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. 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. There are a few motels in the area, and we can offer a place to sleep in an RV at the factory (space available), or bring your own.

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

A: It handles like a Switzer 269, 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 demonstrates a 15’ hovering autorotation, 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, preferbly Switzers), 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 lengths of 2 push-pull 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 the same principle patented by Rudy Enstrom in 1954, and is 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 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.