www.PSFmagazine.com | July-August 2016 | 21 20 | July-August 2016 | Powered Sport Flying Gyroplane Records by John S. Craparo The National Aeronautic Association (naa) held its annual Summer Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2016. The event is a celebration of all ratified record flights claimed during 2015. Among the invited record holders were Dr. Paul Salmon of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Dayton Dabbs of Taylor, Texas; and John Craparo of Georgetown, Texas. These pilots accepted certificates which reflect their record flights in modern gyroplanes. The presentations were made by naa officials Jonathan Gaffney, outgoing president, and Skip Ringo, vice-chairman of the board. Art Greenfield, director of contests and records, was a wonderful master of ceremony for the event. Nine of the twelve flights recognized were given special recognition as the Most Memorable of 2015. These included Dr. Salmon’s record for distance without landing of 1,027.17 miles in a gyroplane. He flew non-stop from El Paso, Texas to Cape Girardeau, Missouri in his Magni M22–Class E3b during November. Paul was also recognized for the other speed record flights he made in 2015 where he set round-trip transcontinental records between California and Florida. Craparo and Dabbs were recognized for the triangular course speed records they set flying fromDallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California, to New York City, New York, to Dallas, Texas during October. They were also recognized for setting a transcontinental speed record fromWest to East between Los Angeles and New York City in John’s stock Magni M16–Class E3a. Paul’s gyroplane was classified with a takeoff weight of 1,102 < 2,205 pounds and the Craparo/Dabbs machine was classified with a takeoff weight < 1,102 pounds. Each pilot or team was given several minutes to speak. John and Dayton advocated for the modern gyroplane, explaining its versatility over a range of missions. Stability, controlability, maneuverability, ease of operation and safety were reflected in their successful open-cockpit flight of over 5,365 miles. They reached altitudes as high as 10,500’ over western ranges in temperatures ranging from 10–85°F. The pair appealed for faa rule changes to allow these machines under the far Part 21.190 regulation. The ceremony included a cocktail party before and a meet and greet after. Buzz Aldrin was in attendance and he mixed with the honorees and their guests. Colonel Joe and Sherry Kittinger attended as special guests of Craparo and Dabbs. Art Greenfield recognized both Aldrin and Kittinger during his opening remarks. Joe, who still holds several balloon and fixed-wing records, expressed his enthusiasm for Paul’s endurance flights. The Kittingers have been huge supporters of John and Dayton and the gyronauts were very touched by their attendance. The first man to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic (Maine to Italy) who also held the record for the highest skydive in history (102,800’) for 52 years is quite an example. The naa hosted a wonderful affair. The pilots encourage all psf readers to consider setting some records whether for the fun, personal satisfaction, adventure or advocacy. More information about aviation record setting and photos from the evening can be found at: www.naa.aero. Gyronauts Lauded in D.C. From top to bottom: Jonathan Gaffney, Skip Ringo and Art Greenfield flank Craparo and Dabbs, a bunch of happy fellas. Chris Salmon, Col. Joe and Dr. Paul pose for a legends photo. Breck Craparo discusses Mohammed Ali with Joe Kittinger and Buzz Aldrin after the moonwalker showed them a ring presented to him by the boxer. Gyroplane Market by Kai Bode The Aero is the biggest trade fair for general and sports aviation in Europe. As in every year, it was a big turnout of 160+ exhibitors showing off their portfolio. It is also traditionally the forum to premier new developments in the lsa and Ultralight/Microlight league. This makes it particularly interesting for gyroplane enthusiasts like myself, as gyroplanes are usually in this weight-class. A quick outlook into the legal background for sports aviation: In the usa there is a sport aviation class, admitting planes with a maximum of two occupants and a maximum takeoff weight (mtow) of 600 kg (1320 pounds), also limiting speeds and equipment in terms of not allowing retractable gear and other higher complexity amendments like in-flight adjustable props. Unfortunately, at the time of inception of the lsa, gyroplanes were not included in this rule. Most gyros in the US are instead certified as experimental-amateur-built, which has no limitations on mtow, speed, retractable gear, or in-flight adjustable props. However there are limitations on what the aircraft can be used for such as flight instruction for hire or rental. And of course a sport pilot for gyroplane is limited to flying aircraft that meet the definition of an lsa. To fly more complex gyroplanes a private pilot rating is required. In Europe the Ultralight/Microlight rule is slightly different, with only 450 kg (472.5 kg {1042 pounds} with a recovery parachute) for fixed wing planes and 560 kg (1235 pounds) for gyroplanes. On the up-side, there are less limitations in equipment and no limitation in speed, so that there are planes with top-speed of 300 km/h (186.4 mph) available. Even though the Volocopter isn’t the focus of this story, the unique rotorcraft was featured at AERO. The company presented the first manned flights with the ‘White Lady’ based on a German ‘Permit to Fly’. Aero 2016
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