The Backyard Flyer_GeneSmith Interview

[@logmeindangit]

Excellent choice of background music! Nice. And the ultralight, goodness! What smart engineering features! The curved tube spring, multi-function pedals, efficient 4-stroke, the separated ailerons, weld considerations, all simply wonderful features. Thoughtfully done. My compliments, sir!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks, Log!

[@TenorDad]

Rest in peace, Gene (2016). I wish your survivors continued making the BYF & modified Generac firewall forward package. You died too soon, sir. The BYF is a great feat of engineering. At the very least, I wish the BYF plans were available for sale/download.

[@zubzub8280]

I would love plans for the BYF! I am going to build a modified legal eagle xl instead I’m thinking.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Here is the BYF page on their website. Ask them. Maybe they will sell you the plans: culverprops.com/for-sale.htm

[@davidevans6528]

Keeping it simple isn't always simple. Looks like all bases are covered by intelligent design. Well done!

[@davidh7636]

What a great design for an ultralight. 4 stroke engine, wings that rotate, well thought out design by someone who knew what they were talking about.

[@electoplater]

and welded

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Don't miss the other Ultralights! Go here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm

[@mikestirewalt5193]

What a pleasant video to watch. The amazing thing is you were able to stay so calm while you explained the design points while meanwhile all around you there was an air war in progress.

[@petebraven1522]

Just seems to jump into the air,.. like a true bird should. Amazing thought and skill went into the design of this one and it shows.

[@edrosenberger6947]

This was a very interesting and extremely well done interview! Even with all the racket going on all around, we could still clearly hear what Gene was saying and I for one enjoyed this very much.....thank you Brian!

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Brain thank you for the years of support to the Ultralight community. Also a big thank you to the owners, operators and sometimes builders of these interesting aircraft.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

You are welcome.

[@georgetubbs2023]

I want one! Such a beautiful,well thought out design.

[@sacooper802]

so sad to see this go out of production, what a clever machine and man

[@FTroop37F]

Beautiful airplane and a great video. Gene, I learned a lot with your very detailed descriptions and explanations as to why you did things the way you did. Very innovative flying machine. Thanks for teaching me about Junker style ailerons.....thank you Gene and Brian

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

You are welcome. I'm glad you liked these two movies. You can see a lot more of my movies by going to my website. From there you can better jump to where they are on my KZbin Channel: www.fitzvideo.com/

[@piersbowlan]

A really well thought out design. I would happily fly one of these. More than I can say for many other ultralight designs.

[@jamesringler987]

What about the leagle eagle or n3 pup and ison airbike

[@flytoday]

Great video, Gene is a great engineer

[@brent1041]

I wish they would sell these again or at least the plans for this plane

[@johnfraser8158]

i could listen to this guy talk all day

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

+John Fraser I agree, John. He obviously knows of what he speaks when you see his craft hop into the air and fly so well! Blue Skies! The Sky Surfer

[@roadrunner9887]

I do too, but I don't understand why the background music is added over his voice. Not necessary and is distracting

[@StupidTVclips]

why?

[@dustyrhoads5016]

John Fraser sounds like he’s from Missouri

[@lrstaf6]

@Clark Gable A&P = Aircraft and Powerplant mechanic.

[@michaelrs8010]

I'm 5 years late to this party but that's pretty cool. I'd buy from the guy not only for his Innovation but also for the way it seems to care for his little dog👍. 😁

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Right on!

[@josephwinkler4863]

One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in my life

[@5xls]

Two thumbs up! I'm an ATP with four type ratings....and his plane looks FUN!!

[@3melendr]

This is just the video I needed to see. A lightweight aircraft designed and put together by an engineer. By the way Gene.....lots of respect to you as a graduate of the Missouri School of Mines! I had the pleasure of working with a man at White Sands Missile Range who graduated from the MSOM as a Mechanical engineer. He went to school, got a commission in the Army to serve his country then went to work for Raytheon. What is the cost for your lightweight? Where do you get flight lessons? Nice video, interesting interview. Nice to hear some one speak about things like harmonic motion and how it is addressed.

[@Brough1111]

Genius engineer, builder, craftsman! Pilot.

[@kenroberts1714]

I'm not a pilot or even close to being one,but I came across this video and Gene's name popped right out at me.In the early 90's I was a backyard mechanic specializing in VW's.I was in need of some spare parts and cars to restore and a friend and supplier of VW parts told me about Gene(Telle Enterprises in Rolla,MO).So I ended up going to Gene's farm.At this time he was working on powering his plane with Volkswagen engines.Long story short I ended up with vehicles and parts.It's been over 20yrs since I met him and Larry and was just thinking of them the other day.Anyway,I don't know if anyone monitors this or not but sure was nice to see that Gene accomplished what he set to do.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Ken, I appreciate the background on Gene. Unfortunately I heard that Gene died last year. The company is still going and you can see more here: culverprops.com/for-sale.htm Later, The Sky Surfer

[@demoking1422]

What a great plane , everything thought out so well but extremely simple , his flight around the pattern showed off the planes performance and his crop dusting skills were breaking thru , Thanks

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Yes. I liked Gene and his son. The plane flies very well.

[@johncarold]

I have always loved the backyard flyer.

[@godofplumbing]

Rest in piece Gene. I'm sure you smile down from heaven when you see your granddaughter running Culver Props.

[@r.daniels1165]

*peace*

[@almilani4300]

What happened to Gene ? Did he crash ?

[@johnstanley4740]

I'm quite impressed with the aircraft; the engineering explanations are sound. I had a dead stick with a badly designed king post, free wheeling prop craft, and it really put me off. I'd happily fly this design. Great job

[@stephensmith4480]

Nice looking little plane. Some of these small ultra lights look flimsy but this one looks a sturdy,safe aircraft. I would love to have a go in one.

[@pulesjet]

WoW, That's one clean build. Sure Liking it.

[@jayrhoads3147]

I dream of flying. Always thinking about building something. Am glad to see this video this man has thought about it with guys like me in mind.

[@murmurha2084]

very inspiring & informative,thank you mr. Smith

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

This is just a segment from "UFM2". The whole movie is 2.5 hours long and I have more movies like it. Go to: www.fitzvideo.com

[@Stringman1950]

You can tell he’s a crop duster. They love to fly low. My Dad dusted for years and loved to keep it real low. A lot of fun.

[@CaptVB]

Flying low needs more guts as there is less reaction time if anything goes wrong. Salute to your Dad for putting the aviation machine to a genuine use. Regards

[@markmccastle7932]

One of the best straight forward designs I've seen

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Don't miss the other Ultralights! Go here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm

[@triskellian]

Such a sweet,sweet stable little plane.Lovely slow flying. :-)

[@fournierdon2172]

What a super little machine. I thought the gear design just wonderfully simple and elegant.

[@youtube.youtube.01]

It's always nice to hear an aviator who built their own plane.

[@bj.roberts6410]

Just a fantastic video The engine sound is awesome I wish I could fly her too

[@johnbennett8566]

BJ. Roberts Should way to terratrike

[@tinmania]

I just clicked on this randomly, and was pleasantly surprised. At first when I saw the aircraft, and not knowing anything about its type, thought "wow, this looks like something someone threw together out of miscellaneous spare parts." But, dang, after hearing this guy describe all of the engineering nuances that went into it, AND watching him fly it, I was thoroughly impressed.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

"miscellaneous spare parts". That's what got my attention. Check out some more of my movies at: www.fitzvideo.com

[@rodneystrom2749]

Like the fact that you can be in the air at 30 to 35 mph. Same of course for landing. Much much safer.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Low speed. Low mass. Low inertia. They all make for a "relatively safe" flying experience. Just remember that when you get any higher than about 10 feet, the human body does poorly contacting the ground at 1 G and above...

[@k.w.churchill4397]

superb video, truly learned something. Thank you.

[@coreyandnathanielchartier3749]

Great philosophy regarding the tubing structure: The strength is in the geometry.......the welds are only there to keep the tubes from moving around. Neat little plane!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Great point! I really liked watching it fly.

[@effyleven]

What beautiful little plane that is! Wow!

[@wingnutzster]

Really? In what way? I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but some things are just ugly...It's disproportionate, has not a single elegant line and is agricultural in it's finish to say the least....I am a lover of all fixed wing aircraft including utility, agricultural and ultralight machines, hek even an inflated ram air parachute has a symmetry and sexiness as a typical aerodynamic structure but this is a rare bird for being so ugly, the old adage "if it looks right it will fly right" took a break on this one. I don't quite get the aesthetic design philosophy here, it's not a case of form following function either, as an aircraft builder and designer myself I recognize several key design characteristics that could have been achieved in a far more aesthetically conventional ways that ultimately would have lead to a better proportioned design and allowed for some elegant touches but to me this machine is the ugliest wing they could find, strapped untidily to a barely symmetrical framework 'fuselage' with a well undersized empennage structure balancing off the dirty nose end with not a single refinement or curvaceous, elegant structure to enhance the aerodynamics and aesthetics, almost certainly the result othe collective efforts of a bunch of engineers with little to no aeronautical aesthetic expertise, look at how stunning to look at most modern aircraft are in design and finish, there is a lot to be said for the importance of the look of an aircraft as opposed to just the soundness of it's structure.

[@J--bone]

Darren-Edward Oneill chill out he’s just sharing his opinion, which I agree with

[@rontyler1984]

@@wingnutzster < Could you provide a Link to a more efficient, less expensive machine you would recommend or that you have in production?

[@colin-manyeates-clan5221]

@@wingnutzster Hey when you design the improvements please send them to me as I am interested in comparing notes.. the question is inevitably will the weight be the same or less? Even the lightest cowling is weight added. So anything we add we must take away that much in weight... The starter sure seems big and heavy... but other than that I don;t see a lot .. well of course an engine I designed would be half or less the weight and have twice or three times the thrust/torque... I like the wing spin for easy moving and that may also be a consideration as to length of the fuselage, else may not fit into trailer... also I think I hear him say there is a speed limit on these things? Well then it has to be ugly to keep it slowed down??

[@flyingtime5501]

@@wingnutzster then shut up don't watch and build your own mr perfect. I think it flies great and don't look that shabby for the stol its a gem!

[@cateyesaerial7703]

Wow! This airplane has awesome stol capabilities! Good job.

[@dufus2273]

nice job. I like the simplistic engineering aspect of the plane and yet it appears to rugged. ease of maintenance is a big plus a too. well thought out.

[@jamessheehan2694]

YOU CAN'T BEAT THE SOUND OF A FOUR STROKE WITH A TWO STROKE ENGINE WINE. Love the short take off and landing.Plus Gene is a really good pilot, looked a little windy that day. nice plane

[@kentwilliams3326]

Great report. I’m sold on one and plan to order one when able...

[@mike_van_in]

What a lovely little machine.

[@davebrittain9216]

A very scratchy home made look to it but what a performer. It so much suits the builder! lol Very typical old guy with a ton of experience and smarts and plenty of who cares of his in there as well. It would be so nice seeing this little gem done with jet cut items and nice tig welding. Clean it up and give it some perfection to match how it flies.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Don't miss the other Ultralights! Go here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm

[@regdor8187]

Your "nice tig welding" might kill you in that nice infers "stack of dimes" looking beads, where here you Must have large volume beads to provide the Area, at reduced strength, to transfer the loads....

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Excellent engineering on your Flyer Gene! Congrats to him on his induction into the EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame as well. (Posthumously) Just found your channel Brian, great stuff!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks! I hope you like it. Check out The Flite Blog™, too: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/FliteBlog.htm

[@rodeosound]

Thats one sharp ol boy there

[@jrfoleyjr]

Low and slow... way to go! I want one. My back yard is about 400 feet deep. I think I could fly one out from here. :)

[@dalecarpenter8359]

Time for the government to stop limiting us !

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Man! You are my type of guy. Viva Trump!

[@petrol88]

I would tend to agree with you...but there has to be limits. I'm not too keen on someone elses 'backyard' special from Amazon.com crashing down from the sky into my living room. lol And I feel confident saying this, because if there was a DIY airplane kit on Amazon ($500 with prime shipping, please), I'd buy one and try my hardest to rush through and fly it that same day... and I have an engineering degree! LOL

[@petrol88]

Of course...there's nothing that says you -cant- build it. If you kept it local, you'd probably never even be caught... It's the don't get caught part that gets ya!

[@mikemorgan5015]

Careful what you ask for........

[@cateyesaerial7703]

@@petrol88 You could not build and aircraft in 1 day. It take at least more than 50 hours.

[@marknesselhaus4376]

That looks like a blast to fly. Back in the 1980's my ultralight had a Cuyuna 440 2- stroke. It only failed me once in flight out of hundreds of hours flight time and that was due to a bad ignition coil. Easy fix once it was tracked down. It would only fail after it heated up.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

A small point, but I think you are talking about the Cuyuna 430. I had a couple and never had any luck. You were obviously better at it than me. Once I bought a Rotax 377 I started having fun. Now I have a Rotax 503DCI on my MXL and it is bullet proof. You can see it and more of my movies from my website: www.fitzvideo.com/ Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer

[@jrfoleyjr]

I bet that is the most fun you can have out of bed! WOW. Power up, tail up almost immediately and the mains just float off the runway. Looks like well under 100 feet on take off. It sure does float in ground effect or it appears so while landing. SWEET litle plane!

[@ozziepilot2899]

That is awesome, true STOL and safe.

[@bouyant8659]

WHAT A BEAUTY... THANKS FOR SHARING

[@keithnorris8982]

For the last two months I've been reviewing (I think) all of the UltraLight planes. This is my #1 Pick. Gene Smith is one of the reasons.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Yes. It is a great design but unfortunately not in production any more after Gene died.

[@anthonydouglascontares3471]

He is quite the educator, love it.

[@godofplumbing]

Generac? You can fly around during the day, and at night you can plug your house into it if you lose your power. Awesome ultralight.

[@markspc1]

Beautiful little plane !

[@terrycarter4459]

Great video many thanks.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks, Terry! I have many more movies to watch on my KZbin Channel. Here is the best place to find them: www.fitzvideo.com/

[@openuas9961]

Very well designed, bravo!

[@oby-1607]

Absolutely beautiful. Would love to fly one. The large prop would make for quieter flying, I hope. I would be looking for longest cruise distance. How many hours on the current frames?

[@ManelvisSoares]

wow what a beauty it takes off with the slightest effort

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Yes, indeed. A big part of it is the long propeller, turning relatively slow.

[@haroldnations5887]

@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer ly

[@alltheboost5363]

Awesome little plane... this is what I've envisioned far as a part 103 4 stroke.

[@joescheller6680]

awesome guy love it. used to watch a crop duster up here in south Dakota, he would bend the wheat as he dusted with the tires great rapor with the machine. he was unfortionatly killed in a terrible accident, trying to unstick a jammed hanger door,

[@lbbradley55]

Ya know... YA done such a great job giving us all the information about this Rig. Why I bet you would sell a whole lot of them if you could tell us how much it would cost us & where we can get us one...! I sure want one after watching this... !

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Well, 'cause I'm not selling them. Go to their website: www.culverprops.com/for-sale.htm

[@lbbradley55]

@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer HA... THANKS BRIAN... Maybe I will grab one. I do like the Mosquito Hello for about the Same M$$ but these are Certainly Interesting

[@dufus2273]

he passed away. he may have had a son . don't know.

[@johnmartin6140]

I was so sorry to find out last week that Gene had passed away in 2016....It was like losing a good friend. In my opinion he created the perfect airplane...The only one that I truly wanted. I have watched all the videos countless times. I am an old Vietnam helicopter pilot who thought that after all these years that I would finally fly again....Gene was a remarkable man who wanted the common man to have the joy of flying like a bird. YOu should feel blessed to have his DNA in your blood.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks, John. It is too bad Gene is gone.

[@phlodel]

Was the center of the wing left open on the bottom for hat clearance?

[@mikemiller1414]

Gene was brilliant. So is his son. His son Larry built a hp version of this model that is even more impressive. Wish they still built planes. This ul is probably one of best ever built.

[@whoisntwhoisit2126]

This is SOOO Cool! Love it!

[@dannymathia45]

I wish you could still buy one of these!

[@mikemorgan5015]

Really cool, and right down the road from me!!

[@mrsmith8737]

This looks SOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOL........ He makes it “look” so easy; but I’ll bet for someone who has never flown anything bigger then a drone it’s NOT that easy....

[@EamonnSeoigh]

Love Webbers. I ran those on my “tuner” Datsun cars back in the early 70’s. Easy to understand them. Reliable. How do they do for carb icing, and metering at higher altitudes?

[@aryantruth1807]

I hobbied with the L116 OHC for years. Amazing the built in features to increase performance. I loved the Hitachi carbs with the glass window. 4 wheel independent and adjustable suspension...... A whole lot of fun for very little money.

[@dufus2273]

I , many years ago, had a TR-3A with two SU carbs. I could zip right around that datsun 2000. lol

[@oswaldobaronefilho]

Thank you so much! This ultra light is special for those who like to fly to wander. For example, see your field of planting soybeans, maize or your beef cattle cut, for agriculture inspections.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thank you, Sir! If you want to get a better taste of what you describe, check out "The Harper Run" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2fdXoKjmNZnnNE A flight over The Great Plains of Kansas. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ The Sky Surfer

[@sailingyemaya9781]

That looks like a lot of fun

[@jasonferguson1167]

Very Impressive !

[@MickPauly]

Working at a large airport and seeing this amazing aircraft; I wish sometimes that I could fly.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Most likely you CAN. After you learn to fly, the expense to fly an Ultralight or a Light Sport Aircraft is quite reasonable.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Do you offer training at your local field (or have anyone who does) ? I'm looking at doing Sports Pilots license and wish to get an Ultralight after and your aircraft is pulling at me !! I have some PPL training from years ago but didn't finish due to personal issues. Now I'm free of all that and can spend time wherever I like!!

[@mmcgee2170]

Beautiful

[@blindfredy6128]

Absolutely love it.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Don't miss the other Ultralights! Go here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm

[@carpenterfamily6198]

In jest, I guess the cut out in the underside of the wing is to accomidate his cowboy hat ? But really this is a great plane - love the 4 Stroke ! Is it dual ignition ?

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

No. That is one downside to that motor. It is single ignition.

[@lanceanderson1417]

How many times have you lost the ignition on a modern system, automotive , lawn mower, outboard, etc. You have a valid point,but if you consider the probability I'd flyit !!

[@Hyperious_in_the_air]

I mean, you could always machine your own head if you really wanted dual ignition. This is based off a generac engine that has lots of aftermarket parts you could use as well.

[@davidlindquist3002]

Hyperious '

[@funfreq9282]

Looks like a lot of fun! I wonder why he didn't add a few degrees of dihedral to the wing?

[@fastmail55]

I understand Gene Smith died in December of 2016. From what I've read, he was a very talented individual. I was considering purchasing a Backyard Flyer but I understand it is now out of production. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Don't miss the other Ultralights! Go here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm

[@patrickmckowen2999]

NIce aircraft - I like that full cantilevered wing with the Junker ailerons and that spin for transport. I thought someone else is also doing the wing spin thing as well ?? Cheers, Patrick

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

+PATRICK MCKOWEN Dear Patrick, I definitely like the way The Flyer gets off the ground in a hurry, too. Many or all of the Kolb Aircraft swing their wings back for travel/storage but they don't do it as one piece. Each wing pivots at the shoulder and folds back. Happy New Year! Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ The Sky Surfer

[@markadams7328]

You REALLY flew with your cowboy hat on!! Yee Haw! :-)

[@dufus2273]

after all he was in Kansas

[@robertsnyder5149]

That is just too kool!

[@crazykuup9271]

I don’t know how to fly and have only been in a plane twice and helicopter once but that just fascinates me!!!! The thought of flying myself from the hayfield at our farm. How much do those cost and what’s the easiest safest way to get flying for the best price????

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Go here to find out: backyardflyerultralight.com/index.php

[@Amphictyon1]

The very best, right here; well under $20,000 fully built and tested. evolutiontrikes.com/rev/

[@DocLulzson]

Wish they had plans for this on the web somewhere.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

culverprops.com/for-sale.htm

[@jaekib]

Nicely done by a renaissance man.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Very nice. Love the rotation of wing. I still prefer the rear engine design style of Kolb. Can this 4stroke on the Kolb? Cheers

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Patrick, I'm glad you liked the "Flyer" interview. It is part of a larger movie called "UFM2". You can find more about it here: www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm Unfortunately, Gene Smith has passed away. I'm not sure if you can use his motor and drive system with a Kolb. You should ask the Kolb factory what they think. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ The Sky Surfer - Brian FitzGerald

[@sridharp9972]

You only my inspiration

[@ibizecom]

Sad to hear that the Backyard Flyer is no longer being produced!

[@wlehtola]

I wish there were plans at least

[@lonesomewill2888]

Does anyone know why they quit manufacturing them?

[@dufus2273]

he died

[@johnheitz4427]

WOW I want one!

[@slobama]

...and his hat stayed on! Nice video, thanks.

[@deaftodd]

Oh yeah anti-aircraft gun versus ultralight. Can't wait to see that!

[@R1FamilyR1]

i love you for that UL and I'm working out a deal that will allow me time to work this out. i must get an ultralight and aside from being close to home your plane looks incredible! I'm in. call you soon

[@dustyrhoads5016]

Have you put it in a Stoll ? I’m going to come visit I do love your ideas (slower the better)

[@zezeandjr4110]

At 19:30, I thought he was heading into those trees on the horizon.

[@williamsmith4477]

RIP Gene. :(

[@kirbylee57]

I've always heard welding aluminum is hard. There's nothing to it, its easy.

[@vasilipanin8978]

Sure just apply heat but doing it well is not easy. It is an art.

[@dufus2273]

he mean't getting it to hold. lol

[@edmilton738]

Impressive. I like the thought put into the stall issue.. Stalls kill pilots.