Yes it is Phil.
Will Garton-Jones who until recently was working with the LAA, I believe as treasurer, is still working with Nicholas in trying to get this gyro certified here in the UK.
In fact I had very much earlier, been waiting for this type to be approved, as early as 2018 before, I discovered that Denis had formed Gyro Technic and was making kits. I had met Denis on-line some years before when we had both been making our first Hornet kits and corresponding then.
The rate that the Aviomania was progressing...no progress at all, finally caused me to give up on that, and pushed me into looking into possibilities in the US, and my very fortunate meeting again with Denis. While the Aviomania is, I think, a very good machine, I think that the Gyro Technic is a better one, certainly engineered to a higher standard. Since I have not flown the Aviomania, I am not in a position to compare its flying qualities, but, I do believe it to posses excellent handling characteristics.
I am fortunate, and been very lucky to have flown a number of different types of both single and two seat gyros, so do have some basis for comparison. The single seat gyros I have flown are three different Bensens, and I include three, because I found each to fly slight differently. I also firmly believe that any machine when flown with different rotors will also handle differently.
Others include two Crickets, a Merlin, an AV-18 Layzelle, the GT-VX1 and GT-VX2. Two seaters flown, RAF 2000, (un-stabbed version), Magni M16 and M22, MT03, MTSport, ELA Eclipse, AR-1 (enclosed), two seat Dominator (two models), and Vances Predator.
The Layzelle was I thought an excellent stable and safe single seater for training. The best handling single was the GT-VX1, light , stable and very nimble. My first Bensen was the most nimble and light on the controls...but the only gyro I felt uncomfortable flying with my left hand. I never dared to fly it hands off the stick as I felt it would kill me if I did, ( just my impression.) The most powerful single seater, my GT-VX2 Blue, not as nimble as the VX1 I think due to her extra weight. Denis always leads me a merry dance when he leads, and when I lead all I have to do to lose him is climb...
. I am not a fan of two seat gyros, as good as many undoubtedly are, I do not find them exciting to fly, and I fly because I love flying performance machines that are a joy to fly.
It is our intention to attempt to certify the GT-VX2 in the UK. The prolonged struggle to certify just the Razor Blade Rotor has been a major exercise in patience, but the hope is that it has at the very least allowed the LAA some insight into the quality control. attention to detail, and willingness to accept and adapt design to LAA criticism, and suggestions, that Gyro Technic has exhibited during this marathon to get the Razor Blades accepted.
Francis Moyle, our chosen LAA Engineer Inspector has been involved from the very beginning of the development of the GT-VX2 from the initial Gyro Technic produced single seater kit the GT-VX2. Denis's willingness, drive for safety and excellence of design, is uncompromising. Francis Moyle's long association with gyros, his deep knowledge of aviation engineering, and as a long time LAA Engineering Inspector, make a formidable team that encourage us to try our best to meet the LAA/CAA requirements and to see if we can get this excellent gyro certified here in the UK.
To make available in the UK a modern safe stable, single seat gyro, that has a decent range, endurance, and performance for those gyro pilots who cannot afford, or do not want, the more expensive to buy...and operate, two seat machines that are presently available here today.
Our presently LAA approved single seat machines available here in the UK, are a collection of wonderful, but elderly Legacy models, the majority of whom are two stroke with limited performance range/endurance. There is a need for newer types with safe stable handling and good performance that meet required LAA/CAA standards to be available for our admittedly very small gyro community here in the UK or indeed Europe.
Please forgive my rather lengthy response Phil, but I do feel slightly biased in this particular matter.
