Who is building/flying an Aurora?

[Monarchist]

I don't really have a feel for how many Aurora machines are in the air/under construction...I know there are quite a few Monarchs and Emperors, and of course Doug's Super Sky Cycle.

But the Aurora is fairly new as an actual "model". When I bought the kit, the Aurora wasn't available, it was a Monarch and the Rotax 912 was an upgraded engine option. (Hence my moniker "Monarchist".)

-John

[Greg Mitchell]

G'Day John,

If the Blue Monarch does not sell this time around, I'll be morphing her again.

I like to phone Larry once or twice a month. Had great chat today. He tells me there's not a whole lot to change out on the Monarch. So I'm still waiting for the 912 to present for purchase and looking now at an upgrade rather than a complete scratch build.

I mentioned to Larry, Chris had his Monaster Monarch for sale. He told me it sold not surprised, it was a bargain. He mentioned the mods for that Butterfly and yours too. ATGFLG I have now will work apparently. Front end is the same, save for the larger instrument pod. Cut the keel and stepping it. Longer mast, Longer push rods. Add the Aurora MLS and get a set of DW's to suit.

I might just pull the Blue Monarch off the market and start the changes, in the hope that the engine comes along.

Stay in touch.

Cheers,

Mitch

[GyroDoug]

John,

I don't know exactly how many are out there flying or being built but from the ones I have seen I suspect there are at least half a dozen that are currently flying. We have one here in Utah. Mike Brownlee ownes one and is flying it. He was recently feeling some financial pressures and was considering selling it but after thinking about it he decided he couldn't bear to part with it so he is keeping it. Instead of selling it outright, he is looking for some partners, so he can get some financial relief but still keep it in the family. So if anyone leaves near enough to Utah that you would be interested in a piece of one, let me know. It is an incredible machine and flies great even at our higher altitude or with a heavier pilot.

[Monarchist]

Thanks Mitch and Doug,

Mitch, sounds like it'd be a relatively straightforward upgrade for you. And keep your eyes open for mid-high time 912's....they can be found. I watch Barnstormers all the time, you'll see them there and sometimes on Ebay. Ironically, though, the one I found was by googling craigslist.

Doug, that's good to know...hope he finds a partner. I've only been able to find a couple of pictures of his machine. Does he frequent RotaryForum? It'd be nice to connect with him.

-John

[scottessex]

John, Tim Verroi built one and seems to like it :) He does post here sometimes.
http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19282&highlight=tango+victor

[Monarchist]

Hi Scott, looks like his last post was quite a while back...and he's not on Facebook. I'll PM him.

Thanks!

[scottessex]

Last time I saw him was at Bensen Days 2011, he was flying it quite a bit.