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September Newsletter 2013In this issue:
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Hi Welcome to the September 2013 Gyrocopter Experience Newsletter with gyroplane news, updates and information from the UK and around the world. | |
Wing Commander Ken Wallis (26th April 1916 ? 1st Sept 2013) | |
It is with much sadness that we heard that Wing Commander Ken Wallis MBE passed away on Sunday 1st September, aged 97. Ken was a key figure in the development of the autogyro, which, most famously, he flew as Sean Connery?s stunt double in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. He held 34 autogyro records and still held eight at the time of his death. To commemorate the life of Ken Wallis, a public celebration will be held at Old Buckenham airfield, Norfolk on 29th September 2013. Formal tributes will be paid by several of the Wing Commander?s friends and other commemorations at the event on Sunday September 29 as well as displays of machinery in honour of the legend. The airfield has invited as many people as possible to bring their aircraft and vehicles to the celebration. Those wishing to attend are asked to let the organisers know they are coming and bringing an aircraft or vehicle by sending an email to airfield@oldbuck.com More information on the life of Ken can be found at his website http://www.kenwallisautogyro.com/. |
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Two New Instructors Qualify in the UK
August has been a great month for the gyrocopter community with two new Instructors qualifying in the UK. Gerard McAleer, from Carrickmore Flying School in Northern Ireland, and Mike Reece, from Rufforth Airfield in Yorkshire both qualified as Gyrocopter Flying Instructors in August having completed their Instructor courses alongside one another. Both new boys will start their Gyro teaching careers working at The Gyrocopter Experience York. In the longer term Gerard will be offering gyro training from Carrickmore Flying School in Northern Ireland whilst Mike will continue to work from The Gyrocopter Experience York. Well done both of you, you now have the best job in the world! |
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AutoGyro partner with IAPGT as part of their Flight School Certification Program
The largest manufacturer of factory built Gyroplanes "AutoGyro" in Germany are partnering with the International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training (IAPGT) as part of the AutoGyro Certification Program. Gerry Speich, MD of Rotorsport UK, the UK representative of AutoGyro says "The AutoGyro Certification Program is a key part of the AutoGyro strategy to transform from a product manufacturer to a complete worldwide service provider relating to Gyroplanes." "The AutoGyro Certification Program is designed for three distinct aspects of a support organisation. The AutoGyro Certified Sales Program, The AutoGyro Certified Maintenance Program and the AutoGyro Certified Flight Training Program. It is the latter of these programs that involve the partnership with I.A.P.G.T." For more information about this partnership click here For more information about the International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training and to become a member please see their website: iapgt.org |
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Into Africa ? Kevin Robinson reports on training in the Masai Mara in Kenya As the Gyro market continues to grow, so does the demand for professional instruction around the world. Kevin Robinson from The Gyrocopter Experience Algarve has been teaching people to fly gyrocopters for more than five years and has taken up this mantel having been involved in training in the UK, Portugal, Turkey and latterly Africa. Kevin?s latest trip was to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Click here to read more about the challenges he faced in this introduction to his story.
It's not too late to start trainingWith the good weather continuing into September and a mild winter predicted, it is not too late to start your Gyrocopter Training. Both Nick in Devon and Steve in Salisbury reported record months in July and August and the trend seems set to continue. Go for it!
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Must Fly!
The Gyrocopter Experience Team