Good Day at Training

[Screw]

With the knowledge that Steve McGowan will soon be packing his bags for Arizona, I have gone into "Gyro Mode."

Called Steve Yesturday and after some rearranging on both our parts, I reported to Herbert Smart (KMAC) at 10:00hrs.

With me: One box with Pre-Rotator & rotor Brake. One Rubber Glove (never know), One Log Book, 2 packs of smokes (never know), and cell phone.

Winds were 7-15 knots gusting...from the NW to N. sunny and Cool.

We worked on the gyro for about three hours installing the head, pre-rotator, rotor brake. We have to call Dick @ Wonderlinch??? and give him the measurements for the flexable shaft, and see about iether a thicker drum, or extended wheel shaft. As is, the drive wheel is about 1/4 inch away from the drive drum. They need to be lined up one on top of the other.

Other than that, she is ready to fly!!! But Steve and I still have some work to do, so we went into the wind..."Training Style" and did some touch and goes, X-wind take offs and landings. Also did quite a few simulated engine-outs at various altitudes and positions and land on anything that was flat. Prefered the Runway or Taxi way but the grass did in a pinch. Did I mention gusting winds!!!

Had alot of fun, and although the wind was just as bad as last time, I didn't seem to have the same problems and felt alot more comfortable and in control. Logged 1.1 hrs today for a total of 5.1 to date as a Gyronaut!!!!

Hey Phil! Where were you?

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

I was at work, some of us have to do that to eat you know. Or maybe you don't.

Wish I had been there, I work in Mid-town Atlanta and don't get out until 4:00. This time of year I can't make it to Macon before dark.

If it's not going to rain this weekend are you going back?

Phil

[Screw]

I'm afraid not Phil. I have family coming to town this weekend. Maybe one day next week. Don't know yet.

Did you see first hand the Atlanta Welcome for our President. How embarassing. I think politacle opions are best voiced at the polls. When the Commander and Chief comes to town, weather you vote for them or not, they should always be welcomed, not harrassed for making the tuff decisions.... ok enough of that.

I'll have you know I do work for a living!!! I just try not to live for working ;D

Hope to see ya soon.

John-

[scottessex]

YOU DOG! I can't believe you went for training with out me!! I am going to try to get down there next week. Hopefully the gyro will be all ironed out by then, then I just need to paint it and continue my training. Rick is NOT training me as he is not a CFI. He is just a test pilot, and helping me get the gyro trimmed out. I hope steve doesn't get the idea that I switched trainers.

And John, I still may need to talk to you about some cars, I've had lots of calls but nobody ever shows up to buy.

[Screw]

Welcome to the "Car Bizz!" Scott ;D

I'm gonna try to get back down there Tuesday or Wednesday. Hated not having you there, It definately wasn't the same. Let me know what day you can come, and we will set it up with Steve.

John-

[scottessex]

I should be off Wed, As far as I know.
See pics of the beast under "bensen style machines" on this board.

[Screw]

I'm shooting for Tuesday....If I'm lucky I might be able to do both Tuesday and Wednesday.

John-

[Screw]

Well,

Tuesday and Wednesday is out....Talked to Steve earlier, and not only is he's at work today till three, but it is cold!!! We are gonna woit untill it warms up a bit, but all is going well.

John-

[scottessex]

Hopefully next week!!!! Might try to drag another guy down there and get him bit by the gyro bug. ;D

Got any 1987-93 mustangs on your lot?? My son is looking, he just sold his camaro, he has cash.

[Screw]

Another Training Day!!!!

Thursday, 1-23-04, I reported to Herbert Smart (KMAC) as instructed by Steve at 1530hours. Temperature in the high 40s low 50s. Wind about 280 7-12knts and gusting. ;D

High winds have been following me for some reason, but hey....Not everyday is going to calm and perfect. Per my wife's instructions, I jumped into my flight suit (Christmas Present) and was ready for more "Gyro Training McGowan Style!!!"

First Take off was deliberate cross wind on 33. Man talk about flying the rotors!!! If you've ever seen a cub up on one wheel, you'll know what this take off was like. I balanced on the right main for probably 75-100 feet before Steve would allow me to give enough power for take off.

Once off, we flew around the fence having fun. Climbing out nicely into the wind and approaching 90mph on the downwind. Practiced some nose up attitude recovery, into nose up attitude power off emergency procedures. I must be getting a little better, I didn't feel Steve back there on the stick or pedals and I was nailing the taxiways. Did I mention the high winds? I was having so much fun, I forgot Steve was even back there. I can't wait for a calm day.

There was nothing better than ending the day with the sunset. Logged and additional 1.0 hours for a running total of 6.1 hours gyro training.

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

Well, Well, Well...... sounds like you had a blast down in McGowen country today. If your ever going back down on a weekend be sure and let me know. Still would like to meet you and Scott. And maybe get in a little flying myself.

Scott, it doesn't take much to get someone bitten by the gyro bug if they like flying with big thrills. When I talk to people about gyros I tell them it's like riding a motor bike in the sky. And if they like bikes and flying they will love gyros. And if you can ever get someone to strap up in the seat it's all over for them,,,,, their bitten.

[Aussie_Paul]

Nicely said Phil, never a truer word spoken. Aussie Paul.

[GyroRon]

Except some are just not comfortable with a stick that is shaking and pounding all over in their hands.

[Screw]

Ron,

You like a stick shaking and pounding in your hands don't you? ;D

John-

[scottessex]

I am going to try my damnedest to get down there this week, I gotta get the kids mustang out of the garage and bring my gyro home from covington.

[GyroRon]

John the short answer is No.

[scottessex]

Geeze, I don't know what all that "stick shaking" is about,

But I talked to Steve McGowan, and he has taken a job as a CFI for AAI out in Arizona. But, he said he want's to stay around long enough to get all his current students soloed.
So I guess it is crunch time, I'll be there every nice day we have till I get it done!

[Screw]

Scott,

Just havin a little fun with the stick shaking ;D As expected, Ron was real short!!!!! With his answer ;D

I'm with you! Every flyable day, I'll be there!!!

John-

[GyroRon]

John, hurry up and learn to fly.

[Screw]

I'm hurrying! If Mother Nature would play nice, I'd be done by now! I'm itching so bad, I can hardly stand it.

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

You know they make a cream that would help with the itching. ;D

[Chuck Irby]

Phil, I don't know if that cream will help with the itch John has or not. That can be pretty bad itch.

Phil, did you get my clip? If so, it'll probably get you to itching yourself, to get your 618 in the air. What engine are you replacing with the 618?

[Phil_Ruffin]

I did get the clip, sent you an email just now.

I had a Rotax 503 on it and I sold it to a fellow out in Calif.

[Chuck Irby]

Phil, I think you'll really like the 618. I still haven't received your email.

[Screw]

Hey Phil,

I'm going to Herbert Smart Tomarrow (Saturday) for more training "McGowan Style!" I don't know what time I'll get there exactly. I'm meeting a wholeseller in Gainesville @ 10am...When I get done with him, I'll be on my way. I'll be driving a 1973 Ford Ranchero, and you guessed it, It's orange 8). Like my gyro, you'll hear long before you see it ;D

Hopefully, I'll get there around 2:00-2:30.

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

I'm there! I'll be there at 2:00. Do you know if Scott is going to be there also?

Or maybe I'll just ask him......Scott are you going to be there also?

[ToddP]

John,

Whats going on with the KB? Is it ready to go? Is Steve going to test fly it for you when its ready to go? I was watching Dan Donley's tapes again this morning. The KB's really perform.

[Screw]

I don't know about Scott, but I'll ask.

Hey Scott!!! Are you gonna be there?

John-

[Screw]

Hey Todd,

Steve told me that all of the pre-rotator stuff is in, so it's just a matter of installation and "DaScrew-Driver" should be ready to go. Yes, Steve is gonna test fly, work out the bugs, and transition me into it.

I don't know about the performance of "DaScrew-Driver." 65hp 1835cc VW, 8 gal seat tank, and I'm a light 210-215 depending on what I've eaten that day. I don't think I gonna the performance of what you saw on the tapes.

I'm hoping, but just don't know.

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

McGowan Country, Here we come!

[scottessex]

I hope I didn't miss you guys. I called Steve and he said it was going to be cold. Said I would freeze my butt off. So I Went and picked up the kid's new car he bought. I had to drive about 200 miles and tow it with a tow dolly, now he can get to work on it.
I did get a ride in an RV-6, Sure was a sweet ride, 200mph over the runway, and then a quick pull up to about 1000 ft. Climbed like a monkey with his tail on fire!
I have my gyro ready to haul down to Macon.
John, is there an empty spot in the hangar, next to yours??

[Screw]

I'm sure he'd make room. It was cold and we didn't fly. We worked on my gyro all day. I forgot to bring the bolts to the blades and hub bar :-

Had it not been for that, I think we would have flown it yesturday.

John-

[scottessex]

Sounds good. I hate to have my ugly gyro in Steve's hangar with all those other good looking ones. ;D

[Screw]

If you park it next to mine, our gyros will look like the "Adverage Joe" next to the "Hunks" in the ellimination rounds ;D

John-

[Screw]

Hey Scott,

Although we didn't fly, we did get the pre-rotator installed and made sure it worked and didn't interfer with anything. Stick full forward to engage the rotorbrake, you can't do a right cyclic because of the flexable shaft.

We also ran the engine and steve taxied it around for a while. Motor sounds great and feels like it has plent of push. Won't know until we get her airborn. Hopefully that will happen soon. I've already placed all bolts and gear in my Durango, and maybe I can get back down there this week.

John-

[scottessex]

Mine is ready to go, I have it in the garage, and can be on the trailer in about 30 min. I hope to get a lesson this week even if I don't get the gyro down there till this weekend. i am still making changes, I have a seat tank coming and I will be changing the engine after awhile, so I will have to re-hang test and all before I paint it. But I am not changing a thing right now, It flys, and will do all my ground training and soloing. It just is not very fast, or so Rick says. It is just UGLY !! nothin' a little paint can't fix. Hope to see you this week.

[Screw]

Well,

Went to Uncle Steve again today. Showed up about 1530hours as instructed. Went spent today trying to get "DaScre-Driver" ready for flight. Within an hour we thought we were there. After a brief call to "Thumpy-Wan, we had the prop torqued to proper values. Got the blades together and on the machine. Checked everything twice.

We knew of one possible problem with the installation of the pre-rotator. The flex shaft would not allow us to have right cyclic control when the cyclic (stick) was in the full back position.

Steve and I choose to warm the engine and make sure that all was well. Noticed I couldn't get any any pressure in the fuel bulb. After inspecting the fuel bulb (Aircraft Spruce), it appeared the the fuel was eating it way and had several points of leakage. Then, we noticed we were losing fuel at the fuel filter! The petcock was located above all of this and had to quickly find a pair of vice grips to clamp the fuel line under the seat tank. The fule filter was loose, so we tighten it. We bypassed the fuel bulb all together, and after getting all cleaned up and alot of chocking, "Da-Screw-Driver," once again, came to life. 8)

Steve couldn't resist. He got suited up while "DaScrew-Driver" was warming. Mounted up and began to taxi out to the runway. I thought to myself, "Could this be the day?" I better grab my camera. As Steve began spinning the blades, I started taking pictures untill got too far away. After a turnaround to runway 23, I could hear the vw engine comming on and I could see the blades spinning. I could help but think to myself, "Fly big D, Fly!" (Hunt for Red October) I don't know why I have flashbacks to movies when the situtation fits. Anyway, the engine, full power for a second, then ldle, full power for a while then idle. I could'nt see well enough for pictures. By the time Steve Did get close enough for pictures all wheels, but the nosewheel, were still on the ground. He motioned back to the hanger.

Upon return and shut down, Steve said, "We have to send the pre-rotator back. The pre-rotator isn't dis-engaging completely, and the flex shaft is binding when the cyclic is in the rear position. Other than that, she felt good! Got her up on the tailwheel a couple of times, but didn't wat to get totaly airborn with pre-rotator still engaged."

So, Steve is sending the flex shaft back to Wonderlinche, and I have to get another fuel bulb and petcock. Steve is going to FL. Saturday or Sunday for a week, so it'll at least be that long before we can try again.

John-

[ToddP]

John,

Its frustrating, but your patience will pay off. You don't want to cut any corners. Its gonna be a great machine!

[scottessex]

Yeah I was all giddy with excitement when I saw rick flying down the runway,
We made some adjustments and I had to shorten the control rods a little. The next time he flew it, he started gaining altitude, so I grabbed my video camera and started filming, he got overhead and made a turn, then started flying back toward the end of the runway, then it all went silent! All my excitement became fear!
Rick just pointed it toward the taxiway and set it down nice and easy. It didn't scare him at all, he was worried that the engine had seized up.
Well I need to call Steve and see what's up this weekend, as I have made plans to be down there. Later

[Screw]

Well,

I got a fuel shut off, and new fuel bulb today from the local hardware store.

I'm really perplexed about the pre-rotator though. The end of the flex shaft that's giving us trouble is at the head. It is mounted at the rear and offset to the right just a little bit. So much to the point that at full rear cyclic, you can't give any right input because the shaft jams itself right up against the mast. What is the cure? It's not like I have a newly designed machine, nor are pre-rotators new to it. Steve mentioned it should have been side mounted, but this set up was sent to me by Brock MFG and wonderlinche. And no, Brock MFG doesn't offer any other set up. We are in high hopes that a shorted flex shaft will keep the bow away from the mast, but this will likely create more stress on the flex shaft at the bow or the small shaft at the drive wheel. Either way, more stress may cause damage to iether. If I have to replace the flex shaft every so often, that's ok, but if it breaks the little shaft at the drive wheel, it's likely to go into the prop. Iether way, it's a pain in the *ss.

Scott,

It looks like Saturday will be Partly cloudy and WINDY. Sunday looks ok, but Steve is planning a road trip this weekend for a week.

John-

[scottessex]

Well I am leaving to take my gyro down to Macon as soon as I get this message posted.
I don't know if I will get a lesson or not today. i am going to try Sat if it looks good, and right, Steve will be in florida for a week.
I will take a look at the prerotator when I get there, It is probably identical to mine.

[ToddP]

John,

It sounds like I had the same problem with my pre-rotator. Dick Wunderlich makes an offset bracket that will move your bendix unit off to one side. It take a little work to drill holes and mount it, but it gets it out of the way. I'll dig around and see if I have any pictures.

Todd

[ToddP]

Regardless, call Dick, he is really great and has seen just about all the problems. He should be able to get you fixed up in short order.

Todd

[Screw]

Thanks guys.

John-

[scottessex]

Went down to McGowan country yesterday, we got the gyro unloaded and assembled the blades and strung them. Then we went for 30 min of training in windless cool evening conditions.
we did lots of high speed taxiing balancing on mainwheels and such.
A good day, short but good.
We'll see what this weekend looks like. ;D


Oh yeah, John Steve had your prerotator drive off, It is identical to mine, but my rotorhead sits back further than yours, so it doesn't hit. It used to before we hang tested it, and had to move it.

[Screw]

Cool. We hangtested mine prior to the prerotator installation, and balanced great. I guess we need to re-hangtest.

John-

[scottessex]

I,m sure your hang test was good, So I guess you need a different bracket. Mine hung tail heavy, so I was able to move the head back about 1/2". I need to figure out how to make a rotor brake.

[Screw]

Scott,

Did you park yours next to mine, or did you carry it home?

John-

[scottessex]

It's still down there, I filled out all the paperwork so they can charge me rent. It is parked right behind Steve's. Right in front of Larry's Barnett, big yellow.
Steve said he would be there sat if the weather was good and we wanted to fly.

[Screw]

cool. Later.

john-

[scottessex]

Get back to work!!! :D :D

[scottessex]

I am going to call Steve tonight and see about setting something up for tomorrow and Thursday. The rest of the week is going to suck as far as weather goes, but warm rain is better than cold rain. But all rain is bad for training! ;D

[scottessex]

I had a great day for flying yesterday. I was able to get in 1.3 hrs. Steve had me fly with my eyes closed, I didn't even know we left the runway until he said "right turn" WOW!
I am heading down there again today around 3:00. supposed to be warmer today, but more wind I am sure.

[scottessex]

Where have you guys been, John and Phil????
I got in another hour+ on Thursday. Next time I go I might even taxi my gyro around! ;D
Let me know when you all are headed down there.

[Screw]

Hey Scott,

Been Buzy with the dealership. My one and only employee is no more and I'm doing all myself. I did talk with Steve last night and he told me you two were planning to get together today and Wednesday. I was gonna try to get out there today, but I'm unable. I'm shooting for Wednesday, but who knows. Hope the weather is good.

Good luck in your training, see ya soon.

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

The way it look now it's going to be after Thurs. before you will have any desent weather. I can only make it down on weekends. If you go on Saturday let me know.

[Screw]

We'll do.

John-

[scottessex]

Looks like Sat will be the day.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Scott, Any idea of a time you will be down there?

[Screw]

I agree Scott,

It looks like Saturday or Sunday will be the day. As of this point, I cannot committ to iether day. I will keep yall posted.

John-

[scottessex]

Right now, I am planning on being down there early, around 9:00 or so, and I will wait for it to warm up if I need to.

But I figured if I get there early, I could taxi mine around before it gets to windy. I will keep you posted and if there is any changes later in the week.

[Screw]

It looks like I may be able to make it down Saturday. Is that the both you and Phil are going?

John-

[Phil_Ruffin]

John, Sat. is the only day I can make it this weekend. So if it's Sat. that you do go, let me know. You dudes pick the time and I'll show up.

[scottessex]

I'll be there Saturday, Who's buying lunch!? ;)

[Phil_Ruffin]

I thinking it's John's turn. ;D

[Screw]

Why do I gotta buy lunch? I don't know about you Scott, but I'm snowed in, and tomarrow looks like we'll be iced in. This doesn't give Saturday much time to get cleaned up and nice. If possible, I plan to be there around 8:00-9:00am.

I thought I'd wake Steve up. I'm so pumped!!!

John-

[scottessex]

Why do you gotta buy lunch? It just seemed like a good idea that's all. ;D I'll be there early, so we can sit around and drink coffe until it warms up. I am planning on spending the day there.

[Phil_Ruffin]

So John's buying lunch and lunch is around noon, then I will show up around 11:30 or so. :o ;D ::) :P

[Phil_Ruffin]

It was a good day down in McGowan land today. The weather was right and I think I got some good photos I will post tomorrow of John and Scott doing some taxi work.

Scott, it was good to finally meet you. John, as always a pleasure, even though I bought my on lunch. ;D
Smile man, Just giving you a hard time. Both you dudes are fine fellows. Hope your solo flights comes soon. Later, Phil

[scottessex]

Enjoyed it Phil, I am going to try to be back tomorrow. I just wish I could find out whats wrong with that stinkin' engine!

Did your son enjoy his ride?

[Phil_Ruffin]

He loved it. I've been trying to get him to take one for a while. He just wasn't sure about trusting his life to the Jesus bolt. But he said once he left the ground he never thought about it.

I hope to one day get him flying and in his own gyro.

[ToddP]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure Todd Day told me the shear strength of the "Jesus Bolt" is 18,000 lbs. Its funny, after hearing that, I've never even gave it another thought. Right or Wrong, as long as I believe it I'm comfortable! :D

[Phil_Ruffin]

Here are some photos from Saturday's play time.

The first one is (left to right) Myself, John in gyro, and Scott.
John is getting ready to do some taxi work.

The second is Scott and his gyro.

The third is my son leaving for his first gyro flight.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Sorry forgot to post the photo.......Duh!!!!

[Phil_Ruffin]

These photos are too far away but I will share anyway.

First is Scott doing taxi work

Second is John doing taxi work

Third is my son on his first flight

[Phil_Ruffin]

Hanging out.

Left to Right - Stephen (my son), George?, John Stephens, Dan Leslie

By the way, that's not a beer in John's hand. He wouldn't drink beer and play on a Gyro. I think it's Jack Daniels........

[GyroRon]

You guys are having too much fun!

Look I need a favor, I lost Steves phone number and I don't have Dan Leslies either. Could one of you guys please try to Contact both of them and see if both or either would be interested in Coming to our Goose Creek Fly in on March 27th and 28th? I need to get someone here with a two place gyro that can offer intro rides and dual instruction. I have two or three people so far that want as much dual as they can get in those two days and several more wanting intro rides. Tell Steve and Dan that they can stay here at my place for free and they will make plenty of money for their time.

I also trying to get Maxie Wildes to come but he may be tied up that weekend and also is having some engine trouble too.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Ron, I will email you Steve's cell # and Dan's if I can lay my hands on it.

Found both #'s, just sent you an email.

Phil

[GyroRon]

Thanks Phil. Left them both messages

[Screw]

Ron,

I have'nt gotten your message, What's up?

John-

[Screw]

Man oh man,

Attended the University of McGowan this weekend and had a blast! The first blast was from Steve himself when I rattled his cage at 0800 hrs Saturday Morning. I think I pissed Boo off too. ;D

Pulled "Da Screw-Driver out of the hanger and warmed the engine up. Everybody and their brother showed up. Had a physical therapist come in from Mobile Alabama. George from Kentucky, Scott Essex, myself, Phil Rufin, Dan Lesley, and a few airport bums.

After "Da-Screw-Driver" warmed up Steve wanted to show me it could fly.

Oh my God!!! That little bugger was quick and Steve put on a show. I have to admitt, that VW sounds good! I don't what anybody says bad about a vw. If it was too heavy, you certainly couldn't tell by the way Steve was flying it. Came off the ground easy, very fast straight and level and a hellava good climb rate. I had my camera, and if possible I will post a few pics when I get them.

When Steve got back we had to wipe some oil off the tail and from around the engine. After cooling and settling, we checked the oil and it was fine.

Steve then went and flew Scotts machine.....briefly. Scotts machine looks great , the engine sounded strong, but Scotts machine suffered and engine out. All was fine and Steve made a wonderfull landing. Scott and I went out to Steve to find out what had happened. Steve believed his engine out was due to some sort of short that was killing the spark. Of course, I got the heavy end pulling it back to the pitts while everybody else was just watrching. ;)

Next page-
John-

[Screw]

After that, we started taking turns dual time. I got there first and went up first. No major hang ups and had alot of fun. Logged and additional hour worth of dual time for the day.

No I didn't buy lunch! ::)

Steve wanted Scott and I to begin taxing our gyros up and down the taxi way without spinning the rotors. Both Scott and I have "Left Pedal" dominant machines. Then wanted us to go out to the other taxiway and find our balance. I don't know about Scott, but after a grand total of 2 hours taxing and balancing, I was ready to start crow hoping! "Da Screw-Driver" was still spitting oil!, but we figured it was just a little overfull and would work itself out. But then it started spitting alot all over the prerotator, prop, and the tail. All we could do was speculate, keep checking the oil level and wipe it all clean.

Long day, and left at dark after the another round of dual time.

Next page-
John-

[scottessex]

I was watching in disbelief! I mean you just jumped in there and said "lets get this P.O.S. outa here," and started dragging it away! :o

My engine runs good and strong, I can't get it to quit on the ground! I guess it doesn't like heights!
Seriously, It does worry me that it has quit both times it has flown, I mean how can I diagnose a problem that only happens in flight?
I guess the engine will stay on untill I get all my training done with steve, right up till I can crow hop. Then I guess the engine will become just another pile of scrap at the dump. Or I could sell it to someone for an airboat!

[Screw]

Sunday,

I slept in....Was gonna spend the day with the family, but geez, it was so pretty and I knew everyone would be flying today plus, I can spend all the family time I want when Steve is in Az, so I got there about 1pm.

Everyone that was there Saturday, was there Sunday! Phil Brought out his son. Big Kid! I'm glad I didn't buy lunch. He looked like he could have eaten Boo, and had room left over for a porterhouse!

Steve Took "Da Screw-Driver" up again attempting to check and set the trim. After about 15 minutes of flight when Steve landed, the tail, prop, pre-rotator, even the blades were covered in oil. After checking the oil, we determined that we lost about a half a quart on that flight alone.

We rolled "Da-Screw-Driver" back into the hanger. We all agreed that the crank case pressure was too high and the oil had to get out some how. The engine is running great, not overheating, and all temperatures are in range. Because this wasn't happening on the ground, we really couldn't tell where it was comming from. It was comming from iether the pully, Fuel pump, or magnito. I've got to call Great Plains in the morning.

Got another half hour in high wind dual time before going home and had alot of fun.

John-

[Screw]

Scott,

I never said any such thing....I like your machine when it's running! ;D

John-

[Screw]

I called Great Plains and they said, your right! The crank pressure is very high and I need to vent it alittle better than what it is. Steve (Great Plains) reccomend that I replace the oil vent tube with 1/2 inch rather than 1/4 inch. If it still blows a little oil, that's ok, but if it is alot of oil, I need to get some die and figure out where it is comming from and go from there. He really believes that replacing the current vent tube with a larger one will cure it though.

John-

[scottessex]

I talked to Rick, and he seemed to think the same thing, that the crankcase vent is too small.
I think Rick has his vent hose running along the keel and it is open down near the tailwheel. I think that it is about 3/4" hose. You might be able to see it in this picture.


I know you never said P.O.S., That must have been what I was thinking about my gyro. ;D

[rehler]

Do you know where one can find those side fuel tanks?

[scottessex]

Believe me Ken, I have tried to find a set myself!
Rick said he got them off a wrecked gyro, back in the early 1980's, possibly an aircommand, he wasn't sure.
I do know he has had them on this gyro for about 18 years or so.
They hold 5 gal each.
All they need is some fins on the back! ;D

[scottessex]

John Stevens and I met up at Steve McGowans agfain today. John fixed his oil venting problem.
I cleaned out my fuel system and Steve flew the Arrow powered gyro again, Then I put 2 small washers under the needle in the carb and it seemed to run ALOT better! So it looks like I might have a jetting issue.
Does anyone know where to get jets for a bing 55 carb?? ???

[Screw]

Screw-in

Hi All,

It is my pleasure to announce that yesterday, March 10th, 2004 John "Screw" Stevens Soloed "Da Screw-Driver" at approx 1720 hours @ Herbert Smart Airport in Macon, Ga.

I purchased the Ken Brock KB-2 and VW engine in May of 2003. CFI Steve McGowan took it to the air for the first time on the 23rd of February 2004.

After 8.1 hours of dual instruction and an additional 2 hours of taxi, balancing on mains, and a few crow hops, Steve met me in his gyro and the end of the run way. He had Scott Essex (a fellow Student) in the front seat. Scott and I were unaware of Steve's intentions. Steve hand signaled to me to spin up my rotor and to "Follow Him" around the patch. Scott had no idea. Steve announced to Scott, "Let's go." As Steve and his gyro started down the runway, I spooled up and began my taxi. I maintained about 300ft behind and to the left of Steve's gyro. When Steve began to increase speed, as did I. My rotor were ready to fly long before Steve's were so I got a little more Balancing in. We broke ground about the same time. I had a little left cyclic into the wind and a little left pedal for "P" factor. I came off the ground with my left main a little lower than my right. A little more power and she straightened up. I followed Steve around the patch about 5-7 hundred feet behind and to left. Steve informed Scott to look to his right and I could see the expression of Scott's face. I think he was as surprised as me.

I remember thinking to myself, "Yeah! Know whacha gonna do? You up here now and there ain't no one in the back seat. Hope you can land this thing." Scott and Steve went in first and made a touch. as I was turning final and reducing power. I kept reminding myself to watch the horizon. As I began to settle in a shallow descent. I saw Steve's Gyro bolt off the runway and literally fly sideways as I began my flare and touched down. My touchdown was not as soft as I would have liked. But "Da Screw-Driver" will fly again. Steve motioned for us to go back to the hanger where I was congratulated for completing my first solo. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. I kept re-playing the flight in my mind. As soon as I left, I called my Dad, my brother Mike, and my wife.

My Dad and my Brother were very excited for me and had alot of questions. My wife what to know if she could call me back because she was on the other line. I told her that I had soloed my gyro, and other than an quick "great" over the phone, that was all I got out of her the whole night. She didn't bring it up or talk about it at all the whole night. What is up with Women?

John-

Screw-out

[Chuck Irby]

Way to go John!!!

That's great news, you rotor head you.

You're no longer a wantabe. You did it.

Congratulations John!

Congratulations to Steve also.

It sounds like he is a great instructor.

I certainly like his style.

[Chuck Irby]

John, as for the women. Your's sounds a lot like the one who left me just less than a year ago. It was over the gyros primarily that she left. I figured that if that's all it took, then we weren't meant for each other to begin with. I hope your's is different.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Wow Dude's, I must be the luckiest man alive. Not only is my wife very good looking, understanding, fateful and always there when I need her, she supports me no matter what I doing.

When I solo'd my wife was more excited than I was. She went out and bought me a flight bag to carry my stuff around because I had no were to lock it up at the airport.

Sorry guys, you just can't get better than what I have. Maybe equal, but not better.

[Phil_Ruffin]

John, Scott, you boys headed down this Saturday?

[Screw]

Sunday for me Phil.

John-

[Harry_S.]

You better make sure she don't get away, Phil.

[skyflea73]

John & Chuck,

I feel your pain! I know the story all to well. My wife could careless about flying. I come home all excited and she kills the buzz every time. Your lucky you get a "That’s Great!" I would be thrilled with that. I bet if they invented a shopping mall in the sky, my wife would be the first in line to get a pilot license.

[scottessex]

My wife is excited about living in an aircraft hangar!!

Plus she doesn't mind if I have 12 motorcycles!! (I do).
She did talk to Steve Mcgowan on the phone and ask if we were on his Christmas card list, because of all the money I am giving him.

I will try to be there one of these weekend days Phil but I wont know untill the last minute. This whole moving /closing thing has gotten us all off schedule :P

I told my wife she should come down there and get a ride, she thought it sounded like a good idea, but on the weekends I know Steve is REAL BUSY!