My New Falcon I

[Gaylon]

Well,

I done gone and done it :) . I'm the proud new owner of a Falcon I. It has a enclosure, EJ22, and 28ft Rotodynes.
I plan on taking it to Ron in AR for a once over and some dual in his machine.


L8R

Gaylon

[Doug Riley]

A gyro with a large enclosure and a small Bensen-type rudder and HS is apt to be unstable in pitch, roll and/or yaw. I don't wish to rain on anybody's parade. However, there have been crashes--some fatal-- linked to inadequate tail surface power in craft with such arrangements.

The pitch and roll problems (if they exist) will show up at high throttle settings when the G-load on the rotor is suddenly reduced. Sideslips may also turn out to be hazardous. The yaw problems will show up in idling or engine-off glides. It's risky to test directly for these problems, but an experienced pilot such as Ron may be able to smoke them out without undue danger. There are low-risk tests for pitch stability in particular.

Please mention these concerns to Ron and seek his advice!

[GyroRon]

This gyro is BEGGING for a Dominator type Tall Tail. It looks like it has a RAF Vertical and a Stock Falcon Horizontal. Both are on the small size considering the enclosure.

It is a nice looking gyro though. I saw it listed a few months ago for sale and was interested in it myself.

[Gaylon]

Hey Guys,


Thanks for your input. I agree with both of you. The tail is stock RAF with a Roto Hawk stab. I have considered getting on of Larrys Bad Stabs, or adding a tall tail (Roto Hawk makes one). The original builder used the RAF tail because he was concerned with the rotor striking the tail. I have spoken with him several times. The Gyro has its 40hrs flown off. The builder (and only one who has flown it) said it was pitch stable, and had good rudder authority. We shall see.



L8R

Gaylon

[GyroRon]

It is best to have the stab in the prop wash. The Dominator Tail is the way to go. The rotorhawk tail has no stab in the prop wash only one on the keel. By the time you do that tail and the Bad stab you could have bought 2 or 3 dominator tails...... Plus I believe the Dominator tail may be the lightest option as well

[Gaylon]

Hey Ron,

What would a Dominator tail run??


L8R


Gaylon

[GyroRon]

I think they cost somewhere between 700-800 dollars. Call Ernie at Rotor Flight Dynamics and ask.