Anyone Flying one of the Gyroplane LSAs ?

[LightSportFlyer]

After looking at the Sportcopter II, which it says can be operated by
a Sport Pilot, I'm starting to like them better than fixed wing LSAs
and also think they are safer.

The Sportcopter II looks to be the Cadillac of gyros, has anyone flown
it or any other gyros ?

Are they as safe as advertised ? Do they have any serious drawbacks
that the manufacturers leave out ?

Any experiences are appreciated.

[CTflyer]

Bravo for bringing up the gyroplane idea. I'd go for a SparrowHawk or SportCopter II myself if I could afford it. Both have "near center line thrust", which makes for a much more stable aircraft.

SportCopter is finishing a Light Sport Aircraft model of the SportCopter II. Take a look:

http://www.sportcopter.com/supersport.php



By the way, you'll find lots on gyroplanes ("gyrocopters") at:

www.rotaryforum.com

www.gyroplanepassion.com

and

http://www.pra.org/

One of the "minor" hangups in getting started in gyroplanes is finding training; there aren't many CFI's teaching, altho' the forums certainly will help finding one. Some rotor folks recommend getting your ticket in fixed wing, then finding gyro instruction.

Tom