View Full Version : A New Convert
Dale White
03-22-2007, 07:52 PM
I had my first G-Copter this week and was really impressed! I am an old (70+) fixed wing driver and haven't flown since the early 90's. This G-Copter was like my first flight back in the 50's for the excitement and enthusiasm I experienced. I began searching the web for any and all info I could find. Its' a little late in the game for me but few things elevate my pulse rate like that ride did! Don't know how far I will get with all this but it sure has my attention! Looking forward to vicariously sharing your experiences and who knows; I may even soar with you rotorheads.
:plane:
gyropilot
03-22-2007, 08:06 PM
Welcome aboard Dale.
Who'd you get your ride with and what type of gyroplane was it?
Have fun,
John L.
MikeBoyette
03-22-2007, 08:27 PM
I had my first G-Copter this week and was really impressed! I am an old (70+) fixed wing driver and haven't flown since the early 90's. This G-Copter was like my first flight back in the 50's for the excitement and enthusiasm I experienced. I began searching the web for any and all info I could find. Its' a little late in the game for me but few things elevate my pulse rate like that ride did! Don't know how far I will get with all this but it sure has my attention! Looking forward to vicariously sharing your experiences and who knows; I may even soar with you rotorheads.
:plane:
Dale your never too young or old to become hooked on gyros. Welcome to the family. I spent some time in Arizona. I loved it out there I was in the Army in Sierra Vista. I used to day dream about what it would be like to fly a gyro around those parts. Lots of old runways out in the middle of nowhere. Any way good luck sir.
Dale,
G'day mate. Nice to have you along. I hope your enthusiasm translates itself into rushing out and getting a gyro of your own. When I first discovered this forum, I spent one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life trawling through the back-posts in order to get a feel for what were the hot topics of discussion, what were the safety concerns, who the personalities were, and generally getting a feel of what the gyro community was all about. You will find that this sort of reading really pays dividends. Try using the "Search" menu item (at the top of every page) as well as hitting the "Today's Posts" for those posts which arrived today (to get a feel of what is happening right now). Finally, when you've filled your head with all the back-posts, try hitting the "New Posts" button for only those posts new since your last visit.
Of course, there are other gyro forums, but this is the BIG one, and it won't take you long to discern who the big hitters are also. The Australians also have a good forum, but it isn't as big as this one. (http://www.asra.org.au/smf/index.php)
Good luck with the browsing, and even better luck with getting back into the air as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Duncan
dragonflyerthom
03-23-2007, 04:05 AM
Welcome Dale.
Not as wordy as Duncan but everything he says is true. Hope to see ya in the air. Keep the rotor turning.
Timchick
03-23-2007, 04:35 AM
Welcome Dale. Hope to see you in the air.
Dale:
Glad to see you thinking about getting back into the saddle. A good way to start out is to go to Bensen Days in Wauchula, FL April 11 -14, and Sun-N-Fun April 17-23 this year. If those don't get the juices flowing again, nothing will. :) Good luck!
Joe Pires
03-23-2007, 06:08 AM
Welcome to the addiction. Come Fly with us in april like Kurt sez.
Dale White
03-23-2007, 06:16 AM
Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I would like to begin my search for the optimum machine. I like flying low and slow, (used to have a STOL 185) and am a big fan of horsepower. The SparrowHawk seem to have an abundance of HP but I would like to see a comparison chart of what the various birds offer. If anyone knows where I can find this info I would much appreciate the heads up.
I too would like to see such a chart. I have never found one in my searches. I am new to gyros too, and I am in the process of looking for the ideal bird and am transitioning over from Super Cub and 206. If you are a transitioning FW pilot like I am, the first question you have to ask yourself (at least this is where I started) is whether you want an open frame or an enclosed cockpit type of bird. For me, I'll leave the open frames to the younger guys on the forum... I like a little comfort so I opted for the closed frame. Then I think you have to set your budget... because just like FW, power and performance are pretty much functions of money... just like math equations in school: $$ + $$ = power + performance. Simple as that. Once you set a budget, then you can start comparing machines... like math again, apples to apples and oranges to oranges.
One thing you will find on this forum is a super abundance of people who are very knowledgeable and willing to help. Whatever you ask, there will be lots and lots of opinions and help... so just ask away.
Last thing, like one of the other members mentioned before, read, read, read everything you can find on the forum b/c there is a thread on almost any subject you could think of. Good luck again.
barnstorm2
03-23-2007, 10:17 AM
Welcome Dale!
StanFoster
03-23-2007, 02:23 PM
Dale: Enjoy your gyro search and the flying you will enjoy with it.
This forum is loaded with lots of helpful people.
Stan
Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I would like to begin my search for the optimum machine. I like flying low and slow, (used to have a STOL 185) and am a big fan of horsepower. The SparrowHawk seem to have an abundance of HP but I would like to see a comparison chart of what the various birds offer. If anyone knows where I can find this info I would much appreciate the heads up.
Dale,
Just happened to run across this mostly out-dated list of gyro manufacturers. It's the closest thing to what you want that I have seen, even though it's dated 2001.
http://www.gyrosaway.com/gyroplanes_buyers_guide1.htm
By the way, I spent a career pushing around 'high horsepower' machines and all I want now is an Ultra White. But it's your call. I think you'll have fun regardless.
Go for it!!
Trez (cracker)
Dale,
Here's another, probably old as well.
Pretty good write-up on the Dominator..........
Trez (cracker)
MikeBoyette
03-23-2007, 09:20 PM
Cracker,
I just happen to know where there's an UltraWhite about to hatch. It could have your name on it. They put the engine on it today.
Arnie Madsen
03-23-2007, 10:45 PM
WELCOME DALE WHITE. I also am new on this forum , although I have been reading it for years. I ended up learning to fly the Bell 47 helicopter but have always liked Gyros as well and here is my one and only Gyro flight..and it was a blast.
It was around 1979 and I owned an auto body shop and painted the odd Cessna at the local airport as well. One day the manager of the overhaul shop called me and said to come to the airport ....there were some rotating wings I would find interesting. When I arrived I found an old timer (late 70'S) assembling a Benson Gyrocopter he had strapped to the roof rack of his tired old dodge car . His name was Father Svaboda and he was a Priest in Winnipeg Canada and loved his Benson. Once he had it assembled (It had no engine ) he tied a long rope to his car and had it towed at 40 mph up and down the long grass strip . I was his passenger for 5 flights and it was pure fun. I will never forget the enthusiasm he had for life and flying. I heard he lived until well into his 90'S . I often wonder if his machine is sitting in storage at some church in Winnipeg. Anyway , sounds like you are in for some fun Dale , I also read that Stan Foster is taking his barber up for a spin. Stay young everybody !!!
Greetings from Canada
Arnie
route66
03-23-2007, 11:24 PM
Dale,
First off, Welcome to this crazy Forum. Since you are in Tucson, my advise is to call the AAI guy in Buckeye and schedule a demo ride in the Sparrowhawk. That two hour drive will either send you packing or make you an addict like the rest of us. Terry Brandt is one of the best out there and he is just up the road. Give him a call (623) 393-9451 and set up a demo ride, you might be hooked. Bensen Days is in just a few weeks and it is well worth the trip to see all sorts of different birds as well as some great characters, but a quick test ride close to home will let you know how far you want to take it. There is also PRA Chapter 15 which has there meetings in Coolidge monthly which is closer to you and might be fun. If I was more organized I could give you his contact info, but I am not. He is Mike Schallmann here on the forum, just give him a p/m and he can fill you in on their next meeting. Welcome again and I wish you the best.
Cracker,
I just happen to know where there's an UltraWhite about to hatch. It could have your name on it. They put the engine on it today.
Mike,
Don't we all wish that all we had to do was: 1) Research, 2) Determiine which one we want, 3) Go buy it!!?
No, I have several 'ducks' to get in a row before taking the plunge. Heck, I need to get a ride sometime, like maybe at BDs?
Oh, how I would like to do the new UW you're talking about. But it's not be. Not yet.
At least I'm way ahead of Dale, of this thread. I've been lurking on this forum for years and have decided that flown safely, they (Dominators) are safe. And that the UW would be a good choice to learn in and later upgrade slightly (pod?), and would be an all-around great machine for mostly local flying. In fact, after having a motorcycle for quite a while, I think it's like riding a bike that's not built for long range cruise. I had a Harley Sportster and could ride it for a couple of hours and had to take a break from the vibration and the wind. It was fun but it was no cruiser. (But, what do I know - I haven't been up, yet).
Anyway, thanks but I need to get to BDs again, get a ride, make room in my life for a gyrocopter, and then go for it.
Thanks Mike for the heads up. I'm gettin' there!!
Trez (cracker)
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