RAF 2000 anyone?
 

Has anyone ever flown a RAF 2000 gyroplane? Looks a little bit like a helicopter, reputed to fly somewhat like an R22 (except it can't hover http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif ). But much much cheaper - their website, www.raf2000.com is obviously aimed at the R22 market, but emphasising the difference in price. I went up to Carlisle for a trial lesson in one some months ago, but it never happened because.... long story.

Whirly

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To fly is human, to hover, divine.


URL corrected by http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif

[This message has been edited by helidrvr (edited 15 October 2000).]

The training application should be viable. I know of at least one R/W pilot who completed a large portion of the minimum hours required for his CPL with a gyrocopter. Good concept, that is. Can any of you enlighten the rest of us (wannabes, especially) on the regs?

I think I may follow your lead and look into a little R&R by going up there. I flew the Benson years ago.

Cheers http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif

Wow, I never thought of hours building for a CPL on a gyro. That could save LOTS of money if you got a fairly basic one (ie NOT a RAF2000). Are you sure about this?

Whirly

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To fly is human, to hover, divine.

Ditto are you sure about this? .. hope so

Yeah, I'm sure he told me that this is what he did; even showed me some pix. I don't know about the regs though. As I recall, he did most of the solo and cross country hour building this way.

That's all I know.

Cheers http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif

Saw a RAF2000 at an airshow in Pennsylvania this Saturday. Amazing machine - takeoff run of only 70 feet, climbs at a 45 degree angle.
Also watched a original Pitcairn autogyro from the 30's fly low and slow over the crowd.

I've emailed CAA but in meantime anyone know the regs please. please, please...

Just spoke to CAA who say no... Thoughts, more info anyone?

Just for clarification, the fellow I refer to was an American airline pilot. I ran into him last year while bumming a jump seat and having no personal need for it, I promptly forgot the critical details. The conversation was specific though and I recall him showing me pictures as well as the licenses and logbook entries. I believe that it has to do with the wording of the FAA regs which define a gyrocopter as a rotorcraft or something like that.

It will probably take some careful reading of the CAA regs to determine if the same is possible there. I doubt you'll get much help from the blokes at the CAA - do your own research. Are there any lawyers on the forum who might want to take this on?

Cron, who did you talk to at the CAA? There's a chap there who specialises in anything to do with gyros. Unfortunately I've forgotten his name, though he was very helpful when I talked to him a bit back about a reduction in hours if I wanted a PPL(G). But Roger Savage, Carlisle Airport based gyro instructor, knows who he is, if you fancy doing a little bit more research. Roger might know too; since he flies helicopters as well as gyros.


Whirly

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To fly is human, to hover, divine.

Didn,t the managing director of RAF die when he crashed one of his own 2000s?

Whirlybird: I'm on it, CAA bloke's name I didn't get (twit that I am).

Do you know if CAA have an email address that they respond to?

If you are interested in another design approach, check out www.gbagyros.com

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The Cat

Take a look at http://www.homestead.com/ufohelithruster/index~ns4.html

Wow, looks nice, sensible cruising speed, and cheap. I want one!

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To fly is human, to hover, divine.

Can we fly this in the UK???

Good question. Highly unlikely I'd say. Give the CAA ten years or so http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif

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To fly is human, to hover, divine.

October 1998 issue of Pilot has a flight test of an RAF 2000.

A telephone number given in the article is for a Mike Goldring of Newton Air Gyroplanes, Devon - 01626 353717. Kit price then $21000 excluding options.

[This message has been edited by WhoNeedsRunways (edited 23 October 2000).]