Fixing Mosquito Air Helicopter and First Flight

[@videoogler]

Howdy Mitch, I don't know if you sold this machine or not yet, but I flew the MZ202 in a gyro plane. If performed well for quite a while and then one flight I had a drastic loss of power that forced me to do an emergency landing. Upon inspection I found i had blown a plug out of the engine. Since then I recommend all MZ202 owners to invest in a Keen sert kit for the spark plugs. Super easy fix that ensures that will never happen. I can't remember the name of the sert kit I used, but I'm sure it could be easily found online. Happy flying my freind. I always wanted to fly one of the Mosquitos. It's been one of my dream machines, the turbine powered one that is. Anyway great video and good job. There's nothing like test proving a new aircraft, especially when it's one you built yourself. I've done that with 3 gyros I built. I loved it.

[@MitchG]

Thanks for that info! Fly safe!

[@m118lr]

‘Skids’ are the ONLY way to go for ACTUAL landing gear. NOT being an engineer but JUST a helo pilot..with ‘non-current’ PPL, I’d never try a 3-point landing gear. But here I’ve been celebrating YOUR success so far!

[@evanlane1690]

Why is that? Do wheels catch on rough landings? I'm not a rotary pilot.

[@pauljoseph4057]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@evanlane1690my guess is if he catches the front point it’ll go south fast

[@Aluminata]

Scary as HELL!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

As an R-22 pilot, I would love to get a Mosquito Air, or better yet, a Helicycle. Great job on your hovering.

[@oscarsalinasjofre4196]

Si es cierto

[@glenncassidy1173]

Ya, Never forgot my first hover, good stuff, setup is 50 % of it, stay fussy

[@nhanduong9580]

You have broke my record before ! 5 hours to hover ! 10 hours to take off and landing in Fort Wolters TX ! Good good job my grandson !!!!❤❤❤😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Jkwald57]

Daddy ,that beautiful baby girl needs you around for a long time . Please be careful. Enjoyed learning about this unusual aircraft. Looks like a lot of fun to fly.

[@barrywebber100]

You are a very knowledgeable smart young man with a lovely family and life. I'm full of admiration for the fun and exciting activities you share with us in your YT channel. Thanks for posting.

[@kurihara9023]

Those bolts should have a hole for a clip as the safety concept of aviation mechanics

[@abbott876]

YES! so freaking awesome man. MORE MORE MORE!! Love all the detail and maintenance info.

[@pilotspeed1]

Just stumbled on your vid. Would love to have one of these things. Thanks for sharing. Love the hands on break down of working on it. Best vid on Mosquito airs I've seen!

[@johnpayne1117]

Brother, your baby stole the show.. cute little baby. Good job on the heli.

[@MitchG]

Thank you

[@sharkamov]

Hi Mitch! - Just discovered your channel, and it's just awesome to see you build confidence on the controls of this nimble little _'Heelicopter'_ (as good ol' Igor termed them), as I've just started watching this your rotary winged journey, I'm curious to see if it would be possible for you to incorporate some kind of rotor brake for halting the spinning blades post landing? . . . Keep up the good work man (note; the glimpses of your ''family fans'' just makes the whole thing even more human and 'down to earth' - no pun intended! . . .) High Five comes to you from 🇳🇴

[@andrewtaylor9615]

Solvent based adhesive for gasoline areas like the air cleaner, RTV will react. I'd love to see accelerometers etc to help you balance things better. I don't think it is possible to get rid of all the once per revolution shake out of the cyclic. A stick with paper taped to it will indicate different coloured chalk marks on the blade tips to help zero your blade track. You'll need a highish speed camera to tune your blade trim tabs at cruising speed if you have them. Please attach your ballast better next time. I'm amazed you have the vibrations so low the rocks stayed on the skid. Great work!

[@MitchG]

Thanks! The vibes in forward flight are very smooth as well. It only has the cyclic shake which may have been worse because this was around 7000ft DA.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

That’s great , your meticulous and can do your own mechanics & diagnostic. Enjoyed the video and hope you have fun with your ride .

[@bobmacfly1207]

Very cool. You have provided the most info I have seen on that machine.

[@txgrunt5969]

Awesome dude! I would like to see more of the mosquito for sure!

[@donindri]

Great content! Very wise saving the best for last with the transport system and your kid getting her 2 cents in. Thanks for posting 😎

[@77jbob]

I own one myself . I sent you a FB request. I was talking to the guy you bought it from when he bought it. Good work guy.

[@fromthegroundtotheclouds978]

I’ve enjoyed watching your videos over the last couple of years Mitch, I hope you know what you are doing with that thing 🤣😂

[@fromthegroundtotheclouds978]

Oh yeah i forgot you fly them in the military 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣 have fun buddy!!!

[@vauxscott]

I love how your daughter helped in this video, she's super cute! , good content!

[@billthomas8994]

Excellent explanation on the flight dynamics of your ultralight helicopter and how you can safely operate without hydraulic assist

[@LovelandHillFarms]

You are amazing and crazy. So cool. Reminds me of 27yrs old. All the best!

[@ihymns]

Great video! I grew up in India with the guy that invented the Mosquito....John Uptigrove....a nice kid.

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

6:20 the "contact point" you mention in the starter is called the commutator. The brushes run on the commutator giving it that dirty look.

[@lelievre12]

Love the 'tow' vehicle! I tried towing with my EUC but found it really hard. I guess the Mosquito is light. Nice flying!

[@MitchG]

about 250lbs

[@kevincanfly]

I love the handbrake/ right hand rotor brake! Not jealous at all, in fact I don't want my own helicopter at all... lol. Dude one day I'll have the turbine version, the cockpit and design blows me away. How does this compare to your military experience? Easier to fly or harder? Stoked for you! Can't wait to see more of this!

[@MitchG]

This feels less sensitive and twitchy but also less stable at a hover. 1in of cyclic input with this just starts a slide on the mosquito but 1 in on an apache will give you 2x more roll

[@CrazySC833]

@@MitchG Dude, this is the radest thing I've ever seen. I have like 16 hours on little R-22s and then ran out of money. I'm assuming you come from a military rotary wing aircraft background?

[@parapilot09]

This is great to watch Mitch. You have a great life. ✌🏼

[@captaincrustyradio]

Great detailed video Mitch. I really enjoyed it. 💯❤ Rotor in the green. Later Brother, Crusty Kirk

[@giovanitonel]

Awesome Mitch. In the future, if I will have enough money I probably will try to buy a machine like mosquito ( a dream 😀). For while I have a PPG. Your daughter was Wonderful! I think the best part of this hobby is to keeping them (our children) together.

[@manjitkumar6510]

Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

[@nickaxe771]

In my microlight flying days rotax 503 2 stroke.....those paper fuel filter were very much not recommended. Must of our guys use the cleanable glass type you can but almost anywhere. You can see at a glance if any crap is in it. Looks a real cool machine you have build buddy. I sort of think you were joking re not having any helicopter training as you said in the video...am I correct? Nick from the UK.

[@MitchG]

😉

[@mikelumbreras4903]

Realy enjoy your project and I am very passionat about things like yours that create lot of thinking ant adjusting. So mush fun. Like your upload. Have fun and take care of yourself.

[@william1863]

Thank you young fellow I enjoyed the show as if I was in the seat of your flying machine. Lol 👍✝️✌️

[@forrestferrill3550]

thanks for posting your videos. Nice family too.

[@billcallahan9303]

Hey! Would love to have one & great job on the video but choppers, though lot of fun, are just too work intensive for me. I fly a 1/3 surface wing Trike with huge tundra tires. I can't get in as tight as you but my routine is: Turn Key - Start - Go. Very little maintenance involved but would I like to have a Mosquito? Good question. Enjoyed your video! I'm sure your bird is a hell of a lot of fun but no hassle simplicity is my deal. So why did I even watch your video? I like anything that flys!

[@wardified8566]

There's nothing more pure than helicopters and CCR! This is going to a great adventure 🚁😎🚁

[@michelgabrielramirezfourni9523]

Fortunate son soundtrack was amazing haha i was just missing the known Huey sound.

[@b43xoit]

How many pilots have died or broken bones crashing this thing? Do the instruments include a vertical speed indicator (climb and dive indicator)? An altimeter? What are the switches on the head of the collective pitch lever? There are two engines, as a safety measure? You could limp down on one engine?

[@davidhughes7888]

Great vid many thanks. Please can you guesstimate what height you would need to autorotate safely from? Dave from UK

[@MitchG]

50ft is the altitude at which you are above the height velocity curve. You can still autorotate from less than that if you have airspeed but your reaction time is greatly reduced

[@hadleymanmusic]

It looks nice built. We need to build a whole squadron for our military

[@terry6042]

I know you put a shroud on to stop the hot air from reaching the carbs for higher RPM's! That sounds great, but when you do an autorotation and your engine RPM's drop, what about carb ice develepment with that heat you deflected away from the carbs!? That could actually melt the ice if carb ice accumulates in the carbs!? Don't know much about the engine setup on the Mosquitoe helicopter, or how they deal with carb Ice with low RPM's? Just a question!

[@MitchG]

I don't think I'll be flying this machine is weather that cold.

[@terry6042]

@@MitchG Flight Conditions Icing is most likely to occur-and to be severe-when temperatures fall roughly between 50 and 70 degrees F and the relative humidity is greater than 60 percent

[@terry6042]

@@MitchG For other potental pilots to know too of low rpm's and carb icing. Carb ice forms because the pressure drop in the venturi causes the air to "cool," and draw heat away from the surrounding metal of the carburetor venturi. Ice then can begin collecting on the cooled carburetor throat. ... The result is that the carburetor's internal temperature may drop below freezing, even on a warm day.

[@BryTrapStar-op8sy]

That's so badass. I've wanted to get a pilot license and would love to own something about the size of your rig. Watching the way they handle and seeing the confidence you have in it is motivating. Great content. 🚁🪽

[@nevinkuser9892]

you don't need a license for a tiny aircraft.

[@FlyBabyFlyPPG]

respect Mitch family man great that you love what you do be safe my bro.

[@simpleman7516]

he died🤔 mistakes were made

[@FlyBabyFlyPPG]

@@simpleman7516 he died how?? So sad man

[@radioace318la]

nothing better than hands-on research. Good job, sir. A few cheeseburgers should take care of that forward CG issue. Subscribed. Cheers from Louisiana.

[@superg8018]

Scary toy but way too awesome!!! I could only imagine the adrenaline rush one would get from flying it.

[@roberteshelman5917]

Looking good, Mitch. Wish I was there so you could tell me all about it in person. Stay safe my friend!

[@pfeliciano1551]

Awesome vid! We need more! I’m trying to in find more details in working on mosquito ultralight helicopters.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

To hover that well on your first flight tells me you have a lot of rotary wing time under your belt. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@joeytraylor6723]

Saw on Mike Patey’s channel his practicing auto rotation landings in his rescue helicopter…must require great skill & nerves of steel. I assume you can practice auto rotation maneuvers at high altitude & will you practice auto rotations to prepare for possible engine outs? Love watching your interaction with your little ones!

[@MitchG]

You need the right conditions to practice them. Low density altitude, and a little wind is ideal. I did some hovering autos but I haven't done a full auto all the way to the ground yet

[@hadleymanmusic]

You homebuild your rotors ?

[@MitchG]

No. They are produced by composite fx

[@fredsmith8799]

The gas filter would work better, not tied to the frame, so vibration will not foam the gas?

[@TheMexicanU.S.Marine]

Idk if this applies to rotor wing but i did not se much saftey wire and done in a tightening direction. Just curious, we used it alot on the Harrier more so on components that are of very big importance like engine mount bolts etc. Just curious i wanted to be CH-53 mech but they inly had Harriers when i wenth through.

[@james7705]

Intro was awesome. I laughed when I heard the music.

[@MatHelm]

I'm sure someone already mention it, but autorotation blade speed depends on forward motion, like a gyrocopter... Even though we/most call them blades, they're actually wings.

[@josephballard8404]

Bravo!!! YOU are an inspiration to all of us! So exciting to share in your enthusiasm!!! THANKS!

[@heli-man-]

Hey good job and a good way to go about learning it’s actually harder to stay in one spot hovering than it is to move around and being close to the ground, you will find it’s a little easier to be a couple of metres of the ground because you are fighting the back wash being low down. A good tip for your CG, if you can rig a hoist in your garage place a strap around each blade holder close to the main shaft and raise it just off the floor and with you sitting in the seat you will be able to get the CG spot on good luck stay safe.

[@r0bbiemiller888]

Do you fly Rc Heli.when you applied collective how much left pedal do you give it. I going to get into the Xel, good job.R.M

[@MitchG]

There's lots of factors to determine the correct amount of pedal. Flat pitch on the ground you want nearly full right pedal (0 pitch). At a hover in calm wind you need about 3/4 out of total travel for left pedal. Forward flight my pedals are about even (10-20 degrees tail pitch). It just takes practice. It's rigged different from rc helis though. Full right pedal is close to 0 tail pitch where as most rc helis have equal negative and positive tail pitch

[@r0bbiemiller888]

@@MitchG I appreciate your reply, the torque of the main rotor will account for full right yaw at zero tail pitch.all my experience is with a gyro in equation. thanks R.M.

[@Ben-Dixey]

Super video, Thanks for making it and the details are great. Love the Mosquito. What are your thoughts on symmetrical vs reflexed asymmetrical blades? Do you think it would be more stable in hover with symmetrical blades ?

[@MitchG]

This is pure speculation from me but I think asymmetrical reflex blades are more efficient and autorotate better than a symmetrical airfoil would be. I think a symmetrical Airfoil might give better agility but that might be the only advantage

[@htarold]

Neato freato! Is there a separate throttle or is it keyed to the cyclic? Is there a governor to keep the RPM constant off idle?

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

Some "Deep Purple " and "Blue Oyster Cult" would've been nice too, haha 😄 😆!!!

[@darylcav6285]

You hovered that like a seasoned veteran! Impressive

[@MitchG]

Thank you

[@LAMAQUINAELECTRONICA]

Hello friend, incredible manufacturing, you are a turner. or do you work aluminum In a two-stroke engine I see what displacement and horsepower the engine has.

[@henrytrammell2878]

Cool project that's nice to see that your family is Intuit also

[@Unintendedcompetence]

So, because it's ultralight VTOL, you don't need a sport or student cert? You can fly without filing a flight plan? This is super cool.

[@Hectorisma1]

The flexible couplings are not good. They have too much torque at the screws and have a gap between the plates of the flex. Maybe the both axis are not aligned

[@GWAYGWAY1]

Before doing ANYTHING els put the correct length bolts in it, ones that have enough thread sticking through to allow the locking nuts to work, or even better have drilled bolts and castellated nuts with proper split pins an ALL the Jesus bolts. You check the centre of balance by suspending it fron the centre of the pole and see

[@martingardener]

Agreed this doesn't look safe. Not sure about the US, but don't you need an air-worthiness certificate or something?

[@BlargKing]

@@martingardener You don't even need a license to fly ultralight aircraft in the US.

[@amejaremy]

what bolts are you referring to that are too short?

[@GWAYGWAY1]

@@amejaremy Every bolt on there that does not protrude at least 1.5 threads out of the bolt, the locking insert must have some thread to actually lock onto. .Nyloc Nuts are a physical squeeze of the nylon between the steel parts of the bolt, if they have no thread then there is no safety locking. All critical bolts on any machine must be torqued and lockef, the best way to lock them would be castellated nuts and drilled bolts with a cotter pin .

[@simpleman7516]

@@GWAYGWAY1 ahh a master at his craft ! nice to learn a few tips....LIFE SAVING tips....he should really get some good bolts....chances are a harbor freight bolt is on that thing somewhere

[@zaccararoberto]

Could you send me information about your helicopter? where you buyed it ? Tnanks.

[@Steve-dr7rr]

Hi can I ask where you got your helmet from many thanks and great videos

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Basic airmanship, weight and cg. One of the easiest process to do.

[@alanspring8462]

I subscribed, Good to see your whole family helping you💞

[@garrykennedy5484]

When I had to do an autorotation with my 450 size RC heli, there was so little energy stored up in those tiny blades that the flare moment was a tiny window. (about 2 seconds) Then when I had to do it with my 600 heli, it had lots of energy left for an autorotation. (about 7 seconds) So using that logic I was wondering, with your blades being so much lighter than a full size heli, how large a window you have for the flare? With the 450, I needed forward energy as well to help just a little, but with the 600, I was able to come straight down with great control and big flare window. I haven't had to do that on my 800 yet, but I'm sure that will be the easiest one. God speed Mitch. Looks like you're doing some really good work on that lil' bugger. I noticed the cyclic still had some shake in it. Like maybe feathering shaft slightly bent??? (Bolt that holds the blade grip thrust bearing?) I don't know, just guessing. You went over everything else so well. But the shaking seems to match the position of the main rotor. I know an RC heli isn't exactly the same, but very close. I had that problem with the 600 heli and after balancing, blade tracking, main shaft, bearing checks, new bearings, I still had a slight shake. Ended up being that feathering shaft had a very slight amount of run out. Replaced it and smooth as butter! Then again, I have ZERO experience in a real heli (Other than riding in a crop dusting heli and holding the cyclic for a small amount of time about 35 years ago. LOL) so I don't know what is normal or acceptable. Just a thought of something to check that may be easy to miss.

[@MitchG]

The blades on this heli are actually heavy for their length. It's considered a high inertia rotor vs a low inertia rotor like an apache has. This helicopter is know for good autorotation characteristics. I found a binding bearing in the rotor head but nothing was bent. I'm still tuning the rotor track and balance.

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@MitchG That's awesome. Hope you never have to use it, but it's nice to know you can.

[@MitchG]

@@garrykennedy5484the key to survival is to fly like you are about to autorotate at any moment.

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@MitchG Well said. I never leave glide distance to any LZ in my hang glider. No reason to risk it. That way there's always another day to fly again.

[@phubarnow5388]

@@MitchG Does this use a sprag clutch tp allow rotor spin independent from engine?

[@urbanminer8003]

WOW!!! Brother that’s so freaking cool looks like a ton of fun I want one!!!

[@AAa-wl6ts]

Wonderful honestly your effort is tremendous The little girl wants to fly 😘. She looks a lot like you.

[@myfavoritemartian1]

Perfect helicopter music! A few more rocks in your pockets and you are good to go! (Suspend the Heli by the Jesus nut with an engine crane. Sit in the seat, then add weight until it sits level, subtract weight as you drink more beer.)

[@saudrshoud7134]

What is the engine and where can I find it?

[@peterbowling2410]

How do you do track and balance of the main rotor and balance the tail rotor?

[@MitchG]

You have 3 adjustmenst for the main rotor. Tip weights, pitch change links, blade phase. Measure to set blade phase correctly with a laser, pitch links to make the blades fly at the same altitude, tip weights to make the blades weigh the same. Tail rotor has a delta hinge so you just add weights to 1 blade to balance the tail.

[@joshuapatrick682]

so you might want to upgrade the strap that keeps you in/on the vehicle?

[@dd.greenefilms2598]

Totally kool and thanks for sharing this with the audience.

[@amerlin4u]

Great content man, are you in Arizona? I'm in the valley and I have a CNC mill in my garage if you need something made. I'm building a STOL plane now... Look forward to watching more! Stay safe

[@MitchG]

Thank you!

[@Knas12000]

How much.! With shipping and all. I just have to build one or bye one. I live in Sweden.

[@AJ-ku7nm]

Be honest tho would you ever practice doing an emergency auto rotation landing in this helicopter?

[@MitchG]

Yes, that is mandatory if you want to fly any helicopter

[@AJ-ku7nm]

@@MitchG fair enough. Now that’s a video I want to see!

[@Something_Outdoors]

Where do I get one of those flight helmets complete with face shield?

[@MitchG]

Ebay hgu56

[@اينتوجدالرحمه]

Peace be upon you. Can you please give me its measurements? I want to measure the height, tail length, and propeller blade length in the correct size.

[@larrybaker5316]

I have flown in a Robinson R-44, loved the view, but this one does not have enough "office" space for me...i need something with 4 walls...bet you have fun

[@shanerogers2835]

I'm extremely interested in purchasing one of these. I have zero experience in flying. How difficult is it to fly ? Looking for any and all advice

[@MitchG]

I'd recommend paying a helicopter instructor for at least a few hours in a r22.

[@shanerogers2835]

@@MitchG I had heard some time ago that it took a couple of years just to learn how to hover. Is this typical ?

[@MitchG]

@@shanerogers2835 It depends on how often you can fly. If you can practice for 1 hour every day, it will only take 1 or 2 weeks

[@shanerogers2835]

@@MitchG oh wow that's awesome. Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it . I'll definitely see what I can get into. I just retired at 45 years old . I still run n play hard like Im in my late twenties. Always looking for something new. Thanks again

[@york1881]

I try to find where to buy one of this????? WHERE CAN I BUY ONE???

[@brianhosey3811]

Hey Mitch, just stumbled across your vids, love the comments from the peanut gallery! Wow! Tongue in cheek here but, the SPH-54 helmet, lots of other bread crumbs lead me to believe that you're a 151A?/ 15T/ MTP/ QC ? Etc.,etc., lol...retired 15Z5M here, started out as a 67N at mother Rucker in '81, retired in '17. Love all the armchair quarterbacks! Hang in there brother!

[@MitchG]

Haha thanks! Yes I love the comments! Always makes me smile. We will see if I can make it to retirement 😉

[@victormanuellagossanjuan8544]

Hola ... me gusto tu video. Te puedo hacer una pregunta ... ¿que motor tiene?

[@hadleymanmusic]

Aramid tail mast?

[@MitchG]

Carbon fiber

[@jeremywilson4326]

A lot of adventures contain a culdysack. Thanks man.

[@JohnHansknecht]

Don't know if Ai Humlae from the Paramotor group has talked to you yet. He owns one of these and one of the rear rotor ball joint rod ends sheared in half on his first hovering attempts. (used unit like yours). Inspect them carefully because it appears to be a vibration induced failure of the solid fitting.

[@MitchG]

Thanks. I'm aware of his failure and check mine often

[@calvingarrett3245]

Yes I would like to see more I'm into those kind of things you seem to know what you're talking about when you're fixing things that's good you don't learn unless you try right? Good video

[@tujuprojects]

Are all the tools and threads imperial or metric?

[@KerbalSpacey]

reminds me of the old Arma 2 DayZ mod... so much nostalgia

[@chamales3]

I always use rocks for my CG too.

[@MitchG]

Hahaha if it works, it's not stupid 🤣

[@clunkonester4884]

where did you fly this?

[@nak4651]

Kudos to you guy for having the cajones to fly that thing...looks pretty sketchy to me but, hey, what do I know? LOL

[@weirdsciencetv4999]

Love the airwolf-like helmet!

[@industrialcerokelvin5920]

Saludos desde Venezuela! Amigo tengo un taller de torno, estoy por fabricar un helicóptero lo mas pequeño y liviano posible, que tipo de motor me recomiendas? Ya que en Venezuela es muy difícil conseguir motores pequeños para aeronaves, solo se consiguen motores de automóviles, ¿Que potencia en hp requiere un helicóptero de ese modelo y a cuántas rpm debe operar? Cual seria el peso máximo admisible del motor? Y cual elnpeso total de la aeronave? Gracias de antemano por tu respuesta

[@MitchG]

You need at least 60hp to lift a total of 400lbs including the weight of the pilot and helicopter. More hp will be better

[@industrialcerokelvin5920]

@@MitchG gracias por la información amigo, también quiero saber a cuántas rpm debe girar el rotor principal, y cuál es la relación de transmisión de este con el rotor de cola?

[@MitchG]

​@@industrialcerokelvin5920 transmission ratio depends on what engine you use. I don't remember the ratio on this helicopter.

[@mch979]

Does this fly as an Experimental? What is the FAA involvement?

[@travisyayes6343]

Amazing how a giant air prop above your head can be strong enough to lift you and the machine off the ground. So cool. Lucky dog. I gotta do that. That is so cool. If I were you I would study very hard about autorotation technique so when the day comes you can save your own life. Good luck and safe flying.

[@oldrango883]

I believe dude is an actual Army Rotor Pilot