Which used one to buy?

[GyroPaul]

I'm in the process of building a gyro but I want to start learning to fly while I'm building. I'm hoping to buy a good used gyro. I've found two different Dominators. One is the Ultrawhite with a 503 the other is the Single-Place with a 582. They both sound like good machines but there is a big dollar difference between the two. I'm looking for pro's or con's on either of these models. I'm new to gyro's but already have my fixed wing and helicopter rating. From what I read out here on the forum I don't really need to say this but "Feel free to share your opinions." And no, I will not be teaching myself how to fly.
Thanks
Paul

[Timchick]

Paul, Welcome. How much do you weigh and how far above sea level are you? The 503 may give you acceptable performance. There are a couple Dominator owners who started out with 503's and after a couple years of flying they decided to upgrade to 582's for better performance.

PS. What do you plan on building?

[GyroPaul]

I weigh in around 210 and airport is about 1000 asl.

I'm building a Little Wing (LW5). It's coming together pretty good I'm just slow with the firewall forward part of my build.
I understand a pusher and a tractor will be different but there just aren't many used tractor gyros out there.

[GyroRon]

The gyro is basically the same between a 503 and a 582 version. There is obviously difference in the engine, and usually the pre rotator is different for the 582 version, along with the addition of a pod on most 582 versions. But the frame and basic structure is the same.

I would get which ever one you feel is the best value for you. The ultrawhite type gyro can always be made into a 582. And some people prefer the lighter feel and manuverability of the lighter 503 version. One of the most fun dominators to fly is a 503 Ultrawhite type gyro, but with the 503 exchanged for a 582. Light open and powerful.

[Timchick]

Another thing to consider is the flying weather where you live in MN. If the 582 model has the front nose with the windshield it would make flying in cooler weather a lot more comfortable.

[GyroPaul]

Sounds like either model would work for me. The stronger engine and windscreen pushes me towards the 582 but the price difference makes the Ultra white look pretty good. I was hoping there would be something to make the decision easier. Even picking the one for sale that is closest distance from me doesn't help since all three are over 1100 miles away. Guess I'll be doing a road trip to buy. I better make up my mind quick before the gas prices go up for the summer.

Thanks guys.

[MrGrey]

Paul,

No matter which machine you intend to purchase you will not be disappointed. Ernies machines are unrivaled and are just amazing to fly. I have flown 503 ultrawhiltes, 582 ultrawhites, 582 podded dominators, 912 superwhites, tandem ultrawhites and you can't go wrong with any of them. Each machine has its unique characteristics and are all just as fun as the next.

I flew Ernies 503 and it was so nimble, the 582 is very powerful and I took 2nd place at Mentones time to climb with it. (GO TEAM BISER!) The 912 is one hell of a cruising machine and extremely fast. My 618 Tandem was just the cats meow... and now I can't wait to finish my 72" propped 618 ultrawhite. You will never regret your purchase and the performance you will have will be the envy of all at flyins.

[GyroPaul]

:whoo:
I'll be the envy of the Chapter 17 guys now. I made an offer on the 582 and I'll be picking it up this weekend. Now I need to save enough money to pay the sales tax, insurance, and then head out for some training. I'm pumped up to fly now, but temporarily out of funds. The sooner I sell my biplane the quicker I can get in the air with new machine.

[edypaul]

You should take someone with you that knows gyros. Preferably someone who knows Dominator's. There is a difference between a factory built and a plans built Dom. The factory built dom is worth more in my opinion.

[Timchick]

Congratulations. Hope it works out OK and Ed has a good suggestion as far as taking someone experienced with you to check it out.

[MikeBoyette]

If it's the one that was on Barnstormer's it's factory built.