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I'm part of a team that is designing a personal aircraft, capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), the pilot having a prone position, as riding a bike. I've attached images so you can have an idea of how it looks like. Also more details here: http://aliptera.com/#ADR-1

My first question is about the airspeed. How uncomfortable is to resist the air pressure of the wind blowing into your face at high speed, as our speed estimates for the aircraft is at about 120 kts (140 mph)

My second question and I guess the most important one is: how likely is for you to ride one. I would like your detailed opinion either pro or cons, even if you do not know anything about flying an aircraft. Let's suppose the aircraft is easy to fly, with minimal training. I would like to know how would you rate flying an rid-able personal aircraft, from the perceived safety point of view.

Thank you!

There’s a device someone came up with a while ago that encloses the head and face in a plastic enclosure to stop wind from blowing in your face, and provides protection. It’s used frequently by people traveling at the speeds to you speak of, similar to an open cockpit car, motorcycle, or in our sport of base. I think it’s referred to as a “helmet”. Could be wrong though. Good luck with your invention, looks crazy and rad. I’d ride it!

Helmet?

I was thinking more of the aerodynamic forces involved to blow you off the thing.

Getting blown off your device in the backwards direction appears to be consequential.

From what I read on the site, there will be a strap among other provisions to keep the rider affixed to the seat.

FWIW, I have been 167mph on my motorcycle and as long as I kept my body streamlined it didn't have an adverse affect.

I would certainly ride one of these.

Who do I pay for one of these? : )

The pilot will be strapped to the aircraft. At this point I think the pilot will not have it's own parachute, but rely on the ballistic parachute for the whole aircraft.

I guess you need to wait for a while. We just started working on a flying scale prototype. You're welcome to contribute to the development. We accept any help given.

Yes i would - please make this a reality !

Your concept graphic shows a single propeller-- is that accurate? How will your aircraft counter the torque during vertical takeoff-- Counter-rotating, coaxial propellers? Are the 4 stator vanes within the shroud going to be active control surfaces, i.e. providing the functionality of a rudder and/or elevator? What airspeed realms will be required for viable horizontal flight with this design?

We determined that a single rotor plus straightening vanes is more efficient (power consumed vs thrust delivered) than a coaxial in a duct. The better efficiency of coaxial helicopters comes from the ability of the aft rotor to intake fresh air due to front rotor stream contraction, and that is not happening in a duct.

The stator vanes in the front of the rotor to have enough authority to provide counter-torque and roll (or yaw in VTOL) control, but not enough rudder/elevator as they are too close to the CG; The idea was good as it cleans up the aerodynamics for the first concept, After some prototype tests, we reached the conclusion we need to move the vanes aft of the rotor.

Based on calculations, the wings are stalling at 40kts, so under 40kts, the rotor is tilted and provides also lift.

Power:
maximum required for transition is 30KW
minim at best endurance is 7KW

Speeds:
Stall: 40kts
Best endurance: 45kts
Best range: 50kts
Max speed: 120kts @ 50KW

Thanks, well, good luck to you guys!