Training at Buckeye

[Chuck Roberg]

Just got back from 2 weeks of training at the AAI Sparrow Hawk facility in Buckeye, AZ. I have to say it was an intense 2 weeks for me. I was really impressed by the professionalism of Terry Brandt and Steve McGowan. Yes, you smart guys out there. Steve can be very professional. But he does leave a lot of time for joking around after flying.

I had a few days where I was up till 11:30 at night to get the night requirements done. Then I had to get up at 5 in the morning to get to the airport by 6 a.m. I had to get the daytime flying done by 9:30 before the wind picked up and the dust devils started.

I took my Commercial Gyroplane practical and flight test with Jim Mayfield on Friday. And my CFI gyroplane practical test with Jim on Saturday. Boy was I happy when he gave me my temporary ticket.
I was also happy to get back home. I got the last seat for a direct flight back to Chicago.

First picture of me. Tired by happy. Second Terry Brandt, myself, Jim Mayfield. Third The one and only Steve McGowan.

[Bob Simmons]

Wow! I Have A Ways To Go Before I Have Enough Hours To Make My Move. Good Work!! We're Proud Of You.

[StanFoster]

Chuck: Big congratulations to you...... :)

You earned it.....

Stan

[scottessex]

Congrats, I know it was alot of work. It was good to see Steve in sandals and shorts, almost like when He was in Macon.

[GyroRon]

What was Mayfield doing there? I thought he was retired and living by the beach in south Florida these days?

[Brian Jackson]

Congrats, Chuck! Good for you.

[Heron]

Good going Chuck!
Steve and Jim rock!
Heron

[gyroplanes]

Nice work Chuck. I never doubted you.

[KenSandyEggo]

Hey Chuck, congratulations. How many gyro hours did you have before you got to Buckeye?

[ventana7]

Congratulations Chuck!!

[enewbold]

Hey Chuck,

You should be pretty up to date with the FARs considering what you've been through the past two weeks. Can you help me out here?

If a person with a Private Pilot ASEL rating wants to get an add-on rating for Gyrocopter, what are the training requirements? I've reviewed FAR 61.109 Aeronautical Experience Requirements and I think I see a total of 19 additional hours actually performed in a Gyro; all the others were previously satisfied with the Private rating. What's your take on this?

Thanks,
Ed Newbold
Columbus, OH

[Harry_S.]

Congratulations Chuck. Good to have another CFI on board. ;)


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[Chuck Roberg]

Thanks guy's. I forgot to mention my reason for the SparrowHawk training is because Tom Milton is the manager for GBA Chicago. Tom threw my name in the hat to GBA, for me, to be the flight instructor for them here. So thats what got me started. I was going to transition to Sport Pilot CFI, but GBA wanted a full CFI.

In answer to Ron. Jim Mayfield's home is in the Phoenix area. He likes it there and does not wish to leave the area. I believe (my thoughts only) if he would have stayed with GBA he would of had to relocate to Salt Lake city.

In answer to Ed N. You are correct on the 19 hrs. min time required. Here's a short exerpt I copied, this is an older version but I made the correction to the night requirements;

From 14 CFR 61.109 d.
9 hrs Flt tng in Gyro including 3hrs XCtry,

3hrs Night with a xctry >50 NM & 10 To's & Lndgs at night. Note! the night training can be waived for a private rating only. But you will be limited to days only on your certificate.

3 hours Prep w/in 60 days of practical test.
10 hrs Solo.
3hrs. XCtry of at least 50 miles with 3 legs. With one airport at least more than 25 miles from the place of departure.

3 To's & Lndgs @ A/P with a Tower.

Ed, I think thats about it. I could do a little more digging. But my paperwork is still packed from my trip.

[GyroRon]

Oh, it just seemed as though Jim was back with the Sparrowhawk team.... Congrats on becoming a CFI. I would like to do the same one day, I wonder how much it would cost me.....?

[Heron]

Maybe it can cost you nothing and you still put something in your pocket!
Et cum vobiscum
Heron

[barnstorm2]

Super! Congratulations!!