The Flying Flea was one of the best-known homebuilts in the world, however it lost its appeal when some people crashed and killed themselves. Six lives lost in the early years caused some governments to ban the Flying Flea. Fortunately some people found what the problems were and after correcting a few things, the Fleas took back to the air. Some 500 Fleas are flying somewhere in the world today, and over 100 are being built to fly soon.
In Australia, only 3 Fleas are registered with Recreational Aviation Australia, but some are being assembled in sheds, under houses, in garages (the car is parked outside).
What sort of aircraft would suit you? A slow flyer, a single-seater, a two-seater, do you need a STOL aircraft, a fast cruiser or a slow responsive machine for mustering? Or perhaps you are a keen fisherman who would appreciate a ground effect watercraft, or is a cargo aircraft more your thing? Well, there are plans available for any one of these machines.
Some are complicated to build, others very simple and easy, some are very short in length, others are as long as a Cessna 172.
Well I hear you say, "we are in a financial situation, and to build my own aircraft seems like the impossible dream" - not so! If you purchase a sheet of ply every week until you have all the plywood needed, then obtain enough timber for the structures requiring battens, you are almost there!
The Flying Fleas are not your average aircraft, their inability to spin or stall nose-down, makes them impossible to be certified in many countries.
Some commercial kit builders exist in France e.g. Croses. Others sell plans only of proven designs e.g. Pierre Mignet, Grunberg and from the USA, D'Escatha, who's aircraft are STOL 30m roll out on take-off - 2-seaters, on VW power or Cowair.
D'Escatha's designs have wings of similar sizes and long fuselages. They are also very easy to build - plywood bulkheads - all stringers, spars etc., are of similar sizes too. Plywood is 3 mm throughout.
D'Escatha also designed a very safe ground-effect flying boat (GEFB) that we will be manufactured as complete crafts, ready to use. We will also train the buyers to use their craft safely.
Another advantage of the Flying Flea formula of aircraft is that they are ideal for pilots who have mobility problems or imputes (leg). These aircraft only have 2 controls - pitch and yaw - that is all!
So if you are thinking of building your own flying machine, give the Flying Flea some serious consideration - you will never regret it!
I am available on the web at amgremlin@gmail.com
Here are a few more useful points about Flying Fleas:
They are the only aircraft that could be flown IFR or at night without a very expensive instrument panel, and many hours of training. I know it is not allowed, but let me tell you why it would be possible.
The Fleas have autortable wing profile and the whole aircraft is also autortable due to the configuration and location of the wings. It is to my knowledge the only aircraft that one must not control in rough weather - small corrections only to maintain height and direction - let the controls free between corrections, you will have a rocking chair ride. Try to control the aircraft and I'll guarantee a very rough ride indeed.
You may have heard of Flying Flea thumbling in flight. Yes it is possible for them to do a forward loop extremely quickly. How does this come about?
People/builders allow too much down pitch on the front wing, the maximum should always be minus 8û to plus 12û. On some models, a locking device is fitted to avoid exceeding that minus 2û down pitch. This locking devise can be unlocked during landing so that full negative pitch can be applied to keep the aircraft on the ground - control full forward with wind from the front - stick back with tail wind.
I have heard of theories that the propeller blades must pass 10 cm above the top of the top wing. The Croses have proven beyond doubt that this is not necessary. The only type of Flying Fleas needing that clearance are STOL type aircraft.
