PRA Chapter 5 News: February 2002

Hello everyone! it has been a while since I've spoken with most of you as I am now stuck working weekend graveyards. Now that the sky is turning blue and the grass green it's time to prepare for FLYING SEASON! Just like your lawnmowers, your gyros are in need of inspection. Don't over look the pilot, we are in need of a tuneup too.

We had a rough year in 2001. Let's make 2002 the best year yet for PRA 5. This year we will have the Golden West flyin right in our own back yard. This event is fully sponsored by the EAA ( www.eaa.org) and will take place in Marysville. What an opportunity to display our machines and hand out membership applications to interested persons. The expected attendance is 30,000+ over the three day air show. WOW!

Some members are discussing flying to El Mirage this year as our way of paying tribute to Ken Brock. This will take place in Sept. and now is the time to plan. All those interested in adventure, this is your chance to participate in a group flying experience. The members that want to trailer are encouraged to attend. Let's have a large PRA 5 turn out for this one. Ken has been a friend to our chapter for many years and in addition to the fun, supporting the flyin would certainly be a comfort to Marie. What do you guys say? We will start a sign up list at the next meeting.

The international PRA convention will be in Texas this year. For those who made the trip to Mentone, the Texas trip should be a piece of cake. The mid west and east coasters have yet to observe our crafts and it would be nice to demonstrate their abilities. I believe our methods of construction and finish would be well received. A former member of PRA 5, John Booth will be there and for those who know John, where he goes, the best food in town follows. Let's start a list of names at the next meeting for this event in May.

The chapter members projects are proceeding slowly! Bob A. is constructing a body for his new drop keel Bandit. This machine will have an 0-200 and Bob hopes its speed will exceed 100 MPH. The body alone makes the ship appear 30 MPH faster! Not to be out done Gary Brewer souped up an RAF and it is nearing completion. All that is left to complete is some minor paint touch up. Gary plans to increase to warp speed by using the EJ25 fuel injected engine and the initial ground tests are positive. The flight tests will start in Feb. and 40 hours later the gyro will be put to the extreme test - giving Bob L. duel instruction! Bob Ls gyro is in a state of disrepair. Joe is installing a new style landing gear and a larger tail. The gyro will have hydraulic toe brakes and a rubber isolated rotorhead. The tests and reports will follow. George is planning to complete the modifications to his gyro as soon as the weather hits sandel temps. George is replacing his mast and installing a gearbox to increase his engines possibilities. I guess he feels the need for speed! Mark Givans has a new slider head. He will test it in an attempt to reduce his stick shake. He should have it ready to go prior to Febs meeting and perhaps a flight report will be presented. Mark is having a custom helmet made. This became necessary after his flight to El Mirage this year where he took home all their prizes. For those receiving Rotorcraft Magazine, Mark appeared on the back cover. However, if you look carefully at the front cover, Gary Brewer managed to make a cameo appearance. He is just left of Ken Brocks gyro.

Bob Tucker's gyro is sitting in Marysville waiting for spring. This ultralight is one of the nicest you'll find. Take a look at it after the next meeting. Jerry Hightower is refining his Brewer Special. He now has Vanek blades and is obtaining a landing gear up grade. Rumor has it that he might be returning to a Bandit in 2002. Well Jerry? Joe is busy building gyros and now he and Rodger Decker own the Rotordyne Blade company. This company has been producing blades for many years and is an icon in the gyro community. This is a good thing for the guys and a great thing for PRA 5. Well, I have run out of time. I hope to see all of you at next months meeting but, I will probably sleep through it again ( graveyard sucks ). Remember PRA 5's motto- Fly Safe!