About You
Tell us about yourself!
Thank you for confirming that you wish to be on our mailing list.
But while you’re on this page, take a moment and tell us a little bit about you!
What’s your name, perhaps where you live and your interest in Helicopters and Gyro-copters. Do you have a Helicopter or Gyro that you fly now or are you just building one. A lot of our club members are not builders, but like being around people that have the same interest in aviation as they do. In any case, we would like to know a little about you.
Go ahead and scroll down to the bottom of this page and leave a reply. We would love to here from you.
HI everyone! – My name is Jim Burrow and I am the Communications Officer and Club newsletter editor. I live in Livermore, CA and also in the process of building a Rotorway Exec experimental helicopter.
Ever since I was a little boy – back in the 50’s – I always dreamed of flying a Benson Gyro-Copter from the ranch I lived on to my grandparents home, some 5 miles away. I say my first Gyro-Copter in Mechanical Magazine sometime around 1955.
While in the Air Force, stationed at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson Arizona, I happen to catch from the side of my eye a Rotorway Scorpion II helicopter as me and a body of mine and our two dates were driving by Tempi Arizona on a way to a Lead Zeppelin concert. At that moment I know I had to have one of those when I get out of the Air Force.
I joined the Sierra RotorCraft Club in 1989 and that same year, purchased the first of nine groups for the Rotorway Exec. But due to major layoff in the mid 90’s I lost my job with Lockheed, after 19 1/2 years with them. So I run out of money and lost the flame to continue to work on it.
However, about 3 years ago, that all changed, thanks to a fellow club member Eric Leuty. He put the spark back in me and that is what being in a club is all about.
So, that’s my short story — jim
I’m a survivor of the “Self Taught” Benson owners from back in the 60′s when it was impossible to get two seat instruction. I also built, and at one time owned two single seat Scorpions that used the Evinrude power heads. Never flew them. Got an overseas opportunity in 86, sold the Scorpions and a LongEze in process and became an engineer for the Army at Kawajalein. Sail boats and scuba occupied me until we returned in 94. Built and have accumulated 230hrs in a Safari and now have a Helicycle underway.
Oh and have been editor/publisher of the Experimental Helo Magazine for nearly 6 yrs.
New Helicycle builder. Structural steel fabricator by trade, and have always been a helicopter nut. I have the privelage of flying mediums on occassion and have many friends in the industry. I am looking forward to the day when I can climb in my own ship and fly away. My choice to build a Helicyle came only after years of research and dreams, but ultimately it was the turbine and simplicity of this machine that led to my decision. Kudos to BJ.
I’m a CFI and CFII in helicopters, and a CFI in gyroplanes. I operate a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter and Air & Space 18A gyroplane, based at South County Airport (E16) in San Martin, CA (between San Jose and Hollister) and a Phoebus 17-meter sailplane that I keep in Colorado. I formerly owned a Sikorsky S-52 helicopter and McCulloch Super J-2 gyroplane. I’ve been flying fixed wing since 1974, and in rotorcraft since 1990. My start was in gliders (where I’m also a CFI) and over the years I added commercial airplane, seaplane, and balloon ratings (I even have a bit of Zeppelin time in my logbook, so my interests are wide).
Hi Jon! I recently became intrigued with gyrocopter. I have no flight experience to speak of (no bad habits to break?) and was curious about getting a flight in a gyrocopter to see if I would like learning to fly.
Any chance I can get an introduction to the gyrocopter from you?
Hi,
I am starting to research Gyrocopters. I was wondering if you offer training rides? If so, what is your hourly rate? If you do not, do you know who might?
Thanks for your time.
Laura
We have a CFI and he has two Gyro’s that can carry a passenger. However I don’t know if he will give rides. He lives in one of the surrounding Town around San Jose, Ca.
This Saturday (19th Feb 2011, at 1300 hours)we will be having our first meeting of the year. This will be the first time I will be meeting all the Gyro guys for up until the middle of last year, the club was mostly helicopters.
So I will have a better feeling if any of the Gyro guys give rides.
Hi John, A coupla freinds and myself were lookin to pitch in to buy and build a nice 2-seater from a kit and take lessons to learn how to fly it. We are in San Leandro and interested in taking classes from you to obtain the proper Gyrocopter certificate to fly a 503c 2-seater.
You can e-mail me @ tmackiii@aol.com
Thanks!!
Am FW pilot Interested in an introductory flight in a gyro…what type do you fly?
I personally don’t fly Gyro-copters. I have a Rotorway Exec. experimental helicopter that I am building. As a side note – If it will ever stop raining on club meeting weekends (normally the 3rd weekend of the month), we – the club – are planing to have a club meeting (no date yet) and a afternoon flying activity were we should have several helicopters and Gryo’s flying around. There you can get up close and personal with the builders and pilots.
Hi Jon, this is Parks, I am trying to get a hold of you, do you have an email address or phone number i can reach you on? I am interested in talking to you about your bell 47, and about flying gyro’s. You can reach me at parksarcs@gmail.com or 530-356-8910, thanks
=Parks=
Hey all. My name is Ryan and I’m a former OAK Silver State Helicopters student. I have around 100 hours in Robinson and Schweitzer helicopters and haven’t had any rotor wing time lately. For the most part since the Silver State fiasco, it’s all been fixed wing for me. But every time I see a rotorway online I want to build one. My 70K loan that I still have looming over my head from training I never finished will put that on the back burner for a while though. I’ve switched gears from flight training to steel fabrication and machining. I traded in my old oxy acetylene setup for a tig plasma cutter and have been going to town with it. Would love to meet you guys in person and see your projects. And if anyone knows of any entry level tig welding work let me know!
Hey to all,
I have been interested in flying all my life. I have piloted some small aircraft, and am finally in a position in my life where I can take formal instruction and earn a pilots licence. I do not think that I will be able to buy into a fixed wing aircraft for some time, but I have an interest in building and flying a rotor craft of some sort.
I spent 15 yrs working with fiberglass and composites such as Kevlar and Carbon fiber,and have access to a full machine shop with laser metal cutting, CNC tube bending,CNC milling and turning, and whatever else might be needed. I would think that I could build a pretty nice aircraft, and hope to in the near future.
So my goal is to dive into the community, possibly take a ride in a rotor craft, and see what I an in for.
Hope to meet up with some of you soon.
ROTOR F/X specializes in ultralight and experimental rotorcraft. We are the American distributor for Aerocopter helicopters, western USA distributor for Mosquito helicopters and provide MRO for all makes of experimental rotorcraft. We are also an installing dealer for MGL Avionics, dealer for FlightLink simulators, distributor for Whirlybird helicopter simulators.
- Helicopter Sales and Brokerage: Commercial Helicopters, Experimental and Ultra Light Helicopters and Gyrocopters
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- Rotorcraft Manufacturing and Parts: Experimental and Ultra Light Helicopters, Gyrocopters – manufacturing, fabrication, welding, machining, parts, airframe assembly and kit completions
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info@rotorfx.com
http://www.rotorfx.com
818.574.7663
Van Nuys Airport (KVNY)
Van Nuys, CA
Hi,
I have about 10 hours student seat time way back in the mid 70′s. I’m a paraplegic who uses hand control. I am now in the process of gather parts to build my own gyrocopter. I have an 80hp injected Wankel engine. My desire is far reaching. I am designing an aircraft which uses a custom titanium or aircraft aluminum wheelchair as an integral part of the aircraft which will be coupled with my back against the mast and a motorcycle fork joined to the front. My hand-pedaled tricycle unit gave me part of the idea but my connections at the above described joints will be considerably more stout. I also want the ability to do jump launching. So far I have not found any articles of how to design a rotor head which can spin the tip weighted rotors fast enough. I have looked into using model aircraft electric ducted fans either tip mounted or hub mounted like some of the cold jet units. I’m also having trouble finding how to build a safe device which adds collective on command. It is also going to be licensed as a motorcycle. Lots to think about. Any suggestions? Happy trails all.
Tom Watson
Redding, CA
Hi , just joined , and I am very interested in purchasing a gyrocopter . Also , in case anyone is interested , I would like to trade a very nice piece of land located in L.A. on La Tuna Canyon Dr. , a quiet community surrounded by green mountains , dear , and a relaxing admosphere away from the fast pace of L.A. which is just on the other side of the mountain ( check it out on a google map ) I was offered 160,000 for the property but I would be willing to trade it for a nice 2 seat gyrocopter , a single engine plane , or even a two seat helicopter . If you email me I would be most pleased to send pictures of the property and its surrounding area . Jaddavila@aol.com
I look forward to learning more about the Sierra Rotorcraft Club , and hope to start flying soon , in your area . Until then , good health to all of you .
(661) 245-1961
P.O. Box 57
Frazier Park
Ca. 93225
Hello,
I am one of the orginal founders/members of Serra RotorCraft Club. Nick Stoopin along with my support took the necessary steps to get the Club going. I have helped build several Rotorway Helicopters and have owned a Scorpion 145. I am retired now and would like to come to a Club meeting to catchup on past and present happenings.
Hello,
My name is Richard. I have been a fan of Helicopters for over 30 years, yet have not had the resources to follow that dream. I would really like to own an Exec 162. (if any one would like to trade a Chevy Corvette for one…?) I came to this site to see if there would be any fly-ins that you folks are going to in Central/Northern California where I can get my hands on an Exec.
Richard! – we have two guys in the club that might be interested in selling their Exec helicopters. I’m not sure what models they are, but the are newer that mine, for I just have an Exec.
I mailed you there email address, Hopefully you got them ok.
Sorry for not having any photo’s of their helicopters. I didn’t add any photo’ to the site when I re-did it.
I’m a semi-retired radio broadcaster with a Private/Airplane, tailwheel endorsement, and 200 hours, 17 dual/3 solo in gyroplanes. I’m the secretary, webmaster and newsletter editor for the Utah Rotorcraft Association (PRA 2), PRA’s NW/Mtn Regional Rep, and recently took on editing the new Rotorcraft E-Zine for the PRA. I’ve done the daily audio podcasts for Aero News Network since Sept 2006. I sold my Sport Copter gyroplane project a few months ago, and am working with a few other locals here in UT to put together a joint-ownership group for a light, single-place gyro.
Hi! My name is Jim. I’ve been interested in flying for many years but thought I couldn’t afford to do so. I’m just now exploring the Gyro-Plane options. I just, today, found the Livermore club and hope to get to the airfield soon to check out what’s happening. I’ll most likely do an home build from scratch while still working full-time. I’m also looking around for a used gyro-copter to get started faster. I will need lessons before “taking off” to fulfill my dream.
Hi,
Just joined as I’ve been researching Autogyro flight and came across your site. I live in Sonoma, CA wine country and have always loved flying. I got my sailplane rating out of Fremont when I was 15 after reading my Grandpa’s old German books on gliders. I got my “ticket” for powered flight while in College and eventually went on to Aerobatics in a Super Decathlon. Nothing like flying upside down to clear your mind…among other things. I used to fly 182s with friends to Mexico (before the problems)-some pretty wild rough field landing. You wouldn’t believe what’s called an airport in some areas. I’d like to dual in a gyrocopter and see if I like it. Looks like a great way to get back to “real seat of the pants flying fun”. Look forward to getting over to a meeting, meeting you all and seeing some equipment.
Hi,
About to join, will be making the First meeting of the year in Feb. Very interested in Gryo flying and took a demo flight about a yeart ago in Marion, Indiana (Got the bug now!). Hope to meet and greet soon. Started flying at the age of 11 in a Piper J-3 my father restored. Flew as a crewmember on P-3 Orions in the Navy for 17 years. My son and I fly out of San Jose where he is a club member. I am not current at this point but will rectify that after healing from shoulder surgery. Are there CFI’s in the area for Gryo training?
Howdy-
Became a fixed wing pilot in 1969. Have owned several airplanes since including Cessna 172 and 182, a Piper J5A, and have recently completed a Zenith 701 which is hangared in Oakdale.
Purchased a Benson type gyrocopter sometime ago, it is also in the hangar, but I have never flown it. Became a lifetime member of PRA some years ago.
I am now a LSA pilot and recently became interested in flying Powered Paragliders and have a unit also in the hangar.
Would like to follow the activities of the Sierra Chapter and become familiar with some of the equipment.
I have been a PRA member for many years. My number is 4344. I have built four gyros and the latest is a Barnett J4BN There are not many gyro pilots in idaho but it is still my favoirite sport.
Chuck
my name is rick campbell, and i was looking for a ride along before i start my flight training.. ive been flying cessnas scence 2000. still a student tho unfourtanatly….please let me know rickc151@gmail.com
Hello , my name is Carlos Daniel ,I live in Fort Lauderdale ,Florida ,and I am an Aviation Mechanic ,I always dream of owning a personal plane , and , or helicopter , Im the process of flying school . Nothing like the freedom of the Air , my email is cvdmiami@aol.com. God Bless all!!
My husband and I were based on Tracy Airport for 20 years as a Bensen Aircraft dealer engaged in sales and gyro flight instructing.
I will be attending a gyro fly-in in Az. this weekend and if anything especially new, different or interesting should happen I will send it on to you.
About me, I am a retired Gyro CFI. My husband and I learned to fly gyros in the early 60′s when you had to teach yourself to fly them.
In early 70′s we moved from No. Ca. to Tracy and stayed there for the next 20 years, as I mentioned with a business on the airport. That was the happiest time of my life, flying gyros almost every day. I am a fixed wing pilot also but the gyro has my heart.
I have been a widow now for 15 years . I retired from flight instructing and from flying generally when my husband of 48 years passed away but 12 years later I started flying my gyro again and am still flying it at 82 years of age. That’s probably more than you ever wanted to know about me.
Regards.
Marion Springer
Hi, my name is arpit. I am a electronic n comm.engg. I belong from small city sidhi m.p INDIA . I have made rc helicopter during my engg. I am crezy about build a helicopter 2 seater by useing motorcycle engine. And fly it my self.
HELLO,
MY NAMES GARY WHITE AND I USED TO OWN 3 SCORPION 2 HELICOPTERS AND BUILT 1 EXC COPTER AND NOW OWN 2 BELL 47G HELICOPTERS I DISPLAY ON TRAILERS FOR XMAS AND KIDS BENIFITS. I THINK I AM THE ONLY 1 THAT HAS A SCORPION HELICOPTER ACTUALLY FLYING AND HOVERING AROUND SINCE I STARTED BULDING THEM IN THE EARLY 90,S. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE A VIDEO OF THIER SCORPION HELICOPTERS IN FLIGHT THEY WANT TO SHARE? OR IM I BEHIND THE TIMES AD THERE ARE VIDEOS OF THE SCORPION IN ACTUAL FLIGHT!? LOL….LET ME KNOW? THANKS….GARY
Private SEL pilot for 40 yrs…had Cherokees and Aeroncas..Now living in So. Cal (Temecula) and plan to learn to fly gyrocopters, and either build or buy one. Any info or comments would be appreciated….Thanks, Tony
Hi
My name is Christian and I have always been interested in rotor craft. Over the years I have had various sightseeing flights in helicopters, but a recent flight in a Xenon gyro over the Hunter Valley in Australia has bit me hard. This year I am ready to learn to fly a gyro.
WoW!-was excited to see the club is still going strong! Was a member in the early 90′s. I remember the fly-ins at Nathan’s place in Clear Lake, Jeff Dunham’s FIRST Exec with the great paint job and the wonderful camraderie with everyone, Len, Wayne and Terry. Wish I still had those old magazines.
Still (back) in Orange County and actually getting ready to cut patterns on a 206 SIM. Still flying SAR and Counter-Drug fixed wing but miss the old Jet Danger.
Only had a few minutes to peruse the site, but will return. I can send some pics from the old days if wanted.
Matt “Real Pilots Hover” Scherzi
Would like to be involved in the PRA.
I’m in the Grass Valley area. Building a Little Wing 5, with a Yamaha 130FI, working on the belt PSRU now.
Would like to meet up within a 100 mile radius.
Would like to go to the Placerville hanger party on 8/13.
Please send info.
Hey Brad – Just type “Swansboro” in the search the site box and all the information on Placerville will come up. Also keep watching the weekly update (newsletter) and the Events tab to stay informed.
I am retired from three occupations – 30 yrs Army; 14 yrs university admin; 7 yrs Episcopal Priest. Now an interested octogenarian with a keen interest in gyros. Received private license for lightplane, single engine, land in 1948. No private flying for many years. Excited at prospect of participating in growth of gyroplane community.
I live in Redwood City Ca, and I am just geting started in contructing a gyro-copter. I have PPL in which I recieved my training in Philippines. I have not flown anything for several years. I am excited at the prospect of flying again. Especially something of my own contruction.
My name is John Parks, “Parks”, and I am 44 years young and have a wife and 5 children ages 19m to 14 years, and have been interested in helicopters scene my first ride off of pier 39 in San Fran at age 7. I was so excited that a bystander bought me another ride just out of kindness! I am a private pilot in heli and am working on commercial test ride for just after the first of the year. I am a low time pilot with a lot of experience some never get , such as pontoon landings, snow landings, long line, a lot of mountain flying, lots of off airport landings and even survived a dead engine landing (R44RII) in the trees in the Trinity National Forest, trees and heli didn’t do so well!! 5 trees got hedged and Heli lost both main blades, one tail rotor blade, vertical/horizontal fin and three sections of the tail cone, but still a GOOD landing by any standards, as both of us walked away without any injures!!!!! I must admit the R44 is a lot stronger than I thought it would be.
I am a low time pilot with just over 300hrs. I started flying 20 years ago, did it the hard way -paid for it- it only took me 16 years to earn my private ticket for lack of money, time and heli at same place, but I did it!!! I have flown a 300, 520notar, jet Ranger, S61, R22HP before they had governors, but most of my time is in R44, astro- RI, RII, and a little time in the new R66 over the Sierras at 12,500, what a power house it is.. I have about 25hrs or so in 5 different types of airplanes but am primarily interested in helicopters.
I also share the aviation experience with all of my family, unfortunately though my wife does not share my love of flying, but my 14 year old son Tanner does, and is the most interested. So he and I skipped work and school on his 14th birthday, Dec 8th, so I could take him to Air Shasta Rotor and Wing in Redding, so he could take his 5th heli lesson in a R22. He finally was able to hold a hover within a 10 foot square for extended lengths of time. That was a great moment for both of us as one could imagine.
I am a licensed C51 structural steel contractor and have a small job shop at the base of the Trinity Apls in Weaverville CA, where I live with my family. I weld anything to live, and live to fly! I have been welding scene I was 10 or so, and belong to the weld advisory committees of both Shasta College and College of the Siskyou’s, and hold 9 current weld certifications. My business is Parks Arcs Welding, Parksarcs.com.,and we are always looking for welding contracts.
I found you guys from looking for a gyrocopter instructor for a friend who has never flown anything, but owns a gyro, 1956 i think, which has never flown, and is hell bent to fly it against all my efforts to try and talk him out of killing himself, not because I think gyros aren’t safe, but because he has no instructor or flight experience. Can anyone help me? He is an old logger (retired) and doesn’t have much money, but thinks he can fly because he can run a cat and skidder, so is not planing on any instruction. I asked him If he did a weight and balance on his machine, and his response was what the hell is that!!! I lost another acquaintance of mine who bought a heli from the bay area somewhere, N222DW, a Brantly B2B, from thinking he could handle 25 knt winds on his not signed of second solo flight, and when I went to clean up the mess, I vowed to help who ever needs help to stay alive, and my gyro friend is that guy that needs help to stay alive.
I am very active in the Eaa chapter 157, and a strong supporter of the Young Eagles program, both with flying and fund raising, with just under 200 flights flown. I have another Young Eagles Ralley in Weaverville (O54) scheduled for June 30, 2012, and would love to have more heli’s, or gyros, fly with me, or as static displays, as i am the only one in a heli. I also attend safety meeting regularly at Benton airport (085) every second Saturday of the month between the hrs of 10am and 12 noon with lunch to follow, south end of airport, which everyone is invited to, and am looking forward to meeting all of you at some time at one of your meetings.
If any of you are interested in flying the Young Eagles or just want to chat, or have a welding project, wrought iron gate,aircraft, hanger or such, or just flying by for somewhere to fly, my shop and home are just 2min from airport and you can reach me via email or phone me at 530-356-8910 any time.
That’s all for now
-Parks-