PRA Convention Features Freedom To Fly Unavailable at EAA AirVenture

Gyroplanes from Germany's Autogyro (MTOSport, Calidus, Cavalon) and Michigan-based AeroWorks International (HoneyBee G2) created lots of interest last week at EAA AirVenture, but opportunities to actually fly them at Oshkosh were very limited. Both companies have made the trek to Mentone, Indiana this week, 300 miles by road or about 200 by air from Oshkosh, to take part in the Popular Rotorcraft Association's (PRA) 49th Annual Convention, where small rotorcraft get to fly all day, every day.

L-R: Farrington Twinstarr, Autogyro Calidus (x2), Autogyro MTOSport

PRA owns the Mentone Airport, which sits idle most of the rest of the year, and purchased it specifically to ensure a rotorcraft-friendly environment for its international convention each year. The event officially opened Tuesday, and a number of early-birds were arriving Monday. A week of flying, educational forums and camaraderie will close Saturday evening with an awards banquet held under a large tent on the field.

An innovation which proved highly successful in 2010, the inclusion of powered parachute enthusiasts, will grow substantially this year. More than 100 PPC owners registered in advance to attend. The PPCs do most of their flying during periods of low wind in the morning and around dusk, and the gyroplanes, which are better suited to (and more fun in) moderate winds fill the sky through the remainder of the day.

 Aeroworks HoneyBee G2

Also expected this year are a number of Helicycle and Mosquito single-seat helicopters. There will be daily, cross-country breakfast flights to Fulton County Airport in Rochester, IN, about 7nm away.

The Popular Rotorcraft Association, started in 1962 by Dr. Igor Bensen as a type club for owners of the original Bensen Gyrocopter, will celebrate its golden anniversary in 2012. Find more information about the organization, the convention and the PRA Mentone Airport at www.pra.org. (Photos courtesy PRA VP Tim O'Connor.)

FMI: www.pra.org