First ever Turbine (part 103 ultralight) helicopter - fast start.

Part-103 means 254pound or less empty. Fastest start yet. Added a FBP( fuel "boost" pump) like the Harrier has except mine is only 10psi so I was worried my AEP(air-emulsifier pump) at 20psi would still blow the fuel out of the integrated fuel pump. But, duh larry, when no fuel is in the lines, air "leaks" via the fuel sprayers and AEP pressure is only 8psi - what's more, it takes a second or two to ramp up! Therefore the FBP wins the race condition and fuel+air emulsification makes for a fast lite-off and spool up. Pre-heating the igniter area with a propane torch helps a lot too. I'm adding a glow plug next to the spark plug - guess it will be a GSP (Glow-Spark-Plug).

BTW: A man named Dave, 82, in the UK, designed this starter/apu for the Harrier back in the '60's. He's giving me some background and insights! Thanks Dave!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• part-103
• ultralight
• helicopter
• gas
• turbine
• engine
• jet
• larry
• start-up

[zekezero12345]

Hi Larry, have been a subscriber for a while and love all forms of UL flight. Can I ask how you have learned your engineering skills? I am pretty much self taught when it comes to all things mechanical/engineering and when I see videos like yours it makes me realise how big the knowledge gap is! Thanks and keep the videos coming - love the idea of giving the flights a narrative thread - far better than just flying around. Safe landings, Zeke.

[LarryCanFly]

@zekezero12345 Hi Zeke, How did I learn engineering? Just like you - self taught. The "gap" is, you are 32 and I'm 62. With todays technology young people can close a 30 year knowledge gap in 30 days! But some things just take lots of "doing" time, so enjoy the journey. Thanks for your comments!

[EvlMagus]

What is the fuel burn rate?

[LarryCanFly]

@EvlMagus Fuel burn rate in this configuration, I don't know yet, but my "plank" turboprop (search: larry turboprop) with sister engine burned from 6 to 8 GPH. A half an hour of turbine helicopter flying is plenty for me. At this point I'll be real happy flying 3 minutes!

[730M]

Iam not picking on larry is that a one gal. paint can for the exhaust

[cutter4292]

Larry you are the man. Great work.

[drifter503]

I thought your turbine ultralight plane was the coolest ultralight ever, but your turbine ultralight helicopter definitely wins... More videos please. I would love to see that monster fly. Where's that 'wish list' button?

[vondeliusc]

Nice CC-would like to see the injector setup, next time apart, and interested in the starter specs + battery specs. Stater seems to pack a wallop!

(I am assuming this is the same motor off the UL(Harrier engine starter?))

[FPVandotherprojects]

I know the feeling also, "it worked"!

Nothing like that, keep up the amazing work.

[oisiaa]

Incredible!

[rawrcore]

it lives!! it lives!!!! glad to see your making progress!