Each year that I have visited the factory I have been impressed by what I see and what has changed, progressive is an understatement for this organisation!  A year ago I discussed the need for an enclosed machine, within weeks a project emerged and although progressed with haste it has now developed  into a sophisticated market leader.   The market has embraced the concept with such enthusiasm that a new production unit has been built to accommodate demand and now stands along side but almost dwarfing the existing factory complex.

As well as checking out the new model I had timed my visit to co-incide with the annual fly-in and celebration for owners and staff to enjoy.   AutoGyro did us proud and laid on a feast and entertainment not only in the air but late into the night as well.  It was great to see the enthusiasm that this young workforce has for its creations;  many of the staff have learnt to fly including several of the ladies.  It has been Company policy to try to take engineering staff on test flights to encourage the highest standards of reliability.

Joined by customers, the staff enjoyed presentations showing the exploits and achievements of the past year as well as an award for Industry.   This recognised not only success as local employers but as contributors to the County’s engineering esteem.   The Mayor of Hildesheim was on hand to make the presentation and to offer congratulations and support for the future.

Much effort had been made to ensure that the latest machine, finished in a fine metallic Burgundy, was on the flight line for the week-end.   This allowed for plenty of inspection and explanation of the detailed design and also an opportunity to fly P1.     First however I was taken for a rear seat experience in the  ’Hot Weather Model’.   Due to the large canopy  the cabin can become very warm on anything like a sunny day so large cut-outs have been tried to provide protection with ventilation.  The experience was like being in a sports car with no wind on the face but some turbulance around the back of one’s neck.  This was suprisingly acceptable and with noise cancelling headsets a great idea for the hotter climates.  Flying in the front seat is very akin to being in a modern sailplane, supurb visibility and total peace thanks again to the construction of a sealed cabin with a fire wall and the excellant headsets.

.Sufficient to say I really enjoyed the experience and more detail will follow.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 at 10:26 am and is filed under Gyrate Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.