My name is Brett.
I'm a geek dad, a lifelong maker, and a 25+ year commercial pilot currently flying corporate jets worldwide.
Aviation has always been in my blood, so when I was sidelined in 2018 with a medical issue - I looked for a hobby that could fill my needs and occupy my mind. I started with quadcopters and all manner of drones, RC helicopters and eventually aircraft. While I started line of sight - I quickly grew interested in FPV, autonomous flight controllers, UAS, and new technology.
Dissatisfied with the price, performance and limitations of existing kits, I applied my making skills and aviation background to create my own. My designs focus on simplicity - a form follows function mentality. I was not trying to replicate planes from the past - I was trying to build inexpensive - quick to iterate - aircraft to carry the FPV systems, flight controllers, and new battery systems I was interested in.
I wanted to build Useful Aircraft.
Useful Aircraft
The FPV Simple Plank flies!
I spent some time optimizing avionics installation, (and will send those files to those who have purchased the STL files), but finally I got the time to FPV her on a windy day.
It wasn't optimal conditions, as Phoenix just had a cold front move through today so the winds were gusting, but she did great!
Successful and uneventful auto launch, manual, acro and some NAV modes were tested, with no faults found.
I'll work to expand the tuning and testing when calmer conditions prevail, but it felt good to fly here with an avionics install I feel proud of.
I'll put together a video in the days ahead and share that soon.
Either way, it's great to be approaching FPV weather again. I look forward to flying more in the months ahead.
If you're interested, more information on my website and files are available for purchase at usefulaircraft.com/shop
Thanks.
1 year ago | [YT] | 26
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Useful Aircraft
Some folks suggested my last build had too much prop.
Hopefully this doesn't offend.
Sadly, I've gotta go to work. It'll fly when I get back.
Stay tuned...
1 year ago | [YT] | 28
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Useful Aircraft
Get a 3d printer.
It's like having the coolest hobby shop in your garage.
1 year ago | [YT] | 23
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Useful Aircraft
I have heard your requests for plans - and I'm giving it a shot!
Please bear in mind - these are a beta test - and I'll need your feedback on how to improve them.
The first set are of the Sub 250 Drag Queen, and it can be found at: UsefulAircraft.com/plans
You will need to register on UsefulAircraft.com - but that's free - and you'll have access to my shared library of plans and STL files for 3d printed parts.
I expect you'll find the plans awkward, unconventional, and difficult to use. But with your help and feedback, I'm hoping we can evolve these into something workable.
Once I get a style somewhat functional, I'll convert the other planes plans and publish them as well.
This has been a significant learning curve - as there are a million things behind the scenes in trying to get the website running, the plans spun up, and even putting organization into my processes. I appreciate you being a part of it thus far, and I welcome your support.
Thank you for your patience.
1 year ago | [YT] | 41
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Useful Aircraft
What type of content do you prefer?
1 year ago | [YT] | 7
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