So do we get a debrief then?
Of course. I wasn't sure if anybody was interested.
Was this its first flight?
Nope. The prototype had 20 hours on the clock when I flew it. The first flights were performed by the builders. It seems that especially the rotor balancing took them some time.
For right now there are still some minor adjustments, mainly to kill some vibrations from the rotor which is not the production rotor, so we need to see what it is like then. Also, the current rotor is a bit too big for the gyro and the prerotation currently gives 230 rpms "only". They say it will be increased, but need to change a few parts when exchanging the rotor blades.
Over on flight test you'll find a ready audience for how you planned and executed that. Or here doubtless.
The flight didn't have to be planned at all as I trusted Carlos, the builder and a flight instructor sat at the right seat and instructed me.
You can see the scarier moments of the first flights also on youtube, but I wasn't involved.
How does the tractor prop compare to the almost universal pusher prop on gyros?
The tractor configuration eliminates a few problems: the cooling and centerline of thrust issues. Now, did I notice either thing? No. The cooling needs to be improved as for right now it is too efficient and they will need to install radiator blinds to be able to keep temperatures up in colder countries. During my 20 minutes test flight with 26 °C air temperature, the temperatures were constant, but they had taped a smaller part of the radiator.
Now, from what I could tell on the tractor prop configuration, you can fly it more by intuition and it feels more natural.
I was very surprised that the Phenix gives even a taller 6ft3 guy like me sufficient space, head room and space for legs and knees although it has huge panel. The baggage area is as spacious and is designed for up to 30 kgs of luggage.
Everything else felt like other gyrocopters I have flown with: very short landing, a bit longer for takeoff, tight turns and steep approaches. Max speeds flown maybe 120-140 kms/h. I must admit I wasn't too interested as I knew that the final configuration will improve the current specifications.
The Phenix has another nice feature: a parachute in its tail. Although I was critical at first, I am now convinced it gives the pilot a second chance when he messes up or has a midair collision. Last but not least, pilot failure is the most common cause for gyrocopter accidents.