Gyro stability video on Google

[chuter]

Well, I did it; I threw together a video that explains the basics of gyro stability.

I didn’t set out to make something that covered everything; just the basics. I tried to keep it simple.

The quality is pretty poor; sorry about that. I knew it would be. I’m working two jobs and it was a struggle for me to get software and learn it well enough to get it this good.

Hopefully if there is enough positive response to this video someone with more video production skills will produce something better. Or maybe the PRA at some point could put some money into having one made.

This is in no way the result of my work or understanding of the physics of flight; I’ve only summarized what I’ve learned here on the forum from the likes of Doug Riley, Greg Greminger, and Chuck Beaty.

Their tireless efforts and endless patience hopefully have saved lives and made us better builder/pilots.
I just thought that maybe having a video would make it easier for some folks to visualize.

Doug and Greg have reviewed it and agree that the info is accurate. Both of them had suggestions for additional info or different demonstrations that might make it easier to see.

The video is 32 minutes long. If anyone wants a DVD they’ll be $5 to cover costs; free to any CFI that wants one.

Here ya go; Gyro Stability video

[greywuuf]

Nice Job.
Good use of visual aids. Thank you for taking the time to put the info in one place and making it available to everyone.

[Kingchocolate]

I like it. Is it possible to put the video on disk. Thank you for sharing.

Scott

[EI-GYRO]

Thanks Michael, for taking the time to do this.
You clarified several things for me, and I've
sent the link to my gyro-friends.

[Heather Poe]

Question:

Originally Posted by Kingchocolate

I like it. Is it possible to put the video on disk.

Answer:

Originally Posted by chuter

If anyone wants a DVD they’ll be $5 to cover costs

[gyrofly]

Michael,
Thank you so much for that. Really! I heard and read Greg G's and others words but nothing put's it all into perspective like a video presentation. Your presentation for the gyro enthusiast visually and practically clarified the issues affecting gyro stability.
Thanks again...

[Kingchocolate]

Thank You Heather. I should have read all of the post before watching the video.

Scott

[Tina]

Thank you Michael!! It really helped me visualize and understand stability and flying a gyro.

Thanks again

[Racer]

Thank you for taking the time to do this, I love your props, Very good visuals
You covered alot of very complex info in a very easy to understand way. Thank you again. Todd

[chuter]

Great! I'm glad you guys are getting something out of it.

[barnstorm2]

This is great work! Thanks!

This is a great way to educate the gyro and non-gyro public.

Michael, my I have your permission to use parts of your video in presentations that I create?

[chuter]

Tim,

Absolutely; use what ever you need.

[Udi]

Michael - Great video. I enjoyed watching it. If I may add a suggestion - in the discussion about static stability everything that you said was correct. Having the RTV passing aft of the CG does provide a measure of static stability but there is another important stabilizing factor you haven't mentioned. The stab itself, even with the RTV passing fwd of the CG, as in the case of HTL gyros, is providing a measure of static stability. Gyros that fly with the RTV fwd of the CG due to a HTL or due to aerodynamic forces such as pods and landing gear may still have positive static stability if they have a large enough stab.

The reason the stab, all by itself, is a stabilizing factor is because the rotor is more heavily loaded than the stab. For example -- when a gust is hitting the gyro, changing the gyro AOA by 1 degree, the response of the stab (a reasonably designed stab anyway) to this gust will be much stronger than the response of the rotor. If the rotor AOA was 10 degrees, a 1 degree AOA change would change the lift by approximately 10%. If, at the same time, the stab AOA was 2%, the same 1% AOA change would change the stab lift by 50%.

This is the reason stabs are making HTL gyros like the RAF for example more stable, even when they fly with the RTV fwd of the CG. The stab may not reduce or remove the PPO moment, but it does make the gyro more statically (and dynamically) stable.

Udi

[chuter]

Hi Udi,

I had never heard that explained before but it makes sense.

I'm hoping that those who view the video will search out more in-depth info to add to what I included in the video.

Judging by the discussions on this forum, there are still a few areas that are not agreed on by even the gurus.

My thinking was to just get the basics out there; if I tried to include everything and make perfect demonstrations and an excellent video production it would take me forever and would probably never get finished.

After I finished it I realized I didn't even mention PIO (duh).

So, for me anyway, what you just posted is new information. Always more to think about.

Thanks

[Doug Riley]

Michael did a nice job on this, out of sheer generosity. There's probably no money in gyros anyway, but there's SURELY no bucks in teaching gyro safety! What sells is the sizzle, not vectors. The vectors keep us alive (or not), though.

Good show, Chuter.