Gyros
Try to track down a company called 'Gyrate'.
I recall that the owner - a 737 captain - is called Tony Unwin.
I am not sure where they operate from now but operated from Enstone several years ago.
I might have got the name mixed up because there were actually 2 gyro companies operating form there at the time - noise complaints got them moved on unfortunately - great bunch of guys.
They were using a 2 seat Italian machine (in shocking pink!). I had a demonstration flight and found it most exhilarating.
A really fast and highly manouvrable machine.
This push-over thing is a bit scary.
I met a very nice highly experienced gyro pilot at Turweston the other day - immaculate single-seater machine - and mentioned an awful accident at Enstone involving an experienced pilot who was flying somebody elses machine. It bunted straight down into the deck - fortunately into a wet field a few feet off the tarmac runway. He was unconcious for 3 months and busted up really bad.
His reply was 'that was me'....
This bunt thing has always puzzled me.
Any demonstration (Ken Wallis springs to mind) is designed to demonstrate the benign, easy-flying characteristics and overall concept of the gyro. However, as with the Flying Flea, it appears that even the most experienced can get themselves into a situation where no matter how the pilot manipulates the controls thereafter - he is staring death in the face.
Look on the front cover of Nov 02(current issue) Pilot to see what I got into. Old planes are such fun!
I was tempted by the gyro but my guts told me to stay away.
Is it the case that a modern microlight will give you a similar flying experience at lower cost and with a greater degree of safety?
I am unqualified to say.
I hope that my response doesn't upset too many gyro pilots - I am only relating my own personal experiences and why I made my own choice to stay away from them.
Happy landings!
BB