@ Vance I am prepared to fully commit to becoming a gyroplane pilot. I have been interested in the technology since I was a kid reading Popular Mechanics magazines. I certainly understand the cost savings as far as training in a machine I own, but I don't know that I'll go that route. As a complete novice I would like to try a variety of machines before I make a decision to purchase and I imagine I will have done so as I get closer to completing my training. I also understand that it could take up to 4 months to receive your gyro depending on the company and up to another month to build it (per 51% rules). Hopefully I will have completed my private pilot's training by that time. We'll see. However I will keep you in mind as a potential instructor.
@Fara That's too bad about the a/c. I have no experience flying anything and have no idea what temperatures inside the canopy will feel like in the dead of summer. I've been advised by one forum member that I'll cook in the canopy and you say it will be a non-issue at altitude. We'll see! I've researched a 21 lb. unit from a company called Corbi Air and a 41 lb unit from a company called Flight Line. If it is at all necessary and possible, perhaps we can talk about a one-off custom build for me? About the fuel tanks, I would much prefer an aluminum tank, but at 16.8 gallons I feel it's slightly undersized, especially for what I plan to do with my machine. The ELA Eclipse claims a 26 gallon tank. How much of that 26 gallons is actually usable, I do not know. Others like the Calidus and Arrow Copter are in that 17-19 gallon range which in truth makes your machine competitive, however I wouldn't mind a few extra gallons just to be sure. I will certainly keep the AR-1 in mind as I get closer to deciding.