Gyro views over Illinois

[StanFoster]

I knocked off early today and flew for 2.5 hours taking in all the sun drenched..but still rather colorless Illinois terrain.

[StanFoster]

another view

[barnstorm2]

I wanted to fly today but I did not get out of work in time.

Cool shot. Do you know the name of the little river?

[StanFoster]

nearby lake

[StanFoster]

This is suppose to be downstate Illinois largest home. It is 22000 square foot..cost $10,000,000.00 I was fortunate enough to have been asked to build the circular stairway in this home. The parts..just the parts for the stairway was over $97000.00

The guy who lives in this home wrote the "Windows" program..and the "Flight Simulator" program..selling these to Bill Gates for $380 million. He also has two computer chips on the space shuttle. This place is only 18 miles from my house.

[StanFoster]

a little closer.....these pictures do not do this mansion justice at all.

[Chuck Irby]

Nice shots Stan. Wow, 2 1/2 hours?

[CLS447]

Hey Stan, can't you buzz a little closer? Wow, 97 G's! How much was your labor?lol

[Chuck Irby]

That is a nice pad. But for that kind of money, it seems that he would have made those two runways a little longer.

[StanFoster]

Chris: This is a little closer. I am maintaining the 500 foot rule.

The building to the right is Mr. Artwicks 16 car garage. There also is a covered bridge brought in from Canada that you cross to go to his log cabin thats nesteld in that grove of evergreens. Security around this place is something else. Television cameras all over..two guys on 6 wheelers full time just watching the place. They are actually standing there watching me as I flew by. They know me and were waving for me to land.

[StanFoster]

Chris: This is as close as I dare fly. I was at 30 feet....but still maintaining more than 500 feet from the residence. I would just love to land on those twin driveways.

[StanFoster]

After 2.5 hours of pure ecstacy flying in the RAF...I headed home and I had to wipe the smile off my face and go home telling the DW what a tough day in the shop I had. ::)

[joeheli]

Nice pictureS!! :D

[GyroRon]

Stan, no wonder you like them low to the ground gyros! By the looks of that last picture you need a ladder to get in your RAF as it is! ;D

[StanFoster]

Ron...either I am really short legged..or I have one jacked up RAF. ;D

[Chuck Irby]

Pretty astute observation Ron. I didn't notice that until you mentioned it. Stan must have squated to get his sweet baby in the pic too, huh?

[StanFoster]

Tim: That one creek you were asking about is the Middlefork.

[CLS447]

Stan, you really are the man! Thanks we are having a ball with these pics!

We plan on doing Mentone & Cedar Point Amusement park this summer, I hope I get to talk to you this time. Maybe even a little ride in your machine?

[StanFoster]

Chris: I am really looking forward to flying to Mentone. Its just 121 miles and this year I wont have to consider a fuel stop.

I will be there three days and will definately want to meet you. I joined the Chapter 18 rotorcraft club last year while at Mentone. I think they are planning on having a booth. I will be there a lot if they do.

I am kind of a camera nut...and usually have my digital with me. Yesterday a big red tailed hawk was close enough for a good shot...but I wasnt quite quick enough. I didnt want

[GyroRon]

I too am planning to fly up for Mentone, but it is a little far to fly there in my ultralight or a gyro, so I will be taking my Piper Pa-20. Probably only be there Friday afternoon and Saturday, Leave Dawn sunday morning.

[StanFoster]

Ron: I will be looking forward to seeing you.

[Chuck Irby]

Stan, just try not to say anything that will make Ron smile. Those teeth of his (with the bugs) will gross you out.

[StanFoster]

Chuck: I have no doubt I will make Ron smile. So what do I do? Look at the ground? ;D

[StanFoster]

Ron: If you would just debug your teeth like you do your rotor blades....they could look like this.... ;D

[GyroRon]

I had a big smile today. Go to the gyrobee area and see my post.