Single blade rotor system for use in a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft

A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft comprising:

• a first propulsion system configured to generate thrust, and is further configured to be disengaged by a control management system;
• a second propulsion system configured to generate lift, the second propulsion system comprising:
• at least one power source;
• and
• at least one propeller coupled to the at least one power source, the at least one propeller comprising:
• a lift-producing blade;
• and
• a counterweight opposite the lift-producing blade;
• wherein the at least one propeller is configured to weathervane when the second propulsion system is disengaged.

A method to fly a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the method comprising:

• engaging a first propulsion system configured to generate thrust;
• engaging a second propulsion system configured to generate lift, the second propulsion system comprising:
• at least one power source;
• at least one propeller coupled to and driven by the at least one power source, the at least one propeller comprising:
• a lift-producing blade located at a first end;
• and
• a counterweight located at a second end;
• generating lift with at least the second propulsion system;
• launching the VTOL aircraft in a vertical flight configuration;
• transitioning the aircraft to a horizontal flight configuration;
• disengaging the second propulsion system;
• orienting the lift-producing blade into an apparent wind opposite a direction of travel;
• and the following has been inserted afterward in new lines:
• transitioning the aircraft to a vertical flight configuration, wherein the transitioning comprises:
• reengaging the second propulsion system;
• and
• disengaging the first propulsion system.