Why don t helicopters have ejection seats? - Aircrafts

Yes. Jet packs do exist.

I can speak confidently but not authoritatively on this, so let's consider this answer tentative. I would be glad to be corrected.

Military gliders were replaced by helicopters after World War II, and no one seems to have found a civilian use for large ones. Unpowered flight is a sport, now, so there don't seem to be any with more than 2 seats. The only recent exception I can think of is the Space Shuttle, which was unpowered during its return from orbit.

A true helicopter is one of the more complex flying machines, pound for pound, that there is. And it is much more difficult to fly than a conventional fixed wing aircraft (about six times the workload for the pilot). Having said that, I am going to assume that you are thinking along the lines of "Hey, wouldn't it be great to put some parts together and have my own little helicopter for flying around." And yes, it would.

Specifically, most folks putting together a homebuilt aircraft or helicopter based around an automotive engine seem to like the engines in Subaru Jettas and the like. However, if you can get something like an IO-360 from Lycoming or TCM (perhaps surplus, parted our from an old airplane), that will produce more power per pound. But I warn you, a helicopter takes a LOT more than just hooking an engine to a rotor.

Probably a lot more practical - look into some of the ultralights. If you really want a helicopter-like vehicle, consider a gyrocopter. A heck of a lot simpler to build. With an "pre-rotate" feature, they can almost take off from a standing start, and have a very short landing roll. Look into a magazine called "Kitplane" for some ideas, and join EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). Good luck, and fly safe.

i am a pilot. I flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. I am afraid of heights. but that means i am terrified to look down from a high building or a cliff. when i strapped into a 23,000 pound 45 foot long helicopter i feared nothing.

Hacksaw

Changes in terrain and weather, planning assent/descent, and for balloons seeking the desired wind direction to get somewhere.

Robinson R-22. it is the lowest cost.

Yes, it's as bad as calling you "Roger" over the radio when your name is "Fred". Generally, a Major catastrophe. Needs Corporal punishment. :)

Students and certificated pilots both are required to remain current and to have a check ride (flight review with an instructor) every 24 calendar months. The ones you're seeing are probably going out to the practice area to practice their flight maneuvers. If a pilot doesn't practice regularly his or her skills can deteriorate rapidly.