More pages of photos !
Click gyro8b to see still more photos, including gyros at St Merryn - Cornwall, and The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Click gyro8d to see what BRA members are getting up to at it's training facility at Henstridge Airfield in Somerset.
This is where it all began for me! A nervous Mel Morris Jones about to have his first flight in ANY aircraft, with a beaming Chris Julian in the St Merryn gyroglider, Cornwall. It was cold, raining and I think Maddy (my wife) thought that I had finally gone completely mad, but I'm sure that by now you have guessed the result of this event - INSTANT ADDICTION.
Chris flew thousands of hours in this machine, and I think it likely that since the 1960's more than 50% of all UK gyro pilots had their first gyro experience with him in this aircraft. Sadly, Chris died in a tragic and totally avoidable accident in another gyroglider while flying with a friend in May 1997. I won't go into great detail, but the rotor detached in flight as the bolts securing the rotor to the gyro had been removed some time previously and this had not been recorded - or noticed in the pre-flight check. Chris would definitely be shouting the loudest to say that nobody could blame this on the machine.
If I had not met Chris Julian then I don't suppose that I would ever have flown in a gyro. His enormous enthusiasm for these wonderful little aircraft was appreciated, and has spread, worldwide. Nobody that met him could ever forget this 'larger than life' gentle giant, and if I can pass on just a little of his enthusiasm then I shall be very, very pleased.
This photo of 'Chris over Cornwall' (50 KB) is how I like to remember him, flying his own designed gyro - the Wombat. If you click on the link it will take you to an excellent 50KB photo which you can also see on the website of Rotor Gazette International (see my links). Thanks to them, and don't forget to USE YOUR BROWSER'S "BACK" BUTTON TO RETURN HERE. Chris over Cornwall (49KB).
About to depart from Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon, on a long flight back to a sports field near my home. Notice the long shadows, indicating the rapid approach of the night. A good thing that I have my Night rating! (only joking CAA).
Here's a good photo by Edwin Shackleton of this gyro zooooming by (56KB). Set your browser to 'Full Screen', then press your 'Back' button to return here. To see the photo press HERE
Dropping in to my favourite U.K. airfield - Old Sarum, near Salisbury in Wiltshire.
Here's some temporary nonsense for you! :
A few years ago Ron Dobree-Carey and myself flew into a farm strip/airfield where gyros are as rare as hen's teeth. However, the novelty of these two gyros soon wore off and we got down to the serious business of demolishing the contents of their biscuit (cookies to our American friends) tin, and draining their teapot. Suitably refreshed, and having sorted out the problems of the world with the friendly residents, we decided that it was time to fly on to another farm strip. I start my gyro by hand swinging the propeller, and to my horror I realised that my beloved old leather starting glove had disappeared. Apart from my sentimental attachment to this glove it is very necessary due to the sharp trailing edge of my Prince P-tip propeller. The glove was not to be found anywhere, so muttering curses and trying not to look too accusingly at the locals I managed to start the gyro and we departed on our way.
The following week I received my glove in the mail complete with full inspection certificate, immaculately presented in a thick,clean plastic envelope (see photos). The resident Golden Retriever dog was the culprit - who apparently was very reluctant to give up this treasured glove! The note with the glove read "Pleased to return your glove. Your machines always amaze the fixed wing flyers! Happy Landings - Pete Hicks."
More pages of photos !
Click gyro8b to see still more photos, including gyros at St Merryn - Cornwall, and The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Click gyro8d to see what BRA members are getting up to at it's training facility at Henstridge Airfield in Somerset.
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' Mel's Gyro Page ' (gyro homepage) |
Ken Wallis page |
gyro photos taken while filming for TV series |
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single seat gyro types commonly flown in the UK (Cricket types, Bensen, Montgomerie Bensen) |
single seat gyro types rarely flown in the UK (Wombat, KB2, Air Command, Hornet, McCandless, etc.) |
2 seat gyro types commonly flown in the UK (VPM M16, RAF2000) |
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2 seat gyro types rarely flown in the UK |
gyro8 - you're in it ! an assortment of other pages - several sub-pages to this one |
interesting projects going on |
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International gyro page |
FLYING LINKS |
Gyroglider page |
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Gyros on Floats |
Stop browsing this and get proper training to fly gyros in the U.K. (this link will take you to the BRA site) |
Fly Gyro! magazine The new international magazine (printed) for enthusiasts everywhere! |
