Cran, Dave,Zeeoo
All of this would be possible if it wasn't for the restrictive regulation and bull**** imposed on the industry by the CAA and their like across the world. The last thing that the regulators want are the skies full of Joe Public flying around in cheap, good machines. They are frightened of the airways ending up like Britains roads. Keep it expensive and exclusive is their ethos. Mass production would reduce costs and improve quality but they are terrified of it. It is incomprehensible that in the 21st century, new aircraft are being made with carburettors and magnetos - and they wouldn't be if there was less regulation. How many truly new light helicopters have come on the market in the last 20 years? Not so many- and thats just the way they like it.
That is why we are forced to fly around in 1940s technology.