Q: Can I learn to fly my Mosquito by myself?

A: Yes. The first helicopter pilots had to teach themselves how to fly their inventions. However, it is extremely difficult to do, and very dangerous. There have been 3 serious accidents involving three new Mosquito owners attempting to fly without adequate training. Two of the pilots sustained injuries, one was killed. All three Mosquitos were destroyed. The problem is that when a novice watches an experienced pilot hover a helicopter, he sees it floating mid-air like a magic carpet. It looks really easy. And it is, with training. If you’re thinking of taking on the challenge, ask yourself this question: “Would I jump into an airplane, crank it up and just fly away the first time I tried?” Trying that with a helicopter is even harder.

Q: Can I come to the factory to build my kit?

A: Yes! You are invited to come to sunny Trenton, Florida. We’ll give you a spot on the factory floor where you can build away with as much help from us as you want. The cost is the same as us doing a factory-finished Mosquito, $8,000, but you get the fun of seeing it all come together with an expert on hand to advise. There are a few motels in the area, and we can offer a place to park an RV at the factory (space available).

Q: How does the Mosquito fly, compared to other helicopters?

A: It handles like a Schwitzer 300, but quicker. It has no trouble doing hovering turns in strong winds. It has plenty of power. The Mosquito helicopter is the only helicopter of any make that is routinely demonstrated doing autorotations to the ground, even unprepared turf. John Snider and Mark Thompson routinely demonstrate 15’ hovering autorotations, a feat you wouldn’t want to do on most any other helo, certified or not. (Larger choppers like the Bell 47, the Hiller H-23, and the Huey are capable of this.) If you’re a rated helicopter pilot, you will have no trouble lifting off and flying away your first flight. If you are a FAA Student Pilot (you have been soloed in helicopters, preferably Schwitzers), you can continue your training and log the time in a Mosquito XE.

Q: I want to buy a factory-finished Mosquito XEL, which requires no owner participation in the build. Will I be able to maintain my aircraft myself?

A: Yes. Even though you didn’t build the ultralight Mosquito XEL, FAA regulations allow you to maintain your aircraft.

Q: What kind of control system does the Mosquito use? I can’t see the swashplate.

A: The Mosquito rotor control system runs up inside the mast of the helicopter. The swashplate is actually a universal joint, that when tilted, changes the throw of two titanium push-rods that run up inside the mast to the butterfly rocker, which connects to the blade grips with pitch-change links. The Mosquito’s system uses a modified version of the universal joint control system patented by Rudy Enstrom in 1961. It’s simple, robust and smooth.

Q: Is the XET a more efficient machine than the 2-cycle engine versions of the Mosquito?

A: The turbine engine itself weighs about the same as the gasoline engines, but requires additional, heavy, accessories to operate. A 24v battery, alternator, starter motor and different gear boxes, etc. end up adding 120 pounds to the standard Mosquito’s 298 pounds. The XET has the power to handle this extra weight easily, but since the engine consumes an average of 8.5 gallons an hour, the aircraft can’t fly for as long as the 2-cycle engines. So, the XET is heavier, burns more fuel, has less range, costs more, but includes the turbine rush for free. The XET has the authority of a Jet Ranger when it flies by.

Q: Do you offer flight training at the factory?

A: We can arrange special training in a Schwitzer 300 with an IP who has been checked out on the Mosquito, and can train you what you need to know to solo your own machine.