My Cyprus, Genesis G1sa experience

[Gyro_Kai]

Hello,

have I feel like a little boy who cannot speak fast enough to say all that needs to be said in the available time. (all pictures clickable)
I had a week of holiday to take before a hot project go-live and my wife couldn’t get time off, so I pondered, where I could go. As I had a lot of contact with Nicolas K. lately (Aviomania) I thought I give it a try.
What followed then blew my mind. Nico took time off and showed me the beautiful and history ridden country.
Mosque
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Church
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Cyprus, although having a Greek and a Turkish part, is an autonomous state nowadays. However, due to the exposed position in the middle of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where Europe and Arabia meet, it has a very lively history being occupied, attacked, freed by just about anyone around, from ancient times up to recently, in 1974 by Turkey.
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I went scuba-diving in reefs and wrecks, had fantastic meals, met Giorgos (Scandtours), who also invited me for a fantastic dinner (anyone short of 4 lbs? Want some?). The hospitality was breathtaking. I flew a glider with Nico for the first time in my life, but I can sense, you really want to know about other things. So let’s get down to the subject, you are waiting for...

[Gyro_Kai]

...
Aviomania is a great little production site, clean as a bell, tidy and well sorted. Several gyros were in the making or being serviced. What I really liked was the tremendous attention to detail. The brackets cut out of metal sheets (av-grade aluminium, of course) fall into two categories: structural and others. The parts supporting the structure and having an important functional role are (more expensively) water-cut, the rest laser cut. Even though the laser-cut-manufacturer claims no risk, this way it is guaranteed, that really no temperature effect can weaken the structure.

And then I met her:

The Grandmother.
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This first model of the Genesis still has some original Bensen parts and a 503 for power. It is the test-platform for new equipment and the source of fun and recreation after a hard day’s work for Giorgos and Nico. They both took turns in flying.
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and then it was me. The pre-rotator creates less RPM than I am used to, but in no time the blades spun up during the roll.
I was flying left and right, holding the attitude as I am used to.
Completely wrong!
The panel and windscreen is much lower and the wind much more direct in the face than in an MT03. I was flying at about 30-40 mph all the time!
This is how I flew at 28 mph, horizontal view.
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This should have been the correct attitude looking forward.
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...

[Gyro_Kai]

But boy, the stability was unbelievable. I let go of the stick and pumped the throttle from half to full several times.
And?
Nothing!
No yaw, no pitch change. Other gyros I know would have written “8”s into the sky with their nose. Simply amazing. You can fly curves and manoeuvres without the stick, simply by rudder and throttle. Nico must have found the perfect position for the empennage, eliminating all torque and P-factor.
The rudder is large and provides excellent authority in all situations.
There was a little bit of stick-shake, but that was due to me clipping an olive tree on my take-off roll (thanks Ernie for making them blades so sturdy).
Some views of the countryside and the runway (aka dirt road). The bushy tree on the car-side of the road will not be the same again, ever.
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My first landing was a little bouncy with 37 instead of 55 mph dropping in (I think I’ll write 3 landings into my logbook).
The radio wasn’t the best, so I got the corrective advice afterwards. On my second flight everything was perfect and I loved every second. No worries at all, the machine simply followed my intentions by itself. Despite gusting strong winds there was never a moment of uncertainty.

....

[Gyro_Kai]

On the next day, after meeting the Greek agent Apostolis, his son and friends, we first went to the beach (on a side note: Europeans, especially girls, invest very little in swimming gear and forget half of it at home).
As Cyprus has virtually no criminals, we simply left the machine waiting in the parking lot.
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In the afternoon we went flying again on the dried lake you have also seen in Nico’s and Giorgo’s videos.
Of course we used only professional equipment like this wind-sock
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As you can see, using the stick is optional.
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Some views from above and below

Me
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Mandatory tail shot
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just passing by
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[Gyro_Kai]

Even with the blade all the way down to the back, it does not touch the rudder, like some others do.

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So what can I say?
This is easily the best gyro I have ever set foot upon. All the fancy cabin and enclosure cannot win against a perfect technical design.

I congratulate Nico for this design. And also all those who have decided to build this gyro-kit: Rest assured, you chose a winner.

For all those, still considering… check this one before you decide.

Nico and Giorgo thank you for the greatest holiday!

If you made it this far, thanks for bearing with me,

Kai.

[Gyro_Kai]

There is a video here:

Aviomania Genesis G1sa gyroplane over Cyprus - YouTube (http://youtu.be/LdJLs_2X-Tw)

I am not a "natural" when it comes to piloting, I needed several hours to transition from MT to Calidus and my landings in a Xenon still leave a lot be desired. But this one flies itself.

At the end of video you see my 4th landing, which looked like my 3rd and 2nd pretty much.

Kai.

[StanFoster]

Kai- what a nce report on such a nice gyro! Beautiful pictures alsom. Nicolas has designed a superb gyro. I can't wait for the rest of Johns parts to arrive so I can have Johns flying this winter! Stan

[choppergabor]

Awesome video Kai :)

[dragonflyerthom]

Ok nice video. Question: is the HS braced on the vertical stab anywhere?

[C. Beaty]

This is the way all gyros would be if their designers possessed Nicolas’ competence.

CLT and horizontal stabilizer adjusted to balance propeller torque.

[willisbr]

Great story Kai! What a beautiful country. I wish I had the time and airfare to take on something similar. How far a trip for you? Thanks for taking the time to not only take pictures and video, but the great detailed writing. I'm evermore excited to continue my build and get rotors turning in the USA.

Nicolas, you had a video online a while back of the genesis flying over the beaches. Now it's gone. Any chance to get it back? Forget where it was but I remember looking it up and seeing it was a hotspot for tourism and techno clubs. Bucket list!

[Minnesota_Mike]

Thank You Kai for a great write up on your experience there...
(enjoyed the photos very much).

Every time I watch a video of the Genesis I get all giddy because it is such an excellent machine...I feel by far the nicest single place out there.

(It's gotta be a great thrill to fly the stunningly beautiful county side there..!)

M-M.

[GaryMac]

Great report, Kai. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

It is especially nice to hear a comparison between the Genesis and the MTO. I'm training in an MTO, and thought it was terrific as far as stability. It's nice to hear the Genesis is even better!!

[willisbr]

Thom I don't have the tail kit yet but I think the design calls for a "T" up from the keel. So there is aluminum square tube inside with brackets. There are no supports on the outside. A solid T going up.

[Resasi]

Nice to hear your impressions Kai.

Been watching this one from it's inception and Giorgos left his old gyro with Nicolas and it had a re-birth as a Genesis. It flew well and was impressively stable in the very early videos they put out.

I also have the feeling that it would be a robust gyro.

I have had the view for some time to having this machine out in Kenya after I have tried to sort out paperwork with the Kenya Aviation Authority ( KCAA). An ongoing process as they re-wrote the books a couple of years ago with some problems, and still with no legislation covering gyros. They do have gyros flying there, and know about them so a somewhat grey area.

[dragonflyerthom]

Thanks Brian

[helipaddy]

Nice one Kai.

[Gyro_Kai]

Brian, I believe the beach-video was pulled because it may be not ideal in terms of altitude etc. Someone might notice.

Leigh, I was closer to you than you may know. When you talked to Nico on the phone before the tunnel, I was sitting next to him :-)

Kai.

Kai.

[Redbaron]

CLT and horizontal stabilizer adjusted to balance propeller torque.

You can clearly see the right half of the stab set at a higher incidence than the left in the first picture. Wonder how they determined the proper "incidence differential"?

haven't heard of any incidents/accidents of torque over. The little wing uses the same concept.

Sounds like one sweet bird!

[willisbr]

Can better see the offset from the rear.

[C. Beaty]

Ron Herron (LW) used to talk about tying the tail to a tree with the mains on bathroom scales and adjusting tailplane differential for equal readings with the throttle run up and down.

But even without doing that, by guess and by gosh flight tests should home in on it pretty quickly. Blip the throttle and if it rolls, you've got a problem that needs to be addressed.

[Redbaron]

But even without doing that, by guess and by gosh flight tests should home in on it pretty quickly. Blip the throttle and if it rolls, you've got a problem that needs to be addressed.

haven't really noticed a problem but maybe there is some subconscious stick movement. Does the beaty gyro have a torque roll effect with throttle changes?

Nice picture brian that really shows the offset. :cool:

[C. Beaty]

There isn’t much torque or torque roll with the smaller engines, Red. You really begin to notice with a 582.

[Redbaron]

thanks chuck! :bored:

There isn’t much torque or torque roll with the smaller engines, Red. You really begin to notice with a 582.

[Aviomania]

Kai, You are welcome to come again any time. We had grate time as well and are privileged to have met you in person.

Thank you for your kind words..... we Just like to Experiment, fly, have fun and share it with others.

[ckurz7000]

Good report, Kai, that makes me want to get my hands on a Genesis as well. Maybe I get the chance one day...

-- Chris.

[Resasi]

Well Kai then you were close.

And therein lies a tale Kai. Of expectation, circumstance, unfortunate luck and patience. I found Nicolas and his creations on the Forum at the time he had begun development of that super light prerotator. Stu and I were looking at ultralight, pounds and performance. Ernie's Rotorhead and Dragonwings appealed and that meant prerotator and this seemed just what was needed.

Nicolas gave us a good deal, we accepted that it was a new concept, and a prototype so some risks. The Hornet irself was new, only Roy Freebergs had flown, so I guess that we were chancing in that direction too.

Distance played a larger part in the story, I live mainly in the UK and my son in Orlando with, at that time, a good job, discretion over his time and still used to no kids, just one on the way.

Well we got the machine built and registered by the second Bensen Days and began to fly off the 40 hrs at Zephyrhills. Still not quite sure why the prerotator burned out the first time, I was used to not having a prerotator, done all my single seat training without one, had flown DW's, knew they were light and slowed down quick, and was quite happy nursing them along, keeping airflow coming up through them without much use of the prerotator. For me it was for initial prerotation to be able to taxii and for take off and I babied it.

Sent it back to Nicolas in Cyprus. He was very good, fixed it and sent it back. In the meantime I had to go back to UK.

Came over for third bensen days, fitted the prerotator back on. and managed to get some more hours but then lost it again. This time however John was the agent and there was a back-up in the US, so no shipping, delays and customs that were not co-operating. It was sent and received. Few glitches, fittings and mounting holes different, and some changes were required. New and unknown connectors. Searched but never found them, at least not while I was over. And unfortunately then, even when it was all connected, something else appeared to be giving a problem. Nicolas thought possibly the rheostat, did not manage to fix in the remaining time I was over.

Son changed jobs, moved to Tampa, has a new baby, and presently juggles work full time schedule with his wife who works with United as a flight attendent, in order that someone is home with the kids. He has no time at all. Coming over again, so began trying to line up all the ducks before getting over here so I had set aside time to try and trouble shoot, fix, then hopefully fly.

The rheosat we thought might be the problems, got lost in the post. The possible replacement parts that could replace that were back order items and temorarily unavailable, and my time slot finaly closed. I guess it doesn't help that I am dangerous with a screwdriver, and mentaly deficient when it comes to mechainical and electrical endevours.

Geography, time, and circumstance has meant dissapointment and delay. Good people have been willing, but things happen, and at some stage I hope we can all get it together. In the meantime I practice patience.

As for 'two weeks'...! I wish. When you get to two years and counting, you know its patience, or just give up, and we know that isn't an option. We will get it all together and working at some stage.

[WHY]

Hi Leigh

Hang tight Leigh, wish 2 years was all I had involved. Got 15 years on the drawing board, presently 3 years under design and construction and hate to try and guess on a dead line, but it has been worth every minute, I enjoy the building as much as flying.

Tony

[Aviomania]

Leigh The lesson from this is that all technical maters have to be taken up directly with me. Parts to be send directly by my untill we see how we will handle USA!!!

As you said.. there is a COMPLETE system in the USA that should have reached you in mater of days.

I have to work on this harder and arrange for more efficiency in USA. The USA agency is there for faster USA service and info... so we will need to work on that!!!!

MEAN WILE....... ALL inquiries address them to me directly.... i could have sent you a rheostat in the UK before you go over!!!

another think that surprises me.......

ALL the links i have given you with all the parts in USA did not supplied you with all you needed?

[Resasi]

Nicolas, you are right. There was a complete system over here, and yes it should have reached me before I arrived over here, as we all intended.

Why send a rheostat from Cyprus, to me in UK before I left, when we both knew there was one here?

No I did not manage to order the parts from the links you sent, they were on back order and not available, and the time I had put aside to work on and fly the gyro had gone.

As I explained there have been many factors on this problem, no bad will, no intentional delays, just busy people, delays with customs, lost mail and circumstances.

Am I upset wth you? No.
Am I upset with John? No
Am I frustrated. Yes...but since I too have been part of the problem I am simply being patient and at some stage will get it back in the air.

[Aviomania]

Leigh we will need to sort this out.... so lets try and we will find the solution.

As i told you... it might just be your connections!!! email me the info i asked and i will let you know what to do.

[Aviomania]

Great story Kai! What a beautiful country. I wish I had the time and airfare to take on something similar. How far a trip for you? Thanks for taking the time to not only take pictures and video, but the great detailed writing. I'm evermore excited to continue my build and get rotors turning in the USA.

Nicolas, you had a video online a while back of the genesis flying over the beaches. Now it's gone. Any chance to get it back? Forget where it was but I remember looking it up and seeing it was a hotspot for tourism and techno clubs. Bucket list!

Good report, Kai, that makes me want to get my hands on a Genesis as well. Maybe I get the chance one day...

-- Chris.


Brian.... the video I will need to re- upload it.... but not under my account ;o) I will let you know when it will be up.

Brian, Chris..... you are welcome!!!! we will need plenty of advance notice to be ready for your visit!!!!! Also we could recommend dates that will be best for holidays here.

Another option is .. any weekend in Greece. There is a proper airfield and 2 or 3 Genesis there to try!!!!

[All_In]

Truly a great vacation, wish I was there too.

Very cool and thank you for the report.
I cannot wait to visit and do some sailing too.

@My buddy Leigh,
Gee's I'm so sorry.
This is the 1st time I've mailed anything that got lost and NEVER deliver.
The Post Office claims there tracking shows the rheostat was delivered to Stu at the same address the prerotator was sent.
I did have it in the mail by next day unfortunately it is the only one I had.

Sorry about that I sure tried hard to get it to you next day.
Bummer!!!

[All_In]

PS:
So she is Sexy and Stable, wish I could find more women like that!!!!

He he he he...

[Aviomania]

John, Glad you are back!!!

sorry to hear about all that you've gone through.

[GyroRon]

Am I the only one who is more interested in these euro chicks at the beach than the gyro? Kai, feel free to email me any of those pictures! sawad13@msn.com

[Gyro_Kai]

Haha Ron,

for the postage please email your credit card details to my Nigerian business partner :).
Actually I didn't take photos, a gentleman enjoys and keeps a secret.

Kai.

[Resasi]

Hi John, yes sorry it never showed up, but these things happen. Just hoping it may find it's way back to you.

I'll give Nikolas notice of the next visit and we'll try and get everything lined up well in advance. I tried this time but hey things were happening none of us anticipated, and it sounded as though you really had your hands full.

Just got back from two really great days of flying up at Rissington. The Bensen with the 23' Rotordynes handles quite differently. Had a bunch of the gyro gang together and for a change some lovely weather. I'll try and get the vids processed.