www.PSFmagazine.com | September-October 2019 | 37 36 | September-October 2019 | Powered Sport Flying SEE WHAT’S NEWAT SPORT COPTER! 34012 Skyway Dr Scappoose, OR 97056 (503)543-7000 information@sportcopter.com www.sportcopter.com Gyroplane Record Attempt Being so close to Oshkosh—well, he was in the United States, so considering the distances he had logged thus far, ‘close’ is relative—he had to make the show. Luca, Pietro, Carola and Paola Magni, and Chiara Curioni from the Magni factory, and a host of other Magni dealers and flyers were in the Magni Oshkosh tent. It was time to reconnect and do a little 27,000-mile checkup before Ketchell set out on the final 25% of his trip. When James flew out of Oshkosh, the Magni contingent pulled him through the Oshkosh masses to the tarmac like reindeer guiding Santa. Let’s get back to the Russian leg of the trip. You will recall that nine years ago Norman Surplus and his MT03 AutoGyro g-yrox, made an around-the-world attempt. But Russia got in the way and would not grant permission for him to cross its airspace. A letdown to be sure for this Irishman, but he did have the satisfaction of setting 19 gyroplane records. Fortunately for Ketchell, crossing Russia was granted this time around and he invited Surplus to join him so he could add that missing leg to his trip. There’s no formal record for what Surplus achieved. The fai (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) only recognizes the speed record, which Ketchell is currently chasing. Surplus’ achievement, however, is listed with Earth Rounders, which is an organization that recognizes all circumnavigations in light aircraft. He flew through 32 countries and over 30,000 nautical miles – a lap and a half around the planet in order to complete his flight. No small task. During their flight together, the two had the opportunity to compare notes. Both of these inspiring guys recognized the kindness and generosity of people all over the world. Surplus found it a humbling and a privileged experience. I talked with him at the Popular Rotorcraft Association’s International Fly-in at Mentone following Oshkosh. He was going to fly “Roxy” back to Oshkosh where she will temporarily stay, at least for a year, in the eaa museum. He’s looking forward to completing his book about his adventure and it should be ready next year this time. Ketchell said he’ll be paying favors forward for the rest of his life, and he hopes Magni will feel he’s worthy to be part of their extensive heritage. “I made a decision that whatever happens I just want to come back a better person more experienced, a better attitude, more knowledge. Sometimes you can’ t necessarily control the outcome. If I keep a good attitude and can help some kids along the way, that ’s all I can do.” That’s quite enough I’d say, but his future may hold more. No one person has ever circumnavigated the world by land, air and sea…so yep, he has aspirations of maybe sailing around the world. For now, though, I’m watching https://share.garmin.com/CaptainKetch, as I’m sure thousands of others are as well, as James makes his way into the gyro record books. Blue Skies!• To learn more about James Ketchell, visit: www.jamesketchell.net www.facebook.com/jamesketchellpushinglimits www.youtube.com/user/JKpushinglimits
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