Gyro fever

[Bennie Vorster]

So Mr eggbeater you seems to be a pro on this toppic, what will your advice be?

[Eggbeater]

Hi Bennie

Beware, appearances can be deceptive and I an anything but a pro with regards to gyroplanes. I can give you an indication of why I bought my Magni M16 and the choices that were open to me at the time though.

When I started there were four gyroplanes which were readily available in South Africa, the Ella , the Magni, the RAF and the Sycamore. I found out as much about them as possible from the internet and from talking to people before I bought.

I was particularly impressed with the RAF because of its side-by-side closed cockpit and the Sycamore for its closed or closable cockpit. I realise that making comparosons is unfair because it depends on who you are talking to but I think tht at the time I made the right decision. The reasons for buying or not buying were as follows:

1. On the RAF, the views I got were that it is a lovely aircraft but it requires absolute concentration from the pilot at all times because it handles like a fighter aircraft in that it is very quick to react to stick movements. If I really wanted to I should look at getting one after I had at least 500 and, preferably, 1000 hours on gyroplanes.

2. On the Sycamore the general view was that it was a bit underpowered for conditions in and around Johannesburg because it was built sturdily and a bit too heavy for altitudes at the Reef.

3. With regard to the Magni and the Ella-07, the Ella is a bit lighter and outperforms the Magni with the same engine although this is not that significant and other than that the two aircraft fly the same. The Magni on the other hand had superior finishes and, what really made my mind up for me, the Magni had an enviable safety record with regard to hours flown in South Africa (being the most numerous I suppose it had to have but it was impressibe nevertheless).

As far as the Bensen is concerned it never entered the equation because I wanted an aircraft with a fuselage.

Today there are another two options, the German MT-03 and the French Xenon which is being built at Rhino Park. The Mt-03 is a lovely looking aircraft and it is even lighter than the Ella so its should perform better. Apparently the flight characteristics are pretty much the same as the Ella and the Magni. The Xenon is incredibly attractive and I for one an very keen to see how it flies. If it is anywhere near as docile as the Magni then I am sure it will be a winner (I know I am getting old but I like side-by-side enclosable cockpits).

If I can offer some advice Bennie I would look at buying a second-hand Magni M16 (the trainer) or an Ella 07 (also a trainer). Both should be fairly inexpensive with the cross country Magni M22 (no dual controls so cannot be used as a trainer) and the new Ella-08 now being sold in the country (the MT-03 is too new for seconhand ones to be available yet) but perhaps the best advice I can give you is to come up to Rhino Park or Kitty Hawk and get someone like Johan Meyer to take you for a flight in his Magni. If you are really stuck I can take you but it will not be anywhere near as much fun as it would be with someone who can really fly the thing.

[The Agent]

Eggbeater point taken on all the comments, but I have yet to see a RAF flying up at 5500 ft with two people in, no bad comment just have not seen one fly at all.
Best for Bennie to spend some time and view and fly them all.

Jy sien Bennie ek lieg nie.

[Bennie Vorster]

Thanks a mill Mr Eggbeater.

So gaan ons dalk Woensdag 'n bietjie kan gyro flieg Agent en kan ons daardie Xenon al vir 'n flip vat.

[Eggbeater]

Hi Bennie

I thought you meant on Saturday - I am part of the group flying to Groblersdal with a pax but, Agent, if you take Bennie to Groblersdal in your Bantam on Wednesday and bring my pax back to Rhino, I will take Bennie from Groblersdal to Rhino.

Otherwise he will have to join us for breakfast on Saturday.

[saraf]

HI All

I flew the RAF with a 130hp engine at Krugersdorp (5600ft) with full fuel 2 up me at 90kg's and pack at 80kg's and she went like a pocket rocket.

Me and my father will be at the Sagpa AGM the weekend of the 18th Aug 2006 so if any body would like to see the RAF fly at 5000ft we will be flying in with 2.

Regards

SARAF.

[Tumbleweed]

Where's the AGM?

I've also got a serious itch for a gyro. Why don't all the gyro reps bring their demo's and give some (free) demos?

Then we'll haggle and horsetrade and irritate you with finance/ trade-in, training packages e.t.c.

[Bennie Vorster]

Where's the AGM?

I've also got a serious itch for a gyro. Why don't all the gyro reps bring their demo's and give some (free) demos?

Then we'll haggle and horsetrade and irritate you with finance/ trade-in, training packages e.t.c.

Then I can test fly them all on one day and don't have to drive up and down all the time. Who can organaise it for us?

[t-bird]

18 to 20-August 2006 SAGPA AGM - moved to Adam, near Allemanskraal dam.
This year we're planning to combine the AGM with break-out session presented by various representatives from the weather service, engine manufacturers, gyroplane distributors, instructors and other areas of interest.
After much deliberation and suggestions from members, the decision was taken to host this year's gyroplane conference and AGM at Aldam Estate near Allemanskraal dam in the Free state.

Johan Meyer - info@sagpa.co.za .

Contact Aventura Resort beforehand so that strip can be fixed and cleared.

[Eggbeater]

Hi Saraf

There is a 160 hp version as well is there not?

That must go like a rocket.

[Bennie Vorster]

18 to 20-August 2006 SAGPA AGM - moved to Adam, near Allemanskraal dam.
This year we're planning to combine the AGM with break-out session presented by various representatives from the weather service, engine manufacturers, gyroplane distributors, instructors and other areas of interest.
After much deliberation and suggestions from members, the decision was taken to host this year's gyroplane conference and AGM at Aldam Estate near Allemanskraal dam in the Free state.

Johan Meyer - info@sagpa.co.za .

Contact Aventura Resort beforehand so that strip can be fixed and cleared.

Sound Grate!!!!.........................................can any one tell me where is that.

[Bennie Vorster]

Hi Saraf

There is a 160 hp version as well is there not?

That must go like a rocket.

160 hp version, in what gyro will that be?

[Tumbleweed]

Bennie, hulle soek ons nie daar nie, ons gaan aanmekaar skimp

[saraf]

Hi

Yes there is, but is a 165hp and not 160hp. And yes believe me it is brute power, nothing like you have ever experienced before. I can tell you this I have flown at Upington 2750ft with a student me at 90kg's the student at 135kg's full fuel, 80 L, and I easily get 700 to 1000ft per minute.

Lets you think what this gyro will do at sea level does'nt it?

So yes the 165 go's like a rocket.

Bennie, the 165hp is in the RAF 2000.

2.5L Subaru 165hp.
feul injected engine.

Regards

Eben Jnr.

[Bennie Vorster]

Personaly I like the side by side configeration a lot. a Closed cockpit is a must and a fair cruising speed will be welcom. I need to travel 90% of the time with pax and I need to travel to JHB and Durb's and back atleast once a month. How save is this rotor asemblies that holds the blades in place and what mantinance do they have and of coz I don't want to work my whole live just to pay for fule.