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The Rotorway Exec 162F Kit HelicopterKit-Built 2-Seat Helicopter with Stunning Looks and Good PerformanceAn economical and extremely good-looking two seat helicopter, the Rotorway Exec is easy to build and fly, and brought helicopter ownership within the reach of many people
Many individuals have dreamed of building their own helicopter. But how difficult would this be? Would it be difficult to fly? And would the finished product be safe? The Rotorway Exec 162F seems to fulfill all these requirements. History of the Rotorway ExecIn 1961 B J Schramm began testing a prototype helicopter, which led to the eventual development of his kit-built ‘Scorpion’ helicopter in 1967. However, this early model had certain problems, and it was not until 1980 that Schramm produced the Rotorway Exec. His next version, created in the late 1980s, was larger and was known as the ‘Elete’. Soon afterwards the company was purchased by John Netherwood, who formed Rotorway International. He developed the ‘Rotorway Exec 90’, which had many advantages over the Elete. Then in 1994 the company developed the ‘Rotorway Exec 162F’, the current model. This conformed to all American and British requirements for kit aircraft, and 49% was factory-built, including all the really difficult and critical work. It was therefore ideal for the average private helicopter pilot. Fuel Injected Engine, Computer Monitoring, and Easy to BuildThe Exec 162F has a fuel-injected engine with electronic control, so there is no need for the pilot to continually apply carburettor heat, as in many small aircraft. This means there is less risk of engine failure due to carburettor icing, and therefore safety is enhanced. The engine is also computer-monitored – the FADEC system - which makes start-up and flying fairly fool-proof. The helicopter is not all that complicated to build. Most of the crucial components are made at the factory, with the main shaft coming as a complete unit, and the tail boom as a complete cone. No welding is required, and it is said that the helicopter can be assembled by anyone, with a minimum of mechanical knowledge and ability being required. But building one does take time, 800 hours being quoted as an average. Flying the Exec 162F – Spacious, Comfortable…but No GovernorThere is plenty of room for two people in the Exec 162F, and the cockpit is comfortable, with good visibility. It is not difficult to fly; however, the rotors rotate clockwise, unlike most British and American helicopters, so pilots would need to adjust to this. There is no rotor RPM governor, but it does have an efficient correlator, so rotor RPM adjustment is not difficult. All normal manoeuvres are easily performed, and in most respects it is fairly similar to the Exec’s competitors, the Robinson R22 and Schweizer 300 series helicopters. For those who don’t mind building their own helicopter, the Rotorway Exec is definitely worth considering. And it is certainly far less expensive than any other helicopter type. For more information before taking the plunge, see the Rotorway website Further ReadingRotorway Exec 162F, ‘Today’s’ Pilot’ magazine, March 2005 Related ArticleBuilding a Kit Plane, Good or Bad Idea
The copyright of the article The Rotorway Exec 162F Kit Helicopter in Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish The Rotorway Exec 162F Kit Helicopter in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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