Had a GREAT day in the Butterfly!!!

[Glenn_K]

No video today. I just didn't set the camera up. However...

I got to the airport, after a major traffic accident (not me) on the freeway, with my sanity and excitement intact. There were a couple of reasons for the extra excitement today.
First of all, good news from my instructor, Michael Burton. He told me, the other day, that when I am comfortable with low and no power landings I am cleared to leave the pattern. So today's session was all about that. The first session (couple of days ago) was less than good. I had to wave off 2 landings so I just returned to the hangar.
Today was going to be different. I wore my Nike Air Monarchs to fly my Monarch. Not only that, but my daughter was with me and she wanted to watch.
The wind was blowing a bit when we got there and it was just a bit across the runway. But not strong and not a dramatic angle. Preflight done, I headed out for a couple of test passes.
Wonderful!!!
The flying was great and the landings were good, albeit challenging. Back to the hangar to set Lindsey up with a viewing area and back to the air. I did almost every landing with power off. I had to add power a couple of times to correct the flare, but I'm very happy with my performance today. I was very comfortable in the air today. I even tried a couple of minor maneuvers to see how I would do. I admit it... I was showboating a little for my daughter, but I was not unsafe. I did some slow flight, some sideways flight and a couple of dives and climbs. It was great. I was all alone in the pattern, so no stress there.
Very fun day!!! I think I'll be good if I have one more session like that.
GoPro camera is mounted on the new helmet and I like it. There will be video of my next session. I'm going up for more tomorrow if the wind cooperates.
So fun... incredible!

[Kevin_Richey]

Sounds like you had a lot of fun out there!

Good to hear you are comfortable adding throttle to smooth out a not-so-good landing flare.

So, do your Nike Monarchs have the patented Ground Force Landing Gear?

I think your extensive motorcycling experience helps you be "one" with your air-machine.

[GyrOZprey]

Sounds like you are having TOOOO much fun there!

I feel a LOOONg way from doing the stuff you describe!!!

DIVES?????????? --- All I hear is Desmon in my ears "don't dive" Don't DO that!!!!
Now the landings I can relate to - Desmon was getting me to sort out my own messy approachs over & over last session - power on saves - it felt like all the previous landings we did were power off unless we ballooned or hit a funky wind over the end of the runway & he hit the throttle to reset us!
Good-on-ya!
Keep having fun,stay safe, see-ya soon!

[Glenn_K]

Thanks you guys!
Lol Kevin. Only one of my Monarchs has the g-force gear. But I do feel like the other Monarchs were a real help. I wore them again on Sunday and it was an awesome day. Video is uploading as I write this.
Stay tuned...

[GyroDoug]

Glenn,

Glad to see the progress you are making. I hope you will be cleared to fly your Monarch up in Brigham City come June. I can't wait to watch you show us how it's done.

[Glenn_K]

Interesting you should mention that, Doug. That's the other piece of good news from Michael. Provided that I keep flying as much as I have been, he thinks I'll be ready for my check ride by ROTR. So...
I must fly...
Here is the highlight vid from Sunday's sessions. I got 2 hours in on Sunday. The wind was supposed to whip up early, but it never did. There was only a breeze. The first hour was great! I was doing well and I was happy happy I had the camera pointed at too low an angle so some of the video is a little weird. I went and had lunch and did a little maintenance on the Monarch. All the while I expected the wind to kick up. But the socks were flat. So I jumped up and did another hour. It was fantastic and I really got in the groove. By the end of the sessions I was very comfortable with not only the power off landings, but the Gyroplane as a whole. This is really good! So much fun.


Training 3-25-12.wmv - YouTube

I don't know why the player won't show up here. But the link is good. Enjoy.

[StanFoster]

Glenn- It makes me smile reading your progress. Your smile at Mentone was infectious. Will you be bringing your gyro to Mentone? I would love to burn some kerosene alongside you.


Stan

[farmer jim]

Dear Stan -

(#7) JUST BETWIXT YOU ME, i have it on authority that Glenn's intentions @ 2012 Mentone are not all respectful, (if he finds you 'out-in-the-open') but then I am aware of SEVERAL pilots who feel the same.

No question that Glenn is 'living-the-dream', and i am envious of him. If he didn't have such nice hair & BRILLIANT shoes, I'd think less of him ?!!

fj

[GyroDoug]

Originally Posted by farmer jim

Dear Stan -

(#7) JUST BETWIXT YOU ME, i have it on authority that Glenn's intentions @ 2012 Mentone are not all respectful, (if he finds you 'out-in-the-open') but then I am aware of SEVERAL pilots who feel the same.

No question that Glenn is 'living-the-dream', and i am envious of him. If he didn't have such nice hair & BRILLIANT shoes, I'd think less of him ?!!

fj

This (above) is coming from a man who is talking about dumping a 55 Gallon Drum full of eggs at poor Stan?

You are a hoot my brother, even if you are a bit of an instigator. This is going to be such an incredible summer! I am really getting excited about this flying season!

[StanFoster]

Jim- Please limit your payload to 100 eggs....in case you did get LUCKY and hit this stupid fool....I wouldnt be eggsploited....


You must at least sample one of my turbine cooked hot dogs at Mentone. They are really good and taste like they came off the grill. I am going to have hot dogs and sticks and probably have half a dozen cooking at a time. This will lower the kerosene cost per dog! Bring some ear plugs because standing at the exhaust are some high pitched whines....and they are coming from me!


Kerodogs...get em while there hot!


Stan

[Glenn_K]

@ FJ ...

@ Stan Are you kidding me? I'd have to be crazy or dead to miss an offer like that. I want close up air to air GoPro video of you next to me. It'll make great Slo-Mo. And Kerodogs to boot. Reserve a stick for me.

@ Doug He is a unique character, is he not? BTW... wouldn't it be awesome to have Stan and his beautiful Helicycle flying with us at ROTR? (wink wink nudge nudge)

[Kevin_Richey]

Originally Posted by glenn_k

wouldn't it be awesome to have stan and his beautiful helicycle flying with us at rotr? (wink wink nudge nudge)

Hear-Hear!

[j bird]

Maybe I should push his buttons. ( there's no way that flat-lander is going to cross the Mississippi )