Re:Gyrobee initial planning
Gil,
If you're new to gyro flying, I would suggest you pretty much leave the GyroBee as is with regard to anything that would affect it's handling qualities. It handles well and is pretty forgiving "out-of-the-box." But start "improving" it and you'll venture into the hard core test pilot zone where you have no business going (neither do I).
Some of the popular changes to the basic design that should be OK are (in no particular order):
1. Prerotator.
2. Watson tail with a big horz. stab partially immersed in the prop thrust.
3. Pump handle cyclic (instead of the walking beam type cyclic).
4. Steerable nose wheel.
5. Brakes.
With the exception of the prerotator, most of these items could require significant design, machining, and fabrication skills. If you want to keep the cost down and get in the air with minimal hassle, you can't go wrong building to plans WITH THE EXCEPTION of the tail... DO NOT use a Brock tail and rock guard! Build a Watson tail or some other model with a large horz. stab.
Also, adding items to your Bee will very likely result in exceeding the allowable Part-103 UL weight restriction.
To learn more, go back and read all the GyroBee threads both here and on
https://www.rotorcraft.com/. If you have any specific questions, ask away... we're here to help.
Regards,
John Landry
PRA Chapter #30
Shoreline, WA