Hello from Maine

[Aaron]

Greetings All!

My name is Aaron and I live up here in Rockland, ME. I am an ex commercial pilot and CFI and have not flown for 12 years. I had just shy of 400 hours total before I gave it up for marriage and a "real" job. I am now part owner of a cleaning company and drive a taxi part time. I have never flown a Gyro. I've ridden in a Jet Ranger helicopter, flown Mudry CAP-10 aerobatic planes, Grob G109B motor gliders, and float planes. Most of my time is SEL Cessna's and Pipers, with a smattering of short field Bush Flying. I've always liked Gyro's and see them now as the only realistic way I will ever own my own aircraft. My interest was recently rekindled by a chance meeting with a gentleman who has acquired an original Benson and a Subaru powered custom built unfinished Gyro. I shall be studying posts and learning more. I iplan to hang around the locals who own Gyros and assist them with their machines to "get my hands dirty" so to speak and better understand these machines. As my finances improve it is my intention to get thoroughly trained in a two place machine with a Gyro instructor and acquire a used single place Gyro of my own. Looking forward to learning from you all and thanks for having me.

Aaron

[Racer]

Welcome Aaron, I hope you find many interesting reads here on the forum. I must say you came in on the rite foot, Even though you have been a commercial pilot in the past you realize that Gyro's are a different breed and you seem very willing to become familiar with them and also willing to get thorough training before you take back to the skies.
I believe you are just getting started on a journey of a life time, your going to love it.
Again, Welcome to the forum

[Hognose]

Steve Waterman out of RKD has a Sparrowhawk for sale. I think at one point he was planning to offer instruction but he changed his mind. It's a good looking machine but does have damage history.

That's one of my favorite short x-c destinations, for the Owl's Head Transportation Museum.

cheers

-=K=-

[Heron]

Aaron, welcome!
If I was to start again I would use my money to fly way more that I did.
After getting the hang of it then I would start thinking about buying a RTF machine (ready to fly), building is fun but troublesome.
Buy as much air time as you can before taking the plunge.
Heron

[Aaron]

Thank you for the replies. I've built motorcycles and fixed cars and as great an experience as that was I fully intend to buy a RTF used machine. I know Steve Waterman and I am familiar with his SparrowHawk and it's unfortunate incident. The SparrowHawk is far more machine than I am interested in or could ever afford. I am leaning more toward a classic style Gyro exposed to the elements. I am thinking of $1500-$2000 for training/travel expenses and $8000 give or take for a decent entry level used Gyro. Are these figures unrealistic? I am a heavy guy at 250. Will any single place Gyros be able to handle my size? As to the Owls Head Museum I am a volunteer there. I give Model T Ford rides during events and live 1 mile from the entrance.

Aaron

[Timchick]

Aaron,
Welcome. I grew up near Lewiston. One of my brothers is a detective with the Lewiston PD. Your prices are about right for a used single place gyro. Your weight may be a problem for flying a small single seater. If you were looking at a Bensen/Brock gyro you'd probably need one with a 90 hp Mac or super Mac. Look around the forum, watch the videos on youtube and ask questions. There's a wealth of information here.