Mayfield
Gold Supporter
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Messages
- 2,434
- Location
- Avondale, Arizona
- Aircraft
- Aero SP AT-4 (Gobosh 700X), TAG Titanium Explorer
Dear Friends,
I have resigned from Groen Brothers Aviation. David Groen and I were unable to agree on what roles I should fill in the company and the strategic and tactical direction of GBA.
I, obviously, am no longer responsible for any facet of the SparrowHawk program. Specifically, I am not responsible for any SparrowHawk performance claims, testing claims, engineering claims, delivery of product, suitability of product, safety of product, and most importantly, any changes to the product that occurred after 1 November 2004 or that may occur in the future.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Chuck Beaty, Ernie Boyette, Carl Schnieder, and Maxie Wildes for the pioneering work in gyroplane stability that made the SparrowHawk possible.
I wish to also acknowledge the contributions of Dan and Peter Haseloh, and Don and Linda LaFleur. Although I continue to believe that the RAF 2000 is wanting in stability, we must remember that these folks pioneered the two seat, fully enclosed, mass produced, gyroplane market.
I am very proud of the team I led in the development of the SparrowHawk. They are a wonderful group of dedicated and hard working people.
I am proud of the SparrowHawk. I believe the design has great potential to provide a safe flying experience for many.
I have not yet decided my next course of action. I will continue to offer Practical Test services for Recreational, Private, Commercial, and CFI applicants. My personal SparrowHawk is based at Goodyear Arizona and will be used for most of the check rides I administer. I suspect that I will also become a Sport Pilot Examiner and service that market.
I have not yet decided how heavily I want to be involved in gyroplane design and production. If I decide to become a small-scale manufacturer, I will recruit the appropriate engineering and design personnel for the effort.
Right now my wife is enjoying my company as I transition to this stage of my life. I have made many friends in the gyroplane community and will maintain those relationships.
Thank you for the support you have given me over the years and your support of the SparrowHawk program as it was being developed.
This is by no means a “good-bye” message. I plan to stay very much involved in this forum and in the gyroplane community.
My best regards,
Jim Mayfield
I have resigned from Groen Brothers Aviation. David Groen and I were unable to agree on what roles I should fill in the company and the strategic and tactical direction of GBA.
I, obviously, am no longer responsible for any facet of the SparrowHawk program. Specifically, I am not responsible for any SparrowHawk performance claims, testing claims, engineering claims, delivery of product, suitability of product, safety of product, and most importantly, any changes to the product that occurred after 1 November 2004 or that may occur in the future.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Chuck Beaty, Ernie Boyette, Carl Schnieder, and Maxie Wildes for the pioneering work in gyroplane stability that made the SparrowHawk possible.
I wish to also acknowledge the contributions of Dan and Peter Haseloh, and Don and Linda LaFleur. Although I continue to believe that the RAF 2000 is wanting in stability, we must remember that these folks pioneered the two seat, fully enclosed, mass produced, gyroplane market.
I am very proud of the team I led in the development of the SparrowHawk. They are a wonderful group of dedicated and hard working people.
I am proud of the SparrowHawk. I believe the design has great potential to provide a safe flying experience for many.
I have not yet decided my next course of action. I will continue to offer Practical Test services for Recreational, Private, Commercial, and CFI applicants. My personal SparrowHawk is based at Goodyear Arizona and will be used for most of the check rides I administer. I suspect that I will also become a Sport Pilot Examiner and service that market.
I have not yet decided how heavily I want to be involved in gyroplane design and production. If I decide to become a small-scale manufacturer, I will recruit the appropriate engineering and design personnel for the effort.
Right now my wife is enjoying my company as I transition to this stage of my life. I have made many friends in the gyroplane community and will maintain those relationships.
Thank you for the support you have given me over the years and your support of the SparrowHawk program as it was being developed.
This is by no means a “good-bye” message. I plan to stay very much involved in this forum and in the gyroplane community.
My best regards,
Jim Mayfield