Pietenpol-List: Re: RE: OT Nonstandardization pre WWII Now Green planes
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:23 am
Original Posted By: mike
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: RE: OT Nonstandardization pre WWII Now Green planesI would figure that you bike nuts would have us all flying pedal powered non polluting Pietenpols by now. Pedal powered flight actually began in 1935. I know this for a fact because it is in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-powered_aircraftWhat is taking y'all so long. Of course I am realistic, I know that both occupantswould have to pedal, at least until you reduce power for cruse. I know about the Electriflyer and the other electric planes and I have read aboutalternative fuels (LPG, hydrogen, solar and nuclear.) They seem to be somewhatmarginal.Does anyone on the list have any feel for the future of aircraft electric enginesfor the next few years? Everyone seeks light weight, but how quickly couldan electric engine be reasonably put on a Piet? The origional Ford A engine made 40 HP and was a boat anchor in weight. So 40HPseems to be a minimum. What range is needed for a around the air patch flying?Most Piet flights are under an hour. Of course you need a 30 min safety reserve.Remember you have the weight taken out for the engine, accessories, fuelsystem and fuel. What is the total weight of these systems that could be usedfor engine/batteries? If you don't take people flying, the front passenger holeis covered that area/weight (180LBs) could also be added to the total weightof an electric system.At my airport is a guy who builds electric cars. He even converts regular carsto total electric. He has a Porshe 911 and a Jeep converted. Granted they areonly for around town (20-30 Mile range) but they are drivable and work. He hasbuilt a really sporty trike with 2 front wheels, it is pretty quick and has betterrange. All for about 1/5 the cost per mile of gas powered engines for electricity.He has a kit built LSA (4stroke Rotax powered). I will ask him thisquestion if I see him. Blue (or should I say Green) Skies Steve DPS I am not a hippie who is ready to wear hemp clothes and eat tofu. I just thinkthat we will be moving away from fossil fuels and wonder how soon it will bepractical. In other words, I am willing to go electric, but don't think youcan replace my 14 MPG 89 Suburban (I actually own two Suburbans, and two 30+MPGToyota cars.) with an electric Yugo. Give me a reasonable option. ----- Original Message -----
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: RE: OT Nonstandardization pre WWII Now Green planesI would figure that you bike nuts would have us all flying pedal powered non polluting Pietenpols by now. Pedal powered flight actually began in 1935. I know this for a fact because it is in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-powered_aircraftWhat is taking y'all so long. Of course I am realistic, I know that both occupantswould have to pedal, at least until you reduce power for cruse. I know about the Electriflyer and the other electric planes and I have read aboutalternative fuels (LPG, hydrogen, solar and nuclear.) They seem to be somewhatmarginal.Does anyone on the list have any feel for the future of aircraft electric enginesfor the next few years? Everyone seeks light weight, but how quickly couldan electric engine be reasonably put on a Piet? The origional Ford A engine made 40 HP and was a boat anchor in weight. So 40HPseems to be a minimum. What range is needed for a around the air patch flying?Most Piet flights are under an hour. Of course you need a 30 min safety reserve.Remember you have the weight taken out for the engine, accessories, fuelsystem and fuel. What is the total weight of these systems that could be usedfor engine/batteries? If you don't take people flying, the front passenger holeis covered that area/weight (180LBs) could also be added to the total weightof an electric system.At my airport is a guy who builds electric cars. He even converts regular carsto total electric. He has a Porshe 911 and a Jeep converted. Granted they areonly for around town (20-30 Mile range) but they are drivable and work. He hasbuilt a really sporty trike with 2 front wheels, it is pretty quick and has betterrange. All for about 1/5 the cost per mile of gas powered engines for electricity.He has a kit built LSA (4stroke Rotax powered). I will ask him thisquestion if I see him. Blue (or should I say Green) Skies Steve DPS I am not a hippie who is ready to wear hemp clothes and eat tofu. I just thinkthat we will be moving away from fossil fuels and wonder how soon it will bepractical. In other words, I am willing to go electric, but don't think youcan replace my 14 MPG 89 Suburban (I actually own two Suburbans, and two 30+MPGToyota cars.) with an electric Yugo. Give me a reasonable option. ----- Original Message -----