Single vs Dual?

[Jazzenjohn]

I have a question about the relative performances of single place machines vs dual place machines that only have one person in them. How do they compare? With only one person in the dual I would assume that the power to weight is nearly the same. I watched the 1 guy flying the 2 place Dominator in the Russian video and wondered how it would compare to flying a single place Dom? Does it make a big difference whether it's a side by side 2 place with 1 person vs a tandem with only 1 in the front? What are the opinions?

[Doug Riley]

A 2-place flown solo will be a lively performer -- but it still weighs more than the 1-place because of the extra structure. Thus it won't be quite as quick in tight maneuvers, particularly if it's a tandem. A high-performance 1-place is more fun to fly than a 2-place solo, IMHO.

Flying any gyro is far more fun than going to work, however.

[Chuck Roberg]

I agree with Doug. I have a LOT more fun flying a single place than flying my 2-place solo. Plus the single place has a smaller engine and uses less fuel. So I'm having more fun for less money.

I would further suggest to anyone new to gyros. To get a single place. Don't even think of a 2-place till you get a couple of years and 100 hours of experience under your belt. A two place flys a lot different with a second person in it. You don't want to be tempted to take someone up for a "ride" unless you have enough experience first.

Enough of the soapbox. I hope you get my meaning. FLY SAFE.......

[Harry_S.]

I agree with Chuck, you can't beat experience...experience...experience. My opinion is that until you have at least 100 hrs. PIC, don't try to impress.

I would also like to interject here that I see nothing wrong with obtaining your experience in a 2 place gyro. There's no problem in flying solo in a 2 place, either tandem or side by side. When you do decide to start carrying a passenger, start by carrying some dead weight, in the other seat, for several hours, to accustom yourself to the gyros' reactions and performance.


Cheers :)

[Cobra Doc]

If you start with a two place, the dead weight in the other seat will be a sand bag or a CFI. I agree that no pilot with less than 100 hours should be carrying passengers unless the passenger is a flight instructor. Just because you have a rating doesn't mean you can't learn more.

[Cobra]

Why not a bigger gas tank instead of dead weight on the passenger side? It might even come in handy on solo cross country trips...

[Cobra Doc]

That would make it just another place I wouldn't be able to have a smoke. ;)

[Cobra]

Didn't anyone tell ya that smoking is dangerous???

[Cobra Doc]

I figure between skydiving, motorcycles, fast cars, fast women and rotorcraft, I have room to put a little danger in my life. ;)

[Harry_S.]

Cody, you sound a bit like me in my younger days. ;) :D

Live it up!!!


Cheers :)

[Vance]

I wonder how my instructor would feel about being called "dead weight"? Thank you, Vance

[Cobra Doc]

Harry: I lve to follow your footsteps!

Vance: My favorite CFI wears a "JAFO" cap. If your guy is anything like my guy, he would get a kick out it. Since between Bob and I, I have the most radio experience whenever we enter controlled airspace I usually tell him to wake-up and go back to sleep. :D

[Vance]

Well Cody, go ahead and ask the "Beast at Buckeye" how he feels about it. You are much closer than I. I think he was always too frightened to fall assleep. Thank you, Vance