-
-
-
Loading
Loading
Jason Hill, a teenager who dreamed of being a pilot, has made his dream a reality by designing a new helicopter. The helicopter was unveiled on 7 December and has received a tremendous response. However, creating a helicopter is a challenging process, with many difficult tasks that need to be executed and coordinated. The Hill helicopter will be powered by a turbine engine and has a lightweight carbon fiber fuselage to keep the weight down. Despite its price tag of nearly £600,000, the helicopter has received over 1,200 orders worth £540 million. The first flight of the helicopter is projected to take place later this year. Although helicopter ownership is seen as a luxury for the wealthy, it is a convenient and efficient way to travel. Private helicopter owners can also recoup their costs by leasing their machines to flying schools when not in use. In addition to traditional helicopters, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (Evtol) are emerging as competitors in the industry. Evtol manufacturers claim that their aircraft, powered by batteries and with multiple rotors, will be cheaper, quieter, and easier to maintain than helicopters. This advancement could potentially bring helicopter travel to a larger market. Adam Twidell, from private jet club Flexjet, is exploring the integration of Evtol machines into their operations. They have already ordered an Evtol from Embraer, which they hope will transport passengers from private terminals to city centers. However, regulatory approval is a significant challenge for any new flying machine. Jason Hill's vision for his company involves designing and building all components in-house, which would result in significant cost savings. The company aims to construct 95% of each helicopter in-house. Hill also hopes to extend the interval for mandatory rebuilds and reduce associated costs. The Hill helicopter has garnered attention from the rotary wing community, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations and the trust within the industry.