Gbeer 50

GYROBEE
Ultralight Gyroplane
DOCUMENTATION
(C) 1997
Ralph E. Taggart
602 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
e-mail: [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE
CONTENTS
SAFETY NOTICE
COPYRIGHT AND TERMS OF USE
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
CRAFTSMANSHIP
COMMERCIAL COMPONENTS
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCING
PHASE 1: FRAME TRIANGULATION
Keel tube
G1-1
Mast Pieces
G1-2
Cluster Plate
G1-3
Seat Braces
G1-4
Frame Assembly
G1-5
PHASE 2: AXLE STRUT ASSEMBLY
Axle Strut
G2-1
Airframe Brackets
G2-2
Axle Saddle Fittings G2-3
Axle Strut Assembly G2-4
PHASE 3: MAIN GEAR MOUNTING
Axle Drag Struts
G3-1
Lap Belt and Fittings G3-2
Main Gear Mounting G3-3
PHASE 4: MAIN GEAR SHOCK STRUTS
Temp. Shock Plate G4-1
Shock Plate
G4-2
Upper Strut Fittings G4-3
Vertical Strut
G4-4
PHASE 5: NOSE BLOCK INSTALLATION
Nose Block
G5-1
Nose Wheel Plates G5-2
Nose Block Assy.
G5-3
PHASE 6: ENGINE MOUNT
Horiz. Engine Strut G6-1
Diag. Engine Strut
G6-2
Engine Mount Assy. G6-3
PHASE 7: FUEL TANK MOUNT
Horiz. Beams
G7-1
Diag. Struts
G7-2
Cross and Side Pcs. G7-3
Top View
G7-4
Right Side View
G7-5
1
2
4
5
6
10
12
14
15
22
25
32
37
41
45
PHASE 8: RUDDER PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Rudder Pedal Brkts. G8-1
Rudder Pivot Brkts. G8-2
Rudder Pedals
G8-3
Rudder Control Horn G8-4
Rudder Horn Braces G8-5
Spring-Heim Attach. G8-6
Rudder Horn Assy. G8-7
Rudder Horn Side
G8-8
Pedal/Horn Assy.
G8-9
PHASE 9: MOUNTING THE SEAT
Rear Seat Plates
G9-1
Bottom Seat Plates G9-2
Seat Bottom Angles G9-3
Seat Support Struts G9-4
PHASE 10: CONTROL STICK, TAILBOOM, AND TAIL COMPONENTS
Tail Boom
G10-1
Tail Wheel Plates
G10-2
Tail Wheel Mounting G10-3
PHASE 11: ROTOR HEAD CHEEK PLATES
Cheek Plates Layout G11-1
PHASE 12: RUDDER CABLE INSTALLATION
Fair-lead Block
G12-1
PHASE 13: SEAT BELT AND SHOCK PLATE INSTALLATION
Shock/Harness Plates G13-1
Vertical Strut Mtng. G13-2
PHASE 14:ENGINE MOUNTING AND FUEL TANK INSTALLATION
Eipper Engine Mount G14-1
Fuel Tank
G14-2
Muffler Mtng. Plate G14-3
LEAF DYNAFOCAL ENGINE MOUNT
PHASE 15: HANG TEST, ROTOR CONTROL RODS, PITCH TRIM SPRING
Rotor Control Rods G15-1
Pitch Spring Brace G15-2
Tension Spring Brace G15-3
Pitch Spring Mtng. G15-4
PHASE 16: THROTTLE ASSEMBLY AND MISC. DETAILS
Throttle Components G16-1
Throttle Assembly
G16-2
DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS
APPENDIX 1: SETTING UP YOUR ROTOR SYSTEM
Rotor Head Set-up
Rigging Your Blades
APPENDIX II: MATERIALS LIST BY PHASE
THE WATSON TAIL
51
62
68
73
76
79
83
88
90
96
100
101
109
117
SAFETY NOTICE
This package of text and materials is intended to document the construction of the
prototype Gyrobee aircraft. It is provided free of charge as a service to the rotorcraft
community to satisfy the many requests I have received for such material. THIS
MATERIAL IS NOT PROMOTED OR DISTRIBUTED AS A SET OF CONSTRUCTION
PLANS AND I DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO BUILD AN AIRCRAFT USING THESE
MATERIALS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART. ANYONE WHO UNDERTAKES TO BUILD AN
AIRCRAFT USING THESE MATERIALS DOES SO AT HIS OR HER OWN RISK!
If you choose to use the text and/or drawings as the basis for the construction of an actual
aircraft, you should be aware of the following points:
I have no training or professional credentials in the area of aircraft design or

construction.
Although I have made a reasonable effort to make these materials as complete and
accurate as possible, the text and drawings may contain errors or omissions that may:
Result in a waste of time and materials
Result in an aircraft that may not have the flying qualities you desire
Result in structural or mechanical failures with the possibility of financial loss,
physical injury, or death!
Although the prototype aircraft has been flying for several years:
The aircraft has not been certified by any aviation regulatory or safety agency
There is no basis, other than regular inspection, to predict the operational lifetime
of the various structural components.
The aircraft has not been flown in all possible conditions that you might
encounter.
THERE IS TO WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE ACCURACY

AND USEFULNESS OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN
DOCUMENTATION.
NO ONE SHOULD ATTEMPT TO FLY ANY SPORT GYROPLANE WITHOUT A
PROGRAM OF DUAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTION, UP TO THE POINT OF SOLO
FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION!!
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
and
TERMS OF USE
Although the text and drawings that comprise this documentation package are being
made available for electronic distribution without charge, all of these materials are
protected by U.S. and international copyright statutes. You are free to:
Make any number of copies, in any medium, for your own personal use.
Distribute copies to others, provided no charges are levied for such distribution. In
the event that you distribute these materials to others, you must include the
SAFETY NOTICE and COPYRIGHT NOTICE and TERMS OF USE pages
as part of the material package. If you add material to this documentation
package, anything you add must be clearly identified as distinct from the original
documentation.
All other rights under the copyright statutes are reserved by the copyright holder, Ralph
E. Taggart. This means you may not:
Charge a fee for the distribution of this material.
Incorporate the copyright material, in whole or in part, into any commercial work
or project without written permission of the copyright holder.
Infringement may subject you to both civil and criminal liability and I will vigorously
pursue cases where these provisions appear to have been violated!
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The Centerline-Thrust Issue
Because the Gyrobee has the appearance of a "classic" pusher gyro, it is often assumed
that the aircraft has a high thrust-line (relative to the vertical center of mass) and
therefore it must be unstable or hazardous to fly. In fact, because of the distribution of
mass, the relatively light airframe, the upright engine mount, and the tall mast,
appearances are deceiving. Repeated measurements of a number of aircraft have
demonstrated that a stock Gyrobee has an engine thrust-line that is typically only 1-2
inches above the vertical center of mass. This, coupled with the modest thrust of a 40-50
hp engine, means that any over-turning moment (even at full throttle and full load) is
modest and easily countered by an effective horizontal stabilizer.Everyone who has
flown a Gyrobee reports delightful flight characteristics, Your job, should you choose to
build one of your own, is not to do something stupid that would change that! Here are a
few guidelines:
? Never add extra weight to the basic airframe. Trying to keep the machine Part
103-legal helps a lot.
? Stick with the basic engine recommendations (see below). More power is not
needed and can only lead to problems.
? If you are using light blades (such as Dragon Wings), think about adding a
prerotator. In the case of the Dragon Wings you will definitely need one and the
added weight will compensate for the lighter blades.
? Always use an adequate horizontal stabilizer. The Watson tail has four square feet
of stab area and the stab is located in the propeller slipstream for even more
effectiveness. All of this is actually more than the minimum required, but there is
nothing to be lost and everything to be gained if you overdo the stab requirement.
Entry-level fixed-wing ultralights have a reputation for being uncomplicated aircraft that
are relatively easy to fly. They tend to have definite limits with respect to wind, for
example, but if flown within these limitations they handle very easily and provide a lot of
pleasure to those who fly them. The goal of the Gyrobee project was to achieve
something similar in the area of sport gyroplanes. This effort was highly successful, but if
you are intent on duplicating the aircraft, despite all my earlier warnings, you must
have a solid understanding of why the aircraft is configured the way it is. If you don't
understand some of the critical design choices that were made, it is quite possible that
you will make modifications that wouldresult in an aircraft that is dangerous to fly!
Engines
Power is king in the area of sport gyroplanes and most experienced pilots find it difficult
to believe that you can get decent performance out of the 40 hp. Rotax 447 used on the
prototype. I weight 220 pounds and I certainly would not fly an aircraft with marginal
climb performance! Since the aircraft is designed to fly well on comparatively low
power, there are other advantages as well. The Gyrobee is a "floater" compared to almost
all other gyros out there, which means you get optimum glide performance should the
engine fail. This not only improves your chance of finding a suitable spot to land, it
means that you can fly your approach at a significantly lower airspeed. You can also
execute a no-roll landing much more easily, even without a stiff breeze to help. Unless
you are very heavy or routinely fly from high elevation fields, 40-45 hp should do just
fine. If you have an altitude or weight problem, the design will accommodate a Rotax
503, but that is absolutely the biggest engine you should use! . You don't have to use a
Rotax as other manufacturers make perfectly suitable engines in the 40-45 hp range that
would do just as well, assuming the use of a reduction drive that would let you swing an
efficient 60 inch prop!
VW engines are bigger and heavier than the Gyrobee was designed to accommodate. A
complete redesign of the engine mounting provisions would be required and a directdrive VW would have marginal power while a geared engine would have too much
power. While a 1/2 VW may seem attractive (typically rated between 30 and 40 hp),.
None of these variants has the torque to fly the Gyrobee. The Rotax 447 puts out 32 footpounds of torque at 6250 RPM. With the 2.58 gearbox, the prop torque is 2.58 x 32 or
~82 foot-pounds. Before spending a lot of money and time to adapt an alternative engine,
see if the system you propose will develop a minimum of 80 foot-pounds of torque with
a 60-inch prop. If not, try a stock engine option!
Rotor Blades
Rotor blades are critical with respect to several aspects of the Gyrobee, including
performance and legality. The Gyrobee has been flown on all the blades listed below and
I have included some notes with respect tp each option:
? Dragon Wings. Current production Dragon Wings (those with a reflexed trailing
edge) are very light and fly the gyro very well. Unfortunately, they cannot reliably
be hand-started so a prerotator would be required. Fortunately they are light
enough that you could add a basic Wunderlich prerotator and keep your machine
Part 103-legal with respect to weight. The top speed of your machine may exceed
55 knots (63 mph), but weight is a bigger issue with respect to Part 103 than
speed (within reason!). A 23-foot rotor disc is adequate with these blades.
? SportCopter Blades. These are very smooth blades and, while not quite as
efficient as the Dragon Wings, they do a fine job. They will hand start but are
light enough that a prerotator may be legal. Good performance would mandate the
use of a 24-foot rotor disc.
? Rotordyne Blades. These are solid blades that hand-start easily. Unfortunately,
they are too-heavy to permit the use of a standard prerotator. A 25-foot rotor disc
would be optimum with these blades.
? Rotor Hawk Blades. These blades are more difficult to set up initially, but will
provide adequate performance on a 24-foot rotor disc and hand-start easily.
? Brock Blades. These blades are light and hand-start very easily. There is enough
of a weight margin for the use of a prerotator. Performance is adequate with a 24foot disc but the blades do not conserve energy well. As a result, you get
essentially one chance to execute your round-out before the blades play out.
? Sky Wheels. These blades will perform well in the 24-25-foot range but the
blades are so heavy you may not make Part 103 weight.
Rotor Disc Diameter
The major problem early in the flight-testing of the prototype was how to get a good
climb rate when using blades of moderate performance and an engine of only 40 hp.
Fixed-wing ultralights solve the problem by having a relatively high wing area for their
weight, resulting in low wing loading. The solution with the Gyrobee was similar increase the diameter of the rotor disc to improve the disc loading. The typical single-seat
gyro flies at a disc loading of 1.2 to 1.4 pounds/square foot (psf) with engines in the 6590 hp range. In the case of the original Rotordyne blades, we used with a 5 foot hub bar,
producing a 25 foot rotor disc and a disc loading of about 1.0 psf. This produced
excellent performance yet the aircraft could easily be flown in winds up to 30 mph,
assuming a reasonable level of pilot experience. The ten-foot Brock blades were lighter
and were flown with a 4 foot hub bar, producing essentially identical disc loading on a 24
foot rotor disc. The tall mast provides ample rotor clearance in either case. Although the
aircraft will fly at a disc loading of 1.2 psf, I do not consider the climb performance
margin acceptable. Rotor disc diameter for the various blades options listed above has
already been provided.
Wide Main Gear

The main gear of the Gyrobee is quite wide, over seven feet, compared to most gyros.
This wide stance makes it a bit harder to design a trailer for transporting the machine, but
you should resist the temptation to narrow the stance by shortening the axle struts. This
would have no impact on flight characteristics, but would degrade the ground roll-over
angle. Most damage in typical gyro accidents occurs when a pilot touches down in a
"crabbed" angle, often when executing an off-field landing with the engine out. All-toocommonly, the gyro will tip over, destroying the blades and severely damaging other
parts of the airframe. The wide gear stance makes the Gyrobee highly immune to such
roll-over accidents. It has been landed at the most bizarre angles and never shown the
slightest tendency toward tipping over. I would suggest that you keep the main gear as
documented on the drawings!
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank mounting looks a bit unusual to many and might appear to be insecure or
cause major trim changes as fuel is burned off. In fact, the fuel tank stays solidly in place
in the air or when the aircraft is jolted around on a rough field. There is no detectable trim
change with fuel burn either. The major convenience of the approach taken in the
prototype is that the entire tank can be removed and taken to the nearest gas pump if no
fuel can is available!
Is it possible to use a seat tank on the Gyrobee? The answer is yes, but some thought and
work would have to go into the installation. The fiberglass bucket seat (far more
comfortable than any seat tank), along with the aluminum back plates, functions as a
shear web that reinforces the seat braces. Seat tanks are not structural members, and you
would have to add a substantial shear web (3/32 to 1/8 inch thick aluminum sheet stock)
to provide the needed reinforcement. This would have to be integrated with adequate
attachment hardware for the lower seat U tube as well as hard points for the attachment
of the upper seat back to the structure. It can be done but you will have some homework
to do it right. If you plan to try, work with an experienced gyro builder if you have any
doubts about the problems to be solved! If you do mount a seat tank, the fuel tank
mounting shown in the drawings can be eliminated.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
If you watch experienced pilots examining home-built aircraft at a fly-in, you will notice
that they tend to be very picky about craftsmanship. The reason is quite simple. Sloppy
work doesn't just impair the appearance of an aircraft, it can render it unsafe. Building
your own aircraft can be immensely satisfying, but you shouldn't even start such a project
unless you are committed to doing the job right. This means the highest standards of
craftsmanship using the proper tools for the job. Sloppy work can ruin up to $700 of
quality aircraft materials. If you mess things up, you will not even be able to sell what's
left, for no one who knows what they are doing would touch the material. If you've done
this sort of project before, you can skip what follows, otherwise stay with me for some
detailed advice.
Just because there are no mandated inspection requirements for Part 103 aircraft,
this does not mean that we are not dealing with life and death issues. Nature and
gravity don't know about the regulations!
Materials
Only aircraft grade steel and aluminum alloys and hardware should be used to build an
aircraft. Materials and hardware available from other sources such as hardware stores are
not suitable. This is a gentle way of saying that something will eventually fail and kill
you! Legitimate aircraft suppliers such as Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Company,
Wickes Aircraft Supply, Leading Edge Airfoils (LEAF), California Power Systems,
and other suppliers advertising in magazines such as Kitplanes and Rotorcraft stock the
proper materials and should be your only source for materials and hardware unless you
are really know what you are doing.
Cutting Tubing and Angle Stock
Although you can cut everything needed with a hacksaw, the job would not be fun and it
would also take forever! A powered bandsaw is the ideal took for most of the work. Since
it doesn't pay to buy such a tool for building one aircraft, see the later section on Getting
Help if you don't have a bandsaw. Be sure to allow for the width of the cut when making
all pieces - the finished size should match the prints! All cuts should be carefully-dressed
with a fine file and steel wool since sharp edges can concentrate stress and lead to the
formation of cracks.
Drilling
Drilling tubing, sheet, and angle stock is the most critical operation you will do on an
aircraft construction project. Holes must be placed with absolute precision or the parts
will not fit when assembled. You cannot do this job with a hand drill. A good drill press
with an adjustable fence is ideal. Holes, particularly those drilled through tubing, must be
absolutely true. This is particularly so with holes drilled near the edge of square tubing.
These are positioned with only 1/32 clearance from the tubing wall. If you score a sidewall when drilling, the entire piece must be discarded! If you are not sure about the
precision of the drill press, take the time to make some simple drilling jigs to assure
proper placement of holes. Alternatively, you can center-punch the hole location on both
sides of a tube (assuming you do the job very accurately), pilot drill from both sides with
a 1/16 bit, and then finish-drill to size from both sides. If you don't have the proper
equipment or are unsure about your skills, see the later section on Getting Help.
Quality drill bits and how you use then are important. Finished holes you will drill will be
either 3/16 or 1/4 inch. Invest in half-a-dozen carbide drill bits of each size. Drill the
holes gently so the bit cuts the metal instead of punching through. Use cutting oil to
make for an even cleaner job and the bits will last longer. Once holes are drilled, de-burr
them, both to assure a snug fit for the attachment hardware and to avoid concentration of
stresses that can lead to cracks.
Machining and Welding
The number of machined parts and the need for welding has been minimized, but you
will still have to have some parts made up unless you have your own shop and know how
to do the work. If builders interact on the Internet, it is possible that sources for these
parts can be developed where the costs would be lower than doing the job locally.
Getting Help
Your best source of help on a project of this sort is your nearest PRA or EAA chapter.
Members will often have the proper shop tools (or the Chapter may be so-equipped), they
know how to use them, and they can give you advice at all stages of construction. If that
sort of assistance is not available locally, consider checking in with the metal shop at
your local high school, vocational center, or community college. You may be able to get
training on and use of the equipment. It is also possible that the teachers may think that
the project would be a good one for students, so you might end up with some help. You
must get an experienced PRA member or EAA designee to look over your project
prior to test flying. They may be able to spot problems you have overlooked! Even if it is
not convenient, arranging for periodic inspections as the project proceeds can usually
spot problems earlier, where they will take less time and money to fix!
COMMERCIAL COMPONENTS
Standard gyroplane and ultralight components were used whenever possible to speed up
construction or to assure the required safety in the case of components that are too
difficult for fabrication by the typical builder. All of these suppliers advertise in either
Rotorcraft and/or Kitplanes magazine.
Ken Brock Manufacturing, Inc. (11852 Western Avenue, Stanton, CA 90680,
Ph. 714-898-4366)
KB-2 wheel set (20300)
KB-2 Joystick (20500)
KB-2 factory-built tail group (20540)
Leading Edge Airfoils, Inc. (LEAF)
Rotax 447 engine and 2.58 B gearbox (R 447 FC SC SM GB 2.5)
2-blade 60-38 wood prop (P6038L16R)
Fiberglass bucket seat (J7155) and cover (J7156)
Eipper GT-style fuel tank (30249)
Airframe brackets
Some engine mount, airframe materials, and AN hardware
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Company, Inc.

? Seat belt (G6573-5)
? Shoulder harness (E-2884-1)
KITS AND COMPONENTS

Complete component materials kits, sub-kits, and individual machined parts for the
Gyrobee are available from StarBee Gyros:
This company can provide virtual "one-stop-shopping for anything you might need to
complete a Gyrobee.
NOTES
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCING
The documentation is organized into discrete phases or stages, each involving one or
more pages of supporting text and typically three to five drawings. These phases
represent logical, defined steps in the overall construction sequence and should be
followed in order.
If adequate funds were available to purchase all the required materials, hardware, and
components at one time, I would use the following construction sequence:
Farm out the machining work so the parts would be ready when needed.
Cut all the required tubing and sheet-metal components and label each with
masking tape to keep track of the pieces.
Do all the required drilling work.
Finish the pieces (see FINISHING NOTES below)
Do the needed assembly, following the phases in the documentation.
If I had to work on a budget, I would treat each phase as a sub-kit, obtaining the
materials, cutting and drilling, and performing the assembly steps for each phase in turn.
In this way, the project could be paced to meet the available funds. Since the blades and
engine are the most expensive items, I would budget set-aside funds as the project
proceeded, to minimize the delay in obtaining these parts once the rest of the work was
finished.
FINISHING NOTES
Bare aluminum will oxidize, become dirty, and show fingerprints from handling if not
finished prior to parts assembly. In order of difficulty and cost, the finishing options are:
Clear Urethane. Polish the parts with fine steel wool, degrease, and finish with one
or more coats of clear urethane paint. This will provide a natural-metal finish, yet
protect the metal surface. Since the finish is clear, this option has the least potential to
show defects in application and is thus suited for hand application.
Anodizing. The aluminum parts can be anodized to provide a color finish. The color
options are limited and not vivid, but the effect is excellent, as is corrosion protection.
Painting. The parts can be painted in any colors desired. Each piece will need to be
polished, degreased, primed, and then color-painted. You may be able to arrange for
painting at a local auto body shop. This eliminates a lot of work, there is a very wide
range of possible color combinations, and auto paints are very durable.
Powder Coating. This is probably the most expensive option but will probably
provide the best results.
PHASE 1 - FRAME TRIANGULATION

Prints:
G1-1
G1-2
G1-3
G1-4
G1-5
Keel Tube
Mast Pieces
Mast/keel Cluster Plate
Seat Braces
Side View
Fabrication Notes
Keel Tube (G1-1). The tube was carefully cut to length using a band-saw, with
special attention to keep the ends square. All cut edges were de-burred and filed
smooth to eliminate stress points. It was very critical that all holes were located
with extreme care, drilled cleanly through, and de-burred. An accurate drill press
with a fence is a great help. It was very important that the holes be drilled true and
that the bit not score the inside tube walls when drilling holes near the edge of the
tube. Clearance is a nominal 1/32 inch, so care was required. If the sidewalls are
scored, we would have had to discard the piece. The holes on the top and bottom
are based on the use of the Brock control stick.
Mast (G1-2). See notes for the Keel (above) for general issues. Since the mast is
made of two pieces of 2 x 1 extruded tube, the mast segments should be solidly
clamped for all cutting, trimming, or drilling operations. When the mast pieces
were complete, we temporarily secured the two pieces using 1/4 inch bolts
(standard hardware store bolts are OK for temporary service) at the two 1/4 inch
holes at the top of the mast and the last 1/4 inch hole toward the base (the one
located at 28.5 inches on G1-2).
Cluster Plate (G1-3). Since this part is thick (1.8 inch) stainless sheet, it was
easier to have it fabricated at a machine shop.
Seat Braces (G1-4).The drawings showed the right hand brace - the left is
opposite.
Hardware
The basic airframe is a triangular truss made up the keel tube, the two mast segments, and
the two seat braces. The following hardware was required to connect these pieces:
AN4-26A bolts (2)
AN960-416 washers (4)
AN365-428 nylock nuts (2)
AN3-26A bolts (7)
Assembly
NOTE: As a general rule, all bolts are installed so that a washer is located immediately
under the head of the bolt with another under the nut.
The two mast/keel cluster plates (G1-3) were mounted on either side of the keel at the
cluster of four 3/16 holes near the rear of the keel using four AN3-26A bolts, eight
AN960-316 washers, and four AN365-1032 nylock nuts. The cluster plates were
oriented so that the ends with the four 3/16 inch holes was above the keel while the
end with the two 1/4 inch holes was below the keel (see G1-5). The nuts were torqued
to the equivalent of hand-tight at this stage.
The bottom end of the mast was positioned between the upper ends of the cluster
plates and secured with remaining cluster hardware (see G1-5). Note that upper rear
hole of the cluster plate was not bolted at this time. The nuts were torqued to the
equivalent of hand-tight at this stage.
The 1/4 inch hole at the top of the seat braces was secured to the 1/4 inch hole 37
inches above the base of the mast using an AN4-26A bolt, two AN960-416 washers,
and an AN365-428 nylock nut. At this point, the nut was tightened just enough to
secure the parts but loose enough that the mast braces could be easily rotated.
The second 1/4 inch hole from the bottom of the seat braces was secured to the 1/4
inch hole located 18.75 inches from the rear of the keel using an AN4-26A bolt, two
AN960-416 washers, and an AN365-428 nut.
When all pieces were properly aligned, all nylock nuts were torqued for a tight fit.
Note that the lower ends of both the cluster plates and seat braces extended below the
keel at this point. We blocked the frame upright at this stage so the ends of these pieces
would not be damaged.
PHASE 2 - AXLE STRUT ASSEMBLY

Prints:
G2-1
G2-2
G2-3
G2-4
Axle Strut
Brackets
Saddle Fittings
Assembly
Fabrication Notes:
G2-1 Axle Strut. The struts had to be bent as indicated to improve ground
clearance with the KB-2 main wheels. This is a tough job given the 1/8 inch wall
thickness of the axle strut tubing. We accomplished the bend by anchoring one
end of the strut against a wall and used a truck wheel as a bending mandrel using
a come-along to provide the bending force. It is important that both struts have the
same final offset, even if the absolute value is a little off the 3.75 inches shown on
the print.
G2-2 Brackets. These can be fabricated from stainless sheet stock or the
indicated brackets can be ordered from LEAF.
G2-3 Saddle Fittings. We farmed these parts out to a local machine shop.
Hardware:
AN4-21A bolt (4)
AN960-416 washer (8)
AN365-428 nylock nut (4)
Assembly:
The following steps were used to assemble the right axle strut as shown in print G2-5,
then repeat for the left strut:
At the outboard end of the strut (the end with two holes), insert a KB-2 axle (comes
with the KB-2 wheel set) so that the shoulder extends 0.25 inch beyond the tube end.
Secure the axle and strut and match-drill through the axle at the outboard 1/4 inch
hole. This job should be done slowly and carefully with oil to assure a clean drill cut.
Temporarily pin the axle in place with a 1/4 inch bolt, rotate the strut 90 degrees and
match-drill the second 1/4 inch hole at the outboard end of the strut.
Place saddle fittings on either side of the outboard axle hole and secure a small
bracket with the indicated hardware. Note that the outboard bracket should face up!
Repeat with the inboard saddle fittings and another small bracket, with the bracket facing
forward.
PHASE 3 - MAIN GEAR MOUNTING

Prints:
G3-1 - Axle Drag Struts
G3-2 - Lap Belt End Fitting
G3-3 - Main Gear Mounting
Fabrication Notes:
G3-1 - Axle Drag Struts. Once the chromoly tubes have been cut to length and
de-burred, insert the AN490HT8P fittings in both ends and center-drill the tube
and fitting (3/16) at 0.5 inches in from each tube end. Secure the fittings in the
tubes with the AN3 hardware indicated on the print. Thread the AN316-4 stop
nuts onto each fitting and then screw on the HF-4 Heim fittings. Adjust the
position of the Heim fittings so they are threaded approximately half way down
the threaded shaft.
G3-2 - Lap Belt End Fitting. This fitting will anchor the end of the lap belt to the
keel. Since the fitting is made of 1/8 inch stainless sheet stock, you may wish to
have it made at a local machine shop. Corner radius is not critical, but you do
want to avoid sharp corners.
Hardware:
AN490HT8P rod-end inserts (4)
Heim HF-4 female rod ends (4)
AN3-11A bolt (4)
AN4-17A bolt (4)
AN4-20A bolt (2)
AN4-26A bolt (1)
AN4-31A bolt (1)
AN960-416 washer (24)
AN970-4 washers (2)
Assembly:
Attach the two large brackets at the rear 1/4 inch hole on the keel as indicated in G33.
Attach the remaining two small brackets at the 1/4 inch hole in the keel just behind
the seat braces as indicated in G3-3. Note that there is an AN970 washer against the
keel, followed by the lap belt end fittings (use the lower hole), and finally the bracket
on each side.
Wrap the axle threads with several layers of masking tape to prevent thread damage
as you work with the airframe. Attach the right and left axle struts to the large
brackets using the hardware indicated in G3-3. Use additional washers between the
tube wall and the brackets, as needed, to minimize side play.
Follow the printed instructions on G3-3 to attach the drag struts, on each side of the
aircraft, between the small bracket on the keel and the forward-facing bracket on the
axle strut. Adjust the length of the struts using the threaded Heim fittings at both ends
of each strut so the gear legs are essentially at right angles to the keel with the struts
in place. We will fine-tune this later when the vertical struts and nose wheel have
been installed.
Grease the two main axles and install the KB-2 main gear wheels with the hardware
provided. Be sure to install the cotter pins in each axle to secure the castle nuts.
PHASE 4 - MAIN GEAR SHOCK STRUTS

Prints:
G4-1 - Temporary Shock Plate
G4-2 - Shock Plate
G4-3 - Upper strut Fittings
G4-4 - Main Gear Vertical Struts
Fabrication Notes:
G4-1 - Temporary Shock Plate. This part can be made from any alloy as it is
only used as a temporary anchor for the struts during construction.
G4-2 - Shock Plate. Since this piece is fabricated from 1/8 inch stainless sheet
stock, you may wish to have it made by a machine shop. Put this part aside for
later use.
G4-3 - Upper Strut Fittings. These are machined parts.
G4-4 - Main Gear Vertical Struts
Hardware:
AN3-14A bolt (2)
AN4-17A bolt (2)
Assembly:
Attach the temporary shock plate to the rear of the mast at the 3/16 inch holes. The
edge of the plate without the holes should be oriented upward. Secure with hardwarestore quality 3/16 bolts. The plate and hardware will be replaced later in assembly.
Slide an upper strut fitting into the end of each vertical strut (the end with the 3/16
hole). Rotate the fitting to align the holes and secure with the AN3 hardware
indicated in G4-4.
Secure the other end of each vertical strut to the small vertical bracket at the far end
of each axle strut. Use an AN4-17A bolts, two AN960-416 washers, and an AN365428 nut at each point. Use additional washers, as needed, between the tube wall and
the bracket to minimize side play.
For each vertical strut, slide the slotted end of the upper strut fitting over the edge of the
temporary shock plate and pin to the plate with a hardware-store quality 1/4 inch bolt.
This hardware will be replaced later in assembly. The frame can now be allowed to rest
on the main gear.
PHASE 5 - NOSE BLOCK INSTALLATION

Prints:
G5-1 - Nose Block
G5-2 - Nose Block Cheek Plates
G5-3 - Nose Block Installation
Fabrication Notes:
G5-1 - Nose Block. This is a machined component. This part could be made of
6061-T6 aluminum, but the steel is stronger and provides needed nose weight.
Hardware:
AN3-26A bolts (8)
Assembly:
Loosely bolt the cheek plates on either side of the nose block.
Place the rear of the nose block flush with the front of the keel tube and insert the
remaining four AN3 bolts.
Making sure to maintain alignment, tighten all nuts.
At this point, the nose wheel assembly can be temporarily attached to the nose block
using a hardware-store-grade 1/2 inch bolt. This makes it easier to move the airframe
around. The nosewheel will be permanently mounted later.
PHASE 6 - ENGINE MOUNT

Prints:
G6-1 - Horizontal Engine Strut
G6-2 - Diagonal Engine Strut
G6-3 - Engine Mount Assembly
Fabrication Notes:
In addition to the four struts shown on G6-1 and G6-2, you will have to make two
one inch spacers from 3/8 O.D. (1/4 I.D.) 6061-T6 aluminum tube stock. Both
ends of each spacer should be square with respect to the tube wall.
Hardware:
AN3-6A bolt (2)
AN4-6A bolt (2)
AN4-30A bolts (1)
AN4-52A bolt (1)
Assembly:
Using Detail B of G6-3 as a guide, mount the two horizontal engine bearers,
including the use of two AN970-4 washers between each bearer and the mast.
Although not labe;ed in the detail, the usual AN960 washers are used under the head
and nut. Tighten the nut enough to hold the bearers but loose enough that they can be
rotated slightly. The top of the temporary shock plate should just reach the bottom
edge of the two bearer struts.
Using Detail A of G6-3 as a guide, secure the bottom end of each diagonal strut. Note
that four AN970-4 washers are used as spacers on each side and that AN970-4
washers replace the normal AN960 washers at the outboard enf of each spacer.
Tighten the nut but allow for movement of the strut at this point.
Attach the upper end of each diagonal strut to the outside of the horizontal strut using
the hardware indicated.
With the ends of the horizontal strut overlapping the outside of the two seat braces,
match drill 3/16 holes in the seat braces, securing with the AN-3 hardware indicated.
Note that the AN960 washer is mistakenly labeled as AN960-10 - it should be
AN960-316.
Tighten all remaining nutes.
PHASE 7 - FUEL TANK MOUNT

Prints:
G7-1 - Horizontal Strut/Beam
G7-2 - Diagonal Strut
G7-3 - Cross and Side Pieces
G7-4 - Top View
G7-5 - Side View
Fabrication Notes:
There are no particular difficulties here - just remember to trim the cross-pieces as
indicated (G7-3) after drilling.
Hardware:
AN3-6A bolts (6)
AN3-30A bolt (1)
3/16 pop-rivets - aluminum
Assembly:
Take a 6 inch length of 2 X 2 x 1/8 wall square tube and drill a 3/16 hole displaced
0.25 inch from one wall. Temporarily bolt the horizontal beams/struts to this piece as
if it were the mast in G7-5. Hardware-store 3/16 bolt, nut, and washers will do as they
will be removed later.
Bolt on the cross-pieces with the indicated AN3 hardware per G7-4.
Pop-rivet the side beams into place per G7-4.
Take the assembly to a welding shop and have the horizontal, cross, and side pieces
heliarc welded. Do not weld the horizontal beams to the dummy mast piece!
Remove the dummy mast section and bolt the assembly to the mast using the AN3
hardware indicated in G7-5. Tighten the nut just enough to permit some movement of
the assembly.
Install the diagonal struts per G7-5 and tighten all nuts.
PHASE 8 - RUDDER PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Prints:
G8-1 - Rudder Pedal Bracket
G8-2 - Rudder Pivot Brackets
G8-3 - Rudder Pedals
G8-4 - Rudder Control Horn
G8-5 - Rudder Control Horn Brace
G8-6 - Spring and Heim Rod Attach Points
G8-7 - Assembly Top View
G8-8 - Assembly Side View
G8-9 - Rudder Pedal-Control Horn Connections
Fabrication:
The prints contain all the essential fabrication details.
Hardware:
AN3-6A bolt (6)
AN3-7A bolt (6)
AN960-316 washer (24)
AN4-7A bolt (4)
AN4-11A bolt (2)
AN4-22A bolt (2)
AN960-416 washer (38)
AN8-27 bolt (1)
AN310-8 castle nut and matching cotter pin (1)
AN115-21 shackle (2)
AN316-4 check nut (2)
HM4 Heim rod end (2)
HF4 Heim rod end (2)
Assembly:
Fabricate both the rudder pedal bracket (G8-1) and rudder pivot brackets (G8-2) and
attach the pivot brackets to the pedal bracket using the hardware indicated in G8-1.
Attach the rudder pedal bracket to the nose block (see G8-7) using the hardware
indicated in G8-1.
Fabricate the rudder pedals per G8-3.
Fabricate both the rudder control horn (G8-4) and brace (G8-5).
Following the detail view on the left side of G8-6, attach the bracket to the lower side
of the front of the control horn at the two end-holes. As you assemble these pieces on
the AN4-22A bolt, install an HM4 Heim rod end in the space indicated.
Following the detail view on the right side of G8-6, install the wheel-spring attach
points in the holes on either side of the nose-wheel fork.
Using G8-9 as a guide, thread a check nut on each HM4 threaded extension followed
by an HF4 fitting.
The HF4 fittings connect to the lower extension of the rudder pedals using an AN411A bolt as indicated. Adjust the position of each HF4 fitting so that, when they are
attached to the pedals, the control horn is centered and both pedals show equal
deflection. Once this is achieved, tighten the check nuts. Install the nut on the AN411 bolts only hand-tight at this point, since they will have to be removed for final
rudder cable installation.
PHASE 9 - MOUNTING THE SEAT

Prints:
G9-1 - Rear Seat Plates
G9-2 - Bottom Seat Plates
G9-3 - Seat Bottom Angles
G9-4 - Seat Support Struts
Fabrication:
G9-1, 2, 3 describe the fabrication of the rear and bottom seat plates and the seat bottom
angles. You will have to delay making the seat support struts (G9-4) until the seat is in
place, since the precise seat position determines the length of these parts.
Hardware:
AN3-7A bolt (20)
AN960-316 washer (40)
AN4-6A bolt (2)
AN4-26A bolt (1)
3/16 pop-rivets - aluminum
Assembly:
Draw a reference center line down the back of the seat and along the bottom.
Position the back rear seat against the rear of the seat so the center-line is centered in
the three 3/16 holes down the middle of the plate. Maintaining the centered
orientation, slide the plate up and down the seat back to locate the flattest portion of
the seat back. When located, use a 3/16 bit to drill the three holes through the seat
back using the plate as a drilling guide.
Align the front rear plate (1/16 inch) with the three centered holes and pop-rivet the
two plates together, through the seat back, from the inside of the seat.
Repeat the previous two steps with the lower (1/8) and upper (1/16) seat bottom
plates.
Using the 1/8 seat plates as drilling guides, drill the 12 - 3/16 holes through the seat
back and the 8 - 3/16 holes through the seat bottom.
Align each seat bottom angle with the four 3/16 holes along each edge. The edge of
the angle should align with the edge of the plate with the down-ward directed side
facing toward the center of the seat bottom (see top of G9-4). The single 1/4 inch hole
of each brace should face the front of the seat. Secure each bottom angle brace at
four points using the AN3 hardware indicated in GB9-2.
Lay a strip of masking tape down the forward flange of the two seat braces and mark
the center-line with a pencil.
Position the rear of the seat against the seat braces so the lines you have drawn are
visible in the center of the 6 holes along each edge of the rear seat plates. Slide the
seat up or down, keeping it centered, until the bottom of the seat is positioned 9
inches above the top of the keel and clamp or firmly hold the seat in place against the
seat braces.
Using the rear seat plate as a drilling guide, drill through the seat braces at the upper
and lower holes on the plate using a 3/16 bit. Temporarily secure the seat to the mast
braces at these four holes using 3/16 hardware.
Now drill the remaining holes through the braces using the rear seat plates as a
drilling guide.
Remove the seat from the braces, strip the masking tape from the seat braces, and deburr the holes you have drilled.
Attach the rear of the seat to the seat braces at all 12 holes using the AN3 hardware
noted in GB-1.
With the seat in place, measure the distance from the 1/4 inch holes in the lower seat
braces straight down to the center of the keel side-wall. Add 1 inch to this
measurement. This is distance A in G9-4. Fabricate the two seat support struts at this
time.
Loosely attach the upper end of each support strut to the lower seat brace using the
hardware and orientation shown in G9-4.
Using a wooden block against the forward flanges of the seat support struts, to assure
they stay parallel, align them straight up and down and clamp them to the sides of the
keel.
The lower 1/4 inch holes in each seat support strut should be located at the center of
each keel side-wall.. Use the holes as a drill guide to match-drill 1/4 inch holes in the
keel side-walls. Move the struts out of the way, de-burr the two new holes, and attach
the struts to the keel with the AN4 hardware indicated in G9-4. Tighten all the AN4
hardware at this time.
The seat should now be firmly anchored in place. Put the inner foam pad in place and
secure the vinyl seat cover. You are now free to sit in the seat and make engine sounds
whenever you need encouragement!
PHASE 10 - CONTROL STICK, TAIL BOOM,

AND TAIL GROUP
Prints:
G10-1 - Tail boom
G10-2 - Tail wheel plates
G10-3 - Tail wheel mounting
Fabrication:
G10-1 (Tail boom). Drill the single 1/4 inch hole indicated. The slot on the top of
the boom must be milled or cut - be sure to finish all cut edges. This slot is
designed to clear the rear mounting hardware for the control stick. If you are not
using the KB-2 control stick, the slot will have to be relocated to center on the
location of the rear stick attachment bolts.
The plates in G10-2 have some odd dimensions. You should probably make a
full-sized layout on paper and then transfer to the sheet stock.
Hardware:
AN3-26A bolt (4)
AN4-26A bolt (2)
AN4-27A bolt (4)
AN960-416 washer (12)
AN970-5 washer (10)
KB2 tail group hardware
Assembly:
Slide the front of the tail boom between the mast/keel cluster plates and temporarily
pin in place with an AN4 bolt using the upper of the two holes on the cluster plate.
Clamp the forward section of the tail boom up against the lower side of the keel so
the front of the boom is located between the two seat brace extensions. Match-drill
1/4 inch holes from either side, using the holes in the seat brace as a drilling guide.
Remove the tail boom.
Using heavy paper as a pattern, transfer the bolt pattern from the KB-2 rudder
assembly to the top of the rear of the tail boom. The pattern template should be
carefully centered side to side and the location of the rudder/fin hinge line should
correspond to the rear end of the tail boom. Drill these 1/4 inch holes through the tail
boom from top to bottom.
Repeat this process with the bolt pattern from the horizontal stabilizer. When aligning
this pattern on the top of the tail boom, measure to assure that the stab will be located
just forward of the vertical fin. If you are not sure, loosely bolt the fin/rudder at three
points to verify the positioning of the stabilizer template.
Mount the control stick supports to the upper keel using four AN4-27A bolts and
matching hardware. The stick assembly can then be mounted. The position of the
threaded pivot inserts in the mounting blocks should firmly secure the stick but still
permit free movement of the stick assembly. lightly grease the pivot points.
Slide the tail boom back into place between the cluster plates and seat brace
extensions and secure with the AN4-26A hardware.
Use the hardware supplied to mount the vertical fin/rudder at the back of the tail
boom. The bolts insert from the bottom of the boom (make sure there is a washer
under each bolt head) and capture the threaded holes at the base of the fin/rudder
above the tail boom.
Cut a piece of thick rubber from a tire/truck inner-tube and use it as a gasket between
the top of the tail boom and the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer, punching or
cutting holes as required to pass the 3/16 mounting bolts. The gasket should be two
inches wide and its length should match the center chord of the stabilizer.
Secure the horizontal stab to the top of the tail boom using the AN3 hardware
supplied with the KB-2 tail group components.
Mount the tail wheel plates on either side of the rear end of the tail boom using the
hardware indicated in G10-3. Mount the tail wheel to the plates. Use AN970-5 washers
between the inside of the plates and the wheel as needed to eliminate excess side-play.
PHASE 11 - ROTOR HEAD CHEEK PLATES

Prints:
G11-1 - Head cheek plate layout
Fabrication:
There is no way to provide a single universal layout for the rotor head cheek plates since
the various rotor heads differ slightly in layout. G11-1 provides some guidelines for
laying out the cheek plates based on your particular head unit. The hole pattern on the
right side (bottom) is based on the holes at the top of the mast and the layout can be
transferred to a paper template using print G1-2. The layout diagram, drawn full-size,
should include the outline of the upper part of the mast so you can be sure of adequate
clearance between the top of the mast and the bottom of the head assembly.
The hole pattern at the left represents the hole pattern for the rotor head base and can
usually be taken from the cheek plates that are typically supplied with the head. If no
cheek plates were supplied, measure the vertical and horizontal distance between the
mounting holes and make a full-sized paper template for the head pattern. Draw a line
parallel to the lower two holes that represents the dimension of the downward extension
of the two head end blocks below the lower holes. This line will indicate the downward
extension of the blocks for determining clearance. Use intersecting lines from the holes,
as shown in G11-1, to determine the center of the hole pattern.
To determine the relationship of the upper (head) and lower (mast) holes:
Rotate the upper hole pattern (head) 10 degrees (see note at end of this section)
backward with reference to the mast and
Position the center of the head pattern (the intersection point for the diagonal
lines) directly above the forward edge of the mast, and
Position the head pattern vertically so the lower line you drew (marking the lower
extension of the head end blocks) clears the rear of the mast by 1/4 inch.
When all three conditions are met, mark the location of all holes. Now plot an outline
around all the holes to mark the extent of the cheek plates.
Cut and finish the pair of plates and use a center-punch to transfer your hole pattern to
one of the plates. Clamp the two plates together and match-drill the required holes. The
mast holes are 1/4 inch, but the head mounting hole size is determined by the head you
are using and you should use the head as a guide for the required size.
Hardware:
AN4-26A bolt (4)
Head mounting hardware
Assembly:
Mount the plates at the top of the mast using the AN4 hardware and then mount the head
between the upper end of the plates using the hardware supplied with your rotor head.
Note:
The 10 degree mounting angle shown in print G11-1 is appropriate for the Rotordyne
head used on the prototype. Other heads may require a slightly different angle, depending
on the range of travel of the head in the pitch axis. See Appendix 1 for information on
the proper head angle and rotor system set-up.
PHASE 12 - RUDDER CABLE INSTALLATION

Print:
G12-1 - Fairlead block
Fabrication:
The rudder cables are routed through a fairlead block consisting of an outer casing
fabricated by cutting away one side of a 2 inch long piece of 2 x 2 square tube stock.
Inside of the block is a solid or laminated block of hardwood, finished to provide a
smooth slide-fit into the casing and sanded flush with the casing on the top side and the
front and back faces. Two offset 1/8 inch wide/deep slots are cut in the block to pass the
3/32 rudder cables. When the block is complete, center the block in the space between the
keel/mast cluster plate, flush against the lower tail boom, and match-drill 1/4 inch holes
in the casing, using the cluster plate holes as a drill guide. Remove the fairlead assembly
and finish drilling through the hardwood block, using the holes in the casing as a drill
guide.
Hardware:
AN115-21 shackles (2)
AN100-4 stainless thimbles (4)
AN393-11 clevis pins (2)
3/32 oval nicopress sleeves (8) (LEAF M1031)
3/4 inch cowling pins (2) (LEAF F5110)
AN4-26A bolt (1)
3/32 inch (7x7) stainless control cable (25 feet)
Assembly:
Assembling the rudder cables will require a tool for cleanly cutting the cable as well as a
swaging tool for the nicopress sleeves. All of these are available in the LEAF catalog, but
it makes little sense to buy these tools for just this project (although they are a good
investment for a club). Many EAA chapters or individual members will have the
necessary tools or, failing that, visit the maintenance hangar at the local airport.
Install an AN115 shackle at each of the two rudder control horns using an AN393
clevis pin and a cowling pin for retention.
Slip an AN100-4 stainless thimble into each of the rudder shackles.
Cut the length of rudder control cable in half and double-swage a stainless thimble at
one end of each length. If you are not sure how to do this step, get some help!
Remove the shackles from the lower extensions of the rudder pedals, slip the thimbleend of the cables over each shackle, and re-install, tightening the nylock nuts at this
time.
Run the two cables parallel to the keep back past the mast/keel cluster plate. Slide
each cable into the slot in the hardwood fairlead block and slide the casing over the
block to retain the cables. Install the block under the tail boom at the mast/keel cluster
plate using the AN4-26A hardware.
Cross the cables under the tail boom and hold them taught at the rudder control horns.
The cables should not rub where they cross-over. Center the rudder, blocking it if
required. Place a wood block across the rudder pedals so both have the same angle
and they are at about the half-way point in their range of movement.
Run each cable around the thimble in the two shackles at the rudder control horns.
The cables should have no slack, but they shouldn't be particularly tight either.
Double swage the cable at each thimble and cut off the excess.
Remove the rudder and pedal blocks. The rudder should be centered with equal pedal
deflection. If the right pedal is deflected forward, the rudder should deflect to the
right and vice versa with the left pedal. Total rudder deflection in either direction
should be essentially equal.
PHASE 13 - SEAT BELT AND SHOCK PLATE INSTALLATION

Prints:
G13-1 - Shock plate and harness plate mounting
G13-2 - Vertical strut/shock plate attachment
Fabrication:
The harness plate in Detail A of G13-1 should be made up from 1/8 inch 6061-T6
sheet stock.
Prepare a 7/8 inch long spacer from 3/8 OD 6061-T6 tube
Fabricate the 3/8 inch OD spacers detailed in G13-2 (two sets)
Hardware:
AN3-32A bolt (2)
AN960-316 washer (22)
AN4-6A bolt (3)
AN4-26A bolt (1)
AN4-34A bolt (2)
AN970-4 washer (4)
AN870-6 washer (4)
Assembly:
Secure the mast so the airframe cannot tip over and remove the bolts holding the
vertical strut fittings to the temporary shock plate. Remove the temporary shock plate
from the mast.
Mount the shock plate (G4-2) to the rear of the mast with a pair of AN3-32A bolts.
Where the bolts emerge from the front of the mast, add 9 AN960-316 washers to each
bolt and then slide on the harness plate and secure each bolt with another AN960-316
washer and an AB365-1032 nylock nut.
Using Detail B of G13-1 as a guide, use an AN4-26A bolt to mount a 7/8 inch long
3/8 OD spacer between the seat braces at the hole above the attach point for the
engine bearers. Use a total of four AN960-416 washers, one each for the bolt head
and nut and one at each end of the spacer where it hears against the inside of the seat
braces.
Thread the common strap from the shoulder harness between the seat braces and over
the spacer from the previous step. Secure the strap end-fitting to the 1/4 inch hole in
the harness plate using an AN4-6A bolt and associated hardware.
Secure each lap bent fitting to the belt plates on the keel using an AN4-6A bolt and
associated hardware.
Using G13-2 as a guide, attach each vertical strut fitting to the shock plate. The
internal spacer (B) should be greased when slid into the bolt and grease should be
applied to the internal area of the slot once the fittings are in place.
Tie off, with double knots, two 6 inch loops of standard braided bungee chord.
At each strut fitting, loop the bungee over one of the outer strut fitting spacers,
stretch it down around the spacer where the diagonal engine bearer attaches to the
mast, and back up to the spacer on the other side of the strut fitting. It should take a
LOT OF EFFORT to stretch the bungees into place. If it is too easy, make each loop a
bit shorter. If you can't do it, make the loops a bit longer.
CRITICAL MAINTENANCE NOTE!

AT LEAST ONCE EACH FLYING SEASON, CRITICALLY INSPECT THE
INNER SPACERS ON THE STRUT FITTINGS FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR AND
REPLACE AS REQUIRED. IF THE SPACER HAS WORN THROUGH, YOU
SHOULD REPLACE THE BOLT AS WELL.
FAILURE TO PERFORM THIS INSPECTION CAN ULTIMATELY LEAD TO
ATTACHMENT FAILURE OF ONE OR BOTH VERTICAL GEAR STRUTS,
RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE AIRFRAME DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY!!
PHASE 14
ENGINE MOUNTING AND FUEL TANK INSTALLATION
Prints:
G14-1 - Eipper engine mount
G14-2 - Fuel tank
G14-3 - Muffler mounting plate
Hardware:
See G14-1
AN848-40 fuel fitting
AN316-7 stop nut
Other Components:
Small stainless hose clamps
Fuel primer bulb
Vinyl fuel line
Nylon cable ties
Engine
Detailed notes are not practical here as you will need to apply some ingenuity. On the
prototype we were able to use a custom dynafocal engine mount for the 447 that was
available from LEAF. This mount is no longer available so an alternative is needed. Print
G14-1 shows a detail view from the LEAF catalog for the engine-mounting components
used on the Eipper Sprint and Sport fixed-wing ultralights. Although this is an inverted
mounting system, there is no reason why the same mount cannot be used to mount the
engine upright on the engine mount rails. To provide maximum clearance, the cross-piece
at the PTO/gearbox end of the engine should be flush with the end of the horizontal
engine mounting beam.
Muffler Mount
To conserve space, we utilized the side-mount muffler option. A steel plate (G14-3)
anchors to the two engine mount bolts on the muffler side of the engine (the size and
spacing of these holes is dependent on the details of your engine mounting hardware. The
muffler secures to the plate with two heavy-duty stainless hose clamps visible in several
of the pictures in the Gyrobee Photo Gallery on the Rotorbyte Website. The plate should
be well-finished to prevent corrosion. The muffler springs should be safety-wired and it is
good practice to apply high-temperature silicone adhesive to the coils to inhibit vibration.
This plate should be inspected prior to each flying session. After a year or two, it will
eventually fail due to the initiation of one or two small cracks originating at the ends of
the slots for the stainless clamps. When this occurs, the plate should be replaced (we
keep an extra on hand to encourage prompt replacement). The part does not fail in a
catastrophic fashion and should not present a safety hazard in you are diligent about
your preflight inspections.
Fuel Tank
G14-2 contains all the information needed to plumb the fuel tank. Many of the
photographs in the Gyrobee Photo Gallery on the Rotorbyte Website contain details on
the placement of the fuel system components. Note that the fuel pick-up tube should be
flush with the tank bottom and directed toward the rear, since the aircraft flies in a noseup attitude.
LEAF DYNAFOCAL ENGINE MOUNT

The LEAF dynafocal engine mount for the Rotax 447 is no longer available. Print G14-4
represents a replication of this unit, based on the best measurements I could make of the
original on the aircraft, with adjustments made in the CADD program to be sure
everything fits.
The mount consists of two lower mount bearers and two upper mount bearers. The
bearers are fabricated from 3/8 inch 6061-T6 bar stock. The lower bearers are 2 inches
wide while the upper ones are 1.5 inches wide. The really difficult part is to get the 35
degree bends at each end. If this is not the proper angle, and if the angles are not equal,
the pieces probably won't fit very well. The 3/4 inch holes in the lower bearers should be
chamfered slightly on both sides to avoid cutting into the rubber bushings.
The lower mounts bolt to the engine bearers (per the documentation) while the upper
bearers bolt to the engine. The two seats of bearers are tied together at each end using
Barry Controls vibration isolators available from LEAF (about $9.00 each). The upper
mounts should end up about 7/8 inch above the lower bearers, providing ample clearance
for the bolt heads. Although not shown on the drawings, the corners of all four bearers
were radiused slightly
It was very hard to get delivery of these mounts when they were available and I suspect
that their source had problems getting them out in any quantity. Perhaps Doug at Aerotec
or some other supplier would be willing to gear up and make them. If not, it would be a
tough job in the home shop. As an alternative, you may wish to look at the mounting
hardware from GyroTech, as the HoneyBee engine mount is well done and seems to do a
good job of isolating vibration.
PHASE 15
HANG TEST, ROTOR CONTROL RODS, AND PITCH TRIM
SPRING
Hang Test:
Prior to installing the rotor control rods you will need to perform a hang test to verify that
the head is properly positioned for the weight distribution of your aircraft. Securely the
aircraft from the rotor head teeter bolt (or a grade 8 substitute) so that the gear wheels
are about 2 feet off the und. With half a tank of fuel (or water, if you take care to
completely empty and dry the tank when you are done) and you, sitting normally in the
seat, the aircraft should hang nose-down 10 degrees as measured on the keel!
Variance of +/- 1 degree is acceptable. If it is out of spec, see how much weight, at the
nose of tail, is required to get it into trim. If only 1-2 pounds is required, you can secure
the required amount of lead inside the front of the keel tube or rear of the tail boom. If
more weight is required, it is far better to relocate the rotor head. If this is required,
make dummy cheek plates from plywood until you get the proper position for the head,
and then use your final plywood plates as a guide to making new cheek plates (see Phan
1 1).
Prints:
G15-1 - Rotor control rods

G15-2 - Pitch-spring tension brace
G15-3 - Tension spring brace assembly
G15-4 - Pitch trim spring installation
Fabrication:
G15-1. See assembly steps for determining the length of the chromoly control
rods
G15-2. Prepare a pair of braces as indicated
G15-3. Prepare the two 2.25 and two 15/16 spacers as indicated, using 3/8 inch
OD 6061 -T6 tube stock
G154. Prepare the tang fitting as indicated in the tang detail drawing and the 1/4
inch spacer from 3/8 inch OD 6061 -T6 tube stock.
Hardware:
AN3.1 1A bolt (4)
AN960-316 washer (I 1)
AN4-30A bolt (3)
AN960-416 washer (I 0)
AN428-20 eye bolt (1) see text
AN393-11 clevis pin (2)
AN 1 15-21 shackle (2)
AN490HIMP control rod inserts (4)
AN3164 stop nuts (4)
HF4 Heim rod ends (4)
Assembly:
Prior to assembly of the rotor control rods, you need to determine the length of each
of the chromoly tubing pieces that make up the control rods. Proceed as follows:
Block the pitch bar of the rotor head assembly so that it is horizontal with the
aircraft sitting on its landing gear.
Center the stick and block in at its forward limit of travel.
Measure the distance between the center of the hole on the control stick yoke and
the co nding hole on the rear yoke on the rotor head. Do this for both sides and
take the average length. Let this measurement be A,
Temporarily thread an HF4 Heim fitting half-way on the extension of one of the
AN49O fittings. Measure the distance between the center of the hole on the Heim
fitting and the lower edge of the retaining shoulder of the AN490 insert. Multiply
by 2 and let this measurement be B.
The chromoly tubes should each be cut to a length equal to measurement A minus
measurement B.
Fabricate the control rods per G15-1 and install using the hardware provided with the
rotor head and control stick. If castle nuts are supplied, be sure to install the cotter
pins or clips. Release the control head and stick and the head should now track stick
movements, side to side and fore and aft, without any slop, binding, or interference
with other structural components.
Fabricate the pitch spring tension brace per G15-3, being sure to install the tang at the
rear bolt during assembly. Since this fitting goes on the mast, you will have to
assemble the fitting around the mast.
Use G15-4 as a guide for installation of the remaining pitch trim spring components.
Note that the length of the AN428 eye bolt is based on the thickness of the pitch bar
on the Rotordyne head used on the prototype. Re-sizing of the eye bolt or changing
the length of the aluminum spacer may be required for other head models. The spring
is a heavy-duty one available from most hardware stores if you select from the
dimensions indicated.
PHASE 16
THROTTLE ASSEMBLY AND MISCELLANEOUS
(BUT IMPORTANT) DETAILS
Prints:
G16-1 - Throttle components
G16-2 - Throttle assembly
Fabrication:
The prints referenced above show the original twist-grip throttle, using a HarleyDavidson motorcycle throttle with integral throttle lock. You can also use a conventional
single arm pusher-type throttle quadrant, such as the H7101 unit available from LEAF. If
you use this option, you can mount the throttle quadrant to the left side of the seat (right
if you are left-handed and fly with your left hand on the stick) using long bolts and tubing
spacers, using AN970 washers on either side of the seat walls. Some of the photos in the
Gyrobee Photo Gallery on the Rotorbyte Website show one approach to throttle
quadrant mounting. In this case, you will also have to install a bracket or other provision
for mounting the engine kill switch. This switch should be located where you can reach it
quickly in flight, but not where you could activate it accidentally!
Hardware:
AN4-37A bolt (1)
AN4-21A bolt (1)
AN4-7A bolt (1)
AN970-4 washer (4)
Other Components:
Saddle fittings (2) see G2-3
1 3/8 inch spacer from 3/8 inch OD 6061-T6 tube stock
Heavy-duty industrial quality toggle switch (1)
Assembly:
Between the individual pieces (G16-1) and the assembly diagram (G16-2), assembly of
the throttle unit should be straight-forward. It should be mounted on the side of the seat in
a comfortable position to be reached by the left hand if you fly with your right hand on
the stick or vice-versa if you fly with your left hand. Note that the prints assume a left
hand position. The throttle mounting block should be made opposite to the one shown if
it is to be mounted on the right side and the parts will assemble opposite the view shown
in G16-2. Note that the throttle arm will pivot up or down (like the collective in a
helicopter) so you can assume a position that is comfortable to you. The stop will prevent
the handle from moving lower than horizontal. If desired, a push-to-talk switch for a
radio can be installed at the end of the rubber throttle handle for easy actuation in flight.
The kill switch should be a heavy-duty, industrial quality double-throw/double-pole
toggle switch - not a "cheapie". It mounts in the 7/16 hole at the top of the throttle
mounting block (G16-1D).
DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

The aircraft is essentially done at this point, although there are still things that need to be
done:
Wiring. Wiring associated with the engine kill switch and any instruments has to be
done in a quality fashion with the liberal use of cable ties to secure the harness to the
airframe. No wiring should be positioned so that it would interfere with the prop of
essential controls.
Rotor Control Limits. When the rotor blades are first installed, bring the stick all the
way to the rear stop (probably the front edge of the seat) and check the position of the
rotor blade at the rear of the machine with full downward deflection of the blade. It
should have about 1 foot clearance between the blade and the top of the vertical
fin/rudder. If it is closer, install a plate (with rubber tubing on the forward edge)
beneath the front of the seat so that the stick stops at a point that yields about 1 foot
clearance.
Prop. The most efficient prop for the Gyrobee is a wooden, two-blade 60-38. The
only problem is that wood props tend not to last nowhere near as long as composite
units. A two-blade, 60 inch IVO Prop set to 14 degrees is a reasonable substitute.
Engine Break-in and Care. Follow the Rotax (or other manufacturer's) instructions
precisely regarding break-in, engine operation, time-mandated inspections, etc. Most
engine problems can be traced back to ignoring some seemingly trivial
recommendation.
INSPECTION: Now is the time to go over EVERYTHING in excruciating detail!
Check that all bolts are snugged up and that safety or cotter pins are in place
whenever a castle nut has been used. Now would be a good time to have an
experienced pilot (even your instructor!) go over the machine. Someone not
associated with the project will often see things you have over-looked.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY WITHOUT

HAVING COMPLETED A PROGRAM OF DUAL INSTRUCTION
THROUGH CLEARANCE FOR SOLO FLIGHT! Once you are cleared,
proceed carefully and do all your early flights in essentially calm conditions.
Work up to more active weather gradually as you gain experience with the
machine.
APPENDIX 1
SETTING UP YOUR ROTOR SYSTEM
Shown above is a nice photo of the Gyrobee head assembly made during our first flying
season. I have labeled the critical parts to make it easier to make sense of the discussion
which follows.
ROTOR HEAD SET-UP
Pitch spring
We installed a pitch trim spring since everybody had them. With our original 25 foot
Rotordynes, so little spring tension was required, that we finally removed it entirely. With
no spring, "hands-off" trim speed falls between 45 and 50 mph - perfect! The Brock
blades also flew well with no spring. In contrast, the original version of the Dragon
Wings (no trailing edge reflex) require a lot of spring pressure and we even had to move
the spring attachment point out to the control-bar end of the pitch bar to make maximum
use of available leverage. The current Dragon Wings blades have a reflexed trailing edge,
which should reduce the downward pitching-moment, but I have yet to fly a set.
Why no trim-spring?
Well, I have already had arguments with several "experts" on this point who disagree
with the explanation I will offer - so be it! The Gyrobee, which hang-tests at 10 degrees
nose down, is essentially the equivalent of tail-heavy, compared to the typical 14-16
degree hang angle (referenced to the keel!) of most gyros. This is essentially equivalent
to moving the CG back, permitting the weight of the aircraft to set the trim speed as
opposed to the use of springs. I won't argue this explanation, but the reality is that the
aircraft flies with neutral stick pressure at 45-50 mph with most blades!
Range of Movement in Roll
On the prototype Gyrobee, the range of head movement in roll is 10o right and 11o left.
Some heads have less and I would strive to try to get the 20 degree total range. In the
photo above, note how the head mounting blocks are offset upward just a bit between the
cheek plates to provide clearance for the bottom edge of the roll block. If they were
lower, the roll block lower edge would hit the upper edge of the cheek plates, limiting the
range of movement in roll. Little details like this can add precious degrees to your total
range!
Rear Stick/Head Limit
During the early stages of blade spin-up, it is desirable to be able to hold the blades
angled back as far as possible. The steeper the angle of the blades to the rear, the easier
the initial stages of spin-up and the shorter will be the taxi distance required for takeoff.
This is particularly critical for the Gyrobee, since it does not rock very far back on the
tail. The limits to rearward travel of the blades are the possibility of the blade tips striking
the ground or the blades hitting the vertical fin. Given the tall mast of the Gyrobee,
hitting the ground is not an issue, even with a 25 foot rotor disc. Hitting the tail is another
story, since the tail-boom of the Gyrobee is longer than most, to simultaneous make the
rudder more effective at low airspeed (or engine-out) yet less sensitive in normal flight.
The practical rear limit of head movement can be determined by bringing the head all the
way back and pulling the blades down to their teeter-limit stop on the head. At this point,
you should have about 6-12 inches of clearance between the blades and the point of
closest approach to the tail. This occurs on the Gyrobee (with the Brock fin/rudder) at 20
degrees back with the mast vertical.
Forward Head/Stick Limit
In practical terms, you need enough forward stick to maintain approach speed in the
event of an engine-out landing. On the other hand, I did not want so much forward travel
that it was easy for the rotor disk to "go negative". On the Gyrobee, the head is set up so
that, with the mast vertical, the pitch bar is dead level at the forward limit of travel. The
only time we ever have the stick at its forward limit when we are moving on the ground
and want to maximize vertical blade clearance in all directions. Both real and simulated
engine-out landings have demonstrated ample stick range well short of fully forward, so
it is possible that the forward-limit of head travel could stop at the +4-5 degree point
without a problem.
Measuring Head Travel
All the head travel measurements quoted so far were made using a magnetic protractor,
available at most Ace Hardware stores. It is a good idea to check your head, prior to
mounting, to see the range of travel available. In the case of our Rotordyne head, we had
a total of 20 degrees range in both pitch and roll. Some heads, such as the Rotor Hawk,
see to have less range - about 16 degrees. Often you can widen the range a bit in the pitch
axis by carefully filing or milling the top of the mounting blocks, since these often serve
as the limiting factor in pitch travel. Any alterations should be slight (you dont have to
take off a lot of metal to make a significant change, and the surface should be angled such
that the pitch bar hits the limits parallel to the finished surface. This will minimize stress
on the pitch bar, as opposed to coming to a stop against a sharp angle.
Cheek Plates and Head Angle
The cheek plates serve to hold the head at a specific angle to the mast, as well as a
specific position, fore and aft, as determined in your hang test. On a Bensen-type
machine, the mast is angled back 9-10 degrees and the head is aligned with the mast,
resulting in the head axis being angled back approximately 10 degrees. This angle
approximates the angle of the rotor thrust vector in flight, but there is a fair amount of
latitude in this angle that we can use to our advantage in setting up the Gyrobee rotor
system. You can work everything out in whatever way that suits you, but the following
sequence of steps should get you into the ballpark with as little wasted time as possible.
(1) Dummy Cheek Plates. It would be a good idea to have materials in hand to
make several sets of dummy cheek plates out of half-inch plywood. At different
stages, these plates can be attached to the mast and the head with hardware store
bolts and washers (stainless hardware is excellent), as we will be simply doing
set-up. The final aluminum flight-ready plates will be attached with aircraft
hardware at a later point.
(2) Calculate the Head Angle. The first step is to calculate a target angle (HA)
for the head based on the range of head travel in pitch (HT) and the desired rear
limit (RL) for head travel. The formula looks like this:
HA = RL - (HT x 0.5)
If I run these numbers for the prototype Gyrobee, the desired rear limit of travel
(RL) = 20o and the total head travel (HT) on the Rotordyne head = 20o:
Substituting, we get:
HA = 20 - (20 X 0.5)
HA = 20 -10
HA = 10 degrees
Thus, I would want to set the head at 10 degrees (aft) with respect to the mast
(which is vertical).
Let's say you want the same rear limit (20o) but are using a Rotor Hawk head that
only provides 16 degrees of total travel (HT). In that case we would get:
HA = 20 - (16 x 0.5)
HA = 20 - 8
HA = 12 degrees
In the case of the Rotor Hawk head, we would need to set the head at 12 degrees
(aft) with respect to the mast to get the same rear limit. You can plug in your own
numbers to see what you will require.
(3) Calculate the Forward Limit of Travel. Having worked out the head angle
for the rear travel limit (the most important parameter) we can now check out
what that will give you in terms of the forward limit (FL):
FL = HA - (HT X 0.5)
Remember, with the Gyrobee prototype, HT was 20o and HA was 10o.
Substituting, we get:
FL = 10 - (20 x 0.5)
FL = 10 - 10
FL = 0 degrees
Not surprisingly, this is what we actually get! In the case of the Rotor Hawk head
(HA = 12o and HT = 16o), the numbers would be a bit different:
FL = 12 - (16 x 0.5)
FL = 12 - 8
FL = 4 degrees
As indicated earlier, we definitely don't want a negative angle for FL. In this case,
4 degrees positive would probably work just fine. Again, you can work out the
numbers for your components and aircraft. If FL is greater than 5 degrees, you
might want to work on the head to get a greater range of Travel (HT) and then
repeat the last two steps.
(4) Check Out the Numbers. Now you have a set of target values, make a
dummy set of cheek plates with the head mounted at angle HA and then see if the
head travel limits (mast vertical) match your calculations.
(5) Do the Hang Test. If all is well, do the hang test with your dummy plates remember, half a tank of fuel or water and you in the seat. The desired "hang
angle" is 10 degrees nose down as measured at the keel. If you are willing to
settle for a degree or so of error, it should be off on the nose high side, not nose
low. If you have to make additional dummy plates, use the same value for HA,
but simply more the head forward or backward with respect to the mast until you
get the desired hang angle.
(6) Real Cheek Plates. Once you have the head positioned for the proper hang
angle, make your "real" plates from 6061-T6 (1/8 inch), following the plywood
dummy layout. Install the plates and head with the specified aircraft hardware.
(7) Control Rods. Once the head is properly angled and positioned and
permanently installed, proceed to fabricate the control rods and do a check of
actual head range with the stick. At this point, any fine-tuning should involve the
stick and linkages, since everything else is known to be set up properly.
RIGGING YOUR BLADES

Proper blade rigging requires that the blades and hub bar system meet four criteria:
The rotor must be properly balanced with respect to blade chord
The rotor must be balanced span-wise
Both blades must be set to equal pitch
The blades must be "in-string"
I will cover each of these criteria in the sections below.
Chord-wise Balance
Chord-wise, your blades should balance at about the 25% point. With most modern
blades, this is something that is taken care of by the manufacturer. If you are planning to
use the Fleck extruded blades, you have to install the supplied rod stock inside the
extruded blade section to achieve proper chord-wise balance.
Span-wise Balance
If you purchase your blades and hub bar as a set, the manufacturer will have set them up
for proper span-wise balance. The one caution is that the blades will be individually
labeled with a letter or number (1 and 2 or A and B) with corresponding labels at the end
of the hub bar. Just make sure that you match up these labels when mounting the blades.
Blade Pitch
Although there are several ways of expressing the pitch of a rotor blade, when it comes to
rigging, pitch is expressed in positive degrees (pitched up) with respect to the inboard
section of the rotor hub bar. How much the blades are pitched is a trade-off between two
attributes - lift and ease of spin-up. Increasing blade pitch, to a point, will increase lift
and limit forward speed. Unfortunately, greater blade pitch settings make manual starting
and spin-up more difficult. When flying our Rotordynes and testing the Brock blades, we
pitched the blades at +0.75 degrees. Other blades may perform better at different pitch
settings.
No matter what value you use for blade pitch, it is very important that both blades be set
to the same value. If they are not, they will be out-of-track and stick-shake will be the
result.
You do not need to worry about setting the pitch for Dragon Wings or Sky Wheels
blades. Dragon wings use blade twist instead of pitch. The twist is built into the blades
and there is no provision for adjustable pitch. Sky Wheels blades plug into the composite
center-section and the pitch is thus preset. For other blades, you will have to set the
desired pitch using the adjustable pitch blocks.
Pitch adjustment cannot be done accurately using the scribe marks on the hub bar. We
use a pair of rods, clamped on either side of the pitch blocks (pointed forward relative to
the blade). The rods are made of 1/2 inch aluminum angle stock (1/8 inch thick), so they
don't bend easily and the chance of error is minimized. Small C-clamps are used to secure
the rods against the surface of the hub bar. If the rods are set up to measure 57.3 inches
from the center of the hub bar to the far end of the rods, 1 inch is displacement is equal to
1 degree of pitch. If the distance is reduced to 28.6 inches, 1 degree of pitch will equal a
displacement of 0.5 inches. The ends of the angle-stock rods can be angled toward each
other slightly so they almost touch at the far end, making it easier to measure the
displacement.
We use the longer rods, so that one-inch is displacement is equal to 1 degree of pitch. To
set the blades at +0.75 degrees, for example:
1. Loosen the pitch block bolts slightly.
2. With the rods in place, rotate the outer (blade end) section of one pitch block until
the outer (blade end) rod is 0.75 inches higher than the inboard rod.
3. Carefully tighten the bolts on the pitch block to retain the offset you used.
4. Repeat the process at the other end, trying to achieve exactly the offset you put
into the first blade.
Setting the pitch this way is easy and accurate - far more so than any other way you can
do the job.
Stringing Your Blades
Some blades, by virtue of how they mount, are automatically aligned. These include the
Sky Wheels and Brock Blades. Some other blades are made to such close tolerances, such
as Ernie Boyette's Dragon Wings, that they be aligned just fine from the start. It never
hurts to check, since near perfect blade alignment is a requirement if you want to avoid
stick shake.
Your blades are properly aligned with each other and the hub bar when a line projected
from any point on one blade to the same point on the opposite blade, passes over the
geometric center of the teeter block at the center of the hub bar - as shown in he
simplified diagram above. Since we need something more practical than an imaginary
line to check this, a "string" is usually strung from the reference point on one blade to the
same point on the opposite blade. The blades are said to be "in-string" when the line
passes directly over the center of the teeter block. The bolt holes on most blade straps are
just slightly oversize, so when the straps are bolted to the bar (finger-tight) you can adjust
blade alignment until they are in-string. At that point, you carefully tighten the blade
strap retention bolts to keep them properly aligned as the nuts are torqued. While simple
in principle, there are a few practical tips to make it easier to do.
1. If the top-center of the teeter block is not already marked, use a sharp pencil and
straight edge and draw lines from opposite corners. Use a center-punch to
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
permanently mark where the lines cross. Do this job carefully or you will waste
you time each time you have to string the blades!
Use a length of heavy (20 lb. Test) mono-filament fishing line as the "string".
Attach the blades to the hub bar with the bolts finger-tight.
Block up the blade tips and hub-bar center so when the line is strung between the
blade tips it passes just over the teeter block, without touching the block.
String the line, taught, between the same two points on each blade tip. If you use
the tip if the trailing edge, you can clamp the line with small, spring-loaded paper
clamps.
Adjust the blades so the mono-filament line crosses the marked center point on
the top of the teeter block.
Carefully tighten one set of blade-strap bolts/nuts, striving to hold the alignment.
Readjust the remaining blade slightly, if required, and tighten the bolts/nuts on the
remaining blade straps.
GYROBEE MASTER HARDWARE LIST

PART
CATEGORY
SIZE/
DESCRIPTION
QUANT.
PHASES USED
AN3 BOLTS
6A
7A
11A
14A
26A
30A
32A
14
26
4
2
20
1
2
6-8
8-9
3
4
1, 5, 10
7
13
AN4 BOLTS
6A
7A
11A
17A
20A
21A
22A
26A
27A
30A
31A
34A
37A
52A
7
4
8
6
2
10
2
12
2
1
1
2
1
1
6, 9, 13
8
2
3-4
3
1, 2, 13
8
1, 3, 9-13
10
6
3
13
AN8 BOLTS
32 (un-drilled)
AN428 EYE
BOLT
20
AN960-10
AN960-416
AN960-816
AN970-4
AN970-5
AN970-6
175
150
2
20
10
4
WASHERS
AS NEEDED
AS NEEDED
8
3, 6, 13
10
13
CASTLE NUTS
AN310-8 + cotter pin
STOP NUTS
AN316-4
AN316-7
6
1
3, 8
NYLOCK NUTS AN365-1032

AN365-428
75
60
AS NEEDED
AS NEEDED
POP-RIVETS
3/16
13
STAINLESS
THIMBLE
AN100-4
12
SHACKLES
AN115-21
8, 12
ROD INSERTS
AN490HT8P
HM-4
HF-4
2
6
NICOPRESS
SLEEVES
NICO-28-2-G 3/32"
12
CLEVIS PINS
MS20392-2C11
12
HEIM ROD
ENDS
COWLING PINS F5110 (LEAF) "
STAINLESS
CONTROL
CABLE
3/32"
25 FT
THROTTLE
QUADRANT
H701 (LEAF)
PUSHER
FUEL FITTING
AN848-40
FUEL
COMPONENTS Vinyl fuel tube
Fuel line (3/8 OD)
Fuel filter
Primer bulb
Hose clamps
4 in.
5 ft.
1
1
7
ROTOR PITCH
SPRING
5/8" x 6"
TOGGLE
SWITCH
DPDT HVY DUTY
HARDWARE NOT SPECIFIED:

KB2
Tail group hardware
Rotor
Head mounting hardware
This listing represents the work of a number of builders, including Scot

White, Doug Riley, and Jim Layer. While every effort has been extended
to make this list accurate and complete, errors or omissions are always
possible. With respect to common items such as nuts and washers, it is
always a good idea to order more than needed, as they are easy to misplace.
GYROBEE/HONEY BEE DIGIPOD MOUNT

The Digipod mount for the Gyrobee is built up of 0.125 inch 6061-T6 strip stock, 1.5
inches wide. This material is available from Sky Sports in Linden, MI, the source for the
fuel sender and the Winter venturi ASI sender. Two pieces, each 13 inches long, are used
to make the main support pylon while a third piece is used to make the mounting cradle
as shown on the diagram on the following page. The ends of the cradle/U-bracket should
have the corners radiused so there are no sharp edges.
The cradle or U-bracket is attached to the vertical pylon pieces using two 1.5-inch pieces
of 1-inch aluminum angle stock. I used a total of four 3/16 bolts on either side on the
prototype, but there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to use pop-rivets instead. Just
make sure the vertical supports are centered on the U-bracket and spaced 2.25 inches
apart!
The lower ends of the vertical support pieces are drilled to match the holes on the noseblock/cheek plates. The existing pair of AN4 bolts on the nose will need to be replaced
with bolts that are 1/4 inch longer to account for the additional thickness of the vertical
support pieces.
The next step is to stiffen the support column in one of two ways:
Make some shear webs of light aluminum sheet stock and pop-rivet them into
place, front and back, between the vertical support pieces. This is what I did on
the prototype Gyrobee.
For the Honey Bee mount, a pair of AN4 bolts with 2.25 inch 3/8 OD aluminum
tube spacers were used to tie the two vertical support pieces together.
Finally, you can make a mounting bracket for the venturi ASI sender and mount the
venturi on the right side of the U-bracket/cradle.
Numerous pictures of the Gyrobee on the web site show the mount, so between the
drawing here and the photos, you should be able to figure it out.

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Gbeer 50

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What are the main sections covered in the documentation?

What are the main sections covered in the documentation?

What are the main phases of construction described?

What are the main phases of construction described?

GYROBEE

PHASE 8: RUDDER PEDALS AND LINKAGES

I have no training or professional credentials in the area of aircraft design or

THERE IS TO WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE ACCURACY

Charge a fee for the distribution of this material.

Wide Main Gear

Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Company, Inc.

KITS AND COMPONENTS

Do all the required drilling work.

Finish the pieces (see FINISHING NOTES below)

Do the needed assembly, following the phases in the documentation.

PHASE 1 - FRAME TRIANGULATION

PHASE 2 - AXLE STRUT ASSEMBLY

PHASE 3 - MAIN GEAR MOUNTING

PHASE 4 - MAIN GEAR SHOCK STRUTS

PHASE 5 - NOSE BLOCK INSTALLATION

Making sure to maintain alignment, tighten all nuts.

PHASE 6 - ENGINE MOUNT

Tighten all remaining nutes.

PHASE 7 - FUEL TANK MOUNT

Pop-rivet the side beams into place per G7-4.

PHASE 8 - RUDDER PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Fabricate the rudder pedals per G8-3.

PHASE 9 - MOUNTING THE SEAT

PHASE 10 - CONTROL STICK, TAIL BOOM,

PHASE 11 - ROTOR HEAD CHEEK PLATES

PHASE 12 - RUDDER CABLE INSTALLATION

Slip an AN100-4 stainless thimble into each of the rudder shackles.

PHASE 13 - SEAT BELT AND SHOCK PLATE INSTALLATION

CRITICAL MAINTENANCE NOTE!

LEAF DYNAFOCAL ENGINE MOUNT

G15-1 - Rotor control rods

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY WITHOUT

RIGGING YOUR BLADES

GYROBEE MASTER HARDWARE LIST

AN310-8 + cotter pin

NYLOCK NUTS AN365-1032

COWLING PINS F5110 (LEAF) "

DPDT HVY DUTY

HARDWARE NOT SPECIFIED:

Tail group hardware

Head mounting hardware

This listing represents the work of a number of builders, including Scot

GYROBEE/HONEY BEE DIGIPOD MOUNT

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