LARRYEBOYER
09-17-2007, 03:43 PM
I went flying last evening about 5pm and it was just about good enough to bring tears to these old eyes. The winds were out of the northeast about 5-10. The weatherman said the high pressure had stalled over Pa and that it would be a 10 for any pilot including gyro pilots(well maybe that is just how I remember it).I took off in about 300 ft and as the temps were cool(62f) the subie loved the denser air. After wiping my nose from the nose bleed climb, I settled into what I call the " tourist mode". I grasp the stick with two fingers,throttles back to 4000 rpm and saw my airspeed drop to 74 indicated. I leaned back for a beautiful tour of the Oley Valley.The visibility was severe clear. I could see Philadelphia in the distance and Allentown to the NE. I flew up the Oley Valley towards where I live and later over my house in a low level mission.Debbie waved as I glided by with the motor at 3500 to allow some descent. The hot air balloon guys were out in full force and they love to wave wildly at the spinning rotors. Sure is a awsome sight to see their brightly collored ships against the green trees, fields and blue sky.
I had just purchased tomatoes at a local farmers produce outlet and he ask if I was the guy that mentioned I was a gyro pilot the last time I was in. I afirmed. I told him I was going flying and would buzz his farm in a half hour. He said he would love that and would be looking. I kept my word and he waved with both arms.( darn I love this gyro stuff!!!) An hour passed and it was close to 7. It would be sunset in 15 minutes and I was 12 miles from my hanger. I came out of the tourist mode and ask subie to generate a few more horses. The tach went to 4800 and the airspeed to 90. I pushed the trim switch forward and the pressure came off the stick. Still 2 fingers gripping the stick and 6 minutes to touchdown. The wind had shifted to an easterly mode and the landing was perfect. I taxied over to my hanger followed by a Piper 140 Cruiser. I grabed hold 0f the Warrior to pull it into the hanger when the pilot jumped out of the Piper and yelled something at me. I stopped pulling, wondering what set him off. I went into my defensive mode when He yelled again as he was closing the gap between us. I thought Uh Oh. Trouble!!!!! with a big T. He walks up and says" Hey, is that one of those Canadian Gyros?" My heart quit racing and I replied. He said " I am a 18a gyro instructor and I just love gyros. I heard there was a gyro here and I so much wanted to see it and meet the pilot." We talked way past dark while his wife(who was in the car waiting) assumed the posture I took when I thought this new hanger buddy was a threat.She yelled and he said it was time to go. He also knew people I knew way up in the center of the state. It is a small world.
Well I hope I have not bored too many of you with my little adventure.Flying a RAF in a cross country mode and having the confidence in your ship, plus complimented with perfect weather, is a blessing beyond description. Anyway, I wish all my gyro buddies that they have flying aventures like mine and better. Safe flying all!:first:
I had just purchased tomatoes at a local farmers produce outlet and he ask if I was the guy that mentioned I was a gyro pilot the last time I was in. I afirmed. I told him I was going flying and would buzz his farm in a half hour. He said he would love that and would be looking. I kept my word and he waved with both arms.( darn I love this gyro stuff!!!) An hour passed and it was close to 7. It would be sunset in 15 minutes and I was 12 miles from my hanger. I came out of the tourist mode and ask subie to generate a few more horses. The tach went to 4800 and the airspeed to 90. I pushed the trim switch forward and the pressure came off the stick. Still 2 fingers gripping the stick and 6 minutes to touchdown. The wind had shifted to an easterly mode and the landing was perfect. I taxied over to my hanger followed by a Piper 140 Cruiser. I grabed hold 0f the Warrior to pull it into the hanger when the pilot jumped out of the Piper and yelled something at me. I stopped pulling, wondering what set him off. I went into my defensive mode when He yelled again as he was closing the gap between us. I thought Uh Oh. Trouble!!!!! with a big T. He walks up and says" Hey, is that one of those Canadian Gyros?" My heart quit racing and I replied. He said " I am a 18a gyro instructor and I just love gyros. I heard there was a gyro here and I so much wanted to see it and meet the pilot." We talked way past dark while his wife(who was in the car waiting) assumed the posture I took when I thought this new hanger buddy was a threat.She yelled and he said it was time to go. He also knew people I knew way up in the center of the state. It is a small world.
Well I hope I have not bored too many of you with my little adventure.Flying a RAF in a cross country mode and having the confidence in your ship, plus complimented with perfect weather, is a blessing beyond description. Anyway, I wish all my gyro buddies that they have flying aventures like mine and better. Safe flying all!:first: