Bill Snead

Bill Snead has been designing Roadable Aircraft for the past ten years. This is Design #6 and features a forward engine position, a pusher propeller, a low center of gravity, four wheels in contact with the ground in the road mode, and a retractable fifth wheel that is only used for takeoff and landings.

The fifth wheel, which Bill calls a fly wheel, is mounted on the vehicle's center of gravity. The fly wheel is used to lift the aircraft (at airspeeds greater than 10 mph) so that the aircraft can rotate to higher angles of attack for take off and landing. To take off the aircraft will accelerate on all four wheels. After about 20 mph is achieved, the fly wheel will be extended . Since the fly wheel is located at the center of gravity , the pilot will easily control the attitude and direction with the flight controls. When flying speed is achieved, the pilot will rotate for take off.

On approach to landing , the fly wheel will be fully extended. The craft will be landed on the fly wheel in a slightly nose high attitude. Once on the ground, the pilot will use flight control to balance the airplane on the fly wheel. As the aircraft slows down, the fly wheel will be retracted and the nose will be lowered onto the front wheels.

Bill envisions that the wings will be constructed of carbon fiber and should weigh about 60 pounds apiece. The transition from the aircraft to road mode will be done manually. Taking the wings off and stowing them over split tail can be done by the pilot working alone.

Bill designs car planes for fun. He does not plan to build a full scale craft or try to sell roadable aircraft. Bill offers his designs or invocations (such as the fly wheel) to anyone who might advance roadable aircraft. He only asks that anyone who uses his ideas acknowledge the source.