Advanced Gyro Training

[Condor]

This is as Len said not an attempt to promote Cape Recreational Flight Training, just sharing my experience of the past week.

Myself, Christa and Weidie Vorster were the first dummies to undergo the advance training course offered by CRFT during the past week.

We were brief on behind the power curve, high altitude, mountain, formation and display flying amongst others. We then practised our skills under the watchful eye of Len himself in the most perfect conditions in the world, namely mountains, winds, sea etc.

At every stop we discussed our experience and were told what to look out for with the main aim to become a better and SAFER pilot.

Was it what I expected and worth the effort. YES, YES, YES.

I recommend that the syllabus be discussed by all flight schools and all pilots undergo advance training. If and when this becomes a rating you might even save on your insurance.

I have to thank my fellow students for a most memorable week and special thanks to Gyronaut and his softness for the way they went out of their way to accommodate us. It was really special.

Also thank you to Jabbanaught allowing me to use ZU-DUO for the week. Dankie kleinboet, ek waardeer dit regtig.

[Jabbanaught]

Also thank you to Jabbanaught allowing me to use ZU-DUO for the week. Dankie kleinboet, ek waardeer dit regtig.

Plesier

[Tinkerbell]

Hi Len
Laat weet bietjie wat kos so 'n kursus? Is dit slegs 'n 2 dag kursus? Meer info asb?
J

[Gyronaut]

Tinkerbell, I will reply in English if you don't mind, for Abezzi's benefit since I know he reads everything on this forum energetically!

The cost for the Advanced Training course as offered at present is subject to a few factors and will be tailor made and quoted per individual until we have enough demand to make up a standard package.

Factors such as whether you will be using your own machines or the schools machines will obvously have a big impact on the cost. Ideally, own machines since some time is wasted in getting to know strange machines (unless you want a conversion). We only have one M24, one M16 and one Sycamore available at present.

Of course, the number of people on the course will also affect the price since this is aimed at raising the standards rather than generating income. So my time can be shared between the pilots while I am in the air with them. Ideally 4 pilots at a time appears to work best although one or two more or less can be accommodated at a time.

The entry criteria is a minimum of 200 hours Pilot In Command (or perhaps less if the candidate can demonstrate the ability to fly accurately 'head outside the cockpit'). This is especially important from a safety perspective in the formation flying exercises, as you can imagine.

The course is 5 days full-time - 8.30 to 4.30 with a lunch break.

In Summary it covers:
Day 1 - Wheel balancing, low flight and flying behind the power-curve
Day 2 - Formation Flying
Day 3 - High altitude familiarisation
Day 4 - Mountain Flying
Day 5 - Display Flying

I remind you that our flying is Recreational and therefore we have to have time for FUN. While we take the training very seriously and concentrate on safety - if we're not having fun while doing it, why bother.

Gerrit, Weidie and Christa were fantastic for the first 'trial' and helped hammer out the syllabus and what works and doesn't. We only had 4 days so we left out the high altitude flying.
(maybe because I am scared of heights) 'Strue

We had an amazing amount of fun and I learned a lot for the next time round.

Thanks again Christa, Weidie and Gerrit, you guys ROCK!
I'd be honoured to have you as my wingman/woman anytime.

[abezzi]

Thanks Len!

[Jabbanaught]

Len , Can the training be split over a couple of weeks , Meaning for the local guys can we form a group and maybe say over the next 5 Weeks each week have one day that we get together and do one day of the training ?

Maybe something to look at !

Reason why i am asking so many holidays coming up , we might want to get a group together .

[Tinkerbell]

Thanks, Len.

[Gyronaut]

Len , Can the training be split over a couple of weeks...

Of Course Paul! Good idea! If we get 4 or 5 pilots together, find an open day in the booking sheet and Voila!
We won't be doing circuits (as you know, most airfields do not like circuits on weekends and public holidays) so no problem there! This is the kind of training we do in the GF anyway. We only need the airfield for the Display Flying day so best that is not on a weekend or public holiday.

Len

[Jabbanaught]

Ok who in the Western Cape is Keen ?

[iancorder]

I am definately in and available any day of the week.

Ian

[Jabbanaught]

Good we need at least two MORE , Dave come on !

[Gyronaut]

Captain Weidie Vorster at the controls over False Bay - just as a teaser.

[BirDY]

I am usually not very active posting on Gyrotalk, but today I have something special to share with you.
As you have read in CONDOR's post, we did Advance Gyro Training with Len Klopper in the fairest Cape.
Not only did the beauty of the surroundings impress me, but Len and his wife, Christine's hospitality made us feel at home.
Thank you, Christine, for the trouble you went through and the miles you travelled to fill our tummies at Morningstar.
And then Jabbanaut! My Gyro is like my husband - it's mine!
Much to my amazement, Paul just offered to help us with his Rotors. Thank you, we really appreciate it!
This was an experience that will stay for a lifetime!

While we were doing Formation Flying around the Peninsula, we also had the opportunity to listen and learn while Len was in radio contact with Cape Controlled Airspace.
Flying in KZN we are familiar with Mountain Flying, but I never realised the importance of approaching any mountain in a safe way as much as I do now!
Somehow any mountain (no matter how high) looks much better from a 45 degree angle of attack than at 90 degrees!
Len emphasised the importance off being alert should an engine-out occur and I was on the lookout for Landing Spots merely 24/7!
You know - for a pilot usually taking up a position between the angels while flying - the Display Flying just opened up a whole new concept.
I thought of being the last one in line when it got to Spiral Dive.....not even attempting the Pirouette Turn or a Hammerhead.
Needless to say - after Len showed me, I thoroughly enjoyed practising it on my own.
Sideslip Hammerhead? Not my favourite, not because of Len's training - the wind is just in my face to much for my liking!
Just make sure your headgear is safely strapped on (and don't attempt this manoeuvre while having a cold)

While we were training, I told Len that I am not flying because I want to impress anyone, but because I really enjoy it!
Therefore: The safer I can do it, the better!

Just something to share: When I took my father for his first Gyro-flight, he was standing around until I finished my Pre-flight Checks.
(I think he actually rather wanted to fly with MAGNIFICENT than considering a flight with me
I then asked him: "Kom Pa, gaan jy dan nie meer saam nie?"
So he replied: "Ag nou ja, my kind, een dood is ek skuldig!"

I definitely recommend this to any pilot - experienced or still new in the Rotor Recreation Sport.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but it also boost my confidence and triggered a new enthusiasm for flying!
Thank you Len, Gerrit and Weidie - you made this FUN, FUN, FUN!

Herewith some photos (a combined effort of Gerrit and me) to trigger your enthusiasm as well.

[BirDY]

Herewith the rest of our Photos