Getting it home

[HeliSwede]

I have flown several new Robinson Helicopters from CA to KS and FL. The factory requires all flights follow I-10 to El Paso and then proceed as desired. Several reasons for this requirement, lower altitudes, fuel stops, quicker assistance and recovery if heli has mechanical issues or is damaged. Thus you might consider flying to El Paso - then I-10W to Phoenix, then I-17N. Further, I would urge you to have a qualified AR1 CFI make the trip with you! Highways are much better than remote mountains if you should need help!

 

[Tyger]

I was hoping to use primarily UL gas, but I don't think that's going to be possible.

It's not that big a deal to use 100LL in Rotaxes, but you might want to bring a container of Decalin Run-Up with you. It's quite safe to carry, and a little goes a long way.

The gyro will also have ADS-B and I'm fine talking to ATC, although they often lose contact with lower-alt ops in the West.

They easily lose contact at lower altitudes in the East too!

 

[Tyger]

I'm just wondering how everything turned out with this long trip west... there has to be some sort of story by now.

 

[MonkeyClaw]

Since you asked...

The build ended up being slower than I had hoped. There were a lot of personal issues for the employees while I was there, which slowed down the progress. I was able to complete the 51%, but I was hoping for more like 80%. The build is being completed while I am at home getting periodic progress reports. I'm hoping the engine will be run for the first time next week.

I was able to get a few recurrency and transition flights while I was there, so that was nice. Also, the people who work at the factory were very helpful and kind. I'm hoping it will be completed some time in September, and I'll ferry it back in late September or early October. As an indicator of my certainty of this timeline, no reservations have been made yet...

In the meantime, I'm getting the paperwork taken care of (we were hoping to register in AZ under my PA LLC, but the FAA didn't like that) and reviewing the documents that were provided for maintenance, suggested POH, etc. Also periodically looking at flight planning and anxiously checking my phone for updates.

 

[Sv.grainne]

Just curious if you used the FAA build log.

 

[MonkeyClaw]

Just curious if you used the FAA build log.

Is this the EAA build log? I just took a ton of pictures and some time-lapse video. I also took some notes on the drawing that were provided to build various parts (controls, rotor head, etc.).

 

[Kevin_Richey]

"Amateur-Built Fabrication and Assembly Checklist (2011) Gyroplane"

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/aircraft/gen_av/ultralights/amateur_built/AmBuiltFabAssyCklistGyro.pdf

It is said that the builder meets 51%+ by assembly alone of a manufacturer's kit by using this checklist.

 

[Sv.grainne]

Is this the EAA build log? I just took a ton of pictures and some time-lapse video. I also took some notes on the drawing that were provided to build various parts (controls, rotor head, etc.).

No, it an FAA Spreadsheet used to help document the 51% requirement. I keyed my photos to the 6 areas in the form. Computation of build percentage is calculated in the document. DAR loved it!

 

[Abid]

Just curious if you used the FAA build log.

Yes I fill that out for the customers as they work through the build. I have a digital sheet

 

[Sv.grainne]

Yes I fill that out for the customers as they work through the build. I have a digital sheet

Abid:

Wasn't asking if you use it but sure makes it easier for the customer moving thru the AWC process that you do. I also used the digital sheet for and added appropriate dates and notes to individual line items.

It sure helped.

Plus I did not realize that this was one of your machines!

🙂

 

[Resasi]

Good video Tyger, good advice.

In a gyro perhaps the safest arial vehicle, other than a helicopter, to land in a limited space.

I have always, as part of the preflight gone over what can go wrong...and on the odd occasion, been glad that I did.

 

[DonBishop]

For your flight planning, if you can, schedule an overnight at Hammond, LA. Great FBO. They gave me a ride to the local B&B, showed me where to get a good cigar, and pointed out The Steakhouse, where I had the best steak I've ever eaten to this day. When my M2 is ready to fly home from Scappoose to Northern CA, I may add Hammond to the flight plan!

 

[chrisk]

For your flight planning, if you can, schedule an overnight at Hammond, LA. Great FBO. They gave me a ride to the local B&B, showed me where to get a good cigar, and pointed out The Steakhouse, where I had the best steak I've ever eaten to this day. When my M2 is ready to fly home from Scappoose to Northern CA, I may add Hammond to the flight plan!

It's been a few years since I have stopped at the Hammond FBO, but I have good memories of my stops.

 

[giro5]

Just my 2 cents but if it were me - a new low time gyro pilot and new plane I would put the gyro on a trailer and the blades in a padded blade box and tow it to my home. Great adventure to fly it if he makes it but why risk yourself and the new gyro till you get significant time and experience with it at home. I would not have had this attitude 40 or 50 years ago but time and multiple near mishaps has tempered my adventures self.

 

[HeliSwede]

For your flight planning, if you can, schedule an overnight at Hammond, LA. Great FBO. They gave me a ride to the local B&B, showed me where to get a good cigar, and pointed out The Steakhouse, where I had the best steak I've ever eaten to this day. When my M2 is ready to fly home from Scappoose to Northern CA, I may add Hammond to the flight plan!

What is the ETA delivery for your M2?

 

[DonBishop]

What is the ETA delivery for your M2?

Not sure yet. We were up there a few weeks ago and got to fly in it with the Rotax 915is. Jim is testing a new engine this week and that will hopefully be the last piece of the puzzle.