John / All In....
I applaud your enthusiasm for getting more gyro CFIs in the ranks. I appreciate the frustration many feel because they are miles from a gyro CFI. However, there are a couple comments and observations I'd like to make, just food for thought.
You mentioned you would let the airplane guys fly your gyro for free. I am not a lawyer but I have taken some law classes. It probably explains why I think of the legal aspect so much. Anyway, if you lent your gyro to someone and something bad happened you would be named in the subsequent lawsuit. Just something to think about. It's terrific you would help in that way to get more CFIs. I just do not know if opening yourself up to all that liability is a good thing for you.
As to all those people who are chomping at the bit to take gyro lessons ? I started a helicopter company years ago. Prior to opening the doors I asked 20 then-current Robinson pilots if they would come to me to transition into a Bell 47 or Enstrom. All were enthusiastic about flying something different and even signed papers showing their intent. No one ever followed through. I'm not saying it would happen with your gyro enthusiasts, but it is very easy to talk the talk but suddenly becomes more difficult when it's time to walk the walk.
I am currently faced with not having a gyro CFI in the area. I am a helicopter CFI and am looking to get a Gyro CFI add-on. I will travel to fly with Steve McGowan in Georgia for some training (maybe multiple trips) and checkride prep, and then to Ron Menzie in Arkansas for the checkride. Hundreds of miles of travel, lodging, meals, etc. But, it is what I want to do so I will do what it takes. It would be terrific for some gyro CFIs to travel to the students. But, as Steve McGowan mentioned, people bail at the last minute and that CFI, after spending a lot of money for travel, is left with less money than his expenses. Early in my CFI career the helo company sent me to a couple different cities 100 miles away because there were people who committed to taking lessons. Once there, the majority of them didn't show.
Again, it's great you are championing the CFI issue. I just don't think a travelling CFI is the answer. How about this ? Every PRA chapter make it a goal to have at least one gyro CFI. If the chapter has none, decide on at least one person to become a CFI with the chapter footing most or all of the bill for that person to become a CFI. With all the PRA chapters spread across the country it would be a good start.
Again, just food for thought.....
Steve