April Newsletter 2013

In this issue:

  • Gyrocopters for Hire
  • Gyros for Rhinos around Africa
  • Talk by Ken Wallis
  • Gyros, Gyros, Gyros at Popham
  • Airfield Diagrams available for iPad
  • Aero Friedrichshafen 2013

Hi

Welcome to the April 2013 Gyrocopter Experience Newsletter with gyroplane news, updates and information from the UK and around the world.

Gyrocopters now available for hire

Earlier this month the CAA announced changes in legislation that allows factory built Gyrocopters to be hired in the UK. This means that it is now possible to continue with your flying after you have obtained your licence without having to buy your own machine.

'This is fantastic news' says Kevin Robinson of The Gyrocopter Experience, who was involved in early discussions on the subject five years ago. 'The ability to hire means that the enjoyment of flying Gyros is now available to everyone. '

If you would like to know more about the rules regarding the hire process, please contact your local Gyrocopter Experience flying school.

Gyros for Rhinos around Africa

Nine gyronauts will be travelling around the entire border of South Africa to create awareness of the rhino poaching crisis and raise funds for counter poaching activities in their National Parks.

The group departed in six gyrocopters on Wednesday 10 April and during the next 16 days they will travel a distance of approximately 6 500 km. They will start and finish on the international border with Mozambique in the Nwanetsi area of Kruger National Park. This border area is currently a hotspot of poaching activity.

If you would like to follow their progress, or donate to their cause check out www.sanparksvolunteers.org/gyrosforrhinos

What a great experience. Good luck guys, we look forward to seeing some great photos on your return.

Ken Wallis Lecture

Wing Commander Ken Wallis is speaking at the Royal Aeronautical Society on 9th May in London. Ken is one of the grandfathers of the autogyro and is best known for his role as the pilot doubling up for James Bond flying Little Nellie in the film 'You only live Twice'.

Ken, who is also the Patron of The British Rotorcraft Association, has a fascinating history spanning achievements with aeroplanes, motorbikes, boats and of course autogyros. Click here for further details

Gyros, Gyros, Gyros at Popham

The Popham show takes place this year on the weekend of the 4th/5th May. We expect lots of Gyros to be there, it's a great way to meet up with Gyro pilots from around the country.

Steve Boxall, from The Gyrocopter Experience, Salisbury says For many people Popham marks the start of the "fly-in" season. If the weather is good then there is loads of aircraft activity to see, if the weather is not so good, then you can watch the gyros flying while everyone else huddles in their tents.

Pooley's Guide available electronically

Technology is changing flying. Traditionally you had to carry around thick books of Airfield diagrams whenever you went touring cross country. Now, the famous "Pooley's Guide" is available electronically for the iPad. This is so much more convenient.

These are in stock at The Gyrocopter Experience Giftshop here and can be purchased either with or without the paper copies.

Aero Friedrichshafen 2013

The annual European aviation event featuring Gyrocopters is being held at Friedrichshafen, Germany from Wed 24th April to Saturday 27th April 2013. Some of The Gyrocopter Experience staff will be going to check out what's new. We'll let you know in our next newsletter.

Must Fly!

The Gyrocopter Experience Team