First Flight of Mosquito XET Helicopter in 2022

This is the first flight of the year and the first flight after it’s annual safety inspection. I’m trying to get my self back into a groove and getting the helicopter ready for the 2022 flying season. It felt really good flying the Mosquito helicopter again. It truly is one of the best flying helicopters I’ve ever flown with respect to precision, stability, agility, performance and down right fun to fly!
I’ve added some narration to show what I was doing and/or thinking. LOL!
The helicopter is a Composite FX Mosquito XET of the XE Series family of personal helicopters and built by @Storey Aviation. The ZE Series include the XEL (ultralight), XE, XE285 and the new XE290 which is replacing the XE285 going forward.
For more information please visit storeyaviation.com
Other video’s to watch from Storey Aviation include:
Spot Landing Practice around a pond with the Mosquito Helicopter XET • Spot Landing Practice ...
Mosquito Helicopter XET. Some things you can only do in a Helicopter. • Mosquito Helicopter XE...
Confined Operations in a Mosquito Helicopter XET • Confined Operations in...

[@scienceMicroguy77]

Dude is a complete bad-ass in the helicopter. I wonder if he flew for the army. If he didn't he sure as hell should have. Amazing flying and an amazing pilot.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you for the compliment! Would you believe no military helicopter training? I actually flew Remote Controlled helicopters for years and have thousands of hours in fixed wing. The Mosquito helicopter is one of the best flying helicopters ever as far as maintenance, stability and agility. It is an absolute blast to fly! Thanks for watching!

[@MS-yj2zp]

Absolutely spectacular flying! Thank you very much for the videos you make create and allow us to watch.

[@sammccaa5127]

Love it awesome, could watch it all day, I love helicopter s

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@frankflstf]

You’re a pretty badass pilot

[@buskersatwork]

Thanks for posting. Very inspirational!!!

[@brownhornet1515]

Fantastic Flying my friend !!!

[@Ben-Dixey]

Amazing control, inspiring stuff. 👍

[@adventureswithnickhead6984]

Sweet flying Dave!

[@jefffair4540]

Amazing skills!!

[@FlyNavy]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@edendunes]

Great pilot and chopper.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Eh! The pilot is ok but the helicopter flies really, really good. Thanks for the compliment and for watching.

[@robnee3313]

You are an excellent pilot! Thanks

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you but as I’ve said before, these helicopters fly great and they make me look better than I actually am. 😝 Thanks for watching!

[@jonathennate8450]

Wow awesome stuff man, i assume ya had someone do a safety inspection on it

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thanks man. The Mosquito helicopter are great flying helicopters! She gets a thorough safety inspection every year. The beauty of AB Experimental is that the original builder can get the maintenance certificate for that aircraft. Since I’m the builder of the aircraft, I have the FAA maintenance certificate for this aircraft. Cost me nothing but time for all my safety inspections. 👍

[@aeroengguy448]

You go, Dave. Pretty Bird.

[@truestory3307]

You make it look easy Wow!!

[@sheepdoglogic]

You fly as though you have been flying for a long long time sir. Excellent show of your skill's. I hope to own and fly half as good as you one day. HOOAH!!!

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you! Would you believe I started out in RC helicopters! I can’t express enough how the Mosquito XE Series line of helicopters is one of the best flying helicopters I’ve ever flown. It’s a cross between a sports car and crotch rocket of helicopters! Because of their light weight, they are very agile, but then because of the their blade design and mixing ratios, they are very stabile when you leave them alone. Hands down one of the “Best Bangs for the Buck” you can find in experimental helicopter kits with one of the best safety records! If you love what your doing, you will immerse yourself and be very good at it!

[@videoogler]

Excellent flying. I fly gyros and trikes but want a Mosquito so bad. Seems to be a really nice machine.

[@Celtkin]

This looks really fun!

[@dstoreyaviation]

YES, it is!

[@kaseycouch97]

Man that looks like a complete blast!! I buddy has a r/c turbine heli that's neat as heck so I can only imagine how cool yours would be!

[@TheLouisamite]

That's awesome thanks for sharing this, ,,very cool

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@SabareeshPambalath]

Great skills 👍🏻

[@davidverwoert5165]

I couldn't decide to get a musquito or a cri cri UL. After seeing this video 100% going with the heli. Airplanes are for the birds... lol.

[@dstoreyaviation]

I’ve heard several helicopter pilot friends say that airplanes are for people that can’t fly helicopters! LOL! It is funny but I also fly and own airplanes. They are just for different missions… Thanks for watching. I’ll have more video’s coming out over the winter and next year for sure!

[@igorcappellin377]

Complimenti...👍🏻

[@blueyedjackel]

whop whop all the way . . . oh what fun, it is to ride in a 90hp open sleigh.

[@MitchG]

Great flying!

[@mandellaegbuna6820]

The mosquito helicopters are very intriguing to the point that I must purchase one! From a consumer perspective, where can you maintenance/service the helicopter? Can majority Heli-mechanic shops service it or is limited to the manufacturers' of the helicopter? The R22s need overhaul at the 2200hr mark, does the Mosquito have anything like that?

[@matthewg.garcia9415]

Cool video! You're a good pilot. I'm contemplating between a Mosquito and some other kit companies. Mosquito seems to be the best price for factory built. Still figuring out the hidden costs of building vs buying.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thanks for the compliment! These are great flying helicopters! If your here in the U.S., you can only build or do an assist build for all the experimental registered models and only the XEL (ultralight) is eligible to be built for you due to FAA regulations. Current build and assist build options start at $8,000 and go up from there depending on which model. Thanks for watching!

[@keithdolezel488]

SKILLS!

Awesome skills 👍🏻

[@dstoreyaviation]

It’s a awesome flying helicopter. I’ve said it plenty of times before but it makes me look better than I actually am. LOL! Thanks for watching!

@@dstoreyaviation I´m also a pilot on a R44. So I can assess you favourite skills 👍🏻

[@glenpaul3606]

Good flying...you handle it very well and it seems quite stable.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thank you, the Mosquito XE Series line of helicopter really are great flying and fun helicopters! Thanks for watching!

[@glenpaul3606]

@@dstoreyaviation I have had my PPL a long time but haven't flown in many years. I wanted to get a helicopter rating back then but it was too costly. So certain models are considered ultralights and no licence is required?

[@dstoreyaviation]

@@glenpaul3606 The XEL is a “ultralight” model with a MZ202 2-stroke engine. It does have some limitations per the FAA part 103 requirements but it is the same fuselage as the XE, XE290 and XET so they all feel the same in a hover. We still require some helicopter training to keep you safe and for liability purposes.

[@helicopterovirtual-msfs6254]

Sensacional.

[@69fel32]

Well Done Dave !

[@WillysWhipTown]

Hey man love the bird! Whats the distance yoy get per tank? I live about 70 miles from my parents, and could have a fuel stache to refuel but whats your cruise distance?

[@newzealandearthmover4008]

So where do you actually learn to fly a helicopter? Do you have to fly in a tandem and take the controls to get a feel for how it operates? It's something I've always wanted to have a go at. Great flying BTW. 👌 like a drift car around them cones but way cooler

[@dstoreyaviation]

You can learn to fly and any flight training center. Here in the U.S. you can just go to your local airport and ask about flight training. If they don't provide any flight training, they most likely can help direct you to an airport in your area that does. Shop around as prices do vary, alot... Thanks for the compliment! These are great flying helicopters! Thanks for watching and good luck with finding flight training.

[@flyboycpa]

Just like the days at Peeler Park! Looking good, amigo!

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thanks Brother! All that practice with the RC helicopter paid off. LOL! I’m having a blast!

[@69fel32]

@@dstoreyaviation When loving RC helicopters it is impossible to not love the Mosquito..

[@dstoreyaviation]

@@69fel32 I’ve said it before, the XE Series Mosquitos are like an oversized and overbuilt RC helicopter!

[@69fel32]

@@dstoreyaviation Exactly !

[@moisesazevedo5965]

Top

[@6061]

1:36 Infamous "smoke poof"? Please explain. Sporadic incomplete combustion seems like it would be a safety concern, no?

[@dstoreyaviation]

Yes, those that are familiar with this engine know about the “infamous “smoke poof. Because of the reliable but non precision injectors in the burning cans, a lot of the Solar turbine engines will sporadically emit poofs of black smoke as the loading changes. This engine was built from the 1950’s thru the 1990’s.

[@darick-lightearthaviation8845]

You gave me a ride in your Sonex Jab years ago at Lazy B. I then built one. What did you do with your Sonex? Great precision mosquito flying BTW.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Thanks for the compliment! It’s a great flying helicopter! Just like the Sonex is a great flying airplane. I still have the Sonex. In fact I just recently brought it home to TN. Plans are to start overhauling it later this year to get it back in the air. I’m going to sell my Bonanza M35 and just have the XET helicopter and the Sonex. You have a great looking Sonex. Love the paint scheme!. Thanks for watching!

[@DMWD3680]

VERY INTERESTED,,Do you have any links on flight training videos or use of controls for the mosquito brand?

[@dstoreyaviation]

Best thing to do is to go take an introductory helicopter flight. This will let you know if flying a helicopter is for you and let you know where the helicopter flight schools are in your area. Helicopters are kinda like cars, different brands will have a little different feel and available power but all fly with the same controls.

[@franciscowashington2155]

Beleza 😎😎👍👍

[@bradleytaylor3500]

Hey iv been looking at these helicopters for a while now and I was wondering what maintenance cost is with the turbine compared to the piston engines? Or if anything just the cost for maintenance for the turbine. Is it something you can do at home? And I know if im asking I probably shouldn't own one but iv always been fascinated with helicopters and would love to own one!

[@dstoreyaviation]

All the XE Series models are the same helicopter with just different power options. That being said, my first 2 years of operation was just consumable’s (fuel, oil, grease and filters). These helicopters are the latest and most modern design on the experimental/ultralight market. Nothing else can come close to it as far as being the most maintenance free. As for the turbine. If nothing happens and prematurely breaks, there is no TBO and only a 500hour hot section inspection for cracks. But it is more expensive and drinks 12.5 GPH of JetA.

[@bradleytaylor3500]

Thank I appreciate the input! I'm hoping I'll have one soon. Or just get my fix wing license and do whatever other course is needed to do a 2 seater experimental helicopter. Iv seen prices as low as $17k - $55k to fit my budget.

[@dstoreyaviation]

@@bradleytaylor3500 Be careful on “good deals” in used experimental aircraft. There is usually a reason any used helicopter is cheap…

[@kojack635]

How tall can you be and still fit comfortably? I'm 6'4" and commercially rated. I've flown a cabri g2 and Schweizer 300cbi and fit in those pretty well.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Im 6’1” and have no issue with a helmet. I would say that you would need to actually sit in one to see how you fit. If leg tall, no problem. If upper torso tall, it might be tight. Thanks for watching!

[@johnstosh6658]

How many Gs can these pull? hammer head looked great! lmao honestly freaked me out a little

[@dstoreyaviation]

I think they are rated to like 4 G’s but I’ve never pushed it that far! 😂 The pedal turns are a little scary at first because the Mosquito’s use a semi rigid rotor head. I have to keep the rotor head loaded with some collective and don’t use any input on the cyclic until after the pedal turn as I’m pulling more collective in at the bottom. They are actually a lot of fun once you learn how to do them properly. Thanks for watching!

[@johnstosh6658]

as you got the the highest point and were turning via pedal did you have to drop the collective a bit or was it consistently up during the whole maneuver? dang thats like as good as an as350 lmao yeah i imagine if you pushed it to that limit (4Gs) youd have to get it inspected for your own safety. good stuff man , sick heli @@dstoreyaviation

[@dstoreyaviation]

@@johnstosh6658 I leave the collective up! Because of the teetering floating rotor head (semi-rigid design), the rotor system needs to stay loaded during any maneuvers or mast bumping can occur. Which would be bad…

[@seanjoe1704]

please fly high..

[@yeehaw31415]

I was always curious - can you build hours in these and count them towards normal flight hours?

[@dstoreyaviation]

Absolutely! The XE, XE285, XE290 and XET are all FAA registered aircraft with N numbers and all time is log-able. This is why some go for the XET’s for the turbine time. Thanks for watching!

[@yeehaw31415]

@@dstoreyaviation thanks!!!!

[@Killian665]

What’s the cost of ownership on one of these compared to like an R22? I fly 22, 44 and 66s a lot but I know I wouldn’t be able to afford something like that anytime soon.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Maintenance and daily cost after purchase? Really not comparable. First 2 years was nothing but oil, grease, Napa filters and fuel.

[@PeterSchneemann]

Can it go higher?

[@dstoreyaviation]

Of course it can! But it’s not that visually stimulating to watch as nothing goes by quickly. I posted a video once with 1/2 flying at altitude. KZbin analysis showed that everyone would skip that section so I no longer post boring footage of just sitting there cruising. Thanks for watching.

[@mikkeyyyy9378]

Can they autorotate

[@dstoreyaviation]

Yes, just like any other helicopter. Several youtube videos of Mosquito helicopters autorotating. Google “Mosquito XE Ultralight Helicopter Autorotation” for a John Snider in cockpit view of an 180º autorotation to a circle.

[@ujungkulonpost]

First flight helicopter

[@dstoreyaviation]

Yes, first flight for 2022. The helicopter is actually coming up on 2 years old.

[@charlesliner7863]

I retire and would like 1i Can afford if you have one

[@dstoreyaviation]

If interested in purchasing a Mosquito XE Series helicopter, please check out www.storeyaviation.com for more information. My contact information is on the web site. Thanks for watching!

[@ouchmyfinger5054]

Puts some machine guns on that helicopter or rocket launchers.

[@aeroengguy448]

you didn't actually make an approach to a landing, by FAA definition to log a landing. And with a single seat, you are always current anyway. A pickup and set down is not an official landing.

[@dstoreyaviation]

Yes, good catch and you are correct. That was more of a inside joke for some of my close aviation buddies. Currency is something I usually don’t worry about as I usually fly at least once a month during the off season, and fly quite a bit during the spring, summer and fall. This past winter was different as in the end of November I noticed I had popped loose some windshield rivets. The helicopter see’s a lot of vibration with the tight nose in circle around the cone, which is something I do a lot playing around. The helicopter is in constant ETL transition the whole time plus the input on the under slung head. I was busy with a few other projects and just decided to wait and upgrade to screws during my annual inspection for more durability. Hence, the I haven’t flown in 3 months comment. I did feel really good to get it back in the air. It is such a fun helicopter to fly! Thanks for watching!

[@SabareeshPambalath]

Great skills 👍🏻