"The first kit-built, turbine-powered, two-place helicopter has received its Experimental Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA", HeloWerks company president Tony Pena tells ANN.

"March 1st is a milestone in homebuilt rotorcraft history," Pena said. "That's when the HeloWerks WASP helicopter prototype received its Experimental Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration."

The WASP is a small two-place kit helicopter powered by an inexpensive turbine for reliability. The WASP was first flown at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Sun 'n Fun Fly-in in April 2005, and it will be flying there again in 2006.

Pena said the FAA inspector found little to critique when he inspected the WASP kit helicopter. "We expected that since the WASP has a relatively small number of parts" Pena said, "the JSF-100 turbo-shaft engine installation is simple, the airframe is simple, the composite fuselage is simple, and even the tail rotor has a simple composite fenestron-type tail rotor shroud."

With the Experimental Airworthiness Certificate in hand, the next step for the WASP helicopter is continued flight-testing. Engine parameters will be monitored during flight-testing to get test data that can be downloaded to a computer for further analysis. The small turbine engine produces enough power to easily hover the 1200 pound WASP which includes the pilot, full fuel, and 200 pounds of steel test weights.

Due to the magnitude of the project, Pena continues to seek financing to proceed with kit manufacturing. Future plans are to sell kits in phases to make it more affordable and to develop a quick-build option at the factory for interested kit builders.

FMI: www.helowerks.com