My GyroBee Build.

[Gyro-nut]

Kirby, I wouldn't call myself your friend (cause I don't even know ya); but I understand and respect your decision.

My wife also hates the fact that I'm flying gyro's... but, God love her, she let's me anyway. However, if she were to tell me not too, I'd give it up. It's all part of that big compromise called marriage.

I must also admit that being new to the gyro world and hearing about Ken's accident, I was just about to give it up myself. I'm not afraid to bite the big one, but I'd like to see my kids grow up first!

Best of luck in whatever choice you make,

 

[Timchick]

Good post, Paul. No matter what type of sport you're involved with it's only as safe as you make it. When I was skydiving I saw several people get hurt. Not because skydiving is dangerous but because they refused to follow standard safety procedures and did something stupid. They were in control and chose to try low level manuevers they shouldn't have. It's the same with our gyros. We can all learn from other's mistakes and mishaps, apply them to ourselves and fly safely.

It's not like Kriby is giving up his dream of flying alltogether. Once he flies PPC's for awhile he may get the confidence to come back to explore gyros. I wish him well pursuing his dream.

 

[Alan Coats]

Kirby,

When I think of giving up on gyro flight I think of Todd's signature line -

"I don't want to be 75 years old and talking about all the things I wish I'd done"

Having said that, I do understand and respect your decision. You do what's right for you.

Alan

 

[junkyardbear]

Hi All,
Just dropped in to say.....Will build the best Damm Bee there is!!
The only thing to fear is......you know
later.

 

[Al_Hammer]

I like this quote.

"To what extent do we demand and expect to be delivered from violent deaths in our lives? To what extent, when we do die, is it going to be at the wrong time, anyway?"

My guess is that most of our deaths will come at the "wrong time." And while we can do any number of things to postpone the inevitable -- by eating wisely, working out, avoiding crossing streets against heavy traffic -- there are some freedoms I'm not willing to surrender out of fear.
-William Langewiesche

"I don't want to be 75 years old and talking about all the things I wish I'd done"

Tell that to my Dad, who started flying lessons a few months ago and hopes to get his private. He is in his 80's and has never flown anything before.
When I was learning to fly at the advanced age of 49, and my Dad drove out to the airport to watch me solo a helicopter, it never occured to me that the roles would be reversed a few years later and I'd be nervously anticipating HIS first solo in a spam can.

 

[junkyardbear]

I like this quote.





Tell that to my Dad, who started flying lessons a few months ago and hopes to get his private. He is in his 80's and has never flown anything before.
When I was learning to fly at the advanced age of 49, and my Dad drove out to the airport to watch me solo a helicopter, it never occured to me that the roles would be reversed a few years later and I'd be nervously anticipating HIS first solo in a spam can.

Hi Al,
So true about death...you never know how or when. Like the little 6 year
old in a car with his mother and slammed with a 737
That is very inspiring to me and awesome about your dad! Please let us know when he solo's!

 

[Al_Hammer]

Yes, I just saw that story about the jet skidding off the runway.

Thanks for the comments, Kirby. I'm not so sure I like the idea of my Dad soloing, but we all make our own decisions.
A few weeks ago, he was practicing power-on stalls and when he was done the instructor turned to him and said "It couldn't be done any better than that." I could hear the pride in his voice.

 

[Brian Jackson]

Hi All,
Just dropped in to say.....Will build the best Damm Bee there is!!
The only thing to fear is......you know
later.

Kirby,

You have no idea how happy I felt after reading your post. I felt like "hanging it up" after losing Chuck Irby and now Ken, thinking to myself what insane nut-case would pursue such a dream? My family hates that I'm doing this. So it got me thinking... Why would someone do this knowing the dangers going in? The only answer is the rewards. Everything we do in life is a gamble, from whom you marry to your career choice. We all hope it works out in the end, but since there's no such thing as psychics (www.randi.org) we have only our gut to guide us in rational decision making.

Though tragic, there is much we can learn from others' demise. It affected me profoundly, and will do so forever more upon re-reading their posts.

Though dealing with my own demons, it's nice to know I'm not the only one whom has second-guessed his commitment or perseverance; a sport that requires both.

I'm very glad you're back in the fold, perhaps for selfish reasons since I'm sure there is much I can learn from you. Nonetheless, if I can be of any service let me know. Sounds like we're both on the same track.

All the best,
Brian Jackson

 

[junkyardbear]

Kirby,

You have no idea how happy I felt after reading your post. I felt like "hanging it up" after losing Chuck Irby and now Ken, thinking to myself what insane nut-case would pursue such a dream? My family hates that I'm doing this. So it got me thinking... Why would someone do this knowing the dangers going in? The only answer is the rewards. Everything we do in life is a gamble, from whom you marry to your career choice. We all hope it works out in the end, but since there's no such thing as psychics (www.randi.org) we have only our gut to guide us in rational decision making.

Though tragic, there is much we can learn from others' demise. It affected me profoundly, and will do so forever more upon re-reading their posts.

Though dealing with my own demons, it's nice to know I'm not the only one whom has second-guessed his commitment or perseverance; a sport that requires both.

I'm very glad you're back in the fold, perhaps for selfish reasons since I'm sure there is much I can learn from you. Nonetheless, if I can be of any service let me know. Sounds like we're both on the same track.

All the best,
Brian Jackson

Hi Brian,
Thanks for the welcome back It might take me a little longer now because
I want to save for the best parts money can buy...head, motor n such.
In the meantime I will enjoy life to the fullest and try not to take things for granted............my gut is saying have some fun.
Hope you all the best with Q.B. she is shaping up nicely.

 

[larry]

I had to give up my flying due to my wife's brain tumor. Had to totaly sell all of my toys for wifes medical bills and still ended up in bankruptcy. After watching my wife go thru years of pain before dying I would rather go in a crash doing what I love most than suffering year after year. She past away 3 years ago and im getting back to flying. I worked to hard getting my private ticket and flew many different fixd wing, rotor wing, trikes. ppc, etc. Im going with gyros this time. Got hooked on rotorwing in nam. Just understand a person has to put things on hold sometimes but I say never give up your dream, just hold on and sooner or later the dream comes back. I didn't think I would ever fly again but i held on to my dream and now im geeting to do it again. Sorry about rambling on just glad your not giving up.

 

[scottessex]

I worked with an older gentleman who slipped in the bathtub and totally disabled him, Other people that I have known have been killed by hapless drivers, motorcycle accidents, or just bad health.

I crashed my first 2 gyros, one engine failure, the other a ground accident. sure it hurt financially, but I wouldn't give it up for anything, I am thinking about getting a small 2 seat aircraft so the wife and I can enjoy flying together, and I can share the experience with others.

I will not quit using the shower or riding my motorcycle, or flying my gyro,
just working for a living and not risking anything is just too mundane an existance for me. If you don't ever do anything that involves a risk, you will probably die on your couch from radon poisoning.

Just keep pushing on a little at a time.

 

[Brent_Brown]

You use a shower?

 

[scottessex]

Just once a week, whether I need too or not.

 

[junkyardbear]

I had to give up my flying due to my wife's brain tumor. Had to totaly sell all of my toys for wifes medical bills and still ended up in bankruptcy. After watching my wife go thru years of pain before dying I would rather go in a crash doing what I love most than suffering year after year. She past away 3 years ago and im getting back to flying. I worked to hard getting my private ticket and flew many different fixd wing, rotor wing, trikes. ppc, etc. Im going with gyros this time. Got hooked on rotorwing in nam. Just understand a person has to put things on hold sometimes but I say never give up your dream, just hold on and sooner or later the dream comes back. I didn't think I would ever fly again but i held on to my dream and now im geeting to do it again. Sorry about rambling on just glad your not giving up.

Hi Larry,
Sorry to hear about your wife.....must be tough. Glad you will join the flying world again.

 

[junkyardbear]

I worked with an older gentleman who slipped in the bathtub and totally disabled him, Other people that I have known have been killed by hapless drivers, motorcycle accidents, or just bad health.

I crashed my first 2 gyros, one engine failure, the other a ground accident. sure it hurt financially, but I wouldn't give it up for anything, I am thinking about getting a small 2 seat aircraft so the wife and I can enjoy flying together, and I can share the experience with others.

I will not quit using the shower or riding my motorcycle, or flying my gyro,
just working for a living and not risking anything is just too mundane an existance for me. If you don't ever do anything that involves a risk, you will probably die on your couch from radon poisoning.

Just keep pushing on a little at a time.

Scott,
I agree with you totally, a person never knows day or time for departure
from this world. Glad you are having fun with gyro's n such....hope you many happy days.
note......I did take a lesson in PPC....was wonderful, I can only imagine how awesome a gyro must feel

 

[junkyardbear]

Hi All,
I have the metal for my cheek plates....does it make a difference
if I go with 447 or 503...leaning towards 447....just wanta float along..
do I just print the ones Mr. Taggert has in plans and use as template?
Thanks

 

[Alan Coats]

Kirby,

The exact shape of your cheek plates will be determined by your hang test. You will have to have the gyro nearly completed, with engine mounted, before you can do that.

I made a set of temporary cheek plates out of 1/2" plywood. I made them with slots so I could slide the head back and forth till the gyro hung at 10 degrees nose-down, like the documentation says. Bolt them on temporarily with hardware store bolts.

Hope that helps,
Alan

 

[Dale Young]

Hi Kirby! Looks like your bee is coming along fine! How much do you weigh? If I were you, I would entertain the 503 idea a little more. It is always nice to have the extra bit of push if you need it.

 

[ultracruiser41]

Kirby,

Go with the 503, you'll appreciate it...and...I made a cheek plate with slots to adjust while doing the hang test, then once you have it where you need it, make the permanent set of plates.


BarryK

 

[junkyardbear]

Hi Alan.......I think Dean Dolph had some dummy cheek plates I could use..
I will wait til last thing...Thanks

Dale thanks for the Bee comment I weigh 225....I know thats pushing it ...
You and Barry are right.....need the 503
Hmmm wonder if FunFlyer ( Grego) is going to use his 503....maybe a payment plan.ha
Have a good one