Gyrate New Zealand Limited

Gyrate is a stakeholder in this bi-annual event in three different ways.  Firstly as a full-time operator on the Airfield paying rent, Airways charges and landing fees.  Secondly as a display feature, launching a 'world first' formation of five gyroplanes at a major Airshow.  Thirdly I also find myself part of the Rotary club that is responsible for the trade stands and entertainment items that make for a great family day out. The organising team's input covers months of preparation and days of hard slog to sell trade stands, prepare the site and ensure a smooth running event to entertain and enjoy.  The spin off is a supply of funds for Rotary to distribute to local charities. 
Gyrate was granted a seven minute slot on each day and chose to display a formation of five gyroplanes which required some practice.  On the day we managed to start in unison, taxi in a semblance of order and spin our rotors while holding a pattern on the runway.  Take-off with a cross-wind caused some wobbles but by the time we reached the crowd-line an arrowhead was developing which we held through a close-in circuit at 200ft.  Following the second pass of the crowd the lead three climbed away to circle in line astern at 500 feet while the outer wing men came low past the crowd and into a steep banked 720 degree circle at 100 feet, the break from this was into a steep climb and hover.  Number 2 then broke away to leave room for some more extreme manoeuvres by the Calidus before the  whole team  streamed in to land in the original formation and vacate in sequence.  Amazingly we managed to repeat the whole thing on the Sunday and picked up some really positive feedback!  Well done guys, think about the seven ship next time!

Having achieved in the air we now had an audience to entertain on the ground  and full marks to Brian Murphy and Bruce Watson for talking constantly for hours while people swarmed over the Gyrate stand drooling over the beautiful new Cavalon while discussing the safety features inherent in all modern gyroplanes.  German certification of the Cavalon has created a waiting list of several months although total production at AutoGyro now exceeds 8 machines a week.  This truly is the fastest expanding sector of aviation and a sign of future development.
We have started to issue a regular newsletter alongside the blog articles and so I would commend you to consider returning to our home page where you can scroll down and register to receive news on a monthly basis.  C U There!   

Its that time of year again but not as we know it Jim!  New Zealand starts its summer holiday season with Christmas and New Year and it is traditionally all about sun, sand and aviation.  Well not this year, a tropical Low Pressure Air Mass created torrential rain and mist more typical of Singapore or the Philippines than God's Zone.
No sooner had we returned from North Shore than the Cavalon Demonstrator arrived in Tauranga, This is clearly more than 'Eye Candy'.  A fine piece of engineering with a solid base similar in construction to the well proven Calidus.  A metallic paint finish that would look at home on a quality car encloses comfortable leather upholstery, the panel display is a Garmin Sky View which provides flight and engine instruments combined with GPS  mapping and a pilot's eye view of the terrain ahead.  I flew this model in Germany in August since when it has been certified and the waiting list is growing longer.  The Martian design team have created some graphics to enhance the fine lines of the machine in time for the Tauranga Air Show this coming weekend, do come and take a look.
Talking of signage,  we have upgraded the look of some of the displays around the Airport so finding your way to the Gyrate hangar should be easier, do phone first to ensure we are on hand to greet you.
Just to see how things have moved on, or not, do take a look at this 1938 film and see what was achieved then!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l8JQZHCM6k0 

The weather is playing with us in New Zealand, the North Island has a tropical air mass with 100% humidity producing precipitation and low visibility throughout the Bay of Plenty.  Torrential rain has caused extensive flooding with the worst hit area being Nelson at the top of South Island.  The New Year celebration concerts in the Coromandel have more the look of a soggy Glastonbury event in the UK rather than a sizzling summer.
Flying is on hold at Tauranga but due to the hard sealed runway and grass ones based on a sandy soil we will be back to normal operations after the weekend.  The new web site is working well and those of you who have subscribed to the News Letter will be getting the first issue for your approval.  Maybe a hint to add your details!
A Cavalon left the UK in November and arrives in Tauranga mid January in time to star at the Tauranga Airshow at the end of the month, see you there!