poor poll results for PRA mag

[Lee Scatt]

I was unaware of the PRA till I flew a gyro, but had been in FW aviation for years. I have all my old copies of the pra mag., just wondering if maybe I should donate them and leave a few around at the local FBO, high school, library. The poll about how you got into gyros shows the mag isn't doing it. I think no one gets to see 'em because no one wants to give them up. Or is it too intense or hobby specific for the average person just grabbing a mag simply to peruse? I hate to get rid of mine if they just end up in the garbage. Too much info to lose, but if it turns someone on to gyro flight, well worth it. Any thoughts on where else to leave copies for best effect? Lee

[barnstorm2]

Lee,

That is a good question.

I am surprised that so far no one has put the PRA mag down as what got them into gyros.

I have been thinking about your post and here are my reflections.

1. We the internet rotorcraft community are still only a portion of the whole rotorcraft community. I think this is largely due to the age skew. Lots of people in my local chapter still don't have an email account much less browse the forums on the internet. I think many of these "paper" people got introduced to gyro from the magazine.

2. The PRA magazine is really written for the membership not as a recruitment tool. I think flyer's, internet web sites, fly-ins and just plane getting out and flying are more effective. Press/video/you-tube exposure is golden.

Here is a flyer you and download and print:

http://www.prachapter34.com/Introduction%20to%20Gyroplanes%20Flyer.pdf


3. I think your old magazines are a great resource and unless you have duplicates, I would not just leave them at pilot lounges.

4. I thought there was a project underway to scan all of the old issues into .pdf format and make them available to PRA members. They might still be missing some back issues. You might want to write Greg Gremminger, Rick Gilley or the PRA office about this.

5. I think motorcyclists are prime candidates for gyrodom. A very large percentage of gyro pilots have motorcycles. Both require a sense of adventure, both are open cockpit and both tend to have tinkerers in the sport. I am going to try to fly over some MC rallies this fall and take photos.

When I bought my 447 AirCommand the previous owner gave me a box of old PRA mags. That really helped light my fire and I read through each one. I think the PRA mags are of great use, once you discover the sport and you are still in the 'just curious' stage....

[rgraffeo]

I never saw a PRA magazine until I joined PRA & received my first issue.
I think I saw the PRA add in the back of Kitplanes or Popular Mechanics & sent in for my membership.

[Dean_Dolph]

.......2. The PRA magazine is really written for the membership not as a recruitment tool. I think flyer's, internet web sites, fly-ins and just plane getting out and flying are more effective. Press/video/you-tube exposure is golden.....I agree whole heartedly!Here is a flyer you and download and print:

http://www.prachapter34.com/Introduction%20to%20Gyroplanes%20Flyer.pdf....Tim, you, Bill Wieger of PRA Chapter 20 and Gary Kaminski of Chapter 73 have all put in some time and effort in creating a flyer. But what I would like to see is you guys work together and create a generic one where the file can be modified by interested chapters where they can substitute their chapter contact info instead of Chapter 34, Chapter 20 or Chapter 73.

You guys do that and I'll see that it is passed to the chapters. That way a chapter can add their contact info, print the flyer out and casually leave a couple at various places as a fairly cheap way to promote gyros and the PRA. I say 'places' meaning any where you happen to go such as getting your oil changed, the docs office, the motorcycle shop and etc.3. I think your old magazines are a great resource and unless you have duplicates, I would not just leave them at pilot lounges.....What? Give away PRA mags! Not a chance! There is too much reference material in them; especially those from the early days.4. I thought there was a project underway to scan all of the old issues into .pdf format and make them available to PRA members. They might still be missing some back issues. You might want to write Greg Gremminger, Rick Gilley or the PRA office about this.....Well, that was Greg's idea and it is a good one. But it isn't a one man project; there are a ton of issues to scan. I think the idea was to even explore the idea of archiving them in the member's section of the PRA web site.

I can't speak for Greg, although recently it looks like that from some of my posts, but I think he has all he can handle on his plate at the moment. The PRA really needs an enthusiastic knowledgeable volunteer web master to perform the projected web site mods and keep the web site maintained. This would relieve Greg who admits that he doesn't have all the time required or some of the knowledge needed.5. I think motorcyclists are prime candidates for gyrodom. A very large percentage of gyro pilots have motorcycles. Both require a sense of adventure, both are open cockpit and both tend to have tinkerers in the sport. I am going to try to fly over some MC rallies this fall and take photos.....Did you notice all the motorcycles at Mentone this year?!! I don't know if they rode in as a group or indivicually but there were a bunch of them.

[Ralph]

Fact is, you cannot get the magazine until you are interested enough to join the PRA. The only possible magazines that can serve for recruitment are those that have open circulation.

Back in the days when I was writing a lot of gyro pieces for Kitplanes magazine, membership would jump by several hundred with each article. However, I was also accused of being "disloyal" for writing for Kitplanes. Go figure!

Ralph

[PW_Plack]

If I think someone might be a candidate for interest in gyroplanes, I e-mail them a link to some of the fantastic in-flight photos of the guys with minimalist single-place machines, or to a pilot's perspective video.

I recycle my old EAA magazines by leaving them in the rack at the barber shop or doctor's office.

[barnstorm2]

I agree whole heartedly!Tim, you, Bill Wieger of PRA Chapter 20 and Gary Kaminski of Chapter 73 have all put in some time and effort in creating a flyer. But what I would like to see is you guys work together and create a generic one where the file can be modified by interested chapters where they can substitute their chapter contact info instead of Chapter 34, Chapter 20 or Chapter 73.

You guys do that and I'll see that it is passed to the chapters. That way a chapter can add their contact info, print the flyer out and casually leave a couple at various places as a fairly cheap way to promote gyros and the PRA.

On the pra chapter 34 web site is the master file in pagemaker format for that flyer. It has been there now for a couple of years.

Fact is, you cannot get the magazine until you are interested enough to join the PRA. The only possible magazines that can serve for recruitment are those that have open circulation.

Back in the days when I was writing a lot of gyro pieces for Kitplanes magazine, membership would jump by several hundred with each article. However, I was also accused of being "disloyal" for writing for Kitplanes. Go figure!

Ralph

Ralph, what a bizzar remark? Disloyal?? Somebody was not thinking clearly.

Please submit some more articles to Kitplanes!

.

[fiveboy]

Guys

I try to not really chime in much and just lurk and soak in info (or pose questions) because of the cult of personality that flames up frequently.... but on this one I feel a little qualified because I am in the TV business forever and this is part of the game in my game.

I recently produced two shows for a new network about to launch - The Smithsonian Network. I did a show called "World Smallest Planes" and another called "When Pigs Fly". Both feature Gyros in a big way - and in a totally positive light (When Pigs Fly shows how things that look like they shouldnt fly do and what the 'formula' for flight is). I was amazed as people watched the show how many had never even heard of or seen a gyro - or if they did it was from Mad Max or the Bond movie. There is a point in this.

My point is this - PUBLICITY. We need to have Gyros shown in as many different venues as possible. Think product placement. If there is a community event such as a fair or parade - get Gyros involved. Chapters should do things that get them publicity. The only publicity I ever see about gyros is when one augers in. The PRA should assign someone to make calls and write letters to networks that have series which could feature gyros (for example The Military Channel, The Science Channel, DIY, OLN etc). Gyros should be shown in their various applications beyond just fun low and slow (The German Police, guys in Oz who use them to spot cattle (ok I might have lade that one up), etc). What if two or three gyros were flying in relief supplies to somewhere - the cameras would follow. Can we convince a flying traffic reporter to try one report from a gyro based on the German police trials....?

And here is a big one.... find a way to introduce a big celeb to gyros and get them involved in trying one. The cameras are sure to follow and that person can become a defacto spokesperson (think John Travolta and Quantas, Tom Cruise and the Navy).

How come we are never ever in any of the GA magazines? Why is it we have the reputation of being flying bad boys who just tempt fate? (Dont flame me you know this is true).

There needs to be a concerted, consistent - and dare I say creative - campaign to get the word out, show gyros in action as as relevant, have them as a presence wherever there is likely to be a crowd or a local or national news team - and link to a celeb. (Imagine if Britney Spears was invited for a ride and accepted while she was making weight).

Is there a GA or gyronaut who is in the publicity game? Get them onboard. Does the PRA have enough money to hire a young person who is a student going into mass communications - get them onboard....

Thats my two cents.

[barnstorm2]

Five,

I have to get back to work so I only have time to comment on two of the many issues/topics covered in your post.

The PRA budget is published in last months (current) Rotorcraft magazine. No, not enough $$ to hire a PR person. We need to do our own gorilla marketing.

Don't worry about any flames. Just don't get on the topic of physics and you will be fine.

The GA crowd is a lost cause. They don't even want anything to do with Sport Pilot much less gyros. One of the GA pod-casts I listen to describes getting into a kit-built (a well established FIXED WING RV) like some kind of foolish act of a mad-man. A better audience would be Kitbuilders EAAers, RCers and people outside of aviation.

IMHO.

I think starting a list of things that people can do is great!

.

[GyroDoug]

Five,

I realize you weren't running for office and I am sure you are busy (just like everyone else) but it sounds to me like you have more experience and expertise in this field than anyone else I know of. You should consider stepping up to the plate and offering your services to the PRA and to give them at least some direction and help in this area. I realize that it's easy to point to someone else and say, "Why don't you do it?". But I am actively doing all I can to promote it in my area. When there wasn't a Local PRA chapter in my State, I started talking to people and started promoting until now there is one. I was really looking for someone to support my efforts and not to become the supporter, but since they asked me to be President of the chapter I am very involved in everything Gyro in our area and I am really the one that is getting the most out of it. We all need to be willing to step up when we see a need and say, if no one else is willing to do it I guess I'll just have to do it myself. It sounds to me like you have the understanding and the background to be a very effective PR Chairman for the PRA. Give it some thought, We need You !!!!!

Gyro Doug

[Heron]

How many Gyro Magazines in the world?
I wonder if it would sell . . .
There are several publications down here and they are run professionally by advertisement, given free at designated spots, good stuff but poor content.
WE need a project and get to it asap!
One member = two more issues and get out selling subscriptions, numbers will make it cheaper. Association with other publications can help.
thanks
Heron

[fiveboy]

I was afraid someone would write that.... I might be able to help. Just so you know though - I am cramming to qualify to solo and also to move to Panama end of October. Let me think about it (well I am already). Maybe I can enlist someone in LA who knows the game better than me (an old time publicist friend from the true hey day of Hollywood).

I do think though that the idea of guerrilla publicity is a key element - literally. The guerrillas use cells - in our case it would be local chapters. Keeping an ear to the ground and being aware of opportunities to step up and be seen is key.

Lets use our metaphorical brothers - The Bikers. Bad rep. So what do they do? They get involved in Rolling Thunder. They participate in home town parades, they fly the colors, they have MIA flags, bumper stickers that say stay off drugs.... (yea they also sell crack and guns but they dont publicize that part and rightfully so). You get my point. Mentone is great - but it doesnt get one iota of attention beyond we ourselves. We need to shift froim celebrating each other to having others celebrate us... ah theres the rub.... Next year every network should be invited and there should be an event that is news worthy (and I am not talking about a disaster!!!). What if instead of - or even in addition to Mentone we organized - and coordinated - a fly by at an upcoming national event of note (dont ask me what because I am brain storming here) - if we got an exemption, all showed up - did a fly by for a charitable or noteworthy cause..... suddenly we are on the evening news.... and when that becomes we are on the evening news - again - then we have momentum, visibility - name brand recognition.

\Heck we could do a coordinated formation. The sheer uniqueness of it alone would garner attention.

OK I am now officially blathering.

[barnstorm2]

OK I am now officially blathering.

music to my ears! Keep the ideas roll'n!

[Dean_Dolph]

On the pra chapter 34 web site is the master file in pagemaker format for that flyer. It has been there now for a couple of years.....Yeah, I know but I don't have pagemaker so I can't modify it and replace Chapter 34 contact info with Chapter 62 info. If I'm going to be dropping these handouts anywhere and everywhere locally then I want the Chapter 62 info on them instead of Chapter 34.

I've sent out a email to the chapter to see if anyone can do the mod.

[barnstorm2]

Yeah, I know but I don't have pagemaker so I can't modify it and replace Chapter 34 contact info with Chapter 62 info. If I'm going to be dropping these handouts anywhere and everywhere locally then I want the Chapter 62 info on them instead of Chapter 34.

I've sent out a email to the chapter to see if anyone can do the mod.

You can get a FREE fully functional copy of Pagemaker from Adobe.com.

It is a demo and times out in 30 days BUT it is fully functional and that should serve your purpose.


.

[Heron]

It is a good idea to have wings of gyros to show up at events.
I keep been called by people wanting to fly after seen the Golden in the air.
Can't do it without a pilot/instructor . . .
They are more than 25 and 16 want to take lessons . . .
Hello guys!!!
Heron

[Dean_Dolph]

Thanks for the tip! I guess any chapter could download the software and make the mod.

[Cessna53195]

My first thoughts of gyros goes back to the add that Bensen ran in all the magazines. It showed him flying in an arial shot from above. When I was at Mentone this year JP from Canada mentioned this, we need to advertise the PRA , Popular Science, Model Aircraft, even Sport Aviation. I was at Oshkosh, the helicopter turnout was big, I believe they were givin more time to fly. We are missing a great opporturnity if we don't tap the interest in rotor flight. There was a guy in the ultralight area at Oshkosh selling fuzzy back packs for children that looked like an airplane. I have no idea what he paid for his spot but isn't this a place we should use for the PRA. Again we need to tap the interest in flight, look how the electric RC stuff has exploaded, an add in thier magazine could bring some real results..........

[Gary_in_Orygun]

I created a generic Word trifold brochure without the PRA 73 logo and link on it:
http://pra73.net/Downloads/intro_gyro_brochure.doc

Enjoy...

[Dean_Dolph]

Gary, I downloaded the brochure and then got errors when I tried to open it in Word. I went to your web site to see if there was a way I could open and save it from there and couldn't locate the Word version although I did find the PDF one. Any suggestions? Am I the only one having this problem?

Oh yeah, you have a link to Texas Chapter 007 that takes one to an interesting web site? Since Chapter 007 no longer exists then you could replace it with Chapter 62; we would let ya!

[JEFF TIPTON]

I clicked on the link and the brochure looks OK here.

Windows 98SE with Word 97.

[dragonflyerthom]

/QUOTE FIVE
There needs to be a concerted, consistent - and dare I say creative - campaign to get the word out, show gyros in action as as relevant, have them as a presence wherever there is likely to be a crowd or a local or national news team - and link to a celeb. (Imagine if Britney Spears was invited for a ride and accepted while she was making weight)./QUOTE

I have known about gyros for about 22 years. The first time I saw one was at the Sun n Fun in Florida. I wanted one then but at the time I had a 172. After I sold my 172 I wanted to get a gyro but had to finish raising my kids.

When I finally was able to get a gyro I found there just isn't a lot of choice around. Most people here in Arkansas have never even seen much less know about gyros.

PRA#6 is having its 3rd meeting here at Gurdon on the 27th of October. If everything goes the way it should we will have hundreds of people from all over the State here at the same time we will be having our flyin. There is a carnival for the kid, crafts, eats and lots of people. I have asked for and got a table for giving out pamphlet about gyros. The Airport is only 1/2 mile as the crow flies from main street and everyone will be able to see us as we fly our gyros. I have permission to let our members fly down main street at 500 feet. We will also have a surprise for all who visit. There will be a BBQ for our members for Lunch also.

This is our way to generate interest around here.

[fiveboy]

Dragonflyerthom;This is our way to generate interest around here.

Thats what I am talking about exactly! Get as many press people there as you can. Find someone who the press loves to do stories on to follow that person on their gyro ride. Etc etc etc.

Get in touch with AOPA and EAA and ask them to cover it in their print and online mags.

When I was hauling my gyro back from Fla (after having just bought it already built) - every time I stopped to get gas a small crowd formed. You would have thought I was displaying Dillingers penis! People love these things - its just that we literally and figuratively fly under the radar - thus the only awareness is when we do get press.... and we all know when that is.

Five

[GyroDoug]

I created a generic Word trifold brochure without the PRA 73 logo and link on it:
http://pra73.net/Downloads/intro_gyro_brochure.doc

Enjoy...

Gary,

I was able to download and open the brochure just fine. Thank You!!!! We will add our chapter contact information (PRA Chapter 2) and start passing them out at every opportunity.

Thanks again,

Gyro Doug

[Racer]

Last summer I put my gyro in a small church car show, About a hundred really beautiful cars there but I must say my gyro got the most attention by far. Great way to show people what they are and answer a lot of questions. Next summer I plan to do some fly bye's at a 500 feet distance from the local Saturday night dirt track, I think that will be great exposure to the kind of crowd who would be good candidates for gyro's, and I would have the entire grandstand as my captive audience. Just wish I could be down there when everyone starts asking each other "Did you see that, What the heck was that thing" Just a thought.

[barnstorm2]

It looks good in the word format.

Interesting how my original text has not changed much but people tend to change the gyro photos and models presented in the brochure.

.http://www.prachapter34.com/Introduction%20to%20Gyroplanes%20Flyer.pdf

.

[Racer]

Just had another idea, Get permission from the local racetrack to do a fly over with as many gyro's as we can get together at the end of the national anthem, Kinda like how the military jets do at the Nascar races. I bet the track would love that.

[GyroDoug]

It looks good in the word format.

Interesting how my original text has not changed much but people tend to change the gyro photos and models presented in the brochure.

.http://www.prachapter34.com/Introduction%20to%20Gyroplanes%20Flyer.pdf

.

Tim,

I suspect everyone at least wants to see their favorite flavor represented. I was thinking the brochure would look a lot better with a Butterfly Gyo on it somewhere. I'm just glad to see your talents are being used to help us promote Gyros in any flavor. Keep up all of your good efforts.

And Thanks again,

Gyro Doug

[barnstorm2]

Just had another idea, Get permission from the local racetrack to do a fly over with as many gyro's as we can get together at the end of the national anthem, Kinda like how the military jets do at the Nascar races. I bet the track would love that.


Don't forget to fly BY the crowds NOT over them.

Also, since 911 we can not fly over or near crowds of 10 thousand people.

Tim,

I suspect everyone at least wants to see their favorite flavor represented. I was thinking the brochure would look a lot better with a Butterfly Gyo on it somewhere. I'm just glad to see your talents are being used to help us promote Gyros in any flavor. Keep up all of your good efforts.



Doug,

If I were to re-do the brochure today I think I would include only current production gyros.

I had that in mind when I made the original however, I wanted to put some 'eye candy' on the cover (Windryder) and something impressive (rotordyne) on the inside.

I would put the 'bee in as a representative of UL gyros that are inexpensive, the Xenon as a rep of ELSA that you can buy already built, the SparrowHawk for the very popular SxS enclosed configuration and the rest would be up to what I had good photos of.

Because of what Larry Neal is bringing to our hobby I might try to put a photo and caption of the Monarch and SSC also come to think of it.

.

[fiveboy]

Just had another idea, Get permission from the local racetrack to do a fly over with as many gyro's as we can get together at the end of the national anthem, Kinda like how the military jets do at the Nascar races. I bet the track would love that.

Precisely what is needed. After you arrange for them to let you do this - run to the local TV channels and tell them what you are planning!!!

Also alert AOPA and EAA magazines and have someone shoot some stills to get into the mags!

[Heron]

We got invited to fly at Moroso in Palm Beach but so far not able to appear.
Also I have a TV information bit to shoot down here, if I can find a pilot.
Heron