A Chopper Is Born

Starting the series, Mark decides on the helicopter to build and takes a tour of their factory.

The kit arrives! Mark examines the kit and goes over the contents. The assembly start out with the skids and then moves to the frame and tail boom.

Mounting the trim fins and the tail rotor. Also a demonstration of a pre-flight.

Avid aviator Mark Evans turns his attention to the main rotor shaft, while his flight training covers the controls and throttle

Mark installs the engine in his home kit helicopter; countering typical mistakes made by beginner pilots.

Flight training lessons offer Mark Evans the chance to learn how to deal with engine failure and autorotation

Mark Evans learns to take off from both the ground and a hover position, and the exhaust and cooling systems are installed in his helicopter

Mark fits the muffler and installs the fuel system, pressure regulator and all the hoses into his home kit helicopter.

Installing the instrument cluster. Also in this episode is a visit by a RAF Search And Rescue helicopter and crew. The SAR crew takes us for a tour of their Sea King helicopter.

Calibrating the fuel gauge and installing the last of the gauges. The instrument cluster is then installed in the airframe. Testing the engine and matching the engine control computer to the engine. The engine is wired up and the lights are installed. The bodywork is started as well.

The seats are fitted while Mark Evans turns his attention to the body panel of the home-made helicopter

Mark Evans fits the main rotor blades and gets to grips with taxiing during his helicopter flight training session

Mark Evans practises the quick stop, and installs the rigging into his homemade helicopter

The upholstery of the home kit helicopter is installed, and Mark Evans paints the bodywork as his project nears completion

Avid aviator Mark Evans reveals the complete helicopter and takes it up into the skies for its first flight