TOTAL newbie

[whiplash306]

WOW guys...this gyrocopter sport might just be the answer to many years of wishfull thinking! Up until just 2 days ago, I was totally oblivious to the existence of these sorts of machines. I had actually just been introduced to powered parasailing, but in the back of my mind, knew that a helicopter has ALWAYS been what I've wanted. That said, I do realize that these little aircrafts are not helicopters in the sense of generating lift from above head rotors, but this might just be the closest I will ever be able to come to owning one!

My mother and father owned 2 supercubs while we still lived in Alaska...and while I was still just a small boy. I do however remember numerous trips in them and the exhilaration it always brought. So I guess the fascination of flight has been engrained in me since a child. However, since my father was also a helicopter pilot for over 30 years...2 tours in Vietnam as a medivac pilot, my heart goes out to helicopters vs. fixed wing.

So, now I am enamored with these things and want to learn all I can about them. I do not see any regional subsections in this forum, so how would I go about learning where the next gyro meet will be at? How can I talk face to face with people nearby, perhaps get a ride by an instructor, observe different models, etc??? I live in Central Texas and a little bit of distance driving doesn't bother me. Any useful tips, info, connections or tid-bits that you all feel you'd like to offer would be GREATLY appreciated. I would love to learn more about this sport as I feel it would make a great father/son hobby, but being TOTALLY ignorant, I have absolutely NO idea where to even start....thanks, Jarod