YouTuber Flies Ultralight Micropcopter – 50 mph Speed
- YouTuber Mark Rumsey recently piloted the Mirocopter SCH-2A from La Cresta, a quiet hilltop neighborhood near Murrieta, California, on a short trip to Lake Elsinore.
- The SCH-2A is a remarkable feat of engineering, designed to be lightweight and easy to fly.
- The helicopter's weight of 249 pounds keeps it within the US Federal Aviation Regulations ultralight limit of 254 pounds.The dual, counter-rotating rotors automatically cancel torque, eliminating the need...
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Mirocopter SCH-2A: A First flight Over Lake Elsinore
What Happened: A Prosperous Test Flight
YouTuber Mark Rumsey recently piloted the Mirocopter SCH-2A from La Cresta, a quiet hilltop neighborhood near Murrieta, California, on a short trip to Lake Elsinore. The flight, covering a distance of 6.5 miles,demonstrated the aircraft’s unique design and ultralight capabilities.
Understanding the Mirocopter SCH-2A: Design and Specifications
The SCH-2A is a remarkable feat of engineering, designed to be lightweight and easy to fly. Its key features include:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Empty Weight | 249 pounds |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 552 pounds (with pilot) |
| engine | Fiate two-cylinder, two-stroke gasoline |
| Horsepower | 60+ hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gallons |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 gallons per hour |
| Cruise Speed | 50 mph |
| Flight Endurance | Approximately 1 hour |
| Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
The helicopter’s weight of 249 pounds keeps it within the US Federal Aviation Regulations ultralight limit of 254 pounds.The dual, counter-rotating rotors automatically cancel torque, eliminating the need for a customary tail rotor.This simplifies the design and improves stability.
How it Flies: Responsiveness and Control
Light, Responsive, and Easy to Fly
Once airborne, the SCH-2A is reported to feel light and responsive. Rumsey maintained a height of 500 feet above his starting point,at an elevation of around 2,500 feet. The counter-rotating rotors remove the need for a tail rotor, and adjustable tail vanes provide smooth yaw control by catching the airflow.
Hovering, climbing, or moving forward, the helicopter responds intuitively, offering precise handling without constant input. This ease of control makes it accessible even for solo pilots.
The pilot crossed over brown hills and green valleys,eventually spotting Lake Elsinore as a large blue expanse.
Who is Affected & Why it Matters
The Mirocopter SCH-2A represents a important step forward in accessible aviation. Its ultralight design and simplified controls open up the possibility of personal flight to a wider audience. This has implications for:
- Recreational Pilots: providing a