YouTuber Mark Rumsey recently piloted the Mirocopter SCH-2A from La Cresta, a quiet hilltop neighborhood near Murrieta, California, on a short trip to Lake Elsinore.
The compact helicopter lifted off smoothly as Rumsey guided the nose northward, with its contra-rotating rotors humming steadily above him. At just 6.5 miles, the flight was brief, but it showcased the aircraft’s unique design and ultralight capabilities.
The SCH-2A weighs only 249 pounds empty, keeping it within the US Federal Aviation Regulations ultralight limit of 254 pounds. With Rumsey on board, the total takeoff weight reaches 552 pounds. The helicopter’s two sets of stacked rotors spin in opposite directions to cancel torque automatically.
A Fiate two-cylinder, two-stroke gasoline engine powers the rotors with over 60 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. Dual ignition ensures reliability, while electric start and an onboard generator manage essential systems.
Fuel is carried in a simple 5-gallon tank, giving about an hour of flight at 50 mph while consuming 4.5 gallons per hour. The engine runs on regular unleaded gasoline, eliminating the need for costly aviation fuel.
The YouTuber preps the helicopter, checks the instruments, and takes off, enjoying the freedom of ultralight flight while relying on just a few controls. The aircraft is designed to be easy to manage even for solo pilots.
Light, responsive, and easy to fly
Once airborne, the SCH-2A feels light and responsive. Rumsey maintains a height of 500 feet above his starting point, around 2,500 feet in elevation. The counter-rotating rotors remove the need for a tail rotor, while adjustable tail vanes provide smooth yaw control by catching the airflow.
Hovering, climbing, or moving forward, the helicopter responds intuitively, giving the pilot precise handling without constant input.
The innovator crosses over brown hills and green valleys, eventually spotting Lake Elsinore as a large blue patch against the dry landscape. Even though he has flown the SCH-2A hundreds of times since it arrived in the U.S., each flight feels different.
Landmarks found on Google Earth the night before guide him through the skies. The overcast sky keeps temperatures comfortable while the rotors slice through still air, creating a serene flying experience.
For him, flying the SCH-2A is more than a hobby. It’s a solution to a decade-long search for a personal VTOL. His career as a digital modeler at Kia made his daily commute monotonous, prompting him to explore alternative aerial vehicles. He discovered the Slovenian-made SCH-2A in a 2020 video and was immediately drawn to its ultralight design and ease of use.
From passion to business
After contacting the manufacturers, the YouTuber secured a reseller role through his company, RotoTrek. He now sells about four SCH-2A helicopters every six months at $37,500 each, plus $4,000 for delivery.
His own helicopter is parked in the garage, waiting for him to complete the recommended 10 hours of rotorcraft training. In the meantime, he focuses on short flights to build experience and log hours the traditional way.
The SCH-2A’s design offers both practicality and excitement for ultralight enthusiasts. Lightweight construction, simple fuel requirements, and stable flight make it an accessible option for pilots with limited training.
