ITS ALIVE!

[Gyronaut]

So, here's the synopsis: Morningstar to Swellendam, then Mosselbay, then Plettenberg Bay, Then Port Elizabeth, then East London, then Wavecrest, then Margate, then Howick, then Bethlehem, then Bloem (New Tempe), then Gariep Dam, then Matjiesfontein, then Worcester and via Tulbach home...

We're safe back and here come the pics...

[Gyronaut]

more...

[Gyronaut]

the last batch ... for now

Thanks to everyone that made it a memorable adventure!
Len & Cx

[mak]

Nice pics Len, looks like an awesome trip. The enclosed side by side configuration must make a trip like this just that bit more comfortable and sociable, especially for the softnesses. Hope to do a similar trip one day, looks lekka.

[John Boucher]

Len.... I think you are pissing a lot of aviators off you know!

We are pleased to have shared a part of it with you & Cx as I am sure all the wonderful "new" friends you met along the way, did too!

Not because you are my friend but I do have the ability to recognise the respect and admiration you are gaining from the aviation community! Lets have the story sir....

[Gyronaut]

Thanks John

Thanks also for your hospitality and friendship. See you for AAD next week.

For the record mate, I dont wish to piss anyone off or gain their respect or admiration, all I want to do is share the wonderful exhilliration of our flying hobby with like-minded people.

[John Boucher]

Was meant in good jest Len (hence the )

[Gyronaut]

... and taken as such Johno! Thanks for the HUGE compliment by the way, I am flattered and humbled.

now lets go fly!

[FO Gyro]

Awesome photo's Len. Glad the trip went well. It's always a problem returning back to the Cape with the cold fronts still coming through.

As a matter of interest, what were your cruise speed (indicated) vs. power setting for the trip?

[Gyronaut]

Thanks FO

Before I answer your question, I'd like you to consider two things:

1. The prop pitch was set for JHB originally and set a little more fine (1deg) for here but not optimised since an overspeed at altitude is easy if you're not very very careful. It was also not statically tested here and fine tuned so I had to watch it carefully at speed at altitude and on take-off etc. (what I am saying is that its not optimised yet - also doesn't have stop at 75% power as the M16 does - still have to have that fitted so its easy to engage the turbo without wanting to). Make sense?

2. My wife's toiletries alone (nevermind a weeks luggage) and the 80 litre fuel capacity make it a little heavier, combined with the increased drag of the side-by-side config require a little more power. I'd say about 200 rpm more than the Magni M16 for the same performance.

Generally though, on average, it cruises straight and level at 75mph (IAS) at between 5000 - 5200 rpm. 4800 - 5000 at 65.

Also, I think (sense) it uses about 2 to 3 litres an hour more fuel than a Magni M16. Difficult to compare with a MT since I have only done cabbage-patch flying in MT's.

Hope that answers your question adequately? Come fly the thing with me man!

[Gyronaut]

Oh, and I missed this pic, flying off the edge of Port St Johns was an awesome rush... had to go back for another look...

[AndyG]

Len it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your wife. Glad that you enjoyed the day at Howick.

You have changed Geoffs perceptions of Gyro's forever. Had a magic morning with you and will always remember it.

Glad you guys got back safely.

Say Hi to Christine from us



Cheers,

Andy

[FO Gyro]

Thanks Len for the info. Thanks for the wonderful photo's. Would love to go up with you sometime.

[FLYNOTE]

Great stuff Len ! So glad you had a fantastic trip and now my big itch is back again. Should be airborn in two weeks time. My meneer is being shipped today and is scheduled for delivery next Friday. Loooooong week ahead.
See you soon soon !

[Jabbanaught]

Thanks Len for the info. Thanks for the wonderful photo's. Would love to go up with you sometime.

Hey stand in thw que (lol) me first !