FlyHelio

I order 2ft and had them cut it into 1ft sections to fit in a flat rate box for shipping. Apparently I cut it too short because my fat ass still has trouble crawling into my bird. I have the extra piece I can send you to make sure it fits. I'm going to extend mine to 16" and maybe hit the gym.

I did a quick google for aerodynamic tubing and streamline tubing interesting, found they are different and streamline tubing available in 4130 chrome molly, titanium aluminum is actually faux-aerodynamic more for looks.

Aerodynamic tubing appears to be little bit different on the leading edge it is available at 'Wicks' and 'Aircraft Spruce'

According to Spruce there is only one manufacturer left for aerodynamic tubing. apparently this is due due to a problem with aerodynamic tubing have a tendency to crack on the trailing edge and the expense of installing special inspection equipment.

closest you can get is 2.023 X .857 X .49, 5 year old catalog $26.85 per foot.

I recently ordered some chrome molly to repair my 4 wheel utility vehicle and they will sell you a minimum of 1 foot,
I really expected to have to buy a 10 foot length.

Jason,

The idea is to do it year round.  Weather here in Southwest Missouri is a pretty mild most of the year.  We get a few snow storms each winter and of course lots of rain certain times.  It is certainly milder than most places north of us. 

Thanks for the encouragement.

Kevin

And a couple more.

Fellow Helio enthusiasts,

As we all know, in the Lower 48 it is becoming more and more difficult to find a qualified flight instructor for type specific training in a Helio. The next hurdle is finding an airplane that someone will allow you to learn to fly, which can be impossible unless you have a really good friend. For those new to Helios who would like to own one, it pretty much means buying one, and figuring it out as you go. 

In light of that, we at S.O.A.R. are offering N6463V for rent. Cost is $350 an hour/wet/dual only. The instructor cost is also included. We are located in southwest Missouri at M17, Bolivar, MO. 

As for the instructor that would be me.  I have been flying Helios since 1995 when I went to Spartanburg, SC and trained with Larry Montgomery and staff after the mission organization I was with bought N4138D from him.  I flew in Honduras for almost 11 years before coming back to the States. I have over 800 hours of Helio time and have taught several guys to fly theirs including a couple guys that are on this forum.  They are still friends, so it seems to have gone well!

Our thought is to offer the airplane for initial training, recurrent training, Flight Reviews or just the “I have always wanted to log time in a Helio” sort of pilot.  Yes, it could be a crazy idea that bites us in the hind parts, however, we are willing to take a certain amount of risk to open up the world of Helio flying to pilots who might never have the chance.  Let’s face it, none of us do this because it makes sense, we just all have a passion for Helios and keeping them from going away.

I am also and A&P/IA and have maintained the Helios I have flown. If we can help on the maintenance side of things, we are certainly willing to do that also. 

So, if you, or someone you know is interested, have them contact me.

Kevin Dunn
417-777-6800
kevin@soar-m17.org
www.soar-m17.org