C.D., S & M

The single seat is only a by-product of a helicopter, which is so simple to fly that a second person is not need to perform the 'task' aspect of industry/government/military missions. For recreational purposes, the second seat will definitely be an advantage.

>In order for significant growth to occur, the economics have to change<

I agree and suggest the following;

Low cost helicopters will result from 'mass' production.

Mass production will result from high demand.

High demand will result from a large pilot count.

A large pilot count will result from cheaper training.

Cheaper training will result from shorter training

Shorter training will result from helicopters that are SIGNIFICANTLY easier to fly.

I believe that the cost of the license is more important then the cost of the helicopter. You can always sell your helicopter but try selling your license. :)

Dave

Assuming that helicopters will eventually be built that are easier to fly, because of symmetry, fly-by-wire etc., then the market for a single seat helicopter will grow. This is because the piloting will be easier. The pilot will then wear two hats because he will also have acquired knowledge in the specific function that is the mission of the helicopter.

This dictates that one or more additional people be onboard the helicopter, or that the function be so simple that the pilot can conduct it on a part-time basis, with the limited attention he is able to provide.

Activities that could be performed, or performed better by a one-man helicopter, if the complexities of piloting are significantly reduced.

The complexities of piloting a helicopter demand much of the pilot's time and attention. This limits the amount of available time to simultaneously perform other task related functions.

If the mission of a helicopter flight is not purely 'transportation', then it is probably one that entails a function, which takes place during the flight. I assume that many of these functions are too complex to be performed by the pilot, simultaneously with his piloting the craft.

If the purpose of a helicopter or its mission is strictly that of transporting personnel or material from one location to another [transportation] then the activities of the pilot can be totally devoted to flight related functions.

If the demands that are placed upon a helicopter pilot could be significantly reduced then that individual could devote a large part of his attention and previously acquired knowledge to performing the primary function of non-transportation tasks. In fact, if the piloting and the task related functions can be simplified, then the market for a single seat helicopter, be it military, government, industry or recreational related, should become a very attractive proposition.

---------------

Most work related functions are being simplified and improved by the exponential technological advances. If the requirements for piloting a helicopter were to be significantly reduced through symmetry of flight, fly-by-wire etc. then there will be a market for single-seat helicopters. Single-seat helicopters where the individual can fly the craft and simultaneous perform the desired tasks.