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GyroRon
01-19-2004, 05:16 AM
I was surfin the net last night and went over to the sparrowhawk site. Started looking at the pictures of the Sparrowhawk under construction. Man all I can say is WOW!

The Cabin looks much bigger and more squared out which should make it considerably more comfortable for bigger dudes like me. Also I liked the instrument pod which kinda makes me think of a rotorway Exec or any other small helicopter instead of the dash the Raf uses.

the only I saw I didn't like was the mast. First it would be nice to keep the Rafs folding mast, Although I wouldn't cross shop the death bubble - j/k ;D - over the Sparrowhawk just over a folding mast feature. But also showing my engineering ignorance, I didn't like the way they made the mast itself. It appears to be no more than a set of very long cheek plates with 2x2 blocks spaced horizontally every foot or so. just looks like everything up there is hanging off the cheek plates , which is two flat pieces, opposed to a typical mast which is a square tube with four flat surfaces.

Either way I wish I had bit the bullet and ordered one of the first kits while they were priced real cheap. Now they are still a good deal, but more than I could afford.

PW_Plack
01-19-2004, 08:19 AM
Ron,

Other than the first real Sparrowhawk, which has been assembled at the factory, there's only one other full kit out there so far, at the AAI dealer in Seattle. I drove up there Saturday just to see it. I sat in the cabin, and you're right...it's a HUGE improvement over the RAF. The RAF is wide enough at the shoulders, but narrows so quickly that it's pretty cramped for two full-sized people in the leg and elbow areas. The Sparrowhawk is nearly full-width all the way forward, and the instrument pod arrangement makes it feel much more spacious that the RAF.

It was great to meet Randy Coplen and his crew at GBA Gyroplanes of Seattle, and also to meet John Landry and the other hospitable members of PRA Chapter 30 at Boeing Field. It's about a three-hour drive from my home, and I expect I'll make it at least a couple times this summer.

rehler
01-19-2004, 10:03 AM
Ron,

The mast you describe sounds just like the standard RAF mast, which is made up of very long 3/16" thick cheek plates with the 2" spacers.

GyroRon
01-19-2004, 07:14 PM
Ken that is right, And it is I am sure just fine, but doesn't four walls seam better than two?

pwendell
01-20-2004, 01:58 PM
I was out in Buckeye yesterday (doing some pattern work) and they are crating up more kits as fast as they can. The new Sparrowhawk is looking geat. I love the digital instrument panel and the overhead switch/breaker console. Not only are they lighter and smaller, but they allow for a much simpler and neater wiring bus. The cabin appears much roomier, although I haven't had a chance to try it out yet, maybe next week. I also love the fuel injected engine. I can't wait until I get a chance to try one out, but that will be a while yet. I better start making some softer landings ;D

barnstorm2
01-26-2004, 06:57 PM
Is GBA doing ok? I thought I read in a tread that they or their parent company was going through chapter 11 :'(

Could someone give me a quick briefing on the situation?

Dan_Reagan
01-26-2004, 07:09 PM
Groen Brothers Aviation (parent of American Autogyro) is doing just fine and bankruptcy has never been a topic of discussion. You better buy some stock while it is still at a decent price!

barnstorm2
01-30-2004, 09:13 AM
Cool. I must have got my wires crossed.

I would like to buy some stock to support the cause now that you mentioned it. Sharebuilder does not list and sell the stock so I will have to call the broker I guess.

Dan,

What airport do you fly out of in Cincinnati? Is Autogas in walking distance?

Dan_Reagan
01-30-2004, 01:55 PM
I fly out of the Butler County Regional (Hamilton) north of Cincinnati. I have an American Autogyro modified RAF 2000. Yell if you want to take a ride. Auto fuel is not close to the airport. (1/2 mile)
Dan

WN
01-31-2004, 04:01 PM
I've invested in GNBA for about three months now -- Wow! If they keep going up like this, I'll be the first Sparrowhawk owner whose aircraft was paid for by AAI. :)

Keep doing what you're doing Jim Mayfield!

Steve Weston