Safety record for the Bee...

[KDOG]

I'm piggy backing this new thread after my insurance thread in general discussion. Someone made a statement to the effect that gyroplanes were as a whole, unsafe, but did mention that there is different safety numbers for different birds. I was under the impression the the Bee had a great safety record. Does anyone have any numbers? I'm still building my bee of course, it would just be interesting to see the data, and maybe we could discuss how to make things better for us gyro flyers.

[Brian Jackson]

Having met with and spoken to Ralph Taggart a few weeks back, it is our understanding that there has never been a serious accident in any GyroBee since the design was first introduced back in the early '90s. That's pretty impressive considering the large number of Bees that have been built and "bee-hours" flown. However, I do not know the safety records for other designs.

Brian Jackson

[gyroman]

I doubt you will find any numbers on accidents for ultralight gyros. The FAA doesnt keep records for ultralights and most people (if they have survived) are not going to admit to crashing a gyro...

However, I have been on this and Norm's conference for the last 8 years, matter of fact I found Ralph's gyrobee the very month he first put it on the net. I have never heard of a fatality with the 'Bee. A few gracious souls have come on the conference and educated us by telling us what "not to do" by telling how they had crashed their 'Bee during taxiing but no crashes from any altitude.

All reports on the stability and handling of the 'Bee have been very positive.

[KDOG]

Thats what I've read and heard. Thats good news. That will make my wifey, mom and dad feel better. I just hope I'm not the first one to eat it in a bee!! (Or in anything for that matter). Anyway, thats why I'm wondering why its so hard/expensive to get a gyro like the bee insured, considering its record.

[Jonvee]

It is hard to make a comparison based on model names. When it comes to Homebuilt aircraft each one has been customized by the builder. Just look at any gathering of Bees. No two are alike. Each has it's own tail group, engine/prop package, controls, rotorblades etc. Any one of these will alter the handling of the machine. I am sure the insurance companys take note of this when it comes to homebuilts.

[Doug Riley]

A few new pilots have rushed the learning process and rolled their Gyrobees. Some were so discouraged that they didn't rebuild. I heard of no more serious accidents than that during my several years of selling 'Bee kits. We sold parts for about 50 units.