I have been getting up super early and staying after work getting this gyrocopter together. It has been three months and two days since I started on it…and I am way ahead of my schedule. I have all winter yet and a lot of the controls and stuff are already done. I have the wiring, ruddere controls….and lots of msc. to do.
The middle picture shows the door taped on temporarily.
Stan
This compact detatched accessory dwelling has an efficient layout with a vaulted ceiling that enhances the sense of space.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Stan
That's looking good !!!!!
That really looks like a lot of fun. You have a great hobby going there, Stan. Thanks for the pics.
Stan:
Very cool. I've been following your progress, too. My neighbors have a few antique planes; their landing strip that ends at our property line. Got me thinking of buying an ultralight. But a gyrocopter is way cooler!
Allen
Got me thinking of buying an ultralight."
WNY,
Look into LSA's. Way, way safer, and can fly in a lot more airspace. BTW, almost all ultralites now fall into that category now anyway, since they were being flown illegally, and now the FAA is cracking down on 'um.
Here's are two neat LSA's. 20 hours of training, passing the exam and a valid USA drivers license is all it takes for an LSA license.
WSJ
http://www.usjabiru.com/
View Image
Edited 12/20/2005 11:32 am ET by WorkshopJon
Edited 1/4/2006 12:50 pm ET by WorkshopJon
An article in Pop. Mechanics got me Jonesen on those things. A license is now affordable as are the planes, maby.
TRIGGER
A license is now affordable as are the planes"
Trigger,
Yes and no. Depends where you live. LSA training is still hard to find for a number of reasons.
One, there are not that many planes or instructors out there yet, as the rule is only a year old.
Two, you can only fly in class G airspace. Now realistically, you can enter class D and C, ((yes B also, but you would be a fool)) but you need the logbook endorsements to do that (extra training ie. radio work and airspace rules), but most people don't live in class G, despite the fact it is the most common...Think really rural.
If you are thinking about it, IMO do what I'm doing, and go for a Private certificate, but when you hit 20 hours, get your LSA, as Private training counts towards an LSA certificate. That way you won't have to fly your additional 20 hours before you can fly with a passenger. assuming you can find an S-LSA to fly. You are just limited to G airspace, and day time flight.
Now the catch 22,.........if you fail the third class medical required to solo for Private, you will loose your ability to use your drivers license for LSA in lew of it. ie. the FAA will yank your LSA certification. Basically, you're grounded.
But training for Private will make you a better pilot, even if you never get the PRV certificate, it just costs more, currently about $4K for your first 20 hours (for solo, plus another 20 MINIMUM to get a licence.
WSJ
Edit:
LSA rules:
Restrictions on a sport pilot certificate:
no flights into Class A airspace, which is at or over 18,000' MSL;
no flights into Class B, C, or D airspace unless you receive training and a logbook endorsement;
no flights outside the U.S. without advance permission from that country(ies)
no sightseeing flights with passengers for charity fund raisers;
no flights above 10,000' MSL;
daytime flight only; no night flights
no flights when the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles;
no flights unless you can see the surface of the earth for flight reference;
no flights if the operating limitations issued with the aircraft do not permit that activity;
no flights contrary to any limitation listed on the pilot's certificate, U.S. driver's license, FAA medical certificate, or logbook endorsement(s);no flights while carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire (no commercial operations);
no renting a light-sport aircraft unless it was issued a "special" airworthiness certificate;any qualified and current pilot (recreational pilot or higher) may fly a light-sport aircraft;
a light-sport aircraft may be flown at night if it is properly equipped for night flight and flown by a individual with a private pilot (or higher) certificate who has a current and valid FAA airman's medical certificate.
Edited 1/4/2006 10:37 am ET by WorkshopJon
Edited 1/4/2006 10:40 am ET by WorkshopJon
Edited 1/4/2006 2:52 pm ET by WorkshopJon
Thanks Man, Some day I'll be able to pull this off.
TRIGGER
Hi Jon,
Beautiful machine. That looks like a lot of fun. I fly a Turbocommander for a living and flight instructed full time for four years. Whenever someone came in inquiring about rotocraft training we advised them to get their fixed wing private pilot certificate then transition to rotocraft. It was a lot cheaper when compared to renting a rotocraft. What category does your craft fall under? We just updated our Commanders avionics for reg changes and your comment about being burried in wires reminded me of these pictures. The trailing cone picture was just before a four hour test flight towards Reduced Vertical Seperation Minimums certification. Nice Work. Have fun flying it.
The three most useless things in aviation;
1. Fuel in the fuel truck.
2. Altitude above you.
3. Runway behind you.
And, the only time you have to much fuel onboard is when your on fire!
John
John,
I think you meant to post to Stan.....your three comments ring home.
WSJ
"And, the only time you have to much fuel onboard is when your on fire!"Amen JC, for a short time in my less than stellar military flying career I flew CH-53s and folks were always asking about the hydralic fluid that was ALWAYS dripping someplace and I would tell them the drips were a good sign, when is wasn't dripping it meant the tank was dry.Hence the logo on the back of my flight helment "RELAX, or you'll die all tensed up"
John: I fly it under experimental. I have a private pilot/single engine land license...with experimental rotorcraft added on in the same type I fly.
I fired up the power to my instrument pod and all is working well. The color gps is very bright for my picture. It is the brightest color screen available and should be easy to see in sunlight.
The cyclic picture shows the electric controls for the PTT switch and the electrim pitch and roll trim. I am really looking forward to being able totrim out the controls and fly with one hand. Then after its trimmed out.......hands off .......
Stan
Nice panel Stan. I don't recognize the manufacturer but that looks like a mutifuntion display. We installed the I-Link MFD, same as the Garmin MX-20, and we just love it. WSI uplink weather and chartview. When we boot up the chartview it shows a Jepp airport diagram on the MFD down to .25nm. It's goofproof. WSI uplink is the bomb. We can make a nexrad weather decision 400 miles out instead of 40 miles with onboard Wx radar. The thing pulls up Metars, TAFs, Sigmets and Airmets.
Does your gyrocopter have an autopilot or trim to fly hand off? What type of flying will you be doing? Any IFR or night? What altitudes and speeds will you fly at and how much distyance to takeoff and land? Are the insurance companies making you go to school? It seems anything bigger than a Bonanza and they want you to go to Flightsafety. Keep the pictures coming.
JohnThe military has flamethrowers. And what this indicates to me, it means that at some point, some person said to himself, "Gee, I sure would like to set those people on fire over there. But I'm way to far away to get the job done. If only I had something that would throw flame on them."
George Carlin
John: This is a serious toy...nothing more. I fly at night but not IFR. There is no auto pilot...but you can trim it out to fly hands free.
On a no wind situtation...it can get off the ground around 500 feet....but.....it can land at 0-5 mph.
It will cruise at 80....for 3 hours with reserve.
This is not even close to being equipped to what you have. Like I said...its a serious toy. There is nothing more relaxing to me than to fly low for mile taking in the view. Few people will ever experience or understand what I am talking about.
I used to fly a Cherokee 180...but that is not my type of flying. A gyrocopter is hardly affected by the wind.....and forget being bounced around in one. It just doesnt happen.
I have been flying them since 1985 and there isnt anything else that I am interested in.
Now.....of course if I wanted to fly here and there hundreds of miles...thats another story. Then I would prefer some type of experimental that cruised at 200 plus.
Stan
Nice.....very nice...... Those things are fast cruisers...
Very aerodynamic
Guessing Mister Emergency Staircase isn't getting the attention he had hoped for?
That thing is slick, wish I had one too.
Joe H
Joe: Now why would you say that? and int the way you said that? I am not going to even comment.
Stan
Stan,
When do think you will have it done? Hope you have an understanding wife.
Jon
Jon: I should have it done the end of Febuary. My wife Barb doesnt mind at all. Its paid for ...so thats all that matters to her. It is a very safe machine....and its also insured.
Stan
....and its also insured."
Stan,
And you? LOL.
My dad, who handled all the insurance at S&K warned me to take out term life BEFORE I got certified. Hope you did too.
Jon B.
Jon: I am very heavily insured. I got locked in before I started flying . My wife doesnt have to work outside the home now.....and still will never have to if I die from any cause.
Stan
Just a few more pictures by request. Seems there is a lot of interest in gyros here.
Stan
Probably just my eyes playing tricks on me, but that cockpit isn't smaller than your previous one, is it?
jt8
"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful." -- John R. Wooden
John: Its much bigger. Its 4 inches wider.....6 inches longer..and 4 inches taller. They say its wider than a Cessna 172 cabin. Its big enough for myself and my 270 pound son.
Stan
They say its wider than a Cessna 172 cabin.
OK, that is a reference that I can understand. I've been in a 172. I'm bigger than your son, so was shoulder-to-shoulder with the 6' pilot. A bit wider cabin would be good. I didn't realize the gyro's cockpit was that large.
Was cleaning programs off the DVR over the weekend and stumbled across a Wings/Military channel program. Hour long program they spent with a couple civilian flight instructors. One was in CO and taught people how to fly in mountains. The other was somewhere flatter and taught floatplane. It's all good.
jt8
"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful." -- John R. Wooden
Finally got my stall emptied of that oak stairway. My gyro moved back in and is more comfy now. ha
I have been getting out at 5:30 a.m. to sneak 2 hours on it each day. I have the main brakes done...the prerotator is hooked up. The rotor brake...gust lock...cyclic controls are all done and adjusted.
I am finishing the mechanical stuff next. The rudder controls are waiting on a missing part. Once that is done...then comes the wiring. Its on track and should be fired up early March.
Stan
Stan, is this the third one you've built? Do you have to do any glass work or foam shaping with this kits or simply (I know, it's not simple) assemble the pieces?Bravo. Nice machines, I've always been intrigued. When I was younger I always had a pipe dream of building a Rutan Defiant. 4-seat push/pull.Gyrocopters are amazingly safe and fully misunderstood. Let's hope it stays that way.For everyone else...stay away from Class B.<g>
Mongo: This is the third one I have built...and the 6th one I have owned.
Stan
I am neck deep in spaghetti.....the wiring type. I love to wire and have never seen so many requirements for relay and solenoids in my life. I will post some pictures of an absolute mess next week. The electric trim itself to control the rotorhead both in pitch and roll is mind numbing. I have 9 wires coming out of the control on my joystick alone.....and none are to fire anti-tank rounds....or cruise missiles. These are just for flying.
Here is a oicture of the computer on the cabin wall before the wiring got hairy. I run all the mechanicals first....because its easier to run wires around them than vice-versa.
Stan
Stan,
Any wheel pants or fairings to pick up that extra knot ot two?
Looks good.
Todd
Todd: They make an after market set of pants...and you are right...it would pick up an extra couple of knots. Right now I just want to watch my tires a lot closer. I had one blow out on takeoff last year...and it was because of the wheel pants that I failed to see the bad place in the tire.
Stan
Buried in the wiring right now. I have the instrument pod about wired. The electric trim is done with the controls all on the cyclic stick with the wires all inside out of sight.
The strobe/nav lights are on. The radio...gps...and the gauges are about to be tested. I am working this wiring all up the the overhead switches and breakers. It will all be neatly out of sight when I am done.
This is too much fun.
The first picture si my daughter.....Gyro Jenny...
Stan
Nice work...the electrical really has to be tedious, after you are finished Boeing cetainly will hire you. Your minnie dreamliner is looking good. stinky
The first picture si my daughter.....Gyro Jenny...
Now you just need to send her off to flight school so that she can fly and you can lean out the door taking pics :)
By the by, did you notice that your 'issue that changed my life' post a while back made the letters section of the current FHB? (25th anniversary issue).
jt8
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -- Sydney Smith
Stan,
While I have been bliulding my house I have been following your gyrocopter adventure.
I may have just gotten it.
The velocity of the craft creates lift on the unpowered airfoils which rotate again due to the velocity. Therein lies the lift?
Stef
Fatboy: Its a little more involved than that.
The inner 70% of the rotor is the driving region of the rotor. Meaning that the lift of the air going over the airfoil is tilted ahead of the rotor axis and thus provides the driving force. Ther is a point of equilibrium at about 30 % in from the rotor tips where this force is directly vertical of the axis. The outer 30% is the driven region and is where all the lift comes from. This is similar to how a sailboat can tack into the wind. Its all about the vector forces acting on the sail..in this case...the rotor.
Its an amazing process to have figured out in the beginning.
Stan
Stanfoster now the only thing missing is a hellfire missle. Man that thing is well built, I was thinking about building a kit-aircraft but after seeing your stairwell in the background decided against it. stinky
I was thinking about building a kit-aircraft ....."
Stky,
Are you a pilot? Like Stan and me? Plenty of new affordable options coming out now with the new LSA Rule, though I'm torn between a LanceAir [Private] and a Jabiru [LSA] now.
WSJ
Actually I am.private pilots licence.instrument rated..and I was very close to recieving my commercial rating when the money ran out and i needed to eat. I miss flying like a crack addict, I was lucky to have a Father who owned access to 182's and a 210. It looks like I will never have a opportunity to fly again, But really have enjoyed stan's hobbie and his woodworks project. stinky
Stinky: I am impressed with your instrument rating...way to go. I do not have one ..but years ago when I flew a Piper Cherokee 180.....I got as far as passing my written test.
The only thing is that I dont like flying in marginal weather....and actually gyrocopter flying is the only type of flying I want to do. If my wife were inclined to say..fly to Florida every winter...then that would be a different story.
Stan
Hi Stan. Stan what is your groundspeed of the gyrocopter? Could this be used as a commuter transporter? Maybe this is the answer to long commutes. Its very safe, but your workmanship hours may make this mode of transportation a bit pricey. If it is any of my business what does the gyrocopter cost(materials). thanks. stinky
Stinky: It will easily cruise at 80-85 mph. with an endurance of 3.0 hours plus the 1/2 hour reserve.
Its paid for. <G>
Stan
Its paid for.
You might just give him links to the company that makes them.jt8
"All men should strive to learn before they die What they are running from, and to, and why." -- James Thurber
I saw you were interested in a Lancair. Thought you may appreciate o couple pics.
Oops don't bother opening that big one.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
JH,
Is that Lanceair yours? Still pricey to build even if you have time and money.
WSJ
It's my brother's.
He's working on it now.
goal is to finish it in about a year.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
JH,
Hard to tell, but it appears to be a IV vs. a IV-P? Either way, pretty much state of the art for cross country, shy of a jet.
WSJ
Getting a lot of the wiring done. I can see the end coming as the circuits are being connected..and tested one by one. Wont be long till the fire up day.
Stan
Stan, just in case you ur, ahh, crossed a wire or something...I've enjoyed your gyrocopter pictures (and stairs) over the years!
Just kidding!!! It is obvious that you are as good at gyros as you are at stair work. I am going to try and get down to the fly-in you were telling me about before the Oshkosh show.
Looking forward to summer!!
Stan,
Looking good. Guess you should be done just as the weather gets warm.
Jon
Actually I think it's just an Es.
But from talking to him, and I'm sure you are aware of - you can make them anything you want.
I'll keep you posted.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
I did my test run on the engine yesterday....and everything checked out.....except for the engine tach which was reading too high. A quick look at the manual....a flip of a switch inside the capture module...and that was fixed.
The Exhaust gas temps were right on...the oil pressure...water temp...oil temp....all my radios and intercom works.
Its time for the windows ....carpeting...and its out of my shop.
Here is a picture of the engine running. You can barely make out the propeller arc. I drilled an anchor in the floor to tie the tail to in case it went wild. 165 horses has a lot of thrust.
Stan
Do you need to wait for spring, or will you fly it once the carpet and glass is in?...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
Jeff: I could fly it as soon as my DAR does the inspection. That is scheduled for Feb. 25th. I am not going to fly it until I go down to Florida the end of March to a gyrocopter convention. My insurance is void until I get one hour of training. Otherwise...I could fly it right away as I haveflown one of these before.
Stan
I have the windows in now. I am leaving that protective film on the lexan until its out of my dusty shop. The windows will stay crystal clear if you are careful.
Stan
Stan
Only in a stair shop would you see volutes for wheel blocks!!!
You must be getting anxious to get her up in the air.
Doug
Doug: Very observant..... I thought it was "fitting" to use those fittings....<G>
Stan
Geez, That is just beautiful !!! I am drooling as I sit here.
Do you have to register the machine and paint numbers on it?
Is that a radio in the lower right corner?
I missed a lot of your previous posts about this. May I ask how much this cost and about how many man-hours you have into assembly? (Whatever it is, it's worth it)
Does it really take only an hour of flight instruction to fly this or do you only have to take an hour just to get certified for this particular craft?
My wife has caught me looking at these pictures numerous times and is starting to worry!
Bo: It has to be registered. I have flown these since 1985...but I still need an hour checkride to satisfy insurance requirements.
That is a radio in the lower right....
I dont mind you asking the price if you dont mind me not telling.
Stan
May I ask how much this cost and about how many man-hours you have into assembly?
I think he said it took him 502 hours to assemble. Here is a link to a similar one:
http://www.americanautogyro.com/Pricing/Basic%20SparrowHawk%20Kit.htm
That is for a gyro probably very near the top of the gyro food-chain. IIRC I think the number he flashed was 25k for the previous gyro.
Here is someone selling a more basic one on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-AIR-COMMAND-COMMANDER-ELITE-532-GYROCOPTER_W0QQitemZ4618524245QQcategoryZ63679QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
And if that is still too high, dig up some of Stan's old pics about the gyro fly-ins. He has a couple pics of the 'bottom' of the gyro food-chain. To me the 'bottom' looks about like a lawnchair with an engine behind it ;)
jt8
"Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Mann Jong
I could fly it as soon as my DAR does the inspection. That is scheduled for Feb. 25th. I am not going to fly it until I go down to Florida the end of March to a gyrocopter convention. My insurance is void until I get one hour of training. Otherwise...I could fly it right away as I haveflown one of these before.
I find it hard to believe that after getting 'er done in such a short time you're just going to let it sit for a MONTH!
Isn't there anyone closer who could give you that hour of training?jt8
"Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Mann Jong
John: I am a very patient guy. I have the rest of my life to fly that machine....and year round. <G> .
I have no problem at all just sitting back and savoring the build...then start looking towards flying it.
Here is a picture of the engine readouts as it was being tested today in my shop.
I have the door latches on and the carpet in. Just the rotor is left....and that is a quick bolt on item at the airport.
Stan
that is a beautiful machine...more pics. stinky
My gyrocopter is pecking at its shell....wanting to hatch. So....today it will hatch and get its rotor wings. It will now go from an embryo to a fledgling.
I had to remove the top mast to get it out of my 8 ft. door. It is 9 ft. 9 inches tall......
Stan
Stan, more pics please and a price tag..(just kidding about the price tag). Its morphing into a beautiful bird. You have made this project look way to easy. stinky
Stinky: Thanks.
I got it out of my shop today...put the rotor on and took it for a taxi. I had the rotor to flight rpms...and oh boy was I sure tempted to lift off. But the FAA has to inspect it first.
Stan
Stan, she looks good. Looks like she's ready to jump into the sky.
A couple folks have asked about price. I don't think they're being nosy, just curious if it would be possible for them to join the gyro club. I think most of the folks here realize that your current gyro is 3 or 4 steps up the gyro chain and that you've worked your way up to one that size (and that a beginner probably wouldn't start with that particular model). You might just give us a few links. Possibly a link to the site that sells your current gyro (so that a potential gyro captain knows what they can aspire to), and a link to the site that sold your previous gyros. Shoot, I like all of 'em that are above the level of a lawnchair-on-an-Ibeam.
jt8
"Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Mann Jong
Hi JohnT8, really a amazing project that Stan has completed actually I did a search on his "N" number and that brought me to a gyrocopter forum which removed me from the family for over a hour. Still have no idea what something like Stan's copter costs. I appreciate his modesty, I am sure I can dig it out from the web. stinky
I googled gyrocopters just to get more info, and it turns out there is a bit of local history. I found a video clip of a take off in Pitcairn PA back in the 30's. Pitcairn is about 4 miles south east of where I live. It was a booming town when railways ruled the US, now it's a burned out town, dying a slow death. Condemned buildings and bars are battling for control. Weird.
http://www.cartercopters.com/videos/pitcairn_pa36_jump_takeoff.html
Stan,
Looking real good. I'm amazed at the speed which you managed to complete it. Should be an absolute blast to fly come Summer, once the temps are out of the negatives.
BTW, when and where is this gyro fly-in in FL in March? as I'll be down there that month for several days.
Jon
Jon: These are an absolute blast to fly year round....It has a heater that will run you out of there....
I like being closed up in January flying over snow about as much as in August. These things are such a pleasure to fly that I had to eventually work up to an enclosed one like I had before this new one.
The fly-in will be at Wauchula, Florida...Wed. March 29th thru Sunday April 2nd. You will have plenty of opportunities to get some demonstration rides.....and I have a very close friend who will take you across the swamps to spot alligators and wild hogs. I attached a couple of pictures from last years fly-in down there. Hope you can make it. I have my airline tickets all ready to go and my motel reservations.
Stan
Stan, thought of this thread when I caught a bit of James Bond 'You Only Live Twice' on the tube last nite. You may recall there is a scene where he takes down a few choppers in a highly armed gyrocopter quite similar to yours.Beautiful work BTW, both mechanically and woodworking. Nice to see someone passionate about their work and hobbies.
TGNY: Thanks for the comments.
Ken Wallis from England was the pilot in that gyrocopter in "You only live twice". He was at our national convention a few years ago. He still actively flies gyrocopters and is in his 90's now. An amazing gentlemen and quite a speaker.
Stan
Hey, that is quite cool that you met him. Must be quite a character.
Stan, Are there dealers or dealer reps at these gyrocopter gatherings? If so, which gathering do you enjoy the most and which one would be the best to attend if you want to see a lot of different models and talk with the pilots? (and maybe go for a ride) !!!!
BoJangles....I am a sales rep for Sparrowhawk.
I dont know what area of the country you are in...but the main convention is late in July at Mentone, Ind. The Bensed days fly-in is at Wauchula, Floridaa 3/29- 4/2. I will be at both.
There are some nice fly-ins in North Carolina......and Texas....and out it California as well.
These things are fantastic flyers and probably the best kept secret in aviation.
Stan
I never really paid much attention to gyrocopters until I started reading your posts and seeing
the beautiful job you did on your current project. I will definitely be at the Indiana show. I live
up north of you, so it's not far to travel. Good flying!!
Stan - beautiful work!
The funny thing is, I first heard your 'copter mentioned last night in a post, Okay? Then the wife and I watched an old Hitchcock spy movie "The 39 Steps" (about 1942) in bed last night, and lo and behold, THERE'S A GYROCOPTER FLYING IN IT! Did they precede helicopters?
We have a small airport a mile away, and occasionally see neat stuff like gyros and biplanes and some Rutan stuff fly over.
Cool cool cool
Forrest
McDesign: Gyrocopters were delivering mail off of rooftops in New York City in the late 20's or early 30's.
Stan
Impressive.
---------------------
Swimming through the ashes of another life, no real reason to accept the way things have changed. Wrapped in guilt, sealed up tight.
That machine is fascinating, and I may just try to build one. Where can I get some information on them?
Jon: Just google SparrowHawk gyroplanes...and you will find the website.
A gyrocopter has got to be the most misunderstood flying machine out there...and also the least known about. That suits me fine as the sky isnt crowded with them.
Stan