Hobbies And Interests
Hang Glider
Hang gliders are nonmotorized aircraft that require their solo pilots to launch from their feet from high elevations such as mountains or bluffs. Hang gliders are also called delta planes, due to the triangular shape of the glider's wing, referred to as the "airframe," and the control frame. The control frame, a triangular steering mechanism attached to the glider's wing, is made of aluminum alloy. Hang gliders can soar through the air for hundreds of miles at a time. Optional technological instruments for hang gliders include a long-distance radio, GPS and variometer, which shows pilots their speeds. Three styles of hang gliders are the flex wing, the rigid wing and ultralight sailplanes. The flex wings, also known as "floaters," are designed for beginner hang gliders, while rigid wings can fold up into transportable packages. Ultralight sailplanes use wheels when launching, rather than requiring users to lift off with their feet.
Backpack Helicopter
The backpack helicopter uses a two-blade rotor to lift its pilot off the ground. Some of these personal aircrafts use helicopter rocket engines for power. Pilots attach to the helicopter with a harness that wraps around their torso and legs. The difference between a backpack helicopter and a traditional helicopter is that the former does not have a tail rotor, and the primary rotor is contra-rotating device. Contra-rotating means the two blades on the rotor rotate in opposite directions. Some backpack helicopters have seats, while others, called "pure backpacks," do not.
Jet Packs
The development of jet packs date back to the 1940s, when both the Allied and Axis militaries tried to develop these personal aircraft. These personal aircraft utilize jet engines with liquid water or escaping gases. A belt is used as a harness for the passenger. Most jet packs currently in development use hydrogen-peroxide-powered engines, which are based on the decomposition reaction of these two chemicals. Although these types of engines have proven to be the most effective in terms of liftoff, they are limited in duration since hydrogen-peroxide jets have low exhaust velocity. Although jet packs are not widely distributed as of fall 2010 because they only have fuel enough for 30 seconds, one carried its pilot on a 1,058-foot flight across Royal Gorge, Colorado, in 2008.
NASA Puffin
The Puffin is a personal aircraft presented by NASA in early 2010. This aircraft has an enclosed cockpit. The Puffin stands vertically on its tail when it is on the ground. When it launches, the Puffin ascends like a helicopter; however, it turns horizontally when it is airborne and flies like an airplane. The aircraft has two wings with a propeller on each wing. Once it is horizontal, the Puffin can fly at speeds of 140 miles per hour, but a "Boost" button will cause the aircraft to go nearly 300 miles per hour. This aircraft is electric and it is estimated it can go fifty miles on a singular charge. The wingspan of the aircraft is 13 feet wide and its rotors are approximately seven feet in diameter.