clintlee

Hello all from Bunbury WA. I'm keen to meet people around my area and get advice and tips from people doing what I have wanted to do for many many years. (own and fly a Gyro) I'm now in a position where I can finally seriously get myself a Gyro and learn to fly it.

Can anyone give me advice on a gyro make that would suit a beginner? I realy like the simplicity of the Butterfly machines. and am not interested in an enclosed model at all.

Does it help having fixed wing experience? I have about 40 hours fixed wing experience in a Cessna 172.

Why aren't there more people flying gyro's? They seem like the ultimate fun machine!

Thanks, Look forward to a reply.

bosca

I am of the opinion that the butterflies are a very safe and well designed machine,So for a beginner it would make a good choice.Talk to Mitch concerning my point.
From my experiance having a fixed wing licence is not a help if learning to fly gyros.I have done aerobatics ,so I must fight my instinct to apply neg G"ssss,engine failure training on initial the same would apply.My feeling would be to find an instructor who is both GA and Gyro trained as he would understand your thought processes.
Why are there not many gyro fliers....We are a mob of rednecks who have an apointment with the down under,crazy whiskey drinkers and know how to dance with the devil...This comes from the flying faternity who know nothing about gyros BUT are the knowledge about everything except their own lives.Put simply they think that they know it all and frighten prospective gyro fliers with their negitivity.Gyro flyng is not dangerous if you are not only well trained but respect your machine and the enviroment.
ENJOY!!!!

disco

Clintlee,

I've also got a few hours GA. It absolutely helped me to the point where when i found good instructor, it took me 2.2 hours to learn to fly his 2 seat machine including doing engine failure practice forced landings and everyting and sent solo. I have an aerobatics rating too and dont see why you would have to resist any urges, I've never had an urge to go negative G which would unload your rotors.

My 2 cents now.
Find an istructor who is able to teach you rotor management properly. Hand spinning is best, An instruction machine where building rotor rpm slowly cuts the tail off or the prop wouldn't be much good i imagine.
When I learnt rotor management, it continues into flight and I'm always thinking about the airflow through the rotors because of my good training. So you won't have to worry about negative g.

Hardest part for me:
When I did some lessons with an inexperienced gyro instructor, it never clicked. We were flying with GA like GA. I couldn't land that bloody thing after about 5 hours.
With my final 2 place instructor, we balanced on the mains and slowly built up rotor rpm and you really get a feel for the control system this way. It became so easy so quick.

I think crow hops worked well for me also. I can see how they could bring people undone though, probably if they rushed into them.

I believe that because of my GA training and experience, I learnt heaps quicker, and know more re safety, use of radio, aerodrome operations etc, because of my ga training. GA bak book weighs 2kg ASRA bak book weighs about 40grams.

there probably arn't many gyro blokes who would know what i mean with a high key and low key position, blokes generally dont go that high anyway i suppose.

basicly i'm saying yes the GA will help.

Dean

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Beware the flying Horny Commander....Wah ha haar....

Adrian S

Clint,

Welcome to world of gyro's. If you would like a good intro to gyro's you are welcome to visit us at Bindoon one Sunday. The Superlight Aircraft Club of WA has about 65 members, 30+ aircraft of which 12 are gyro's.
Like myself many of the gyro guys have extensive fixed wing and helicopter backgrounds as well.

If we can be of assistance dont hesitate to give me a call.

Mob 0427094552
Hm 95612979 (after 7pm)

Adrian

Mitch

G'Day Clintlee,

Well how cool is that, being at a point in your life where you can get into gyros.

Most of the New Generation Gyros are stable and with appropriate training THEY ARE THE ULTIMATE FUN MACHINE. Having said that as previously stated Rotor Management is the key to safe and successfull gyro flight operations.

You are in excellent hands being so close to Adrian and the WA crew.These guys can guide you through the quagmire of information.

If you have any further interest in the Butterfly range please feel free to call an discuss...0419 254 851 and I'll call you right back.

Whatever gyro you decide upon new or old, enjoy the journey listen to all points of view from everyone newbies right through to high hrs pilots. Everyone has something to offer as we progress the sport.

Fly Safe

Mitch.

rotor

G'Day clintlee and welcome to the site ...

The fellas in WA are a good bunch (as are all the gyro people I've met) and seem to be pretty active. I'm sure they'll give you all the advice and help you'll need to get started.

Hope you enjoy Gyros - I'm sure you will!


rotor

__________________
Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment

clintlee

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, can't say the same about the help (or lack of) you get in some major retail outlets these days eh?

Thanks Mitch for the product info, Do you have the Kits in Australia? or do you have to have them sent from the USA to fill every order?

Thanks Adrian from The Superlight Aircraft Club of WA, I actualy checked out some info on you guys last night, Can't wait to get a free day to come visit. Being from Bunbury I will have to make a good day of it.

And thanks to the others for the words of wisdom.

niquenaque

Clint,

Hello!

Here's a link I suggest all newbies read - this is advice from people who've gone through some pain before - ask Ozzy Slashmeister.

http://www.asra.org.au/smf/index.php?topic=892.0

Other than that, my suggestion is self automation - learn it until you don't have to think how to do it, then do it until it bores you.. then move to your nest step

I hope you have a great time with gyro's, they're a rewarding craft to fly.

Cheers,

Nic.

Mitch

Hello Clint,

Butterfly's are imported.

Mitch.