Starting with training

[MPL Pilot]

Things did not turn out as planned for Saturday's training, the wind was pumping seriously from early.
Johan has two whistles in the hanger, one at 15, and the other at 20 knot wind. In this case the 15 knot wind whistle was very busy.

He just said, today is perfect for crosswind training. Of we went.
Keeping the gyro straight with the runway on final was interesting. Drag on the undercarriage depletes the airspeed, power added to maintain 65mph. When rounding out before touchdown, it stays a non event, the same as normal landings.

I will have to give more attention on the rudder, keeping the undercarriage of the gyro pointing in the same direction in which we're flying while the front wheel is up during take off and landing for strong cross winds

With the high drag during takeoff on the undercarriage, it feels like the gyro can not generate enough airspeed fast enough for a short take off, (in terms of ground run). But the moment when it is safe to let the gyro turn into the wind, it picks up airspeed as normal.

Even though my performance wasn't 100% Saturday, at least the fear of cross wind take off and landing was dealt with
No wonder so many gyro pilots say this is aviation’s best kept secret

[MPL Pilot]

I had a break in traing for a month, but today's solo flights was awsome. It was really great fun getting away from the airfied, flying along the Vaal river, breaking the routine of touch and go's.

Had to do the check out flight with oom Johan, then the mielie bag back in the gyro for three circuits. Then the mielie bag came out, and of I went for a total solo flight. It was round about 2 in the afernoon, everybody know how hot it was. The wind was pumping at Wagtail with the 15kt wistle audible. Had to work on the gyro to loose altitude on final, but what a lekka experience!

I often thought of how crappy it would have been with the microlight in the up and down drafts, but this is a gyro
The gyro is absolutly incredible
For the pilots with microlights, I still have a delta wing, but would not dare flying in those conditions. It has it's place, but not during the heat of the day.

Fly safe.

[MPL Pilot]

Hi Pilots

Fortunately I had the opportunity to fly again today, did 2.8 hours, practicing hovers, steep turns, side slips and engine out's It really is an amazing experience
Around 14h00 the clouds were building with this front coming past, the wind started pumping again, but with the gyro it is really safe, no bumping and fighting the controls, set your direction and get there, landing... a piece of cake.
Us gyro pilots have the absolute best of aviation

I have a pic of Jaco & oom Johan preparing for their third session for the day, in the Xenon, Jaco is doing well and will be going solo soon.

I was wondering why they had to use most of the runway to get airborne, have a look at the prop in the picture

Some other pic's of the surrounding area in the Freestate, the only place operating there was Wagtail, all else was shut down, the usual Vrystaat story,
should be open on Monday between 13h00 & 14h00....

[apollolight]

Been following thread with much interest, what is it costing you guys per hour dual? Is there one rate dual or solo?

Are there special hour building rates?

[MPL Pilot]

Hi Appololight

I am paying R1100 wet, dual or solo. Check with Johan von Ludwigh at Wagtail for the going & building rates.
His number could be found at www.wagtail.co.za

Regards

Pierre

[apollolight]

Hi Pierre great thank you for the info.....

Amazing machines, they fascinate me...

All the best for your remaining course

Perry

[MPL Pilot]

I finally did the flight test on Saturday, was a bit nervous initially, but while backtracking for the holding point at 27, I realized, this was what I have been training for and relaxed. Johan made it clear from the start, if he had to take control at any stage, it was back to training for me.
The steep turns was good, hover recovery was good, although I did it three times. The idea behind it was, to simulate a situation where a person would really be in trouble and the recovery from there close to the ground.
Engine out, landing worked out good, Johan did not like the way I did it, but it was a safe landing. Then power out after take off, was according to him the best landing during that session.

If we can get the paperwork though to RAASA, I will be flying the North meets South with the Wagtail team

Want to thank oom Johan, Johan & Jan, for your patience, and not chasing me away after ruining a prop.

Fly safe

[MAGNIficent]

Well Done

TRUST THAT YOU WILL HAVE LOTS OF ENJOYABLE AND SAFE HOURS OF GYRO FLYING

[Jabbanaught]

I finally did the flight test on Saturday, was a bit nervous initially, but while backtracking for the holding point at 27, I realized, this was what I have been training for and relaxed. Johan made it clear from the start, if he had to take control at any stage, it was back to training for me.
The steep turns was good, hover recovery was good, although I did it three times. The idea behind it was, to simulate a situation where a person would really be in trouble and the recovery from there close to the ground.
Engine out, landing worked out good, Johan did not like the way I did it, but it was a safe landing. Then power out after take off, was according to him the best landing during that session.

If we can get the paperwork though to RAASA, I will be flying the North meets South with the Wagtail team

Want to thank oom Johan, Johan & Jan, for your patience, and not chasing me away after ruining a prop.

Fly safe

Congrats , Hope to see you at FASH

[Gyronaut]

Well done MPL Pilot - Now you can officially change your nickname to GPL!


I have enjoyed watching your progress and enthusiasm from here and am quite sure you will be a responsible asset to the gyro community.

I wish you many many happy and safe hours of pleasant gyro flying!

[mak]

Congrats MPL Pilot, wishing you many happy and safe flying hours, hope you enjoy every second of it.

[BONZAI BELL]

Baie geluk MPL , ek hoop om my vliegtoets ook die week te doen, dan vlieg ek saam FASH toe. Hou maar duim vas.
Groete
Swannie

[apollolight]

Congratulations MPL Pilot...

[MPL Pilot]

Thank you everyone, but the main thing is not to deviate from what I have learned.

Baie geluk MPL , ek hoop om my vliegtoets ook die week te doen, dan vlieg ek saam FASH toe. Hou maar duim vas.

Swanie, dan is ons drie rookies wat afgaan wat ek van weet. Sterkte, sien daarna uit om jou te ontmoet.


Pierre

[Jabbanaught]

Thank you everyone, but the main thing is not to deviate from what I have learned.

Baie geluk MPL , ek hoop om my vliegtoets ook die week te doen, dan vlieg ek saam FASH toe. Hou maar duim vas.

Swanie, dan is ons drie rookies wat afgaan wat ek van weet. Sterkte, sien daarna uit om jou te ontmoet.


Pierre

Looking Forward to meet you ALL

Paul