Hummel Bird Features and Specifications

Introduction to the Hummel Bird

       The Hummel Bird is of all metal construction.  Bulkheads are mounted on a simple wood beam, with rivet holes located in flanges of bulkheads, skins are wrapped around and holes drilled back through.  Sheet metal is simplest, fastest and most economical way to build an aircraft as Art Rempel has proved with his building a Hummel Bird and engine in three months building time.  Construction is very rugged and is stressed for five G's, six G's without wing tips.

     The complete set of plans contains 20 large (D size) drawings with all bulkheads, wing ribs and skins full size.  A 30 page step by step manual is very complete with all materials listed as well as addresses for where to buy off-the-shelf materials.  Only simple shop tools are required to build the Hummel Bird tri gear or tail dragger.  Shock absorbing gear is shown for your choice.  For grass field operation the shocked gear should be used.  Since this is a short build time and quite simple, it is highly recommended for first time builders.  Some home built aircraft are so time consuming (10 to 20 years), the builder may lose their medical before completing the project.

     Turns can be made using very little rudder, as ailerons are differential.  The roll rate is quite fast, 360º in three seconds.  It is light on controls and flies hands off in smooth air.  It side slips great and the stall is quite low, 37 mph power off and as low as 32 mph power on.  There is roll control after the stall which many planes don't have.  With the tri gear, its very easy to land in cross winds--when other planes are being put away because of high winds.

     The ½ VW engine has an excellent track record for reliability and fuel economy.  Engine plans are the only complete plans available showing how to build a smooth running ½ VW engine.

Features

• All metal construction
• 3 mph per hp
• Short build time
• Highly recommended for 1st time builders