Everyone in aviation loves the concept of flight... even more so
when that concept doesn't mean having to mortgage your house. Some
of the most affordable flying, mind you, can be had if you care to
partake of the delights inherent in the latest generation of sport
gyroplanes... a breed of aircraft that evolved very nicely since
the esteemed Dr. Igor Bensen popularized the critters with the
original Bensen Gyrocopter.
ANN is ALWAYS on the lookout for a cool new flying machine...
and few places paid off, in that regard, as well as our visit to
the annual PRA Fly-In in Indiana. Every year, the most dedicated
fans of sport rotorcraft journey to a sleepy little airport in a
small town in Indiana, by the name of Mentone. The town hosts a
pretty neat little airport that, among it many claims to fame, is
the home of the Popular Rotorcraft Association and a dynamite
yearly rotorcraft gathering that gets its buzz on right after
Oshkosh.
There, we took a solid look at the latest iteration of the
HoneyBee gyro series. Available in both experimental as well as
ultralight versions, the honeyBee G2 also has a two-place cousin
for those who want some company while their rotor beat the air into
submission.
The Ultralight version of the HoneyBee G2 draws from the success
of the Original HoneyBee Gyro designed by Jim Fields and Dr. Ralph
Taggart, the designer of the Gyrobee. Using the parameters of the
original aircraft Aeroworks Int'l has been able to create a
lighter, better looking and better handling gyroplane that is
specifically designed for those who want to fly ultralight
gyroplanes.
The Experimental version of the HoneyBee G2 is engineered for
the single-place gyro builder who wants a great looking aircraft,
that is easy to build, that offers a wide variety of engine and
finishing options and is one they can grow with and personalize.
B
ecause this frame was conjured from their Two-Place Tandem
frame, this aircraft is engineered to carry more fuel, heavier
payloads, go longer distances and provide the best in single-place
gyroplane experiences. With a Useful Load of over 600#'s, this
aircraft allows for heavier pilots, cargo saddlebags, trips,
camping excursions all while retaining the traditional great
handling qualities that the HoneyBee has been known for.
The differences between the Ultralight and the Experimental
versions of the HoneyBee G2 are Heavier Tubing In The Overall
Construction, Heavy Duty Landing Gear, Heavy Duty Tail Bracing,
Heavy Duty Main Gear, Larger Fuel Tanks, Larger Two Stroke &
Four Stroke Engine Options, Glass Panel Instrument Options, More
Powerful, Stronger Pre-Rotator System, Wider Chord Blades, Lighting
Options, Wind Screen Options, and Enclosure Ready (When
Available).
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.25.24): Airport Rotating Beacon
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