John Anthony Nagle

While we debate whether or not this manufacturer or that manufacturer has built an aircraft that meets the LSA requirements, the FAA has unfairly excluded an entire category of aircraft from participating in SLSA; a category which by its very nature tends to comply with these limitations, making policing unnecessary: Gyroplanes (or autogyros). Gyroplanes are enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the world, largely in Europe and Australia. The city of Tomball, Texas even uses a German-built MTO-Sport gyroplane as their official aviation asset. In Australia, they are very commonly used day-in-day-out for cattle mustering operations. There are many manufacturers that sell complete, LSA-compliant aircraft in other countries around the world, but strangely the FAA has seen fit to specifically exclude gyroplanes from SLSA, forcing buyers to build their aircraft from a kit. This has unfairly limited the growth and popularity of sport rotorcraft in the USA. From a safety standpoint, gyroplanes are easy to fly, stable in high winds, easy to maintain, and provide 90% of the functionality of a helicopter for 10% of the cost. And if the engine fails, there is no more forgiving aircraft in existence: A simple, slow descent to the ground, slower than a parachute. What don't gyroplanes do well? They don't go fast or carry a lot of people...which is precisely in keeping with the spirit of the LSA. There is really no need to police the manufacturers of these machines, mother nature does it for you. In summary, removing the unfair gyroplane exclusion from the SLSA would reduce enforcement effort and create opportunities for safe and affordable recreational rotary flight for everyone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8IB-5PbL9U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc_WyeTqbhM (I am not a manufacturer, nor am I affiliated with any company, I am an enthusiast, and a pilot of helicopters, gyroplanes, and airplanes.)