Gyroplane on the brain

ETres

ETres

Line Up and Wait
Joined
Oct 7, 2012
Messages
704
Display Name
Display name:
ETres
Am I insane to have gyroplane on my brain? Most everything I read about them is positive, and they look positively fun - and safe. I'm surprised they aren't more popular.

I need to get off my ass and go check one out in person, maybe catch a ride, before the year is over.
 
Doc Holliday said:
o_O

Just make sure you never unload the rotor.
Click to expand...

Yep. Like flying airplanes, if you fly it within its performance parameters and don't push the limits, then there's little worry of unloading the rotor.
 
They’re a blast to fly. @Vance Breese can probably give more info and I believe is an instructor.

Here’s a link to instructors, but I don’t know how current it is.
http://pra.org/default.aspx?p=Training&i=82

when I was looking into them a few years ago the main problem I ran into was that you needed to own one to solo them. I think some of that may have changed with LSA, but I don’t know for sure.

The newer designs have largely done away with some flaws that jaded many of the responses you’re likely to get here. It is interesting that they started with a fantastic safety record initially, got a pretty bad safety record after they went to primarily homebuilt designs in the 60s-90s, and the safety record is finally recovering back to being more similar to your typical GA aircraft. I probably wouldn’t want to own an RAF-2000, but a Cavalon, Claidus, or Magni would be a lot of fun.

which kind captured your imagination? The McCulloch J2 and Pitcairn AC-36 are my favorites.
 
Last edited:
Bucket list item for me. I love them and want. Gotta either have seriously deep pockets to buy a certificated model, good hands to build one, or really good judgement to fly an extant experimental. The safety record for the experimentals is horrid, but I think a lot of that has to do with the earlier designs, which had dangerous flaws that were only addressed after accidents, and lack of training. The OP hit that one on the head, there is almost no training to be had and you pretty much have to buy one to get it. A real pity, as I think piloted by a trained and conscientious pilot they should be relatively safe. They don't stall easily and can land in the average back yard. Like the man said, if you're flying within the envelope you shouldn't unload the rotor. Like saying don't spin the airplane.
 
I've never looked into them much, but they seem really cool. The ones I have come across were way more expensive than I anticipated them being.
 
49988120042_d48d8c3569_c.jpg

49987870951_a68585aac5_c.jpg

49988119462_e8cef2dfc3_c.jpg

49987870171_05756c5980_c.jpg

49987869896_4beb44a37d_c.jpg
 
That EAA article is what rekindled my interest. The trailing link nose gear is a nice feature on the Silverlight.
 
Russell Croman in the above featured article was my college room mate and a heck of a nice guy. His award was well deserved.
 
ETres said:
That EAA article is what rekindled my interest. The trailing link nose gear is a nice feature on the Silverlight.
Click to expand...
Nice. I wrote an article and submitted it, then they told me they needed me to double the size! I was too busy to redo it, so I handed it off to one of their staff writers to finish.
 
Lowflynjack said:
Nice. I wrote an article and submitted it, then they told me they needed me to double the size! I was too busy to redo it, so I handed it off to one of their staff writers to finish.
Click to expand...

Hey, I didn't notice the first time that you were part of the by-line - nice work!
 
Anyone completed the sport add-on? I'm thinking to add it for commercial and CFI given there is no checkride.
 
skier said:
They’re a blast to fly. @Vance Breese can probably give more info and I believe is an instructor.

When I was looking into them a few years ago the main problem I ran into was that you needed to own one to solo them. I think some of that may have changed with LSA, but I don’t know for sure.
Click to expand...

That's what I ran into when I was looking at getting into Light Sport trikes, I'd need to buy one to solo. That's too much of a commitment around here, as scarce as hangars are.
 
steingar said:
. Like the man said, if you're flying within the envelope you shouldn't unload the rotor. Like saying don't spin the airplane.
Click to expand...

Gyros are cool, but any aircraft that can be placed into an unrecoverable situation makes me nervous. Most airplanes can recover from a spin.
 
Dana said:
Gyros are cool, but any aircraft that can be placed into an unrecoverable situation makes me nervous. Most airplanes can recover from a spin.
Click to expand...
Exceeding Vne far enough will, on any aircraft will result in an unrecoverable situation. Guess it's time to stay in your car. ;)
 
Quirky, and looks like a blast. Hey, why not.
 
One thing people need to keep in mind is that gyros demand significantly more power than comparable airplanes. Those that are flying under a 100 hp Rotax turn into single-seaters in New Mexico. I only knew one guy who was happy with a gyro there, and he had a Subaru 2.5L conversion with a normalizing 8 psi turbo, which was making about 230 hp. If your sectional chart does not have a green background, your choice in gyros shrinks a lot.
 
There is not solo time for a Sport Pilot add on endorsement and no knowledge test. The proficiency check ride may be given by another CFI.

There are no minimum dual hours.

Just learn to fly to practical test standards and learn something about rotary wing aerodynamics.
 

Attachments

  • 1s.jpg
    1s.jpg
    108.6 KB · Views: 16
I have a whopping 0.8 hours in one. It was fun. Greg Gremminger is also a Magni dealer and instructs at Perryville, MO (PCD) if that's close to you.

skier said:
Here’s a link to instructors, but I don’t know how current it is.
http://pra.org/default.aspx?p=Training&i=82
Click to expand...

It's interesting that Greg isn't shown on the state-by-state list of instructors but he is shown on the map...unless I'm missing something.
 
Last edited:
I've had them on the brain for several years now. I really like the look of the American Ranger. Seems like it could be a blast for fair weather local flying...
Before the pandemic hit us, I was loosely thinking about going to Bensen days earlier this year...but they have that event so close on the calendar to sun n fun that I have to choose, can't do both.
Anyway, for a fairweather only flyer, if they were just a little bit easier to fold for trailering and garage storage at home they could be an awesome more 'affordable' sport machine.
The other thing that has captivated me about them is the apparent short field performance. At first look they seemed like they should be a great option for flying out of almost anywhere and not be limited to airports.... but while they can land very short, it seems they need a smooth and relatively long ground roll for takeoff...this based only on several years of casual reading and youtubing....
For the price though, and given that it's probably not practical to trailer home or fly out of unimproved fields...it makes me think that other LSA types could possibly be just as or more attractive attractive to me.
 
I looked at gyros hard when I was plane shopping at Sun n Fun 2018. Booked a ride in one and liked it but decided to fly a plane for a few years and determine my mission better before I bought a "Slow" craft. Nothing better for short sightseeing trips than a gyro unless you have the cash for a helo. The Rotax engine introduction has made a lot of planes/gyros possible... I haven't investigate in a while but the newest (915) 141 hp Rotax would seem to fit the sweet spot of lightness and horsepower required for best gyro operation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top