e-Newsletter - January 12, 2021

New Online Community Forum

Dedicated to Air Command and Skywheels users

A new online Community Forum was launched last week for owners of Air Command and Skywheels' products. Owner-builders of the companies' gyroplane kits and users of rotor blade products now have a dedicated place to connect online. Completion of an application is required. There is no membership fee, and the forum is free to join. > Click here for more information.

"Last month Air Command's Advisory Board discussed the online Community Forum, and the group felt it was a good idea," according to company President Joe Covelli. "There's a lot of activity right now with pilots bringing their gyroplanes back into use after sitting idle a few years, and new owners updating older models they just purchased. Networking is important in aviation, and there are many good online forums. This one is dedicated to users of our products and what's important to their building and flying experience."

The forum application also allows owners to register their Air Command gyroplane and Skywheels rotor blades for record-keeping purposes, which the companies will rely on for notification purposes.

Skywheels rotors "stability" explained

Newest podcast interview

On January 12, we posted our newest podcast. > Click here to listen now.

Jim Lezie owned Skywheels from 2001 to 2018. He is a seasoned veteran of rotorcraft. Jim’s been around rotors for years as a pilot in the California Air National Guard and a military service member. When ABC Network News was looking for expert comment on the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash in 2020, they called and interviewed Jim Lezie.

In this podcast, Jim offers a great perspective on Skywheels and their stable and reliable performance. You will enjoy listening to his comments and perspective.

Jim was extensively involved with new owner Joe Covelli in the Skywheels transition and bringing the product back into manufacturing and on the market again.

Recruiting flight instructors and those interested in becoming gyroplane CFIs

Major effort planned in 2021

Air Command is laying the groundwork to develop a network of certified flight instructors (CFI) in the United States and Canada. Plans also include a train-the-trainer program for current instructors to transition into their training program.

CFI Greg Bradley and Air Command President Joe Covelli have teamed up to build-out the program.  Greg has been flying Air Command gyroplanes since 1985 and providing flight instruction for many years.

According to Greg, "Being a certified gyroplane flight instructor is a very rewarding experience.  If you like flying, you’ll do a lot of that."  He added, "Building flight time, having your own training business, establishing professional mentoring relationships, and lifelong personal contacts are the best parts.  The journey begins with the first step."

Joe has been refreshing Air Command and Skywheels, but 2021 plans move both companies back into full manufacturing. "During the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Air Command had nearly 50 dealer locations worldwide that offered gyroplane sales and flight training", according to Joe. "The demand for our products is there. It's important to work with others, evaluate ways to strengthen and expand the instructor network, and grow sport flying by offering gyroplane training closer to home for our customers."

If you are a current CFI or someone interested to learn more about becoming a gyroplane instructor, contact Joe at Air Command.

New item! Air Command stone/black cap

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