Unproven machine, no prior gyro flight time = ???

[ToddP]

Here's my story -

Donald had never been on the forum or aware of its existence until he got my number from a guy I know at Felts Field. He called and explained what he had built and asked if maybe I could give him some "pointers on flying this thing". After explaining that he had hung a VW engine on a gyrobee I was immediately concerned. I made arrangements to go look at his machine on Sunday.

After meeting with Donald I knew that he was very closed minded and not open to suggestions. I've been pretty involved in this sport for about 5 years, but I figured there were even more qualified people with far more impressive credentials that could drive my concerns home. Ralph Taggart has voiced his concerns, Doug Riley has posted both here on the Forum and sent an excellent e-mail outlining his concerns. Ron Awad has tried numerous approaches for the past week to make an impression. I've tried everything I can think of to convince Donald that flying this machine will be hazardous.

I told him at least 4 times that training was a must. My hope being that an instructor would open his eyes a bit and maybe flying and seeing the construction of another machine would help. All of the items mentioned in Ron's original post were discussed and I pointed them out to Ron. My hope was that members of the forum could convince Donald that changes were necessary and I would happily do everything I could to help him make the changes.

Nothing has worked. Every e-mail has been replied to with a deaf ear and pointing out how we are wrong.

For me personally, this is a tragedy. To my knowledge I am the only person within 50 miles that actively flies a gyrocopter. As everyone knows there are plenty of naysayers and detractors to our sport. I have been working my ass off to promote this sport and explain that a good safe approach, with proven machines and training can make this not only safe but the funnest flying a person can do. Now if the worst happens as I expect it may, all of my efforts will have gone down the drain. It won't matter that we've done everything we could to stop this guy. They only know that gyros are dangerous, they just read about an accident in the paper.

I have made a point of explaining Donald and the situation to everyone I know including my family. Unfortunately if something happens, I'll have to put up with all the negative comments and criticism from people who don't want to listen.

We've all tried, I think the only thing we can do now is wish Donald the best.

 

[automan1223]

Scammer.

Scammer.

This guy has to be a scammer, 20 grand for a gyrobee ?

Stop I am wetting myself.

Has to me a con man or a nigerian money scammer.

Jonathan

 

[PW_Plack]

At least there will be no shortage of documentation that he was warned.

Yikes...$20k. Won't that about buy a brand new Dominator Ultrawhite 503?

 

[gyromike]

At least there will be no shortage of documentation that he was warned.

Yikes...$20k. Won't that about buy a brand new Dominator Ultrawhite 503?

Yep.
And about 5 years worth of fuel too!

 

[animal]

Here's my story -


For me personally, this is a tragedy. To my knowledge I am the only person within 50 miles that actively flies a gyrocopter. As everyone knows there are plenty of naysayers and detractors to our sport. I have been working my ass off to promote this sport and explain that a good safe approach, with proven machines and training can make this not only safe but the funnest flying a person can do. Now if the worst happens as I expect it may, all of my efforts will have gone down the drain. It won't matter that we've done everything we could to stop this guy. They only know that gyros are dangerous, they just read about an accident in the paper.

QUOTE]

You are so Right Todd, here in greensboro several airports will run you off if you even talk about a gyro,seems many years ago some guy got killed in a gyro glider. anyway the old operatiors remember this and it has made it bad for gyros around here,I have been letting everyone I meet in avaition know that the technology in gyro design and stabliity today is nothing like it use to be and that now unlike in the old days you can get dual training in gyros.
maybe if we all work hard we can prevent others from shedding a bad light on our sport, case in point one of my old time pilot freinds use to always say i was crazy for wanting a rotorcraft of any type, and now he has come around to seeing how safe they are and has even offered the use of his front yard 3 acres, to do test flights of my Scorpion, and he really liked the little wing that was in a recent sport avaition mag. that hd the radial engine on it.
I just hope this guy does not splatter him self or anyone else.
I wish very much I could arrange for someone like Ron to do an a gyro demo at the big winston airshow,I know the crowd would love it,and it would really show the public what a gyro can do. I am going to see if I can take the Scorpion there and put on static display.
anyway good luck in your area.
Tim H.

 

[GyroRon]

Todd, it hasn't gone for Airworthiness yet. Call the Fsdo and make them aware of the problems.