Gyroplane Flying

EAA Innovation Column Author Beth Stanton on Skywheels Rotors

(May 1, 2021) Our podcast guest is Beth Stanton. For a number of years, Beth has been the Innovation column author for EAA Sport Aviation Magazine. She writes about current and emerging trends and technologies in aviation. Skywheels rotor blade systems were featured in her May 2021 column. Meet Beth and find out what she sees as emerging trends in aviation.

The Top Five Mistakes Small Aircraft Builders Make

(March 13, 2021) In this podcast, meet Lisa Turner who reviews the top five mistakes that experimental builders make and how to avoid them. Lisa has been involved in Aviation since 2006.  She's done work as an FAA-designated airworthiness representative, also referred to as a DAR, home-built counselor, A/P, and authored a few books.  If you are an EAA member, you also know she writes a monthly column for Sport Aviation Magazine. Lisa’s passion for aviation is real and igniting.  She’s most passionate about small homebuilt aircraft.   I know you’ll find this discussion informative and helpful. If you're an Air Command gyroplane owner, make sure to download the > 12-month condition inspection guide.

An Introduction To Gyropedia Flight Training

(February 20, 2021) Phil Harwood is chairman of the International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training which produces an online training program called Gyropedia.  A few weeks ago, it was announced Gyropedia was selected by Air Command as its primary flight training program. According to podcast host, Joe Covelli, "The foundation of a great instructional program is its curriculum". Since 2013, Gyropedia logged into its system over 72,000 gyroplane flight hours. The flight training instructional program began as a worldwide standardization to lower gyroplane insurance costs. As Air Command brings its rotorcraft models back into production later this year, it is essential to use the best training resources to benefit both instructors and student pilots alike. A stable performing gyroplane is only as safe as the pilots who fly them.

Blackhawk's AS9100 Quality Program

(January 30, 2021) In this podcast meet Al Thompson, Quality Assurance Manager at Blackhawk Aerospace Composites.  Al describes the AS9100 aerospace standard they subscribe to for Blackhawk's quality assurance (QA) manufacturing program. Why should AS9100 certification be important to you when building a gyroplane kit or flying rotor blades? Listen to find out why. Air Command and Skywheels partnered with Blackhawk Aerospace Composites to manufacture rotor blade systems and gyroplane kit parts. Having a partner like Blackhawk, who subscribes to an AS9100 aerospace quality assurance standard to manufacture and check parts, is very important to Air Command and Skywheels and their commitment to customers about quality assurance when building and flying their gyroplane or rotor blade products.

Skywheels Stability with Former Owner Jim Lezie

(January 12, 2021) Jim Lezie owned Skywheels Rotor Systems from 2001 to 2018. He is a seasoned veteran of rotorcraft.  Jim’s been around rotors for years as a pilot in both the California Air National Guard and a military service member.  When ABC Network News was looking for expert comment on the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash in 2020, they called and interviewed Jim Lezie. Jim was extensively involved with new owner Joe Covelli in the Skywheels transition, and ultimately bringing the product back into manufacturing and on the market again. In this podcast, Jim offers a great perspective on Skywheels and its stable and reliable performance. You will enjoy listening to his comments and perspective.