5 ms·

There used to be a saying, "only in America". Its starting to feel like maybe we replaced that with "if you see something, say something." How many of these thi

There used to be a saying, "only in America". Its starting to feel like maybe we replaced that with "if you see something, say something." How many of these things could you realistically build in your back yard without a come-to-Jesus meeting with homeland security resulting? There's a little sign up the the tax assessor's office here that says something to the effect of if you're about to do something around your house and you're not sure if you need a permit, you probably do. So, "only in China" then?

pnathan 13y ago
I would entirely agree. So many regulations in the US! So many of these things would not be legal. What are we stifling in the US by prioritizing safety and security over freedom?
- knowaveragejoe 13y ago
  Parent's comment is a little overblown, there are plenty of people in the US who build all sorts of things just like this and have no trouble(helps to be away from populated areas). Regulations aren't necessarily a bad thing. For example, I'd hate to be in the crowd of onlooker when something explodes/comes flying off, or to have my property crashed into by a DIY helicopter or some-such. Note the kids just feet away from the rotor assembly in picture #37.
  - foobarian 13y ago
    Not to mention the wood rotor blades. I would run away if I were in that crowd.
  - namdnay 13y ago
    (I think it was sarcasm)
  - kaybe 13y ago
    "The local government halted Wu's plan to fly the helicopter out of safety concerns." (#37)
    - knowaveragejoe 13y ago
      Defusing OP's point. There are plenty of other examples of deathtraps in the photos, anyways...
- dchichkov 13y ago
  Nah, it's not that bad. Here's Homebuilts at AirVenture 2009 gallery for your enjoyment: http://www.eaa.org/apps/galleries/gallery.aspx?ID=258 http://www.eaa.org/apps/galleries/gallery.aspx?ID=258
Aloisius 13y ago
The vast majority of them could be built in the US with no involvement from the government (excluding busy-body local government called by your neighbors). Actually, I'm not sure any of them couldn't be built in the US. China doesn't have a monopoly on questionably safe experimental craft. Now selling them, that's another matter. I know a couple people who have built and flown questionably safe ultralights without a knock from homeland security and many, many people who have built gigantic contraptions/vehicles for Burning Man that are just as crazy as anything presented here.
spamizbad 13y ago
In Chicago, I've seen hipsters zipping around in contraptions more dangerous than that Uighur's bike. The requirements for a road-legal vehicle (Assuming you're not mass producing and selling them) in Illinois are pretty spartan. DIYers have a ton of freedom. As soon as you start commercializing and selling them- that's when you run into red tape.
- PeterisP 13y ago
  When you start selling them is exactly when "only in America" mattered earlier - it makes the difference between a hobby and a business innovation, free market and all.
csomar 13y ago
I'd prefer that there is no invention by this guy, than I (or anyone) get hit by some of these inventions and become handicapped for life.
- dsirijus 13y ago
  If everyone was thinking like you, science would be handicapped. Explore Newton, for a prime example.

pnathan 13y ago

I would entirely agree. So many regulations in the US! So many of these things would not be legal. What are we stifling in the US by prioritizing safety and security over freedom?

knowaveragejoe 13y ago
Parent's comment is a little overblown, there are plenty of people in the US who build all sorts of things just like this and have no trouble(helps to be away from populated areas). Regulations aren't necessarily a bad thing. For example, I'd hate to be in the crowd of onlooker when something explodes/comes flying off, or to have my property crashed into by a DIY helicopter or some-such. Note the kids just feet away from the rotor assembly in picture #37.
- foobarian 13y ago
  Not to mention the wood rotor blades. I would run away if I were in that crowd.
- namdnay 13y ago
  (I think it was sarcasm)
- kaybe 13y ago
  "The local government halted Wu's plan to fly the helicopter out of safety concerns." (#37)
  - knowaveragejoe 13y ago
    Defusing OP's point. There are plenty of other examples of deathtraps in the photos, anyways...
dchichkov 13y ago
Nah, it's not that bad. Here's Homebuilts at AirVenture 2009 gallery for your enjoyment: http://www.eaa.org/apps/galleries/gallery.aspx?ID=258 http://www.eaa.org/apps/galleries/gallery.aspx?ID=258

Aloisius 13y ago

The vast majority of them could be built in the US with no involvement from the government (excluding busy-body local government called by your neighbors). Actually, I'm not sure any of them couldn't be built in the US. China doesn't have a monopoly on questionably safe experimental craft. Now selling them, that's another matter. I know a couple people who have built and flown questionably safe ultralights without a knock from homeland security and many, many people who have built gigantic contraptions/vehicles for Burning Man that are just as crazy as anything presented here.

spamizbad 13y ago

In Chicago, I've seen hipsters zipping around in contraptions more dangerous than that Uighur's bike. The requirements for a road-legal vehicle (Assuming you're not mass producing and selling them) in Illinois are pretty spartan. DIYers have a ton of freedom. As soon as you start commercializing and selling them- that's when you run into red tape.

PeterisP 13y ago
When you start selling them is exactly when "only in America" mattered earlier - it makes the difference between a hobby and a business innovation, free market and all.

csomar 13y ago

I'd prefer that there is no invention by this guy, than I (or anyone) get hit by some of these inventions and become handicapped for life.

dsirijus 13y ago
If everyone was thinking like you, science would be handicapped. Explore Newton, for a prime example.