this Aircraft, this
being Jack's main interest more than the flying, so it will still be a
month away or so before the maiden flight.
.
I admire Jack's self disipline, he has scrapped
up or remade many items time and time again until perfected and he wont
fly his craft until it's 200% ready.
.
Jack Fly's Helicopters for his lively hood during
the summer in Alaska and returns home for the winter and buries himself
in projects such as his Angel, and many things about his home like the
beautiful cabinet work we witnessed such as as a full kitchen in
oak etc.
.
The Angel is not Jack's first Kit Helicopter
either, there was the odd Scorpion, Exec, and Gyro's priory.
.
I would like to relay the three helicopter forced
landing experiences we pried out of Jack during our visit, but I this would
become a novel.
.
The only down fall I can find with this aircraft
is the fuel endurance, however, Jack intends to fabricate an aluminum aux.
tank in the lower portion of engine bay.
.
Thanks again Jack, very pleased to have met you
and your Angel, good luck with your maiden flight.
