Question 1

Do I need a license to fly the Hummingbird?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This helicopter requires a FAA private rotorcraft license.

Question 2

Do I need a fixed wing license first?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start as a helicopter pilot.

Question 3

Can I take lessons in my own Hummingbird?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Flight Instructor can give you flight training in your helicopter.

Question 4

What is the price of the Hummingbird?

Accepted Answer

The price of the kit is $159,000.00. A deposit is required to secure a position and delivery date. Contact our sales office for details.

Question 5

Is the engine included in the price?

Accepted Answer

No. The engine is sold separately and can be purchased through Vertical Aviation Technologies.

Question 6

What other costs will I need to include?

Accepted Answer

The Fuel Injected IO-540 aircraft powerplant if purchased thru Vertical Aviation Technologies is priced at $68,475.00.

Paint cost is approximately $1500. Upholstery cost is approximately $1000. Radios can be as inexpensive as $800. Compare this finished cost against other helicopters.   a. Robinson R-44; $520,000.00 four place   b. Enstrom F280; $425,000.00 three place   c. Schweizer 300C; $415,000.00 three place

Question 7

Is the throttle synchronized with the collective?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The system works very well and with a heavier 3-bladed rotor system r.p.m.’s will not “bleed off” quickly like a two blade system. The 3-blade rotor system eliminates any concern for mast bumping.

Question 8

Can I maintain my own helicopter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After you complete the assembly process the FAA will issue you a Repairmans Certificate. This cannot be accomplished with a commercial helicopter.

Question 9

What is the hourly operating cost?

Accepted Answer

VERTICAL AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES
HUMMINGBIRD MODEL 300L
Fuel Injected Engine IO-540 ESTIMATED DIRECT COST OF OPERATION & RESERVES DIRECT COST OF OPERATION COST/HOUR CONSUMABLES Fuel – 15 gph @ $3.50 gallon $52.50 Oil/Hour $.50 RESERVES RESERVE FOR SPARE PARTS Major Component Overhaul @ TBO $58.82 TOTAL DIRECT OPERATING COST: $111.82 per flight-hour Note: There are no calendar inspections so operating cost is based on flight hours only.

Question 10

Does this helicopter design meet the stringent FAA standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This helicopter was originally approved for commercial use by the FAA. We elected to sell it in kit form in order to reduce the assembly costs for you. The original design went thru FAA engineering and flight testing programs. All dynamic components were subjected to a fatigue life substantiation. Fatigue life is substantiated by measuring in-flight steady and vibratory loads on components like rotor blades with strain gauges and the helicopter is flown at all weights, c.g.’s, altitudes, temperatures, and maneuvers: With these known loads a minimum of four specimens (ex: rotorblades), are loaded and cycled with special equipment in a laboratory until failure. This establishes the life of the component before failure. This information cannot be predicted.

Question 11

Do you have a quality control process for the manufacturing of parts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have been involved with extensive FAA manufacturing approvals and FAA Repair Station. This was required for our company to manufacture components like rotorheads and rotorblades for Commercial Transport Category helicopters.

Question 12

What kind of fuel does the Hummingbird require?

Accepted Answer

Because of the low compression Fuel Injected IO-540 aircraft engine is configured for 93 octane to 100LL.

Question 13

Can an auxiliary fuel system be installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have available a 22 gallon auxiliary fuel system increasing the range to 545 miles.

Question 14

Is there baggage space?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Hummingbird has two large easily accessed baggage compartments in the main cabin.

Question 15

Is there any weight limit per seat?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 16

Is there any calendar life on the airframe or components?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 17

What are the overhaul periods?

Accepted Answer

All components were designed for 1200 flight hours. The overhaul information is provided to you with the builders/assembly manual or you can send them back to the factory for overhaul. These components are very simple in design. The Titan engine has a 2200 hours overhaul period. There are no calendar inspections.

Question 18

What are the life limited components?

Accepted Answer

There are no life limited components except for the main and tail blades. Because of the over built design the rotorhead, tail rotor, and main shaft have no fatigue life. The main blades are 1200 hours and the tail blades are 4000 hours.

Question 19

How difficult is this helicopter kit to assemble?

Accepted Answer

A tremendous amount of effort from our part went into designing this real certified helicopter to be assembled by yourself. In addition to detailed manuals, there are drawings and photographs. The average build time is approximately 1200 hours. Because all transmissions are shaft driven, we build all critical components at the factory on precision fixtures. So a lot of the work has already been accomplished for you and this kit meets the 51% rule with the FAA.

Question 20

How do I place my order for a Hummingbird?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our sales department at 407-322-9488 or email sales@vertical-aviation.com.  A deposit is required to place an order.

Question 21

How long has the company been in business?

Accepted Answer

We have been in business since 1987, active with the Hummingbird program for over 30 years. We have sold over 350 helicopters worldwide.

Question 22

Can I install a cargo hook?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This helicopter was designed and approved for a cargo hook.

Question 23

Do you have a Dealership Network?

Accepted Answer

No. Therefore please contact us directly.

Helicopter Kit

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