Buying an MTO Sport

[jakelantx]

I have ordered an MTO Sport from Desmon Butts, the Texas dealer. I want to have it shipped to my hangar and build it myself. US Auto-Gyro was very reluctant to allow me to do this wanting instead for me to agree to pay $3000 for builders assist stating that they only gave building instructions to their dealers. They agreed to allow me to build it but want me to have it inspected by them(?) whomever or whatever that means. I also find it hard to get straight answers about shipping costs and practices. It appears that the organization is rather new and all of these issues are just getting worked out. I think that if they are selling the aircraft as a kit that they should provide adequate instructions and support to build/assemble it by a person with average skills. This gyroplane is expensive enough as it is without having a lot of unknown costs and difficult to find information. I should receive mine in September and I am excited about learning from Desmon, also a CFI, to fly it. Desmon has been very helpful getting all of my issues addressed. I would like to hear from members about experience dealing with US Auto-Gyro and building an MTO Sport, or any other helpful input.

[Gyro_Kai]

Hello,

second guessing now:
Arrow-Copter are offering their machine as a kit and rotortec want to do it with their Clouddancer2. However, both like you to do some critical structural work under their supervision, in Austria/Germany. Not because they run a travel agency, but they want to make sure, that it is done right. I don't see a flaw in this approach other than maybe the size of the prize tag. It actually shows responsibility. If I recall correctly, RAF Canada sold you a pile of parts, not rated to fly. If you built and flew it, you were on your own.

Kai.

[jakelantx]

Thanks Kai,

This appears to be such an excellent design and so well produced that I hope the builder instruction and support is equal in quality. I think it will be and am excited to see exactly how the kit is presented. I think everything will work out well but so much unknown is frustrating when trying to make plans and gather funds. Ahh funds, yes I do have a problem with companies, dealers, etc showing any lack of appreciation for my difficulting in finding discretionary funds and being basically cheap doesn't help! I am all for safety and will do whatever is necessary to build an airworthy aircraft and receive proper instruction. Your gyro looks great and I appreciate your reply.

Don

[Mark Spies]

I do the 100hr on Desmon MTO3. If I can be any help to you please let Desmon or myself know....Good luck Mark

[jakelantx]

Thanks Mark,

I'm anxious now about how everything will work out because of the unknowns but seem to have hooked up with a good group including Desmon and all the people at US Auto-Gyro. I may purchase builder assist but if I can't afford it when the kit gets here I want to assemble it correctly.

Don

[Vance]

What does that mean in your profile “Design Checker Aircraft”?

Do you live at the airpark?

What moved you to fly a gyroplane?

I ask because I am giving a talk at AirVenture and you are the higher end of the market that I am less familiar with.

I would be very interested in your reasons for flying a gyroplane and choosing the MTO Sport.

I suspect others here would be interested too.

I have flown an MTO and enjoyed it very much.

You have some great places to fly and some great people to help you.

If I was making the purchase I would go with the builder assist because I know I would learn a lot.

It seems a small percentage of the total cost; it would give me peace of mind and probably speed the build process.

All the best on your gyroplane adventure!

Thank you, Vance

[All_In]

Congratulations!
Please post a build thread?

[jakelantx]

Hi Vance,

I peruse engineering documents, datasets, etc. to try and find any problems and verify all the design and documentation meets the customer's/company's requirements. I have worked at aircraft companies all around the country since 1978.

I don't live at an airpark but always wanted too!

I got out of flying in about 1995 and sold my Long-eze project never to return to the expense and regulations of flying.... In 2011 I got the bug to start flying RC aircraft and bought all the stuff then decided RC helicopters and loved flying as always and said to myself, why and I flying the things when I could be flying myself. I decided to take a intro flight in powered parachute and I was hooked again! I immediately bought a Skymaster Excel and started taking instruction. As soon as I moved my PPC to Blum, Texas at Blue Skies PPC I discovered the Owner and CFI Craig McPherson had just purchased an MTO Sport and was getting into gyroplane. As soon as I saw it I loved it and when I saw it fly, that was it! I started looking for a gyro for myself and ended up finding a Sport Copter Vortex for sale in WA. I bought it and went and picked it up last Christmas Day and brought it back to Blum, TX and planned to start training with Craig and then transition to the Vortex but I needed to lose 20 pounds to start. Well during that time I kept thinking what I really wanted was a 2 place so I could carry stuff with me if I wanted to explore and travel and take someone for a ride.

Well I guess I got off track and said too much but basically I discovered flying the PPC was the most wonderful time I had ever had flying or doing anything else. I love to fly low and slow and explore everywhere seeing things only seen by flyers. I am definitely into the going and not as concerned about getting there. I don't have a burning desire to deal with flight plans and air traffic control either. When I saw that the gyrocopter would do everything the PPC would do plus not affected much by wind and turbulence plus fast enough to explore large areas or even travel and enter controlled airports, that was it. I also loved the idea of low operating costs and the new Light Sport License system all added up to me getting the MTO Sport. I only wish there was and equivalent US built available and I think Jim Vanek will have something--eventually...

I only went up in the MTO Sport once and found out all I needed to know...

When it comes to choosing between lazy and cheap I always choose lazy if I can afford it so it will all come down to time and money. If I can afford it I will get assist if not I will build it myself. My point is that the kit provider should also provide excellent builder support to complete the package if they want to be in that business.

Don

[jakelantx]

I plan to post a build thread. I know I would like to have seen one.

The Genesis looks great John; do you fly one?

[All_In]

Originally Posted by jakelantx

I plan to post a build thread. I know I would like to have seen one.

The Genesis looks great John; do you fly one?

In "two weeks"!

I and others look forward to your thread, now we are all excited!!!

[jakelantx]

I flew to Maryland and built the MTO Sport August 26-31. I shipped it back to Texas using U-Ship and it will be here tomorrow. Desmon Butts is going to give me 10 hours dual instruction as part of the sale agreement and I hope I will be ready to start flying off my 40 hours after that. I intend to post my build pictures. It still has to be airworthiness certified. That was supposed to happen at Maryland but when the DAR arrived to do the inspection we learned that I would have to fly off the40 hours in Maryland so I decided to have it certified here by Bob Stark in Olney, TX a founding member or my PRA Chapter, Texas Rotorcraft Association.

[Irishpilot]

Jake,

It was a good looking Gyro at Bay Bridge and it looks like you did a great job! Nice meeting you (I was the DOJ guy).

Fly Safe,

Mike

[Mike484]

Try to make it down to Anahuac (justeast of Houston on I-10) next week (14th and 15th). We are holding a fly-in and it will give you a chance to meet a lot of gyro guys in our region. Desmon will also be ther, maybe you can begin your training.

[Texasautogyro]

I hope to see you tomorrow night meaning thursday it will be nice to get things started soon

Desmon

[CLS447]

Originally Posted by jakelantx

I flew to Maryland and built the MTO Sport August 26-31. I shipped it back to Texas using U-Ship and it will be here tomorrow. Desmon Butts is going to give me 10 hours dual instruction as part of the sale agreement and I hope I will be ready to start flying off my 40 hours after that. I intend to post my build pictures. It still has to be airworthiness certified. That was supposed to happen at Maryland but when the DAR arrived to do the inspection we learned that I would have to fly off the40 hours in Maryland so I decided to have it certified here by Bob Stark in Olney, TX a founding member or my PRA Chapter, Texas Rotorcraft Association.

Are you saying that you built it in six days ? Very nice !

Good Luck with the lessons !

Bob Stark is also a DAR ? Who was your Maryland DAR ?, Gene B. ?