Mentone 2004 pictures

[StanFoster]

Just got back from Mentone. I was delighted to get the two short days...and was lucky to have even gone at all. Met a lot of nice people....

This first was enroute. I encountered some solid scud...and I stayed under it at 400 feet.

[StanFoster]

Birdy: I would have mustered these Indiana cows...but I was wanting to get to Mentone. :D

[StanFoster]

The scud cleared and this is Monticello, Indiana.

[StanFoster]

Mentone at last.

[StanFoster]

some of the machines

[StanFoster]

Greg Gremmingers nice Magni.

[StanFoster]

Nice SparrowHawk. I sat in it and is roomy and well thought out

[StanFoster]

Ron Herrons Little Wing

[StanFoster]

Another Little Wing

[Chuck Irby]

Very nice Stan. I'm really glad you got to make that trip. You deserved it, especially after going through what you have lately.

I know you must have many more pics to show us. Bring them on.

[Brian Jackson]

Thanks Stan.

I was particularly impressed with the StarBee exhibit. They had 3 machines there. The Yellow one was nice but (not visible in the photos) had "bubbled" paint on the tank. At first I thought that was done for special effect. What might have caused that? I'm building a Bee myself and that's why I'm asking.

The one next to it with the Watson's tail was also impressive. I noticed that they both used the bungee suspension in lieu of the sprung version incorporated into the third Bee nearest their tent. The third Bee also sported StarBee's own Cyclic control, which differs from the Ken Brock control specified on Ralph Taggart's GyroBee plans.

The StarBee gyro is based on Ralph's GyroBee but differs in areas including wheel stance. It appears to be a capable machine. But as a newbee myself, why would a shorter wheel stanse be of benefit? Ralph's GyroBee wheel spread is around 7 ft. and StarBee's kit is much less. For a beginner Gyro pilot wouldn't it make more sense to keep the wider gear?

[StanFoster]

Thanks Chuck: It was nice to get away. I do have more pictures. Here is a very nice Executive copter.

[StanFoster]

Gary Goldsberrys gyro....

[StanFoster]

some gyros in the hanger

[StanFoster]

Jim Logans RAF. Jim is one heck of a nice guy. I respect guys like him that just fly...and fly....and fly....

[StanFoster]

This black Executive was immaculate.

[StanFoster]

another RAF on the flight line

[StanFoster]

Tim OConners....aka..Barnstormer2 ....machine. Tim is a heck of a nice guy.

[StanFoster]

AAI modified RAF on take off.

[StanFoster]

Dick DeGraws GyRhino.......It would just jump into the air....what a piece of engineering.

[StanFoster]

I cant remember names at all...but this Magni was a work of art.

[StanFoster]

Terry Eilands nice SparrowHawk, Terry is another super nice guy to talk to.

[StanFoster]

In the pattern

[StanFoster]

This Sycamore just flew in.

[StanFoster]

headed back home. It was a quick two days...but I needed it.


I was enjoying a terrific tailwind indicating 92 on my gps....then I went to 4500 asl and was enjoying a 104 mph GPS readout. It only took me one hour and 15 minutes to get home. :D

[Chuck Irby]

Great shots, Stan. It looks like a great time and trip too. I know you have more pictures, so let's see them, please.

Monticello, Indiana looks like a beautiful place with the beautiful Tippecanoe River running through it. Am I correct on that river, Stan?

The Magni in post 21 belongs to Darren Twellman, aka "skyflea73".

[Chuck Irby]

Thanks a lot for the beautiful pictures, Stan. Great job!

[StanFoster]

Chuck: Glad you like the pictures. I am terrible about getting names correct. I had to keep looking at my name tag the last two days to see who I was.... :D

More pictures

[StanFoster]

Another close up shot of that Executive

[StanFoster]

for sale............flew nice

[StanFoster]

Ernies nice Dominators on display

[StanFoster]

more of ernies

[StanFoster]

Nice RAF...I asked his name....and my mind is still frying from last week. :eek:

[StanFoster]

Closer view.....very nice...and it flew just as nice.

[StanFoster]

I do remember that this one is mine.... :D

[StanFoster]

constant activity on 36

[StanFoster]

Steve touching down

[StanFoster]

Steve kept it hot

[StanFoster]

some pattern work

[StanFoster]

more pattern shots

[StanFoster]

another pattern shot

[StanFoster]

Another view of Gary Goldsberry's beautiful machine,

[StanFoster]

front view of Garys...

[StanFoster]

Greg Gremminger kept his beautiful Magni hot.

[StanFoster]

Jim Logan was in the air more than on the ground....

[StanFoster]

AAI SparrowHawks were looking good. They have the nicest people working for them,....

[StanFoster]

more of the exhibits

[StanFoster]

another flight line shot

[StanFoster]

another view of Ernie and Connie Boyettes nice display. Connie..thanks again so much for that air compressor you loaned me. Stan

[StanFoster]

Last shot of Mentone....flight line. Chuck....thats all I got.... :D

[Chuck Irby]

Wow! They were great, Stan. Thanks again. Connie is a sweetheart, isn't she? Hmmmm, makes me wonder how Ernie wound up with her. :D Just joking Ernie. However, it appears to all who've had dealings with her, that you really got a great gal in Connie.

[Aussie_Paul]

Thanks Stan for the pics. Now I know what Mentone is about.

Aussie Paul.:)

[Thumpernator]

Great Pics, Stan. Which two days were you there?

Man, Steve McGowan in a flight suit and without Big Black!! What is this world coming to? :)

[StanFoster]

I was there Friday and Saturday. I really enjoyed it and there was a gyro in the air most of the time.

[MMorgan]

Stan, do you know how many gyros were at the fly-in??? Just curious if it was more or less than were at BD's this year. I heard there were 58 registered at BD.

[StanFoster]

Mike: I dont know what the count was...but it will be posted in an upcoming PRA issue.

I would say that there were more there last year.

[Rando]

Ernie Boyette mentioned to me today that on the second day, a FAA representative started snooping around and some people didn't want to fly and others just packed up and left!

Randy Olson

[Heron]

Thanks Stan, beautiful!
Hey you did good on that trip back, uh?
FAA snoop around and people get afraid? We're on the same team . . .or not?
Heron

[GyroRon]

Looks like I missed out on a good time. Good pics Stan.

[StanFoster]

Randy: The FAA was there Friday and Saturday. I heard a few saying they werent going to fly. He was up on the tower video taping...for what...personal? infractions? who knows. I flew anyway..I have my medical and BFR current. I was readfy to show my airworthiness certificate...registration...operating limitations...etc. :)

Heron: I had a nice flight home. One thing seems funny to me though. We all like to fly our gyros...hows come we enjoy the short flights so much more because of a tailwind? I was home in 1.25 hours and loved it. Last year...it was a 4 hour flight. :eek:

Stan

[nsheryka]

Nice!!

hope to be there with my own machine next summer :)

[craigjackson]

The 2004 Annual PRA Convention was truly an international event. After arriving on Saturday around 12:30PM via Sycamore Gyroplane, I was greeted by two men from Sweden, one whom I had e-mailed prior to my Sycamore purchase as he owns one (a Sycamore) as well. Then, I had an opportunity to visit with four gentlemen from the Czech Republic http://www.baueravion.cz. And, lastly, a gentleman from Canada who is building Barnett with a homemade enclosure.

This being my first Convention which I was able to fly to, I can't say enough for the people who were there and the ones behind the scenes making it all happen. Outstanding convention to everyone who participated, attended and made it all happen! The gyro community might be small and insignificant in the big picture of general aviation, but there are some great individuals who we are very fortunate to have with us, sharing their part of the dream of flying gyros! :)

[rfonseca]

The price of these CZ Bauer gyros is excellent. Less than $10,000 without the engine and instruments! They look similar to the Magni Gyros. Any representative in the USA?

[craigjackson]

Ramón

One of the four guys, John Prusa, could speak english. He lives in West Virginia. It was my understanding that they would be importing them into the US via West Virginia. His email address is prusa@bcnetmail.org.

I'm not sure if they are to this point, however, you can contact him and ask.

[Whirlydog]

Stan, loved all the pictures, I noticed there is a litlle girl going head over heels for the AAI Sparrowhawk (#48). I thought that was cute.

As far as flight times, When ever you're on a trip wether flying, driving, motorcycling, boating, etc, meandering and spending as much time as possible doing what you enjoy most is always the best. But then when you want to go home, it is like your fun meter has been pegged and the shortest quickest way home is always the best. Glad that you enjoyed your trip.

Shawn

[StanFoster]

Shawn: Yea...it was kind of weird. I mean...I love flying my RAF cross country...yet like you said...its getting home that counts. I called from my cell phone and Barb could not believe how fast I got home.

Last year in my Air Command...I was bucking 30 plus headwinds and was only in the low thirties on my GPS. I got so tired of watching the same cow for half an hour. :D

Stan

[Chuck Irby]

Pretty good, Stan. It's a good thing that cow wasn't running in the same direction you were flying, huh? :D Been there, done that, and it ain't much fun flying into a strong head wind.

[Heron]

It is the pride of performance! I have this problem with been in between, are we there yet?
I am happy to see that 100 mph cruise gyros are becoming possible and will be the rule in near future.
Have gyro will travel . . .
Heron

[barnstorm2]

Stan,

Good to meet you in person at Mentone!

Congratulations on your second place in the spot landing contest!

[GyroRon]

Stan - insert drum roll here please - did you get to fly in a Sparrowhawk like you said you were going to? If so what did you think?

[KenSandyEggo]

Someone staying at one of the Mentone area motels sent me this photo of one of the gyroheads with his wife or girlfriend, but he didn't know who it was. Anyone know?

[Dean]

Stan...thanks for posting those pics. This was my first time to Mentone, and I kept forgetting to buy a little camera. I had a great time, and your pics reminded me of how great it really was.

[Harry_S.]

Hi Stan:

You outdid yourself...all of us thank you!!!


Cheers.

[PW_Plack]

Ken,

Didn't catch his real name, just heard his friends refer to him as "Lucky..."

[StanFoster]

Ron: I sat in one and it was roomy. I only stayed two days and wasnt able to get a ride. They were $50 bucks anyway...so I figured I could fly mine for four hours for that. :D

I also was going to check into fuel injection for mine...but I am so satisfied with the way its running and flying..I dont want to change a thing. I am super satisfied with my RAF....

Stan

[Pelt]

Ken, I bet that guy walking with the good looking chick is a millionaire!

Randy

[KenSandyEggo]

Actually, someone sent me the pic with the title, "How to spot a rich guy."

[woodsher]

Stan
The black,red and white Magni is Darren Twellman's . He recieved the longest traveled award at the banquet. He flew from Mo. with Greg Gremmenger. Not sure I spelled Gregs last name correct?
Also Stan It was a pleasure meeting you at mentone. Just to let you know who I am because I am a new member. I was the guy filling up the fuel cans most of the time.
"the big guy" as everyone called me.

[woodsher]

Also my wife took some great Pictures in flight when she went up with Darren Twellman. I will post them soon.