Dragonfly_Organization

Organizational Structure:

Idea only.

Sketch:

Expanded Details of Blocks on Above Sketch:

Manufacturer of [power train / flight control / rotor hub] Assembly:

One company that is producing a single product.

This product consists of a single compact assembly, which includes the power train, flight controls and rotor hubs for a very light intermeshing helicopter.

The intent is that this product be extremely functional and reliable.

The intent is to produce this product in large quantities, and thereby low cost.

The intent is that this single product be eventually certified.

Manufacturer of Composite Rotor Blades:

To manufacture one configuration of blade, left and right handed for CW and CCW rotation.

To be manufactured of composite construction with a VR-7 profile plus taper and twist.

To be used for any FAA Ultralight or light homebuilt helicopter, which utilizes counterrotating rotors.

The intent is to produce this product in large quantities, and thereby low cost.

The intent is that this single product be eventually certified.

Outside Manufacturers and Suppliers of Components, Parts and Engines:

These are the components and parts that are used in building the balance of the helicopter.

There might be many different designs of fuselage and function etc.

Kit Builders:

Completely Assembled Helicopter:

for end users.

Kit for homebuilder:

for builder / users

Homebuilder / User:

May purchase from any of the others.

Alternative designs may be available from the Overall Users Group.

User:

May purchase from any of the others.

Users Group(s) of specific Kit and Craft Manufacturers:

Association of users of a specific Kit builder, on a restricted web site.

Overall Users Group:

An association of all of the above entities, on a restricted web site.

Replies on rec.aviation.homebuilt

Self ~ This assembly consists of the power train (less engine), rotor
hub and flight controls. It is certified.

Reply ~ The concept is already in effect.
The FAA allows the use of "certified" components or sub assembles in amateur
built helicopters. However these components lose all certified status (even
if you retain documentation and traceability) once installed. They can then
only be referred to as "approved" not certified. Currently there can be no
multi-tiered responsibility in the amateur built category.

Reply ~ ....doesn't mean that component manufacturers are free from product liability.
Product liability is a civil matter that has not been excluded or limited by
law.

Reply ~ Question: Who does my wife's lawyer call to court and sue for $1,000,000?
Answer: Everybody but me. Certification provides NO protection from
lawsuits (ask Cessna), and in civil liability the rule always seems to
be, "Sue everybody."

Self ~ Could someone tell me where to go to obtain a full understanding of what advantages, if any, an "approved"
component may offer over that of a regular component?

Reply ~ Your local FSDO FAA Airworthiness Representative inspector. The guy that signs off your aircraft to fly and sets your operating limitations and flight test area. It is at his discretion for the most part. Don't bother with DARs as they more opinion based and are often less informed on these matters.

___________________________

The Rans S-7C and the Thorp T-211 have Type Certificates. However, there is no means of demonstrating that what you built in your shop conforms to the design described in the Type Certificate. Hence, what you built gets its own Special Airworthiness Certificate and must be registered in the Experimental Category -David Lednicer

Questions:

Would anyone want to develop a completed helicopter to someone else's design of rotor and power train etc.

Does starting with a certified assembly assure that this item will not be worked on by the homebuilders.

Last Revised: January 22, 2003