1. Do these helicopters need to be licensed?
2. Do I need a license to fly a Rotorway Scorpion or Exec helicopter?
3. Once my helicopter is complete and I hold a private helicopter rating, can I carry a passenger?
4. Can I use this helicopter for a business or to make money?
5. How can I tell if my helicopter is a Scorpion Too or the later Scorpion 133?
7. Are parts available to upgrade or rebuild the Rotorway 133 engine?
8. Can I change the heads and water jackets on a Rotorway 133 to the new style parts?
9. Can I install the new high skid Exec 162F landing gear to my older Scorpion or Exec helicopter?
11. What if I have the old style rotor system and want to keep it. Does it need any changes?
12. What upgrades or changes do you recommend I make to my Scorpion?
A-1: Do these helicopters need to be licensed?
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration or a Designated Aircraft Representative (DAR) must issue a special airworthiness certificate under the experimental category for amateur-build aircraft.
A-2: Do I need a license to fly a Rotorway Scorpion or Exec helicopter?
Yes, these helicopters are licensed under the "experimental" category for education and recreation by the Federal Aviation Administration and as the pilot you must hold at least a private Rotorcraft helicopter rating. FAR61.102 - Applicability, FAR 61.31 - General Limitations
A-3: Once my helicopter is complete and I hold a private helicopter rating, can I carry a passenger?
Yes, once the required test hours have been logged and the helicopter is released for normal operations. This usually is 40 hours of test time, during this time no passengers may be carried. FAR 91.319
A-4: Can I use this helicopter for a business or to make money?
No, even if you hold a commercial license, experimental aircraft may not be used for compensation or hire. FAR 91.319 Aircraft having experimental certificates - operating limitations
A-5: How can I tell if my helicopter is a Scorpion Too or the later Scorpion 133?
| SCORPION TOO | SCORPION 133 |
| - OMC 2-Cycle V4 Block | - Rotorway133 4-Cycle-Horizontally opposed |
| - Individual bucket seats | - One piece Fiberglas backpanel |
| - Horizontal trim fin above the tailboom | - Horizontal trim fin below tailboom |
| - Main rotor blade length is 11'2" | - Main rotor blade length is 11'8" |
A-6: Can I lengthen my Scorpion Too's tailboom to handle the Scorpion 133's longer length main rotor blades?
Yes, Rotorway developed a kit along with information to lengthen the tail boom. We have this information and it is available.
A-7: Are parts available to upgrade or rebuild the Rotorway 133 engine?
No, these engines are no longer made and parts are no longer available. This includes heads, water jackets and the engine cases.
A-8: Can I change the heads and water jackets on a Rotorway 133 to the new style parts?
No, you need at least a Rotorway 145 engine if you want to upgrade to the new style heads and water jackets.
A-9: Can I install the new high skid Exec 162F landing gear to my older Scorpion or Exec helicopter?
Yes, the Scorpion Series require some additional modifications and reuses a portion of the old landing gear. The older Execs require a modified or new engine mount assembly.
A-10: Can I change my Scorpion helicopter to the new style weight system to eliminate having to relocate the battery for weight and balance?
Yes, the new style weight system can be adapted for use and is recommended.
A-11: What if I have the old style rotor system and want to keep it. Does it need any changes?
Yes, the hub plate needs to be modified for 1/2 inch pitch pins and a new elastomeric bearing upgrade kit added. Do NOT attempt to use the Original Aluminum Main Rotor Blades, even if they are still new in the box! We do not recommend using the old style ( cable ) rotor system.
A-12: What upgrades or changes do you recommend I make to my Scorpion?
We recommend all Scorpions be upgraded with the following items:
| Elastomeric Rotor System | |
| Composite Rotor Blades | |
| Constant Chord Tail Rotor Blades |
| * You may also want to consider the following changes: | |
| Upgrade to the Rotorway 145 or newer engine | |
| Heavy Duty Chain (requires both sprockets to be re-machined) | |
| New style weight system | |
| High skid landing gear | |
HOME | PRODUCTS | SERVICES | ABOUT | FAQ'S | PRICING INFO | LINKS