Of course, most of the multicopter types — flying machines sometimes called eVTOLs — take off vertically but those are different, electric flying animals. Despite waves of breathless reporting by mainstream media types, eVTOLs are not yet ready for prime time. Even if you could buy one, you probably don't want to pay for it. Most will be very expensive.
What if you could take off vertically this year and for a price you can actually afford?
Of course, rotary-wing enthusiasts can already choose a well-proven, made-in-the-USA helicopter that complies with Part 103 and is very affordable… for any aircraft type, but almost absurdly low-cost compared to conventional helicopters. I refer to the Mosquito XEL from 
Developed by Miroslav Črv, Mirocopter is based in Slovenia — also the home of Pipistrel. With today's news you might wonder, so let me assure the country is not near Ukraine and all that regrettable turmoil. Slovenia is immediately south of Austria and more than 400 miles to the west of the war zone.
Miroslav wrote that his SCH-2A is "one of the lightest manned coaxial helicopters in the world." He adds that it "is compliant to FAA's Part 103 ultralight vehicle rules." See specifications below.
He added, "SCH-2A [has been] tested for more than 10 years." YouTube video shows the aircraft in slightly different configuration flying in 2017. "SCH-2A boasts very good flight characteristics including effective autorotation," Miroslav stated.
Vertical thrust is achieved by collective blade pitch control of both rotors. For directional control, cyclic blade pitch control of both rotors is used. Yaw control is provided by moving tail plates. For vertical thrust, direction, and yaw control, SCH-2A helicopter is equipped with standard helicopter control inputs.
Mirocopter SCH-2A is powered by a Chinese-made Fiate MZ202 two-cylinder, dual-ignition, two-stroke gasoline engine. The MZ202 engine provides more than 60 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, the "nominal engine speed on SCH-2A." The full Fiate MZ202 engine package comes with with electric starter, electric generator, dual ignition, exhaust system, and modified fan cooling system weighing only 66 pounds.
"SCH-2A is equipped with Mirocopter-modified NACA0012 aluminum composite rotor blades," said Mirocopter. The rotor's leading spar is made of extruded and anodized high-quality aluminum, the company said with inserted stainless steel bars used for rotor blade reinforcement and correct rotor blade weight balance. "Our rotor blades are durable and have a safety factor higher than 3," noted Miroslav.
Mark Rumsey and Andrey Vegger have each signed up to help Mirocopter get started in the USA.
Mark will handle the western U.S. from Murrieta, California. Contact him by 
At present, neither man has flown Mirocopter. I asked Mark why he chose SCH-2A?
"I chose to resell this coaxial ultralight helicopter because I think it is the best solution for personal VTOL flying for several reasons." He listed them for us:
"The first units will arrive in the U.S. in June so I haven't flown it yet," Mark said honestly. "I am an aerospace engineer and have taken the controls of a Jet Ranger and an R22 in steady forward flight but nothing beyond that. I have about 20 hours training in X-plane with my helicopter control simulator."
Although prototype SCH-2As have been flying for a decade according to Miroslav, Mark reported, "The first production SCH-2A helicopters will be tested this month before delivery so less than 10 will have flown before June 2022."
He reports estimated lead time once you place an order to be 4-5 months.
"Recommended training," Mark continued, "is to become a proficient student in an R22 or equivalent two-seater. Eventually, we plan on offering training in a full-scale constraining simulator that allows you to hover and slowly move across the ground in all directions. It will be similar to 
"Due to political reasons, I dropped my relationships with both of them. I am originally from Ukraine and both companies are Putin baked companies," he opined. Then he found Mirocopter and Miroslav of Slovenia.
"Miroslav was designing that helicopter for years," said Andrey. "He worked really hard to pick up the right suppliers and finally worked closely with Anhui Fiate Aviation Co.Ltd., of China to select the powerplant. In fact, that is how I came to the distribution channel. I was working with that supplier as well."
Andrey reported, "I personally flew a Rotorfly in 2010. I have about five hours on it." He continued, "I have never flown SCH-2A but I don't think that will be an issue for me. I am a fixed wing pilot working on my instrument rating.
Andrey has a Facebook page where he posted, "We are proud to announce the availability of Mirocopter SCH-2A. With the required care, SCH-2A helicopter will provide you a reliable and enjoyable flight for a very low operational and maintenance cost."
In a time of great spectator enthusiasm for STOL competitions, wouldn’t a VTOL be even better? If a super-short takeoff is cool, why not vertical takeoff? Of course, most of the multicopter types — flying machines sometimes called eVTOLs — take off vertically but those are different, electric flying animals. Despite waves of breathless reporting by mainstream media types, eVTOLs are not yet ready for prime time. Even if you could buy one, you probably don’t want to pay for it. Most will be very expensive. What if you could take off vertically this year and for a price you can actually afford? Of course, rotary-wing enthusiasts can already choose a well-proven, made-in-the-USA helicopter that complies with Part 103 and is very affordable… for any aircraft type, but almost absurdly low-cost compared to conventional helicopters. I refer to the Mosquito XEL from Composite FX (see this video), which sells for $52,000 ready to fly or $42,000 in kit form.