PW_Plack
02-02-2005, 10:17 PM
I've been engrossed in Norm's forum, then this one, for three years now, but wanted to wait to post on the Welcome Mat until I actually started building a gyro. The time is here!
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, and my work in radio broadcasting has taken me through Atlanta GA, Greenville SC, Orlando FL, and now the Portland OR area. I dreamed of being a pilot as a kid, but put the dream on hold for financial reasons. Then, three years ago, I saw Jim Vanek's routine at the Hillsboro air show, and knew I had to find out more. Since then, I've been reading voraciously, checking out the different kit offerings, been to Bensen Days, EAA Arlington and El Mirage, and earned my Private ASEL and 170 hours of fixed-wing time, including 85 in tailwheel planes.
A few recent events have brought the gyroplane dream into focus. My kids are now grown and on their own. My parents passed away and left me an inheritance, along with an admonition to follow my dreams. My wife suggested we should split the inheritance and go our separate ways. The divorce became final this past Friday, and after writing her a big check, I have just enough left to pick up a Sport Copter Vortex kit from a nearby retired air traffic controller, ('Stearman Lady' here on the forum,) whose father bought the kit, but passed away before building it. She lives on a residential airpark, and I'll be building in her hangar.
N-numbers are pending. I'm planning for a Rotax 582E with oil injection, 25-foot by 8-inch Sport Rotors, prop to be determined, lights, radio, transponder, an aux fuel cell and a few tricks in the panel. It will sprout a couple extra antennas for occasions when I carry VHF and UHF ham radio gear, another hobby. I've been told there's a spot for me in a hangar at the Hillsboro airport, and since the radio station where I work is located right on the airport, I expect to get in lots of hours once she's built!
I want to thank everyone on the forum for what I've learned from your accounts of your experiences, including the successes and the mistakes! I also found value in extensive reading of NTSB daily accident reports, and have learned much through membership in the PRA, EAA, and AOPA. I also have to thank the gang at Chapters 73 and 30, and Jim Vanek - I've never met a guy more generous with his time and knowledge, starting from that first time I walked up to him after his performance at Hillsboro in 2001. I also leaned a lot during my trips with Todd to Bensen Days '03 and El Mirage '04, and following his progress building and flying his Dominator.
My goals are to be ready for inspection by the end of May, and have my 40 hours flown off in time to celebrate Labor Day week with a multi-day cross-country flight across Oregon. I'm also aiming for ROC 2006. I'll have an on-line builder's log, and will share my progress here. Don't be shy with comments and suggestions as I build. See you on downwind!
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, and my work in radio broadcasting has taken me through Atlanta GA, Greenville SC, Orlando FL, and now the Portland OR area. I dreamed of being a pilot as a kid, but put the dream on hold for financial reasons. Then, three years ago, I saw Jim Vanek's routine at the Hillsboro air show, and knew I had to find out more. Since then, I've been reading voraciously, checking out the different kit offerings, been to Bensen Days, EAA Arlington and El Mirage, and earned my Private ASEL and 170 hours of fixed-wing time, including 85 in tailwheel planes.
A few recent events have brought the gyroplane dream into focus. My kids are now grown and on their own. My parents passed away and left me an inheritance, along with an admonition to follow my dreams. My wife suggested we should split the inheritance and go our separate ways. The divorce became final this past Friday, and after writing her a big check, I have just enough left to pick up a Sport Copter Vortex kit from a nearby retired air traffic controller, ('Stearman Lady' here on the forum,) whose father bought the kit, but passed away before building it. She lives on a residential airpark, and I'll be building in her hangar.
N-numbers are pending. I'm planning for a Rotax 582E with oil injection, 25-foot by 8-inch Sport Rotors, prop to be determined, lights, radio, transponder, an aux fuel cell and a few tricks in the panel. It will sprout a couple extra antennas for occasions when I carry VHF and UHF ham radio gear, another hobby. I've been told there's a spot for me in a hangar at the Hillsboro airport, and since the radio station where I work is located right on the airport, I expect to get in lots of hours once she's built!
I want to thank everyone on the forum for what I've learned from your accounts of your experiences, including the successes and the mistakes! I also found value in extensive reading of NTSB daily accident reports, and have learned much through membership in the PRA, EAA, and AOPA. I also have to thank the gang at Chapters 73 and 30, and Jim Vanek - I've never met a guy more generous with his time and knowledge, starting from that first time I walked up to him after his performance at Hillsboro in 2001. I also leaned a lot during my trips with Todd to Bensen Days '03 and El Mirage '04, and following his progress building and flying his Dominator.
My goals are to be ready for inspection by the end of May, and have my 40 hours flown off in time to celebrate Labor Day week with a multi-day cross-country flight across Oregon. I'm also aiming for ROC 2006. I'll have an on-line builder's log, and will share my progress here. Don't be shy with comments and suggestions as I build. See you on downwind!