Preparing for training?

[Jazzenjohn]

I just set some dates for training with Terry Eiland and wondered what everybody thought was helpful to them to prepare for initial training in a Gyro. I have very limited experience flying, a couple hours in a Quicksilver years ago, and about 200 jumps if thats any value at all (I'm used to a 4-1 glide ratio anyway). Suggestions??

[PW_Plack]

I wanted to train at a time when dual instruction was not available here in the Portland, OR area. I was encouraged by a couple of veteran gyro guys to get some tailwheel airplane training while I waited for gyro instruction to become available. It was cheap, $70/hr for an Aeronca Champ with fuel and instructor, and I feel it helped.

Such a decision should consider how long you have to wait before your training with Terry begins, and how much expensive dual gyro time you think it might cut from the process.

[GyroRon]

either do nothing or if you do want something to do and got a few extra bucks, go back and find another ultralight fixed wing instructor and take another hour or two of dual. Flying a gyro and a ultralight are very much alike other than the rotor management on the ground.

[Chuck Roberg]

If you don't have it yet. Purchase the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook. I find it costs less if you order it thru Amazon dot com. I think it's about $16 plus shipping.

I think it's pretty well written, and for the price ,it's a good deal.

[Jerseywing]

Read, read, read, The rotorcraft manual is a good place to start. You can download it from the FAA website. (don't print it I used 3 cartridges up printing it). It will get you the basic knowledge you need. The FAA website has a bunch of info.

Mike

[Chopper Reid]

Best value in my eyes is to read all you can about gyros and how to fly them !

[Brent_Brown]

Jazzenjohn if your jumps are in ramair them you know something about the gyro flair to landings . If your jumps are in round chutes just read about it until you can fly.

[Harry_S.]

John:

Read whatever you can on gyro flight. Don't fret about the training...Terry will bring you along with no sweat. Follow his instructions...and follow his restrictions, to the letter.

You'll do just fine. Being as you have made a number of jumps, you will enjoy the gyro landing, as was previously mentioned, because of the flare involved.

Have fun John, you'll enjoy it. Keep us posted. When is your training?


Cheers :)

[Jazzenjohn]

My initial training is for the end of January. I don't think I'll have time to find and fly with an ultralight pilot but I can play around on X-Plane. I've read the Gyroplane Flight Manual and I'm reading the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook. Joined the PRA and have bugged a few people over the phone with my endless questions. I found this 13 step list to get started in Gyros. What do you all think of it?
http://www.pra007.org/article01.html

[PW_Plack]

I've heard mixed sentiments about the heavy dose of low-level flight early on, especially if you've already taken dual instruction up to the point of being ready to solo. The Bensen syllabus was designed for non-pilots starting from zero.

I've observed a number of self-taught gyro pilots who seemed afraid of flying more than a few feet off the ground, and asked why this would be. I've been told it is difficult for some pilots to learn to judge their attitudes and keep horizon reference when they lose promimity to the ground, after concentrating many hours on crow hops or S-turns without a break to fly at altitude every so often.

Just my two cents - I have no experience to verify this.

[Rotornut]

John, You will Enjoy your training with Terry. Something to look forward to for the NewYear. MJ :)

[Jazzenjohn]

Yep, just 34 days, 15 hours, 19 min, and 49, 48, 47, ...

[banaari]

Ha! The countdown...
I'm booked in for a solid week starting on the 16th... an extra summer holiday, flying. 26 days...
:D :D

John

[landman]

I am booked with Vaneck from Jan 15 trrough Jan. 22. count...count..

Martin :D

[Harry_S.]

P.W. I tend to agree with your assessment of initial low level instruction.

Years back, in talking with Curtiss Patten, he told me that he starts a new student off with nothing but takeoffs and landings. Included in this would be rotor control and throttle control...which to me is most important to a new student . After 2-3 hrs. of T/Ls he would take them up to altitude for S/L and maneuvers.

I like this method and endorse it.


Cheers :)

[Harry_S.]

AAhhhh!!!

I feel so good in seeing you new student pilots so anxious to start training.


Cheers :)

[barnstorm2]

AAhhhh!!!

I feel so good in seeing you new student pilots so anxious to start training.


Cheers :)

I agree, very good to hear and uplifting!

However, I must admit on a selfish note, I am sooo glad I am now through it and have my private ticket. It's only a pause really though, you are always learning when you fly (or at least you better be!) and I hope to be a sport pilot instructor some day.

[Harry_S.]

I hope you make it Tim. ;) I'm sure you would make a good instructor.


Cheers :)