Xenon Gyro

[FLYNOTE]

And a big thank you to you Braam, for not only looking after the Xenon's interests in SA but also after those of the gyroplane fraternity as a whole locally.
It's nice to see the AMOs going up all over the country. Once this infrastructure is up and running, which seems to be soon soon, I can only see the gyroplane industry booming even more ... especially with the latest Rand / Euro exchange !

There is a nice Xenon write up and pics in the August African Pilot by Marius Nel. What a star aerial photographer !
PASELLA on SABC2 will also be featuring a snippet on the Xenon on the 12th August.

Now what is this -3C story for tomorrow all about ? Who's for breakfast at Parys ? T shirt, track suit pants and Cabin heat for me and my pax ... I'll have to check how many layers Vic Venter will be donning in his Tandem ! ( grappie !! )

Still loving this Gyro. 80 hrs coming up tomorrow within 4 Months and still going like a bomb. Cant wait for the Namaqualand flower safari in 3 weeks time.
Enjoy the weekends flying. My pax tomorrow flies a SAAB. It is his first flight in a gyro ! Will post his feedback !

[Learjet]

http://celieraviation.eu/blog/wp-conten ... etter1.pdf

FYI
Xenon Mandatory Service bulletin released last week which I saw on the Rotaryforum. Not sure if it's relevant to any of the (new) Xenon's in SA.

[braam hechter]

Good Morning Learjet.

Thanks for the information. The factory has also sent the owners the Service bulletin. All the aircraft were inspected and i am waiting for the service kit to update the relevant aircraft.

Have a splendid day

Braam Hechter

[Learjet]

Thanks Braam. Now when are we going to see one of these beautiful looking gyros in Cape Town?

[braam hechter]

Hi Learjet.

This is in the pipeline. Johan Stemmet is planning on going down your way to enjoy the flowers in Namakwaland and also to visit friends in Vredendal. Hopefully you will be able to see the Xenon there. Pasella took some footage of Johan and the Xenon and there should be an insert on Pasella on SABC 2 on Wednesday 12/8 approx 19h30. This and the article in African Pilot August 09 edition should give you some information on the machine.

We have started Louis van Wyk's conversion to Xenon, and are now ready to establish a Xenon presence in the mothercity. This will include flight training and a maintenance capability.

Have a splendid weekend.

Braam

[vernon11]

Hear Hear Delta VV.

Let me start by saying that I am a confirmed Gyronaut regardless of make or seating arrangement.

The Xenon looks like a great Gyro, Congratulations Braam!

I am pleased its not just me that has noticed how negative people can be about the different types of Gyro's. If another ill-informed ignoramus tyre-kicker comes up to me and says, "nice gyro the sycamore, pity its so heavy" I am going to take him for a flip (as I usually do to show him 800ft p/m climb rate, 2 up, with full tanks ) and throw him out from 2000ft agl. (what weight? lol)

Fact: The old Sycamores had a composite 28ft rotor and weighed X. All new Sycamores come with either a 30ft or 33ft extruded aluminium rotor that obviously generates a lot more lift. (do the math) The composite cockpit is also substantially lighter than the old ones. As the informed will know, lift over weight (gravity) is what gets you airborne. Therefore the question should be, how much lift does the Sycamore generate in relation to its weight. My answer is to load the individual up and show him. Have yet to hear anyone claim the Sycamore is too heavy after a flip!

I know the different manufacturers of Gyro's have a habit of trashing the opposition but in so doing they are doing nothing more than trashing their own reputation and showing their ignorance and damaging the sport of Gyro flying.

Lets rather support each other and spread the sheer pleasure of Gyro flying regardless of type!

I dont fly Gyro's, although it has been my dream for longer than most peaple in SA have been flying them. I get the Gyroflight mag from the Uk on a regular basis. In the last issue, I see that the Sycamore will be built under licence in the UK.
If they are prepared to have them there, then it is obviously a great machine.
My dream is still the Xenon.

Fly safe,
Vernon Mitchell.

[Gyronaut]

Yes Vernon, I have a student from the UK that told me the same story about Sycamores being built in the UK. I thought he was confusing the machine with another to be honest.

As a matter of interest, I recently flew an immaculate Sycamore (70hrs on the hobbs) just outside Cambridge in the UK. Smooth as silk, perfect condition, great performance with the AK rotor. Not certified in the UK but it still has its SA registration and flying it with a SA licence is perfectly legal. Technically it should be re-registered after a year but I believe it is on its way back to SA as we speak? Its all hearsay as far as I am concerned.

The Xenon is certainly a stunning looking machine and I look forward to meeting the guys and the machine when they get to the fairest Cape. The luggage space behind the seats appears to be a major plus nevermind the viz and all the other good things I have heard.

Rgds

Len

[mak]

Tinkerbell and I would like to thank Flynote for accommodating us on Saturday and for his hospitality. We went there to have a look at his new Xenon and got shown the M24 as well for interest sake and to make up our own minds.
All I can say about the Xenon is WOW . I went there with high expectations having seen all the articles, photographs, comments, TV program and write ups and thought I might be disappointed seeing the real deal, well how wrong I was. Who said you can’t enjoy flying and have comfort and luxury at the same time?

Cosmetics: I was very impressed with the spaciousness of the cockpit, luggage space and suitcases, removable and adjustable seats, visibility, good finishes and the attention given to detail (I would not bore you to list them all ). I might be a bit bias as I just love the smell of leather and the smell of leather in a cockpit tends to make me not think straight. The fire and sound barrier between the cockpit & engine made me forget my headsets as we chatted away while Flynote did his engine warm up and checks and he had to remind me to pet them on. I like the oversize glass cockpit with its different page options, large map display, artificial horizon, different built in visual and sound warnings i.e. rotor speed, air speed, height warnings, almost anything you want to set-up, checklist options, etc, etc, etc . One danger though, with this much information one can almost think you can survive in IFR conditions .

Technical: The Xenon is very nippy on the ground (and might need to get use to) and the turning circle only matched by that of a tail dragger doing a ground loop. Johan showed me the advantage of the glass floor when we lined up and saw some debris on the runway, right below us, that might damage the prop and he first taxied past before lining up. I don’t know the technical details of the pre-rotator, but I want one in my existing gyro. I wish I timed the pre-rotator to get up to 220RPM (I believe max to be 320RPM) as I know LowLevel didn’t believe me when I told him afterwards. (Might still be the smell of the leather seats if I exaggerated, but I don’t think so?) The difference between the 912RST and my 914 was very noticeable and between the pre-rotator and 912RST we got airborne very quickly. The sensation of the side by side configuration, compared to tandem, was strange during takeoff and landing and something to get use to. The mid morning flight with a light breeze was without bumps and very enjoyable, as can be expected from any gyro and Flynote showed me the effect of the cross wind on the Xenon and its slip indicator. Flynote explained to me and I agree, with my very limited Jabi experience, the flight characteristics of any side by side will be a bit more like a fixed wing and will require a little bit more rudder input during flight than what we are accustomed to in normal tandems. Flynote’s cross wind landing was a greaser and it seems that he got use to and spoiled by the Xenon very quickly. As I got out and reluctantly handed over my seat to Tinkerbell, I was overwhelmed by the engine noise and once again impressed by the quietness of the cockpit.

Between our awe for the Xenon, Flynote’s hospitality and Condor’s surprise visit the morning flew past, once again thank you very much.

I have already sent my letter to Father Christmas (hope he hasn’t started production on my previous request), but just worried he might keep it after he has test flow it and deliverer everyone’s gifts with it.

[Tinkerbell]

Dankie, Johan, vir die tyd wat jy Sa aan ons afgestaan het. Ek het die flip in die Xenon baie geniet. Ek dink dis die mooiste, mees praktiese sy-by-sy Gyro wat ek nog gesien het. Geniet die blomme-kyk!
(Marius, onthou Kersvader vra my eers wat ek dink voor hy jou presente toedraai...)

[THI]

M24 vs Xenon

I’ll post the same writing on both posts, Xenon and M24

Last week we had the privilege to visit FLYNOTE to compare the M24 with the Xenon. Unfortunately the wind was not very pleasant so we could not go for a flip, but hopefully the weather will be better at Vredendal.

I must admit that this enclosed side by side gyro’s is the way to go! What lovely machines the M24 and Xenon are!

My first impression of the M24 is that it looks very streamline. It looks fast standing still! Just a pity that it stand with its nose in the air. I know it sound stupid but it would look much better standing with all 3 wheels on the ground. The Xenon is comparison is bigger than the M24. It has presence.

Climbing into in M24 is a bit tricky. The reason is that you must get past the power, brake and control handle and pushing down on the M24 without damaging yourself or the aircraft. Let’s face it, to get into any aircraft is always difficult for the bigger guys. Maybe a better solution would have to put the power on the dashboard like a Jabiru. But if you are in you can get fairly comfortable. There is a lot of head room on the M24, more that in the Xenon. I can put the long part of my fist on my head, where as with the Xenon I can put my hand flat on my head. Where the Xenon loses on headroom in makes up in side by side space. The Xenon is a lot bigger than the M24. In the M24 Flynote and I sat shoulder to shoulder, not so in the Xenon. Another nice thing about the Xenon is that there is space for your left elbow (if sit left seat). Unfortunately not so in the M24, it was quite difficult reaching the power and brake handle in the M24.

Like I said, both these machines are beautiful machines.

The M24 has the Magni name behind it. There is a lot of history with Magni in South Africa and that will give you a lot of confidence buying a M24. I’m sure the M24 will give their new owners hours of smiles!

The Xenon is my pick, but is currently limping its way into South Africa, which is my biggest concern. I do not want to spend that amount of money and wait 2 year + to fly it, as some owners have done. But I’m sure the agents in South Africa will come to the party and convince the buying public that the problems is of the past and we are looking forward.

Thanks again to Flynote for your time and for Vic to give us the opportunity to see (and touch) his baby!

Do yourself a favor and try these machines out for yourself. I can’t wait to fly mine one day!

[THI]

Some pics for comparison

[FLYNOTE]

Hei guys , tomorrow as the day breaks I break runway and head for Vredendal ! Very very excited !! Can't wait !!
I've had the service bulletin done on the Xenon , my long range tank installed ... this will be a great " feeler " to see how she flies up here , down there , in cold air , in hot air. Looking at the forecast for the week, I will be experiencing all this.
Was nice to meet all you guys at the hangar. Thinus , sorry we did not fly but I would rather not push my luck with our combined weight and 70 lts fuel in a 60kph gusting wind... whyie ???
The Xenon took 2 years to get all the approvals and CAA and... and done as it was a brand new kid on the block but now it has been done and they are delivered and flown within 6 to 8 weeks from date of order. Walters white with blue leather interior was ordered 6 weeks ago and I believe they are off to Poland beginning September to collect !
Apparently the factory is running a bit behind lately as there are follow up orders from Burkina Faso whos airforce are switching from chopper to Xenons for border patrols. I just hope the factory does not start producing for military on such a scale that us private guys have to wait long to get our machines. On the other hand it is a comforting thought that the military rates the Xenon fit to do commercial work.
Ok , off to the West coast. Will post again on return. Hope to meet some of you Capies down in Vredendal on Friday / Saturday.

[THI]

Hi Flynote,

Fly safe and see you in Vredendal!

[Jabbanaught]

Hei guys , tomorrow as the day breaks I break runway and head for Vredendal ! Very very excited !! Can't wait !!
I've had the service bulletin done on the Xenon , my long range tank installed ... this will be a great " feeler " to see how she flies up here , down there , in cold air , in hot air. Looking at the forecast for the week, I will be experiencing all this.
Was nice to meet all you guys at the hangar. Thinus , sorry we did not fly but I would rather not push my luck with our combined weight and 70 lts fuel in a 60kph gusting wind... whyie ???
The Xenon took 2 years to get all the approvals and CAA and... and done as it was a brand new kid on the block but now it has been done and they are delivered and flown within 6 to 8 weeks from date of order. Walters white with blue leather interior was ordered 6 weeks ago and I believe they are off to Poland beginning September to collect !
Apparently the factory is running a bit behind lately as there are follow up orders from Burkina Faso whos airforce are switching from chopper to Xenons for border patrols. I just hope the factory does not start producing for military on such a scale that us private guys have to wait long to get our machines. On the other hand it is a comforting thought that the military rates the Xenon fit to do commercial work.
Ok , off to the West coast. Will post again on return. Hope to meet some of you Capies down in Vredendal on Friday / Saturday.

Hi Johan , gaan nice wees om jou by Vredendal te sien , Sal graag die Xenon wil beloer .

ONs vlieg vrydag middag daarheen , maar kom ongelukkig met die Jabbi as gevolg van papierwerk van Gyro

Eerste bier op my !

Veilig vlieg

PAul

[FLYNOTE]

I am still very saddened by the tragic accident of my flying buddy. However here is a reportback on the Xenon's performance on our flight down to Vredendal for those who are curious to know. I have written about the accident on the accident section of this forum.
In short , the Xenon was great. Absolutely no mechanical or structural problems what so ever. I flew all the way there and back in the utmost comfort and luxury!
My prop pitch is set to opperate at 5500ft up here. 5400 RPM gives me 115 hp continously on the RST and man. press. is at 38.5" to 39 ".
With this setting I get best speed ( 90 to 100 mph ) and fuel flow of 22 liters per hour
I noticed as we "descended" to sea level along the way that the pitch setting is too course and man. press was at one stage almost 46" with RPM at 4400 at sea level. One had to watch your RPM carefully or you could overboost.
A constant speed prop such as the one I have on my M22 is the answer if you fly from coast to JHB regularly. I do not think it is worth it if one flies up here or down there for most of the time. Rather adjust your pitch to a more happy medium between the two before you go down or come up !
The space and comfort in Xenon is fantastic for long distance flying. The cabin heating early morning and excellent ventilation during the day adds to the comfort and after even a 2.5 hrs leg you get out of the gyro not even noticing that you have been sitting for the period of time ! The seats are very comfortable . No bum weariness or flight fatigue at all !!
I had the opportunity to see how she behaves and performs in still cold air , winds at 35kmh , mid 30C temps over Upington and turbulance over the mountains at Springbok where you climb from sea level to 3500 over Spektakelberg as well as the mountains at 6000ft just before Kuruman in the heat of the early afternoon and a very strong North Westerly pumping rotors over the leeward side of the mountain. This time of the year with the August winds doing their thing , I do not want to fly anything but a gyro ... and the Xenon lived up to all expectations.
No Roelf , she is not unstable at all. Unstable aircraft do not fly. She also does not " vlieg soos n prop " and she CAN carry weight. Myself at 110kg , my 70 lts aux fuel cell on the pax seat , 85 lts in the main tank , my luggage etc in the custom suitcases behind the seats and a few odds and sodds on the pax side floor.
Average fuel burn over the 25 hrs flown on the trip was 22lts per hour , ave speed 85 mph.
I am thrilled with the machine and very happy that I opted for Xenon.
She is fast , economical , extremely comfortable and quiet inside and really great to fly.
You have to keep your feet on the rudders in cross or gusting winds but then again ... why do they put rudders in airoplanes if there is no need for them in order to achieve coordinated flight ?
The 70 lts fuel cell on the pax seat was wonderful and a winner all the way. 10 minutes before a "pitstop" to transfer aux fuel from cans , I would simply switch on the pump on the armrest between the two seats and by the time I land I have transfered the required amount of fuel ! In flight refueling makes life so easy on long flights and a first for Xenon !
Enjoy the pics taken during the airshow ! Thanks to all the great guys I met down there. Sorry that I didn't do flipping but I really didn't feel up to it after Filipe's accident. I was also not comfortable with my pitch setting down there resulting in low RPM and high man. pres. Once I got up to 3500 + the Xenon was back to the performance I have become accustomed to over the 120 hrs flown.
Lovely craft this one ... COME ON XENON ! GET THE BLOOMING GASSTRUTS GOING ON YOUR NEW MODELS !!!
Still don't like the doors. They must get gas struts fitted . If someone tries to close my doors again without removing and in the process bend the flimsy aluminium door struts ...#$%@#
The new doors seal beautifully and work well but the Magni doors are nicer with the gasstruts.
If anyone up here that knew Filipe would like to attend his memorial, it takes place at his hangar at Tedderfield on Tuesday at 14h30.
Keep well and keep safe.