Now that the kids are gone, I can live on the edge a little. Would love any design ideas or suggestions.
2007-02-16 04:28:53 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
I think I meant pedal power.Guess If I can figure out how to make it work then I can peddle my idea to some investors.
2007-02-16 05:44:23 · update #1
It won't let me vote on good/bad answers...
PVC would be either too heavy or too flexible for a man carrying plane's structure. ESPECIALLY pedal powered.
Scale factors and the incredible power to weight ratio of a glow power engine allow PVC to be used to make the fuselage of a radio controlled model.
The "Gossamar Condor" would be essentially what you are wanting to build. It was an experimental pedal powered aircraft. VERY light construction. very carefully designed for maximum lift, minimum drag. and the drive system from "pedeller" to prop was also carefully designed and tested.
2007-02-16 13:12:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I think you could! I have seen models made out of this because it is so tough and durable. http://www.spadvideos.com/debonair2.htm
This is for a "combat" model where you dog fight other planes.
It looks like you should focus on PVC gutter material (nice box pieces available) or vent-stack parts. I would stay away from the heavy flexible Schedule 40 stuff.
maybe like a Wright Flyer design?
Your problem will be horsepower. You will probably only be able to eek out 1/4 of a horsepower. Make a scale model using scale horsepower and see what you can do. My guess is you will never get enough power. An inflatable plane maybe (like the old Goodyear blow up plane)? But I would build the plane but plan on a 10-20 HP pusher to make it actually take off.
Good luck!
2007-02-16 12:55:27 · answer #2 · answered by Drewpie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the EAA website. Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh WI. www.eaa.org they are the premier oganization for Sport Aviation. I never saw a pedal plane but some have a parachute and the smallest engine you ever saw and they fly. I saw a guy filling his engine with a plastic gallon jug getting ready to leave Oshkosh..They teach you how to build a plane if you have interest. EAA has chapters all over the country and these guys are very friendly to new interested flyers.
2007-02-16 16:08:20 · answer #3 · answered by gvh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The trouble with PVC would be a weight to rigidity issue. You'd be better off using aluminum tubing and fabric, essentially a hang-glider, and adapt a drive system to it.
That would be a nice way to motor along a beach or someplace similar. Silent.
Check out kitplanes.com, or at least Google kitplanes. There are several powered parachutes and rigid frames out on the market. I'm sure they would give you a place to start, or a framework to adapt.
2007-02-16 13:32:10 · answer #4 · answered by lowflyer1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've seen too many of those old movies where the human-powered flying machines get 5 feet off the ground and then crash. I don't believe I would like to ride with you, but have fun!
2007-02-16 12:36:23 · answer #5 · answered by J.R. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pedal powered Palne Plans? Perplexing puzzle - perhaps planeplans.com? ;)
2007-02-16 12:32:45 · answer #6 · answered by InjunRAIV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pvc is too heavy. among other issues
2007-02-17 22:34:42 · answer #7 · answered by jglende33 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is what John Denver had.
2007-02-16 12:31:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i hope you can pedal fast.
2007-02-16 12:36:06 · answer #9 · answered by cparkmi331 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
look up in the sky......
2007-02-20 06:53:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋