1st Gyro Hunt for Newbie

MechE

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2005
Messages
4
Location
Chagrin Falls
I'm a newbie here but have some experience. I have a fixed wing license; have been to Mentone; ridden in a two seat trainer (have sometimers - can't remember the model) and am looking for a homebuilt project. I've tried to satisfy my lust for the outdoors with my VTX1300c motorcycle, but just need to get airborn again and fixed wing becomes pricey over time.

If anyone knows of a source with reviews, specifications and pictures please let me know as I am now officially in data mining mode. (If such a listing is available in this website, then my apologies for not finding it)

MechE

Keep the Faith
 
Sounds just like me. Got my private pilot license about 8 yrs ago, but didn't fly for the last 6 yrs. Got into motorcycles, then into 4 wheelers, then scuba diving, but something inside of me still wanted to fly so I took a gyro flight. Lets just say the rest is history. Scuba gear is in the closet, motorcycle is sold, and 4 wheeler is under a tarp still covered with mud from 6 months ago.
 
Hey, PJ, welcome to the forum! So, where's Chagrin Falls? State? Country?

I'm not aware of anybody who's gathered together conforming examples of all the kits and tested them, Consumer Reports-style. It might be difficult to get a good comparison, since even the kits get built in many different forms.

Best bet is just what you've done - post here, and get answers from owners.

As for fixed-wing vs. rotor wing, I was at a flight school the other day and called their airplanes "stuck wing." They laughed pretty hard, then the chief instructor said, "There are only two kinds...broken wing, and fixed wing!"

Each will do things the other won't, but for the money, it's hard to beat a gyro for fun.
 
The PRA magazine publishes a manufactures directory once a year. It covers both gyroplanes and helicopters. But it does not have reviews.

I would do as Paul suggests. Just ask here what type, kinds, of gyro's people like and fly.

Also how much effort do you want to put into the build process? That will narrow down the field a little more.

What ever you do, take your time and don't jump into anything.
 
I was in your shoes last year- I decided to build a fixed wing (RV-9A) instead due to altitude limits here, but here is what I surmised:

Best value: Dominator or Ultrawhite if you are happy with open cockpit. Reason: stable, responsive, well built, and reasonable cost. I liked the Butterfly and Monarch as well, but they were significantly more expensive.

If you want an enclosed two place (kit)- the Sparrowhawk is the way to go unless you can find a used AAI-converted RAF at a VERY good price.

If you can weld well and prefer to build from plans- check out the Littlewing.
 
Thanks much for all your thoughts!!

Bart - you have me pegged, though because of gas prices I'll probably never sell my bike. I feel the need to get airborne again and having a demo flight I'll say I was pretty impressed when the pilot put it on the numbers; heck it seemed like we were on the numbers when we started our descent. Beautiful, just beautiful.

Paul - Chagrin Falls is in NE Ohio (and in fact has three falls, quite nice to look at) and I should probably update my profile to say as such. Fun is the issue here as I have enough of everything else. Looking and talking is good advice.

GyroChuck - It seems to me that building a gyro should take less hours than a fixed wing, but time will tell. I can weld a little, though I've known guys in my EAA group who had very little skill but plenty of determination and built rather good examples of homebuilts. Now if I can just pump up the determination :)

Cobra - thanks for the leads. I'll check each of them. My inclination is to homebuild, but who knows? Maybe the right deal will come along. My strength is probably best with engines. Have owned owned four Subarus in my lifetime. Even pulled a turbocharged version out of our '87 when the tranny imploded on my daughter. Offered it to anyone in my local EAA groups for free and had no takers, so I eventually scrapped it. What the heck was I thinking back in '95?

I've only been to Mentone once and was rather impressed. Wanted to go this year but had a schedule conflict. Next year for sure....something nice about camping and the continual sound of engines mmmmmmm.

MechE

Keep the Faith
 
Cobra said:
Best value: Dominator or Ultrawhite if you are happy with open cockpit. Reason: stable, responsive, well built, and reasonable cost. I liked the Butterfly and Monarch as well, but they were significantly more expensive.

Cobra is correct in saying the Ultrawhite is the best overall value. He is not; however, correct is saying the Butterfly or the Monarch are "significantly more expensive". It really depends on what options you would like. If you want the G-force landing gear it is going to cost you.

Best of Luck,
Chris
 
first gyro hunt for newbe

first gyro hunt for newbe

PJ,

I think you need a Little Wing. It just so happens, I know of a very nice one for sale. Frank
 
I can't believe noone has mentioned the Gyrobee. Its an EXCELLENT "starter gyro", the plans are free and the support in these forums for them is fantastic.
 
Hornet

Hornet

The best ( well.. close to :)thing coming is the Hornet, it's a giant ( normal:) step ahead of the Bee and a smaller step ahead of the UltraWhite. FREE up dated plans are coming.

But one hasn't flown yet, but if you study the design you will see that it takes the best of others and puts it in one. Don isn't reinventing the wheel.
I wonder if this group is anti-Hornet:)

The Dom. and Bee have their it's problems to and Don is trying to solve them with the Hornet.

https://www.geocities.com/donshoebridge/index.html

https://groups.yahoo.com/group/hornet-autogyro/

Dennis
 
Not Anti Hornet

Not Anti Hornet

We're not Anti Hornet... just the opposite! Let's just get some flying!!!
 
Love the feedback and opinions.

Hoody thanks for the lead. It is very helpful.

Paul we can compare notes. Why don't you send me a PM a give me an idea of what your goals are.

Fdarby - I checked out the Little Wing articles etc and there seems to be some reorganization or something going on, am I right? Just something to consider.

I was a member for a short time of the PRA. Sounds like it's time to re-up my membership. Thanks everyone - MechE
 
Kdog - I did check out the Gyrobee and it too looks like a good starter and will likely be on my shortlist. Thanks for the lead! - MechE
 
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