What to look for?

[joeheli]

Hi everyone

When you buy a use gyrocopter, how do you know is in good condition ,What to look for,etc.etc..? ???

[joeheli]

sorry I mean used !! :o

[Doug Riley]

Jose, selecting a used gyro is not for people new to gyros, period. You have to accumulate quite a bit of experience before you can properly evaluate a purchase. The list of people who have made un-economical, disappointing or just plain dangerous purchases is very long.

Remember, these machines are not identical production units, as is the case with cars and other consumer goods. They are AMATEUR-built, even those built from manufacturers' kits. There are endless opportunities during the building process to botch something or do an unsafe "improvement" to the design. Moreover, most of the kits on the market are amateur-designed in the first place. The designs vary from very good to very bad, even among the perfectly "stock" machines.

If you can have an experienced gyro builder-pilot come along when you shop, then you might be able to find a good used machine. Acting alone, you're more likely than not to get stuck.

[joeheli]

Thankyou for your info...
The gyroplane is a Bensen B8M, and the owner is my certify instructor. It saw it fly , and it look in good condition.

[Udi]

I completely agree with Doug, and I have a few more pointers.

When you buy a used gyroplane, you want to take it apart (completely) and then put it back together. This is what I did with my Air Command and boy was I glad I did! When I took my gyro apart I found so many pieces that were not airworthy, that you wouldn't believe anyone has flown the gyro in this condition. Some of the parts practically broke in my hand. I wouldn't have found these problems without taking the gyro apart.

If you decide to do that, be ready to spend lots of time and some money. Also, unless the engine has good maintenance records, you’ll probably want to "zero" the engine. This means an overhaul, or at least a very thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.

You don't want to trust your life with someone else's building and maintenance abilities, unless you know this someone, and you trust them.

I hope this helps you make a good decision.

Udi-

[joeheli]

Thank you for the advice Udi: My instructor toll me that he knows that is in good condition,but, he said that he recomend me that like you said, take it apart (completely) and then put it back together, so I will know and understand the gyrocopter. He also includes the the trailer, new prop ,and the engine has the c.d.i. ignition, and for $ 3000 I think is a good deal!! What you guys think? ???

[GyroRon]

I think the gyro your looking at has a Mac engine and if so I wouldn't buy one and feel I had a trustworthy engine no matter the time, condition, or how is runs or sounds. I know some folks will disagree but that is MY opinion.

The Mac engine was designed and used as a limited life throw away military target drone powerplant. It is a neat engine and a very powerful one. If it could be as reliable as a Modern Rotax 2 stroke it would be on every gyro, But it is not...

My advise on a used gyro purchase is pretty much what Doug said and Udi's advise is good too. I will add to it that you should only consider machines that are centerline thrust and with a large horizontal stab and also machines that have a good power to weight ratio. No need to buy a unstable machine or one that will be a dog performance wise if your going to invest your hard earned money.

You may not have many choices on used machines if you live in P. Rico due to the fact that a nice used machine in Texas or New York would be very difficult to go see and then even more so to get home. Because of that I think you may be best off buying a new gyro kit such as a Dominator or Aircommand or Butterfly and have it shipped to you and build it and enjoy it once you get it flying. If the price is too high to buy new, then consider traveling to the mainland to buy a noce used machine and have it taken apart crated and shipped back home.

Most of the instructors out there can be trusted and wouldn't sell you or advise you the wrong way, But there are a few that don't know better themselves so take even what your instructor says with a grain of salt unless you can be totally sure he or she is honest and is in the " know "
Good luck