The Monarch

[MattPearson]

Wow! What a day.
Today,
I had the honor and priviledge to be the first pilot, other than it's creator, to fly the new Monarch gyro. Larry Neal has done a fantastic job creating this little jewel.
The Monarch is an N-numbered version of the UL Butterfly, but with a Rotax 582 and a high impact, long stroke landing gear.
The only word that I can think of that somes up my experience today is SWEET!!!
This gyro is confidence inspiring, well thought out, and a high performer. Flaring high and dropping in on an ultra smooth landing gear is the bomb!!!!
Check out the video clips.
ftp://www.prachapter34.com/The%20Monarch/

[GyroRon]

Matt does it have a tall tail like yours or a short one like the standard Butterfly? If it has the short tail, could you tell us if it feels much different?

[GyroRon]

BTW the linky no worky

[MattPearson]

The link is ftp://www.prachapter34.comGo to the Monarch folder. Maybe someone who knows what they are doing can post a working link.

[MattPearson]

http://webpages.charter.net/wartowne/Monarch.JPG

Here is a link to a larger image of the same.

http://webpages.charter.net/wartowne/PICT0009.JPG

[MattPearson]

Ron,
As far as the feel vs my tall tail, its different. Pretty much all non- tall tails that are hinged at only one point have a torqueing movement that is a direct result of available engine power. The Monarch is no different, but that is not a criticism. I have over a 100 hours now on a pretty high performance gyro (if I do say so myself! :)) and when I came in from my flight on the Monarch, I had a serious adrenaline rush. I was flying the piss out of that thing and loving every minute of it. That was an opportunity I was not going to waste!!!

[rehler]

I can not get into the video site as it requires a password. Is there any way we can see a photo of the gyro up close. From the distant photo it looks like it has a unique main gear suspension.

Is there any other web site that has photos?

[MattPearson]

Ok Here we go.
If anyone is prompted for a login here is what you should enter:

username: rotorpilot

password: Rotor34

Ken,
There are no other photos yet because Larry just "unvieled" this new design a couple of days ago. I am sure there will much more in the near future!

[Heron]

Ok Ron A. (I am just kidding ok?)
Warm this one over . . . . hehehehehehehehe
(The Devil made me do it)
This is just the continuation of Larry's creations and wait 'till you see Butterfly's BIGGER BROTHER!!!!!
Detail: Matts ship is not a DOG, he flies an awsome machine and all starts with the ultralite Butterfly and all the rest is bolt on plug-N-play stuff. Evolution is here my friends!
thanks
Heron

[ahancock]

What does the Monarch weigh? Just wondered how much heavier it is than the Butterfly
Alan

[ToddP]

Videos sure look good. The unique landing gear seems to really work well and make every landing a smooth one. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

[MattPearson]

Don't know any details about weight or performance numbers. I would email Larry for any details. larry@thebutterfly.info

[GyroRon]

The link to the Pra chapter still no worky

[Greg Mitchell]

Gidday Matt,

Now on line with this Forum, thankyou all. Still am unable to access the video footage. Larry emailed the pics of you and him to me the other day. It is the video I'm looking for and get blocked out continually.

I sent you an email. Hope to hear from you soon.

Mitch.

[Heron]

The password and user name are case sensitive, both start with capital letters.
Yesterday Larry did a very high drop and with this shocks I think that is the limit. There was very low wind too, so the drop was a little stronger.
Brad and I agreed that it was about little over 6 feet.
Very impressive normal landings it seems the gyro knows what to do!
Heron

[MattPearson]

I don't know what to tell you guys about the FTP site. It works for me everytime.
ftp://www.prachapter34.com/
username: rotorpilot
password: Rotor34

The password is the only one that seems to be case sensative.

[ToddP]

Monarch has been added to the list of single place machines in the description for this board.

[MattPearson]

Ok,
I have some performance specs on the Monarch.
Rate of climb 850ft/min
Top Speed 72mph
Min Speed 25mph
Landing roll 0
These specs are with 21.9 ft Brock blades, Rotax 582 and 60 inch two blade prop. I will post some specs soon with 20 ft Dragon Wings. Larry also has a utility patent on the landing gear.

[GyroRon]

Sounds like very small blades for a 582 powered gyro. 72 mph seems slow too, It wouldn't do better at full throttle???

[gyropilot]

Ron,

With no fairing to cut drag, I can certainly believe that top speed. The drag becomes a tremendous obstacle at higher airspeeds. I can really feel it on my open frame GyroBee about 65 mph. My Bee's top speed is about 75 mph depending on the density altitude. But then my 3-bladed 60" prop is a "climb prop."

And that relatively *high* minimum airspeed listed is probably a result of using a smaller rotor disk. My heavy GyroBee with 24' Rotordynes and a 503 will hold altitude all day long at 10mph.

Regards,

John L.

[GyroRon]

I know that in a open gyro speeds much higher than 60-65 mph become a lot of work in the pilot fighting the drag of the wind loads he or she is going through. I just take it when someone says this is the top speed that this is as fast as it will go in straight and level full power.

Jamie Bodies open mad max gyro would do well over 100 when pushed to full throttle.

Tim Verroi's open Dominator with 582 power will do at least 90 mph wide open.

and I and another fellow at last years Bensen Days kinda raced around the sky - I was flying the 582 dominator with a pod, he was flying a open Bensen Bm8 with a 90 super mac - and we were as close to a tie on top speed as you get - we maintained attitude and flew twice the length of the runway at Wauchula about 100 feet apart - and we were both over 95 mph bumping 100.

At anyrate, I would be surprised if pushed to full throttle if this gyro couldn't go faster than 72.

[BOP Flyer]

I have read some articles on the monarch in the
"Pacific Flyer" mag and they do sound like an awesome machine.
The guy who will be importing them into Aussie stated in an earlier months article that the designer will also put out a two place as well as a enclosed model of the Monarch.
Does anyone know any more info about these.
I will try and dig out the mag, but I seem to remember that the single place may well be convertable to the two place machine later.

[Greg Mitchell]

Gidday Barry and Gentlemen,

Matt and others closer to Larry, could expand on this a little better than I perhaps. At this time we are about 2 1/2 weeks away from taking delivery of 1. Butterfly 1. Monarch and three partial kits, mostly 6061 T6 tubing and components. All the 4130 components we have manufactured here in OZ and will go on to manufacture the other components from what Larry has sent. So close now.

There will be a fully enclosed Monarch and Larry is presently working and testing out various components for his extensive range of gyros. This includes a tandem craft which is, in my opinion, cutting edge. The frame is truely a beautiful creation and is capable of taking engines of much greater HP than is the standard.

Larry Neal is THE NEW MANUFACTURER ON THE BLOCK. And when you look at what Larry did for AirCommand, designing, testing, and flying demos and his involvement as Chief Test Pilot with Jay's Carter Copter, I believe you can see that Larry is here to stay and that his gyro's will prove to be part of, if not leading the way in this era of New Generation Gyros.

All I can tell you at this time is that if you were to start with a Butterfly you can have narrow or wide wheel base and if more performance is required change out to a 582 rotax. Partial and fully enclosed pods. Pull start and electric pre-rotators, extra fuel capacity and after further testing the new suspension also. All components Larry is designing as bolt on type arrangements. The New tail is very versatile and is designed to be used in various configurations. This guy is not fooling around, Larry's gyros will be a force to be reckoned with and it's the "going that extra mile", that makes the difference. Example, all 4130 parts are Heat Treated to Rockwell Hardness 38-40. This makes the 4130 like spring steel and using the Butterfly/Monarch on rough strips will not result in nose gear strut failure. Every old time gyro enthusiast in OZ that has seen the 4130 parts all commented that they are over engineered and there is no need for heat treat. We will do it Larry's way. Nothing wrong with being over engineered, especially when you have a very light gyro frame as the end result. Strong, Robust, and Light. Same frame for the Monarch.

I'll endeavour to post a flight review Larry sent me.

Regards

Mitch.

The Butterfly flight:
With the stick nearly full forward, prerotate the blades to at least 60-100 rpm. Always point the nose into the prevailing wind as much as possible. Hold your brake and tilt the stick all the way back. Let the prop blast and prevailing wind speed the rotor up as much as possible adding power very slowly until the brakes won't hold any longer. Reduce power and move slowly forward (about 5 mph) and allow the blade to come up to speed as you go to 10 mph/15 mph/20 mph. When the nose wheel comes up then ease the stick forward to about neutral position until you balance on the main wheels and steer with the rudder pedals. Ease in full power and about 3 second later she will leave the ground. Keep full power in on climb out at 50 mph until a safe altitude for an emergency landing is possible. Ease the power back to half throttle throw and enjoy the flight. You can reduce power and bring the gyro in for an airplane type landing at 40 mph. At about 5' above the ground ease the power all the way off, let her settle in and pull back on the stick slowly to try to hold her off the ground as long as possible. Just before she touches ease the stick back and plant the tail wheel. The gyro won't roll very far. My preferred landing is power off. Ease the throttle all the way back at least 200' above the ground and maintain 40-45 mph down to about 10' above the ground. The glide angle is about 45 degrees. At 10' ease the stick back slowly (never pump the stick back and forth) and the gyro will level out nicely as it converts the forward speed into lift in the flair. When all but 5 mph of forward speed is used up pull the stick back and plant the tail wheel, then the main wheels will touch, then the nose wheel. You should roll 3' to 5'. It is fun.

I really have enjoyed working with you and hope the future is even better,

Larry

Great it worked.

Mitch

[Heron]

So far the sight of the Monarch flying is jaw droping . . .
Matt literally had Butterflies in the stomach after his first flight and Brad King also was very impressed with the ever higher drop landings.
I bet Allan Hanckock is already making plans for the add ons on his machine, the plug and play stuff is very handy and can improve this already stupendous machine.
The new suspension will be standard in the Monarchs, as well as the new electric pre-rotator with soft start.
And all starts with the Butterfly, the training machine, the ultralite, no license, no registration, just fun, fun, fun!!!
And you can end up with someting that will remember the Jetsons, a fully perfoming, modern transportation tool, that is also a recreational vehicle.
Just a few more days and the news will be available.
thanks
Heron

[GyroRon]

I can access Chapter 34's site by removing the FTP at the front of the address and just typing www.prachapter34.com But I see no mention anywhere of this gyro. What am I missing or doing wrong?

[CLS447]

John L. , What RPM does your 503 require to hold altitude at 10 mph "all day long" ?

Sounds like some serious competition for the gyro market with Larry's new machines! That's what we need. I hope it drives prices DOWN !

[Heron]

Ron: Matt just used the site to upload the videos, you have to get in to download them.
When are you coming to visit? ;D
I promiss I hold your jaw before it falls to the ground!
heheheheheheh
We will be at Sun-N-Fun, BD is too close and we are going to miss it . . . :-
Maybe this year I get to go to ROC and speaking of it how is J.B. doing, I miss them (Dave D.W. too)
thanks
Heron

[gyropilot]

CLS447 asked:

"John L. , What RPM does your 503 require to hold altitude at 10 mph "all day long" ?"

Why full power of course!

John L.

[barnstorm2]

Ron,

You may have to refresh your browser to get prompted for the login name and password. Are you using Internet Explorer as your browser?

Is the Monarch like the Butterfly and made by Larry Neal?

I downloaded the Monarch videos and it is REALLY IMPRESSIVE.

I do have to voice a big concern of mine though. And that would be buying anything that would requre the support of Larry Neal.

I am the owner of one of Larry's Redrives. I spent about $700 to $800 getting my redrive rebuilt and I am very discusted with the whole affair.

Larry is quite nice and helpful over the phone but he as lost parts that I have sent him. He has taken MONTHS to get parts back to me that he said would be back sooner and never bothered to contact me to tell me they would be late.

He let me know clearly ( after I paid for the rebuild and was having issues ) that my redrive "is no longer a current product of his so I am lucky he is helping me at all".

My fear would be that once the Monarch II comes out I would be left high and dry ( again ) for support with the Monarch.

Here is one of my recient emails to Larry to which he still has not responded:

--- Timothy O'Connor <bmwcyclist@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 07:48:26 -0800 (PST)
> From: Timothy O'Connor <bmwcyclist@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Fwd: RE: Prob hub plate
> To: nhc@compuwise.net, larry@thebutterfly.info
>
> Larry,
>
> I still have not had a response from this email sent
> 17 FEB.
>
>
> --- Timothy O'Connor <bmwcyclist@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 07:29:45 -0800 (PST)
> > From: Timothy O'Connor <bmwcyclist@yahoo.com>
> > Subject: RE: Prob hub plate
> > To: nhc@compuwise.net
> >
> > Larry,
> >
> > If you recall you remade a prop plate for me.
> >
> > You lost the original one you sent me. Then you
> sent
> > me one that was too large. Then I sent it back and
> > you
> > reduced the size.
> >
> > I tried it out the weekend before last and found
> > that
> > you did not machine it down properly and it is
> > egg-shaped. It wobbles as it spins on the redive.
> >
> > Please advise.
> >
> > -Tim O
> >
> >
> > --- Larry Neal <nhc@compuwise.net> wrote:
> > > Sure did,
> > >
> > > Mailed it back to you yesterday.
> > >
> > > Larry
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Timothy O'Connor
> > [mailto:bmwcyclist@yahoo.com]
> > > Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 7:42 AM
> > > To: Larry Neal
> > > Subject: Prob hub plate
> > >
> > >
> > > Larry,
> > >
> > > Did you get the plate I sent you the week before
> > > last?
> > >
> > > -Tim O
> > >
> > >

If the Monarch is not a Larry Neal product than I would like to know how much the kits are going for.

[GyroRon]

Tim where on the site can I find the Video? I can get onto the site for chapter 34, just can't find the video to try to download.

Sorry to hear of your troubles with your re drive. I think the gyro as a whole will be easier to have serviced even if Larry is no more, But you do bring up a point....

[Heron]

Ron: you do not have to be on the site to see the videos, go to the link posted by Matt and fiddle with the username and password I think both are capital letters on the first letter.

Tim:your concerns may be valid and I am pretty sure that Larry have a good reason and explanation for this incident.
I assure you and everyone that the Butterfly line of products will have outstanding records of performance and customer service.
Heron

[barnstorm2]

Ron,

Try this.

Cut and past into your browser:

ftp://www.prachapter34.com

If you get a blank screen click the refresh button ( two spinning green arrows in IE )

You should then be prompted for a username and password.

in the first field type rotorpilot

in the second field type Rotor34

Note it is case-sensitive so pay attention to the capital and lower case letters.

You should now see the folders with the videos. Click and drag them to your desktop or right - click on them and choose 'copy to folder'

If you are using an older version of IE or a MAC I will have to send you different instructions.

That reminds me ... I need to pay my broadband bill......

[barnstorm2]

Heron,

Larry was always very nice and patient with me on the phone and I got the impression that he was a very nice and sincere fellow. He kindly walked me through the removal and installation of the redrive and patiently explained the tools and proceedures required and gave me clearification where I needed it.

However, that does not change the fact that time after time parts were late, lost, wrong, wrong again and I was not made to feel like I was a customer. I was made to feel like I was 'bothering' him ( for his own mistakes and repeated delays without notice).

Every thing seemed half hearted and half done.

As I said I got the impresson that he is a nice well meaing fellow and I feel fine chatting with him and flying around a fly-in with him but if I had the budget and source for a replacement redrive I would jump on it in a second because I know I wont get any good support for it since it is not his 'current project'

[GyroRon]

Tim I can't explain it. I simply can not get on that site. I can get on a PRA chapter 34 site by taking the FTP off the front of the address. If I go to the members only area - cause I don't see any links to monarch movies elsewhere - I try to type in the password and username and it won't allow it. I tried being case sensitive and so on. No worky for me.

I will see one soon enough I guess.......

[GyroRon]

If I just click your link as it is , the screen that comes up says server not availible or something to that effect.

I run windows XP and use MSN explorer for my browser.

[barnstorm2]

When you click on the link and it says server unavailable click the refresh button on your browser.

The password wont work on the Members only page.

There is a link under the Submissions page.

If you can, let me know the exact error. If it says something about anonomous login or proxy server then I might know what the problem is. Are you connecting from work? If so your Proxy server is not allowing you to put in a username and password.

If that still does not work try this link. Don't forget to refresh

ftp://www.prachapter34.com/The%20Monarch/

[ahancock]

managed to look at the videos today, Had to use internet explorer because Netscape wouldn't work. Don't think I could drop the Butterfly that hard more than once.
Alan

[MattPearson]

Hey Tim,
Larry Neal is one the nicest, most honest men I have ever met. I would hope that you and he would be able to have a person to person conversation and resolve your issues. I know that Larry has not had the compuwise email address for a long time. larry@thebutterfly.info is the email address he has had for several months. I know that there must be some misunderstanding. :-

[barnstorm2]

Matt,

I to believe Larry is nice and honest but in my transactions with him he has shown poor customer service, bad communication, poor quality control. Perhaps I am just the unfortunate one who needed him to be responsible during a bad time in his life. He did tell me point blank that my redrive was no longer a current product and that I was lucky he was willing to do any work on it at all.

The redrive is only about 4 years old ( about 3 years old when I had it rebuilt and the problems started ). He lost a part I sent him. He was late returning the parts to me and did not contact me when things came up and the did not ship when promised. I sent the email to him at thebutterfly.info Monday.

As I have said he was perfectly nice and civil to me on the phone and he walked me though my questions and concerns about the redrive many times. He is a great guy but that does not mean it is good to do business with him if he does not support his products just a after a few years and can not meet commitments and be willing to 'make things right' if he looses a piece then sizes it wrong twice.

Granted, If something is not under warrenty he does not have to legally support it. However, he did agree to rebuild it and did not do a good job making things right. I would have liked to have known he was no longer going to support the product before I paid to have it rebuilt. And that is still no excuse for bad quality control.

Where I work we take customer service very seriously and people lives don’t depend on our products working right.

I think these are important issues to consider if you are going to purchase another product from the same (company) person. Based on my experience I would be unwilling to buy a butterfly or monarch unless other business partners were involved that I know to be responsible and that they were bound in some way to support the product.

My single place AirCommand is way old but they are very happy to sell me parts and services. AirCommand may send a wrong part from time to time but they are frendly, let me know I am the customer, and they allways have made things right.

[GyroRon]

Tim this is what I gives me when I click on your link. I tried re freshing too, didn't help

The page cannot be displayed
The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please try the following:

Click the Refresh button, or try again later.

If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.

To check your connection settings, click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click Settings. The settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN) administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).
If your Network Administrator has enabled it, Microsoft Windows can examine your network and automatically discover network connection settings.
If you would like Windows to try and discover them,
click Detect Network Settings
Some sites require 128-bit connection security. Click the Help menu and then click About Internet Explorer to determine what strength security you have installed.
If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your Security settings can support it. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section and check settings for SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, PCT 1.0.
Click the Back button to try another link.



Cannot find server or DNS Error
Internet Explorer

[GyroRon]

okay never mind I found it and downloaded it and watched it.

Neat.

[barnstorm2]

Ron,

Glad it is working :D

After the error message I was stumped. Did you type all that in? I hope you got to cut-n-past!

Feel free to put videos to share on the site.

[GyroRon]

copy& paste!

[Heron]

Yep . . .Ron A. is a good pilot!
heheheheheheh (lamer)
heron

[Udi]

A question for Matt:

I hope you can answer this question, because I am trying to understand what makes a good gyroplane... Your gyroplane looks very good - CLT, tall tail, good engine, good blades, it's light, the works! Than how come you like the Monarch better (you've mentioned that on another thread)? What makes the Monarch fly better than your gyro?

Thanks

Udi-

[Heron]

A little magic dust maybe? hehehehe (jk)
Matt's gyro is a canibalized version of the Air Command (Butterfly parts) and is 80 pounds heavier.
By the way he expressed his feelings all is in the responses and maneuverability of the Monarch, this is a gyro that is just waiting for your imput to go real quick!
OOps. . . .that was just for Matt, sorry?
Heron

[MattPearson]

My gyro has a tall mast which makes it "feel" heavy compared to the spirited, "light on the controls" feel of the Monarch. You can literally fly the Monarch around a tree it is so nimble. Couple that with descent power and the most amazing landing gear and ...BAM!!!!!!! Instant thrill ride! 8)

[Mike Jackson]

Hey Matt,

What kind of price tag is Larry gonna put on his Monarch?

Thanks,

Mike

[MattPearson]

I am not sure. You can check his website or email him.
www.thebutterfly.info
larry@thebutterfly.info

I think it is a little more than the Butterfly.

[Heron]

Matt:
The Monarch as you seen it will be the version to come out, including the suspension and the new electric pre-rotator.
The new tail also will be included upon testing and approval, price US$15,995.00.
add 20% for RTF.
Not bad for a complete machine that still will have add-ons.
Worth mentioning that all starts with the Butterfly and from than on is just plug and play.
the same frame can go from Ultralite to Sport Pilot or N numbered.
We've got the Dragon Wings on it, testing this weekend and that pre-rotator sound is awesome, it really sounds like a turbine!!
See you
Heron

[MattPearson]

Here is the Monarch flying at the centennial celebration.

[Steven_Kozned]

Ron, Ken:
Matt's got it wrong, I think.
To open the FTP link
ftp://www.prachapter34.com/The%20Monarch/
you have to type
Rotorpilot
Rotor34
Notice that everyone is telling you
rotorpilot
Rotor34
Which doesn't work.
Regards,
Steven

[MattPearson]

Steven,
The case is only sensitive in the password.
The site will not let you log on when it is really busy. It does the same thing to me at times. I just come back later.

[birdy]

We keep getting an error- FTP FOLDER ERROR, what does that mean?

[GyroRon]

I can't access the site itself by clicking on the links posted in this thread. If I remove the ftp and everything else in front of the www part it I can get on the page.

What is up with that? what is ftp mean? I never see this on other web sites

[StanFoster]

Ron: ftp fly the plane? ;D

[StanFoster]

Ron: Now I suppose with that remark...I blew any chance of you helping me post a picture of my RAF in that blank box with the red cross in it? I can access my profile section..and that is all I could do is add that box and that red x. >:(

[GyroRon]

Email Todd with the picture you want to use and he will fix it up for you. He does mine when I change them.

[StanFoster]

Thanks Ron.. :)

[KevinKing]

Ron,

FTP = File Transfer Protocol
HTTP = HyperText Transfer Protocol

HTTP is the protocol that serves hypertext files (a.k.a. web pages).
FTP is the protocol that serves files.

If you remove the "ftp://", your browser will assume you mean "http://", so that's why you get the website.