Magni 16 Cross Country in KS

[lanichol]

Doug Wildhagen dropped into Docs grass landing strip last Saturday with his 100 hp Magni 16.

Thanks to the rotary forum, Doug Wildhagen (Atchinson Ks) & I realized we live just over 100 miles between landing strips.

When we spoke earlier in the week Doug had mentioned he could cruise over 80 which was a total surprise to me as I have an AAI Modified RAF EJ2.2. Straight & Level Solo flight the Magni flys 105 mph @ 5500 rpm. It took just over an hour for Doug to arrive and touchdown in a great looking landing.

Magni gyros are impressive. My only comparison is the modified raf2000. The rotor head and blades are much different than my sportcopter head/blades. The head & prerotator gear are much smaller and the blades seem wider and heavier. The 100 hp rotax looked small & light as compared to the sub engine. The magini is also extremely well balanced empty as it will rest on the tail wheel or front main with only a few pounds of weight effort. It does appear to have a higher thrust line, but in flight the Magni is extremely stable.

The local gas station/covenant store is just 150 yards off the end of the runway. We had lunch and put 5 gals in the Magni which nearly brought the fuel back to full. Doug & I decided to meet over at the Washington Memorial airport K38 (3400’ x 60’ concrete nearly new) 10 miles away. Once pre-rotated the Magni goes to full throttle which is different than working the throttle forward in a RAF takeoff.

Of course Doug beat me to Washington. Getting in the back of the Magni is a little tight as I am 6’1”. Pre-rotation and takeoff was impressive with 2 people and full fuel. Trimmed out Doug let me fly. I always considered my gyro as being stable with little shake. The Magni has very little stick shake and easy to fly by feel as I had to stretch to look around Doug to see only a few of the gauges.

It was a great time and Doug headed back to Atchinson in late afternoon. He called after landing at home. His avg. ground speed was 112 mph. (tail wind) and took 54 mins using 6.5 gallons

Pictures; Magni on Doc grass runway Hanover Ks, Doug near the fuel tank Washington Ks, Doug & the Magni for scale.