First aired in September 2002, Mark Evans along with his loyal (if ageing) side-kick Pete Walker took on their latest mad-cap building project after the construction of two cars and an aeroplane. A Chopper is Born followed Marks 6 month odyssey to build a kit helicopter. The Rotorway Exec 162 is the most popular kit helicopter in the world. Manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona, Rotorway have been building Helicopter kits for nearly 30 years.
Episode 1
Episode 1
Jan 1, 2002
Mark Evans begins building his home kit chopper before attempting his helicopter rating in Arizona.
Episode 2
Episode 2
Jan 8, 2002
Mark Evans begins building the helicopter airframe and discovers the principles of helicopter flight.
Episode 3
Episode 3
Jan 15, 2002
The airframe is complete and Mark turns his attention to the tail boom before beginning his helicopter flight training.
Episode 4
Episode 4
Jan 22, 2002
Mark begins the manufacture of the main rotor shaft before getting to grips with training on the controls and throttle.
Episode 5
Episode 5
Jan 29, 2002
Mark installs the engine in his home kit helicopter and learns how to counter 'dead man's curve' - a potentially fatal beginner's mistake.
Episode 6
Episode 6
Feb 5, 2002
Mark's helicopter is ready for the tail rotor drive and the clutch, and he learns how to deal with engine failure and autorotation.
Episode 7
Episode 7
Feb 12, 2002
The exhaust and cooling systems are added to Mark Evan's helicopter, and he learns how to take off from hover position and from the ground.
Episode 8
episode 8
Feb 19, 2002
Mark fits the exhaust, fuel system, fuel pumps and pressure regulator to his helicopter, and learns flying level and straight, to slip and to skid.
Episode 9
Episode 9
Feb 26, 2002
Mark turns his attention to the avionics and instrument panel, and learns about the most important instruments he needs to fly a helicopter.
Episode 10
Episode 10
Mar 5, 2002
Mark learns how to climb and descend before installing the lights, navigation system and computer into his home-kit helicopter.
Episode 11
Episode 11
Mar 12, 2002
Mark turns his attention to the body panel and back seats, before learning about landing and set downs.
Episode 12
Episode 12
Mar 19, 2002
The main rotor blades are fitted to Mark Evans's home-made helicopter. And in his helicopter-flying lesson he learns all about taxiing.
Episode 13
Episode 13
Mar 26, 2002
Mark Evans takes to the skies in his chopper to practise the quick stop. Back on the ground he installs the rigging into his home-made kit helicopter.
Episode 14
Episode 14
Apr 2, 2002
Mark paints the bodywork of his helicopter and installs the upholstery, before taking to the sky in another chopper to complete a circuit.
Episode 15
Episode 15
Apr 9, 2002
We follow Mark as he reveals the finished home-kit helicopter and takes it into the skies for its first glorious flight. Last in series.