3 Loops and a Whirley Twirl

[GyroRon]

Hi Ron,
I have watched both gyro displays multiple times on Youtube and my awe and admiration for the skills and techniques displayed grow more after every viewing. I can appreciate that honing these gyro skills took many hours of practice and dedication along with natural ability. Most of us will never attain that level of skill.

My take on EI-GYRO's comment was that it was not aimed at skilled pilots such as yourself nor at the pilots doing the display flying. It was a warning to gyro pilots like me with basic piloting skills not to overestimate our abilities. John H.

Everyone should know and respect their abilities. But at the same time, its good for every pilot to push to become better, more at tune with their machine and what can or can't be done.

Its like a fixed wing pilot that always comes in with power... Its good practice to work up to coming in with no power, and possibly chopping power at random spots in the pattern and working towards making landings without power. Or working up the ability to fly in windy conditions or strong crosswinds. You should always dedicate some time to making yourself better.

Seeing someone like Barry, or Jim V, or Steve McGowan, myself etc.... do advanced maneuvers.... It shows you that these maneuvers ARE possible. And with practice these maneuvers ARE possible by most pilots.

But just like with mountain biking, I am decent at that too, but I know my limitations... I am not going to do most if any of the stuff these guys are doing in the video below... Sometimes you just have to sit back and admire these guys and enjoy the show and know that they are doing stuff normal people don't have any business doing.

I went to sun n fun this year for the first time and saw a airshow performance where a pilot was doing some serious stunts in a 4 seat regular plane, I think it was a bonanza... instead of being critical of how the show might influence someone to loop the roll their piper archer when they get home, I admired his smoothness and skill to be able to safely perform these stunts safely and show that with smooth flying, you can really do things even in a plane not designed for it. Bob Hoovers routines in the aero commander strike also come to mind...

 

[WaspAir]

There are three messages under discussion here:

1) This guy has impressive skills.
2) We hope you don't try this at home, stupid ordinary mortals, because you'll get hurt.
3) This guy is bad for tempting stupid ordinary mortals because it will be all his fault when they get hurt.

Messages 1 and 2 were clearly stated. Message 3 was not stated, and was not implied. Don't read it in when it's not there. Nobody was tearing down the pilot.

 

[Resasi]

So with ref to the above,

1) video was a recording of a superior performance of pilotage.
2) warnings have been issued that this is achievable...with a lot or experience, and possession of above average skills,
3) This guy has put on an amazing display of skill that is rare to see...and as such really impressive... and worthy of our applause.

Not often seen, impressive to an extreme, and delighted to have both witnessed it and met the pilot personally.

It was special.

 

[Georgi]

I believe I broke a lot of bones in my body while watching this video. Got an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow. Ron, get a good lawyer

 

[wolfy]

I could also loop a gyro easily but choose not to because the chance of an engine out on the way up the loop would potentionally not end well. A gyro may not have the energy to get over the top without power, and a tail slide form a vertical attitude may also end badly.
I used to loop hang gliders but they have ample energy retention to complete a loop.
Now days I don't think I would loop anything that couldn't fly inverted dead stick.
Not to take anything from Barry he has got skills, but no one knows when an engine is going to go out.
Everything is a risk no doubt.

wolfy

 

[Georgi]

Everyone should know and respect their abilities. But at the same time, its good for every pilot to push to become better, more at tune with their machine and what can or can't be done.

Its like a fixed wing pilot that always comes in with power... Its good practice to work up to coming in with no power, and possibly chopping power at random spots in the pattern and working towards making landings without power. Or working up the ability to fly in windy conditions or strong crosswinds. You should always dedicate some time to making yourself better.

Seeing someone like Barry, or Jim V, or Steve McGowan, myself etc.... do advanced maneuvers.... It shows you that these maneuvers ARE possible. And with practice these maneuvers ARE possible by most pilots.

But just like with mountain biking, I am decent at that too, but I know my limitations... I am not going to do most if any of the stuff these guys are doing in the video below... Sometimes you just have to sit back and admire these guys and enjoy the show and know that they are doing stuff normal people don't have any business doing.

I went to sun n fun this year for the first time and saw a airshow performance where a pilot was doing some serious stunts in a 4 seat regular plane, I think it was a bonanza... instead of being critical of how the show might influence someone to loop the roll their piper archer when they get home, I admired his smoothness and skill to be able to safely perform these stunts safely and show that with smooth flying, you can really do things even in a plane not designed for it. Bob Hoovers routines in the aero commander strike also come to mind...