Your source for gyroplane kits, parts, and rotor blade systems.

eNewsletter - December 30, 2020

'Student pilot' replaced in the handbook

FAA removes the reference to student pilot and cockpit

According to an article published in Powered Sport Flying Magazine, author Roy Beisswenger recently pointed out a few important word changes in the FAA's new Aviation Instructor's Handbook.

The two prominent changes include student pilot to pilot learner, and from cockpit to flight deck.

AOPA's Chris Cooper, a member of the FAA working group that tackles a wide range of training and testing initiatives explained, "The change from student to learner started several years ago in an industry working group. After two years of discussion, the FAA decided on 'learner' with the thought that at different times we are all learners."

Also gone is the word cockpit. That has been replaced with flight deck.

Podcast interview with Skywheels test pilot Greg Bradley now online

New rotors fly as good as the original blades

In September, Skywheels Rotor Systems completed flight tests. Test pilot Greg Bradley put the new rotor blades through their paces and goes over flight maneuvers and data acquired.

In this podcast receive firsthand information about new rotor blade performance and flight characteristics presented during this live Gyroplane Flying episode recorded on December 22.

To listen to the podcast > click here.

Following an 18-year production hiatus, Skywheels is back being manufactured again. New rotor blades can be preordered now.  > Click here for pricing.

Click Here To Listen Now

Looking back at 2020 with gratitude

Major products return to production in 2021

The world changed in 2020 in many respects, but I will remember it as a pivotal year for our two companies as we position them to relaunch manufacturing in 2021.

Blackhawk Aerospace Composites

In 2020, we saw Skywheels rotor blades re-emerge after an 18-year hiatus and be manufactured again. Test flights followed during the summer months and into the fall. Refer to Greg Bradley's podcast for the results. From this experience a new partnership formed between our companies and Blackhawk Aerospace Composites to manufacture rotor blades and gyroplane kit parts in the USA following AS9100 aerospace quality standards and work management processes. Recently, Blackhawk purchased a 21,000 square foot building, which Air Command and Skywheels will be located for manufacturing, testing, and gyroplane assembly.

Skywheels Rotor Blades

Currently, our team is working to complete a $10,000 upgrade to the rotor blade spin-up test fixture. The newly purchased digital equipment will track the A and B rotor blades within 1 millimeter of each other, which is very impressive. The result for our customers will be a smooth performing blade set right out of the box. Once these improvements are completed in January, we'll begin shipping rotor blades.  Customers can preorder rotor blades now. > Click here for pricing.

Air Command Gyroplane Kits

We delayed new gyroplane kit sales until we could successfully complete Skywheels blade production and test flights.  As a gyroplane company, it was important to offer new blade sets to go along with the kits.  As many customers told me, Skywheels was the best, especially when paired with an Air Command gyroplane. We plan to begin manufacturing kit parts and accepting gyroplane preorders in the first quarter of 2021. We've made improvements to the single-seat model and look forward to sharing these details as well as price information.  Details will be announced soon.

Air Command Advisory Board

This past year we created the Air Command Advisory Board. The group has met quarterly since May and has offered excellent input. Some of their recent suggestions will be evident in the first quarter of 2021 regarding flight training and a new online community forum dedicated to Air Command owner-builders and users of Skywheels.

My Appreciation and Gratitude

My appreciation and gratitude to our customers, partners, and suppliers for this past year's business and completed projects. Our plans continue to move forward, and I'm excited for the year ahead and bringing others into sport flying. To keep this in perspective all year long our 2021 slogan is "Don't wait, go fly™".

Please accept my best wishes for a happy and safe New Year.

Joe Covelli President/Owner - Air Command & Skywheels
joe@aircommand.com
+1 903-527-3335

New item! Air Command stone/black cap

A popular premium style cap that features the Air Command company logo. Stone/black. Velcro-style adjustment strap. One size fit all.

Price $21.95, plus shipping.

Click Here to Order Now!

Connect with us!

Facebook Instagram Facebook Youtube Email Website

Air Command Gyroplanes  l  Skywheels Rotor Systems  l  Products  l  Contact Us

To make sure you continue receiving our emails to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add connect@aircommand.com to your address book or safe sender list.

Air Command International, LLC

Build-To-Fly Gyroplanes

Skywheels, LLC

Safety and Performance Since 1985

Mail Address
PO Box 884
River Falls, WI 54022-0884 US

Phone and Text
+1 903-527-3335

Emails
connect@aircommand.com
fly@skywheels.com

Websites
www.aircommand.com

www.skywheels.com

 

© 2020 Air Command International, LLC and Skywheels, LLC.  All rights reserved.

MailerLite