Getting familiar with my new Hummel Ultracruiser.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

No music, no talking, just airplane + airplane noises. Thank you, thank you sir! Thanks for taking us up with you!

[@dimojoe]

Thank you for the nice comment.

[@DirkHav]

I also don't like music in KZbin vids.

[@fractuss]

@@DirkHav Not all the time for sure, this is really good.

[@lucywucyyy]

i love how it only uses like .5% of that giant runway to take off

[@luigirocks3075]

Lol

[@masonlee7649]

It aint an Ultraheavy! Hahahahaha

[@Rocky-sy9zt]

😄 I was thinking the same thing! I first thought was “I use more space to get up to speed on my bicycle than that plane needs for takeoff”😂

[@Bleriotman]

I second the compliments on no talking and no music. Very nice to watch!. I am also very surprised by the great visibility that you have in that machine!

[@dimojoe]

Very good visibility !

[@alanhardman2447]

That's got to be the best-sounding two-cylinder aircraft engine I've ever heard! Stunningly subdued. I'd bet the fatigue from the sound is probably nearly non-existent.

[@josephdimodica]

Sorry to disappoint you but it is much louder in real life. I put tape over the microphone holes to deaden the sound for the video.

[@edwardpate6128]

An amazing looking little aircraft! This is what flying was like for those early pre WW1 pioneers!

[@dylanlockler1039]

Well those guys flew in very weak biplanes this style of plane came in the 1930s

[@havendewart8452]

I think he meant ww2

[@dylanlockler1039]

@@havendewart8452 yeah

[@SethLebow15]

that is a ww2 style plane it was based of a p-51 mustang i think.

[@davidcowan6860]

You’ve got a bright future in moving small packages of great value

[@mikedunn7795]

Nice video! I can't believe how short the takeoff roll was!

[@1lllllllll1]

In such cold and dense air, yes.... would be interesting to compare with another one in heat of summer.

[@cowboycowboy9592]

Loved this. Just the natural noise and beauty. No music no talking.. thanks

[@DaGoonR]

I'm getting ready for a kit. I Drove a 1976 MG for 40 years this bird is the MG of the skys. Love it.

[@josephdimodica]

Do it !

[@plwill40cal20]

Nice plane and a good day to fly. The only negative I could give would be is the canopy is a little dirty. I like to watch the video of home built aircraft. Thanks for the ride along....

[@coreybrand2777]

Thanks for taking us along! Great video.

[@davestelling]

This was so much fun to watch, thanks. Beautiful little aircraft, too. Hope your enjoying some more flights, take care...

[@aerostaraircraftsanctuary604]

That's cool. Nice flight !👌

[@TacticalCaveman997]

Beautiful little plane

[@ChimesRyan]

This reminded me so much of a Spitfire. Very nice smooth flying. Thanks for sharing.

[@dimojoe]

You're welcome , I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@antongruber5978]

Looks a lot like the mustang P 51

[@jonathans6179]

Climbs quickly, nice looking plane. Thanks for sharing.

[@freemarketjoe9869]

Great video. Really fun to watch, like being in this great little plane. Thank you for a fun flight.

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Great video; thanks for posting. I started out in a Cessna 150 and quickly moved up to a Cessna 172. But I haven't flown since around 1992. This one looks fun.

[@kenspaceman3938]

Nice plane, nice video, thanks!

[@brandonhvidsten7910]

This looks like an amazing and fun/affordable project and a amazing life changing project that would never be forgotten... man i just might start saving up.. i would just be getting into it but i have friends and some family into aviation so that said i think it would be better for me to pay more and find one complete a RTF kit ... lol

[@ohwell2790]

I used to do a lot of sailing from Marina del Rey in California. Thinking here I am a few miles off the coast and there are 10 million people doing what the rat race and how lucky I was to do that. Maybe that is some of the feeling when flying this airplane. What do people do that is so important and you get to do this. Your love of flight and the freedom to do it and the work you did to bring this to reality. Nice flight and the sounds of flight.

[@chetlovesamerica6783]

The sound of a reliable engine and to see the glide go soo smooth is awesome. BEAUTIFUL PLANE,☆,,seems fine tuned &trimmed out,,,,can eye have it for a while ???,,,lol...Thanks for sharing ☆

[@dimojoe]

Thanks for the kind comments

[@stevelyons6739]

Kool, awesome little bird!

[@dimojoe]

Thank you.

[@evandromp4277]

Yes the best video that I see!!! Evandro Pedrosa from Brazil!!!🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@josephdimodica]

Thank you !

[@mapleleafer74]

ANYWAY, THANKS FOR SHARING, IT HAS INSPIRED ME TO SAVE FOR THIS KIT!

[@HavardCastiglioni]

It looks cool for a custom plane. No pilot's license, no problem. Though I may need a radio to detect airbands. That'll be cool especially when I plan to fly or be an airline pilot someday.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Sweet! Looks like a lot of fun.

[@canamm]

Wow , need some plastic polish on that canopy. I bought plans for this aircraft and I'm getting ready to pick up some materials and get started.

[@keithnorris8982]

How are you coming along with your project? I would love to hear more about your success.

[@floatingclouds8795]

How well is this aircraft's maneuverability?

[@trailrider0194]

I hate watching people when it just looks like they are having too much fun. lol

[@antongruber5978]

Flying out from South Africa 17 may till end of June. Visiting my daughter and family in Denver Colorado. Drop in for a visit . Attending the Pikes Peak hill climb race .

[@bradrobinhancock8491]

I would love to be able to find one of these! I have been peeking in on barnstormers every now and then, and I saw one a couple of weeks ago. It was in Ohio, and I'm not really confident in flying it all the way to Central Texas. I'm sure it'll make it, but planning stops every three hours and cruising at 55 kts IAS would make for a very long adventure. I am also interested in the new V-Twin they've built. I think it's based on a Generac engine - but fine-tuned by Hummel as only they can do. Like the interest in expanding LSA, I would love to see Part 103 get a little more leeway. The Badlands with the Hirth 50 HP is also pretty enticing, but doesn't quite have the great looks as the Hummel UC.

[@josephdimodica]

Hummel will trailer your plane anywhere for you....for a price. They also fit in an enclosed Uhaul.

[@redblackvette]

Hi Joe. Looking good. But its a good airplane

[@monkONeOHnINe]

INCREDIBLE.

[@josephdimodica]

Thanks

[@michael_edg3370]

This is super awesome in just wondering if you need to communicate with a tower if there’s one nearby to takeoff

[@dimojoe]

No, you can not fly in controlled airspace.

[@NewFrontierAerospace]

Thanks for sharing, Joe. Hope to see more!

[@dimojoe]

Thanks for watching. I posted one yesterday of just starting it and have another flying video to post later this week.

[@pedrojulio5889]

This IS the ultalight version and not the sports? Is the manifold where you could capture the heat. The cubs have that metal shroud on both sides. It is an air cooled, typical of VW's?? If that's the case it would have to be manifold. That is the one thing when I did my sports license flying in 2004, in the winter my FEET WERE ALWAYS FROZEN. Size 14 almost 15 shoes, I barely fit. Would that size fit in the Hummel. Looking at the Hummel or the Merlin light. Definitely all metal.

[@rogerwinright2290]

With the canopy, is this part 103 compliant? Gorgeous bird!

[@sethenewman4309]

Yes

[@e.sstudios1015]

6:27 Yaw turn?

[@antongruber5978]

As promised Anton viewing . Great stuff

[@urwinflorin2541]

Last question ❓❓❓❓ does it have air-conditioniner

[@dimojoe]

No....but it does have air vents !

[@antongruber5978]

Which airport was your takeoff at ?

[@outlawflyer7868]

Whats the gross weight with fuel and a sandwhich?

[@grahamvirgil]

What is the vw motor 1/2 of what? 1800 ?

[@04boogie-t14]

Do you have to build the plane? And does it have problems sometimes or a lot of maintenance? Also how can I take it too the airport to fly or can it take off from a field

[@dimojoe]

You can build it or Hummel Aviation can build it for you, no problems and just normal maintenance on the engine. Trailer to airport or takeoff from field.

[@dwightpruitt6809]

what is that pounding noise ?

[@miniatureenginesandmore9906]

I would love to have one of those nice video by the way does it have a steerable tailwheel?

[@dimojoe]

yes, steerable tailwheel. Thank you.

[@rzr2ffe325]

I'm guessing with the canopy, GPS, and radio this one is not Part 103 compliant? Or am I mistaken? Looks like a lot of fun

[@benjaminlenz3482]

A canopy is not 103 compliant, but can be removed to make it compliant.

[@peterforst2319]

So, how do you like the ultra cruzer? What is your. Cruise in the old bird ? What is your weight , seems like it jumped right off the runway ?

[@The762nato]

Sounds great

[@paulleasum2024]

Joe what engine do you have? Thanks

[@josephdimodica]

37 hp

[@ImNotCreativeEnoughToMakeUser]

How do you get authoization to use military markers on your plane?

[@la_old_salt2241]

There is no authorization needed. Just paint it. That's in the US, I can't speak to other countries.

[@1533TodaVida]

Wait does this even require a license..?

[@dimojoe]

no, it does not

[@cherrypepsi2815]

It classifies as ultralight, meaning you don't need a license. You'd have to be an idiot to fly without training, though.

[@seinarukishi9228]

@@cherrypepsi2815 Call me Forrest then

[@Father_Retro]

How much does the canopy weigh?

[@rh5549]

Are the wings able to fold on any of the hummel models?

[@dimojoe]

They are removable but do not fold.

[@jbfox1211]

I have a mini max 1100r and I want to know where you got your gas cap or how you made that so I can know how much fuel I have in flight.

[@dimojoe]

Take any gas cap and drill a hole in the center. Buy a brass gas float and some thin welding wire to bend around the float and cut to length. Epoxy or JB weld a small piece of metal tube over the hole in the cap.

[@williamhicks5693]

What were the clanging sounds while you were taxiing?

[@josephdimodica]

When I purchased this plane it had a hard rubber tailwheel. Later I installed a pneumatic tail wheel.

[@la_old_salt2241]

William, it's called oil caning, and it's common in light aircraft, even factory built metal aircraft. When I was flying Cessna 150s and 172s, every one of the aircraft I ever flew did that.

[@kentwilliams4152]

Do you think that they will ever build a Ready To Fly Hummelbird? Thanks.

[@josephdimodica]

For the the right amount of money they would probably build one.

[@that_red_dentside3968]

They already do if you check there site, if my memory is right a full built one is 31000

[@kentwilliams4152]

Yep, they will build to order. 🤗

[@pedrojulio5889]

At my age and health, chemo, infusions etc...on and on I do not want to mess with the sports again. I have not flown in quite a while and was NOT tail wheel endorsed. How did you transition or pick up on the tail wheel. Was it difficult?

[@josephdimodica]

I have never flown a plane with a nose wheel.

[@96vmax4]

No one really talks about putting radios into these ultralights, can you help me understand what is suggested for a com system. I'm assuming your using it to talk to a tower at that field correct?

[@josephdimodica]

There is no tower at this airport. Ultralights cannot fly into controlled airspace. The radio is to inform any local traffic of your intentions.

[@96vmax4]

@@josephdimodica local being other ultralights? Or other aircraft in general?

[@josephdimodica]

@@96vmax4 Any aircraft in the area.

[@DirkHav]

Is your engine not too cold during a flight on a winter day like this ?

[@dimojoe]

I block some of the cowl vents.

[@brodysecore3161]

I am looking to purchase one of these myself. Did you buy it as a kit or already assembled?

[@dimojoe]

I bought it in flying condition.

[@garrett3055]

How much fuel does it hold, and how much extra room in cockpit?

[@dimojoe]

5 gallons, not much extra room in the cockpit.

[@travistucker7317]

@@dimojoe how long will 5 gallons go?

[@dimojoe]

@@travistucker7317 Fuel burn is 1.5 gal an hour.

[@travistucker7317]

@@dimojoe thanks man!

[@pedrojulio5889]

Do they have manifold heat available for the cabin. Every pound counts so???

[@dimojoe]

No, but you could add it if you really wanted. Like you said, every pound counts

[@Chris_A_]

*Joe, comparing your Mini-max to the Ultra cruiser, how do the flight characteristics differ between the two?*

[@dimojoe]

When I bought the original UC from Morry Hummel he told me " The minimax flies like a truck and the UC flies like a motorcycle". That is the best comparison I can give anyone.

[@billbeauchamp8498]

Great analogy

[@bestcommentiguarantyyoum4189]

HOW RELIABLE IS THE ENGINE?

[@josephdimodica]

I have owned 4 airplane that have the 1/2 VW and I have never had an engine out.

[@sergioguerrero6874]

I've been thinking of saving up for one. Are they hard to fly ? How long did it take to train? Any recommendations? Thanks alot great video !

[@dimojoe]

not hard to fly but you should have some training.

[@aviatorboss9978]

@@dimojoe how about if i have some real world experience and 12 yrs on flight sims?

[@dimojoe]

@@aviatorboss9978 easy to fly

[@aviatorboss9978]

@@dimojoe sweet!!

[@pccoldwar9160]

what is range of ultracruiser under you typical condition ?

[@dimojoe]

about 3 hours of flying time.

[@subjectedge]

Nice! Looks really cool. Hows the headroom?

[@dimojoe]

It is a little tight.

[@aviatorboss9978]

@@dimojoe im 6 ft,would that work?

[@iriscontreras5794]

Shhhhhhh

[@kennethkamp495]

How’s the cabin heat?

[@dimojoe]

There is no cabin heat.

[@tomcoryell]

It just like the cabin A/C 😎

[@brikzyyyt6153]

How often do you ride it?

[@dimojoe]

I have been flying almost everyday, weather permitting.

[@pedrojulio5889]

Do you think at 6'1" 245lbs with 14EEE shoes that I would be able to own and fly. I am a general contractor so NOT overweight just a big guy to some. It is hard to tell without being around one. My wife is behind me getting one. 41 years married tomorrow.

[@josephdimodica]

I would call Hummel Aviation and see if there is one in your area you could check out.

[@pedrojulio5889]

@@josephdimodica I think they have to move the landing gear around for weight and balance on bigger people IF they can fly it.

[@gunslinger9560]

One time I fell out of a tree and flew all the way down without a pilots license

[@lykofff]

do you need licence to fly on it ?

[@gustavolemonke]

no

[@PurveyorOfCuriosities]

I love your videos. I was trying to decide between a H5 and a Sonex Onex and your videos make me want the Hummel H5, which is a little bigger and can be flown light sport. Any idea what the glide ratio is for your plane?

[@josephdimodica]

I am sorry , I do not have any idea. Your best bet would be to contact Terry at Hummel Aviation. I am sure he could answer any of your questions.

[@sakutaazusagawa208]

What's the max height the plane could fly upto?

[@dimojoe]

Ultralights are not legally permitted to go above 10,000 ft.

[@sakutaazusagawa208]

@@dimojoe I heard that ultralights struggle to go upto 10,000feet even

[@tomcoryell]

@@sakutaazusagawa208 it depends on the plane.

[@sakutaazusagawa208]

@@tomcoryell I was talking about ultralights in general with their 30-50hp(100hp max) engines

[@benjaminlenz3482]

Beautiful I love it 😀

[@ironchouskimmy9671]

Where to buy kits

[@la_old_salt2241]

Look up Hummel Aviation in your browser.

[@kazansky22]

What engine you have and what kind of speeds do you see?

[@josephdimodica]

37hp , 65 mph

[@keelandavis]

How much did this cost?

[@josephdimodica]

I paid exactly what it was worth to me.

[@PurveyorOfCuriosities]

@@josephdimodica good answer.

[@yigitkadir3649]

how much is it

[@creesmith2794]

If it's an ultralight wouldn't it be legal to just land on some random field? This seems like it goes through many loopholes in the law.

[@dimojoe]

You theoretically could , but you would want permission to land on private property. But I have landed on a friends field a few times. Also you want to know if the field is smooth enough so you don't damage your plane.

[@sailingsvzara]

Is it true you can fly these without training? Seems risky.

[@johnkakuk]

My understanding is that you can. Doesn’t mean it’s a great idea though 👀

[@HunterBBikes]

I’m trying to get one of these butt I don’t know where can you tell me where you got this and if you need a license or a runway or anything like that

[@josephdimodica]

I found mine on barnstormers.com. runway=yes. license=no

[@loisaida4]

Is it expensive?

[@gabemcnichols6131]

16k for a new one

[@loisaida4]

CoastalRippa ok thanks

[@James-mi5qt]

Great video, and I of course love the plane! Probably one of the sleekest looking ultralight I’ve seen. I’m a bit of an aviation nut myself and I was hoping to get one of these myself, so if you don’t mind me inquiring, where did you get your plane? Did you buy it secondhand/preused or through some kind of website?

[@josephdimodica]

I bought it from a private seller on a website called "barnstormers.com"

[@nikolaperovic5633]

How much that airplane cost

[@josephdimodica]

I paid exactly what is was worth to me.

[@veritas6466]

Sucks that in it's current configuration, this awesome aircraft is "illegal" to fly. I'd love to own a Hummel.

[@dragonsigma8611]

One question .the engine is reliable? Thx

[@dimojoe]

I have owned 4 planes, all had a 1/2VW for power and I have never had an engine out condition or any engine troubles to speak of, other than some minor carburetor issues.

[@josiahsmith6049]

Where were you able to find one to buy? I’ve looked around and these are kinda hard to find.

[@dimojoe]

I just got lucky I guess. It was listed on Barnstormers.com

[@josiahsmith6049]

dimojoe ah nah man I’m glad you found one. These are some amazing fun little plains.

[@gerald4027]

I am getting a hummel part 103 and will install a 4 cylinder vw in it.mybe a 12 cylinder Merlin.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Does your Hummel make the 254lb 103 requirement with the canopy on? And, I noticed an Airspeed "red line" at around 90 - you and I both know that the airspeed on a Part 103 plane is around 63mph. Just curious. Built 3 EAB planes - never could keep the empty wt to 254 - no way.

[@dimojoe]

The "do not exceed" speed for the airframe is 90 or 95 mph which you could achieve in a dive or nose down attitude, it cruises right around 63 mph.

[@blackoutsleepingmusic1833]

i really want to do this.. i guess I better save up like 30k to buy, store, fuel a beautiful flying machine like this.

[@la_old_salt2241]

You can buy one from Hummel pre-built for about $31,000. Or, build it yourself from plans for much less. That does take time and sweat equity however.

[@elijahsstudio1109]

Still can’t believe I can land this in a public park

[@hechtspeed]

Very cool!!! What kimd of cruize speed and gph do you get?

[@dimojoe]

65-70 mph 1.5 gal/h

[@hechtspeed]

@@dimojoe impressive!!!

[@skyboy1956]

Which when correct for position error = 55 kts calibrated airspeed ! ! !

[@nickabel8279]

Am I doing my quick estimate right? This is like 50ish mpg?

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@nickabel8279Depends on wind.

[@Mar0nSun]

I want this but the thing is I'm young, in middle school, quarintined, need to pay for a license, and I don't have enough money to get a plane like this. Really I would just get this because it looks cool and I could do some painting and make it look like a ww2 plane.

[@josephdimodica]

This plane is considered an ultralight, you do not need a license to fly it.

[@Mar0nSun]

Joe DiModica ok, but I don't know if have the money to pay for it and I am young and very short so it might be hard for me to fly it. But because I don't need to pay a for training and get it right away it may cost less. Thanks

[@edwardpate6128]

Very good, hang in there and keep your dreams alive!

[@bruceking8291]

You do need to know how to fly!

[@gameclips2009]

Bruce King You need to know how, you just dont need a liscense

[@urwinflorin2541]

No need license

[@dimojoe]

No license required.

[@mapleleafer74]

HOWEVER WITH A CLEAN OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IMPROVED CAMERAWORK IT COULD BE A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE OF US WHO COULDN'T SIT BEHIND HIM.

[@1533TodaVida]

Hm.

[@jbcrawford5128]

Test

[@mapleleafer74]

THE FIRST % MINUTES OF THIS VIDEO SUGGEST THE PILOT CAN'T REALLY MANAGE, I WASN'T CONFIDENT IN HIM AT ALL.