Hello from Alaska

[FlyFast]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a private pilot (SEL) with some twin and float time too. I'm also an A&P mechanic and I teach aviation maintenance at a local university.
I'm considering selling my current aircraft and building a gyroplane. The only thing holding me back is a concern for finding a safe design. I've been following some of the safety threads and I'm becoming less sure about taking the plunge. I understand that flight is inherently dangerous. However, I believe the risks should be maneagable with good training and a good design.
I'd love to find a SAFE two-place, enclosed (I live in Alaska) design that isn't too expensive (~$10-30K). The RAF 2000 looked good until I started looking at accident reports and the threads on this forum. A Dominator is my fallback choice right now (Brrrr). Any suggestions of other gyroplanes that might fit my requirements are appreciated.
Keith

[Timchick]

Welcome Keith. You could go with a sparrowhawk or an RAF with AAI's kit for it. http://www.americanautogyro.com/

Before you take the plunge you should go check one out and see it that's what you really want. I believe there's a Sparrowhawk in Oregon. That may be the closest one to you. Find the nearest one, take a vacation and go check it out.

[Racer]

I also agree with a sparrowhalk, A Two place inclosed and a good safty record. Many people on here love em. I myself am training in one and it is very user friendly and stable in flight.

[Airone]

Welcome Keith

The web site for Angel Air Aviation a Sparrowhawk Dealer in Salem, Oregon is
www.angelairllc.com

Jon

[FlyFast]

Yeah, the SparrowHawk looks great but $50K+ price puts it way out of my price range. Even the $25-$30K for an RAF is pushing it.
Thanks for the welcome and the suggestions.
Keith

[PW_Plack]

Keith,

The only combination which meets your criteria is probably the RAF 2000 with some of the homebrew stability mods. If you spend some time on the forum, you'll find some of the mods guys have done to move weight up / thrustline down, usually including reconfiguring the rear keel for prop clearance and more arm on the tailfeathers.

No one yet has published actual, test-flight-derived stability data on any of these homebrew mods.

The stability augmentation kit produced by Groen Brothers' AAI division, which eventually became the SparrowHawk, is very comprehensive and has been tested, but would require finding a used or unbuilt RAF for about $23K to stay within your budget.

A safe two-place gyro for under $30K is a tall order in today's market.

[Aussie_Paul]

I have conducted a test flight schedule in one of our modified Rafs in NZ and it passed the pitch stability tests required for a fixed wing in that country. I had another approved NZ ATO (Authorised testing Officer) with me documenting the results.

My turn key Firebird will be around the AUD$55k (Approx.US$42k) plus 10% gst in Oz and the cost of shipment. Towards the middle of next year, if we catch up on the turn key orders, we will be doing kits for the US as it seems to be the only way to market in the US without the LSA responsibility.:whoo: :whoo:

Aussie Paul.:)

[landman]

Have you considered a good stol aircraft like the Savannah? Is not that far behind a gyro in performance.

If you can make do with an enclosed single place for a little over 10K you can give Jerri Barnett a call at 530-742-7416. We have one with a low time 0-200 cluttering up his hanger in Olivehurst CA.

Martin