Oshkosh 2022 Trip - The Arrival - Kallithea gyro travels from Los Angeles to Oshkosh

[@armmkm]

Oh my Gosh! It’s Oshkosh! Thank you for letting me fly with you. Now I am hooked on Gyroplanes! ✌🏽😎All the best to you! Tony Most of my flight time is fixed wing; piston, turbo-prop, jet. I have some rotor-wing time in a H-300c and some glider time in a Blanik. These days, I push buttons on the Airbus until we arrive at the gate. I like the simpler life of general aviation. LA to Oshkosh-what a trip! It has been very nice flying with you!!!

[@lagyro]

Thank you for the kind words... Gyro flying is deffinitelly simpler than your Airbus... Get in touch next time you are in Los Angeles... [e-mail]

[@LtGunz]

saw all the videos well done...I met u & green gyro at WHP...do it again for 2023...wheels up!

[@lagyro]

Ha-ha... journey of this caliber is more of one off when doing it solo... I would consider doing it again if there are wingmen willing to join me on the trip...

[@lagyro]

Stop by the hangar anytime…

[@michaelbishton9439]

Delightful journey. Thank you for your time, effort and investment to record, edit and share it with us. Your gyro provides a great view and reminder on why we fly.

[@lagyro]

I truly feel that if I don't share my experience, I would be like scoring a hole-in-one and there is no one to see it... ;) I also try to convince the viewers that although aviation is not cheap, it is more accessible than people generally think...

[@mcspikes1]

I would like to add my thanks also. It was a very interesting and informative trip and as was mentioned in another reply, it required a lot of effort and again, thank you.

[@martinholloway7694]

Thanks for letting us share your amazing cross country journey. Great video (and great flying)!

[@lagyro]

Thank you for the kind words... stay tuned for the return journey...

[@Tinker1950]

Well, I've got to say, 'that was a very pleasant, well edited and perfectly informative video of a delightful flight'.

[@Intrepid175a]

I just watched all five of them. What a great adventure! Thanks for sharing.

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching... Creating these videos allows me to enjoy the adventure twice.

[@dmimcg]

dude, you got balls. I'm a pilot and I've been watching your vids. That thing is about as stable on take off and landings as a table with three legs.

[@lagyro]

Well, three legged things are usually the most stable things... I can see how watching a video can let you believe in your statement, but I would take gyro anyday in front of a fixed wing on takeoff or landing, especially with very strong crosswind. Keep in mind that on landing I never used my wheel brakes to stop the gyro after it touched down, can't do that with a fixed wing... In any case, we, as pilots, have preferences in what we fly, so there is no need to argue which choice is better. I am happy where I am, I hope you enjoy your choice to the fullest...

[@eguerra4001]

Well said Peter.

[@dmimcg]

@@lagyro lol. Even you were complaining about how HOT your were in your gyro. IN a fixed wing, you would not have that problem- you could simply fly higher and cool down.

[@dmimcg]

@@lagyro So if you had a table- like most that have 4 legs and you chopped on off....that would be the most stable thing???????????? Are you for real?

[@lagyro]

The only time it was very hot was right before takeoff. Once in the air, i had enough ventilation to keep me cool. By the way, why can’t I climb to higher altitude with the gyro?

[@Steve-ov6jg]

My wife (who is a pilot also) fly from Ohio to Oshkosh in a 182. I watched your entire series and really enjoyed it. We've never flown out West and I liked seeing all of the mountains and other scenery that you don't see in this part of the country and how it changes as you head East. We always spend a little time at the ultralight field. Enjoy watching them and you and tell everyone is having a great time. I also enjoyed your flight to the ultralight field and seeing landings from a different perspective. Glad you pointed out the world famous oak tree! Thanks for posting!

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching... This was my first trip to Oshkosh, and in preparations, I have watch any video I can find. I was surprised how much smaller the traffic pattern is in real life when compared to my perception based on the videos I watched.

[@Sven2157]

Great mini-series! I watched all, and am now inspired to fly the same route in the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! As it now includes a Magni M-24 Orion Gyro! 😍

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching… I would be curious to hear about your sim experience. I have not flown in MSFS in many years and I hope they modeled the gyro properly this time around.

[@Sven2157]

@@lagyro I would buy ($69.99) a copy for you, if you would notate what is realistic and what is not! You know that some things (butt feeling) that can't be simulated. Let me know! Happy Landings ...

[@Sven2157]

On this image it is the 6th row down, from the word STANDARD. and then 5th column in to the right ... That is similar to what you fly, yes (I think it is exact!)? flightsimulator.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Aircraft-List-scaled.jpg

[@Sven2157]

Sorry, with your accent, and not knowing that much about Gyros, I assumed you said something in your native language. I just realized that you were saying the aircraft name - Kallithea, correct!? 🤔

[@lagyro]

@@Sven2157 Thank you for the generous offer... My problem is not with purchasing of the software, but finding time to use it... There are very active enthusiasts on KZbin who would know if the gyros are modeled properly, with their own flight model, or were lazily linked to the flight model of the Piper Cub as in previous versions.

[@contanova]

Fantastic fly…. Thank you for vídeo….. Milton/ Brazil.

[@fiveinitaly]

Awesome video friend 👍👍👍👍👍

[@shable1436]

33:07 green autogyro?

[@lagyro]

Yup, a green Cavalon…

[@John-nc4bl]

Thanks for another interesting video with your beautiful gyro on your trip to Oshkosh.

[@lagyro]

Stay tuned for the return trip, including a trip to Mentone, IN, for the PRA Convention...

[@prussiaaero1802]

I really enjoy your presentation and commentary!

[@lagyro]

Thank you kindly!

[@prussiaaero1802]

@@lagyro And hi from Australia!

[@lagyro]

@@prussiaaero1802 I have fond memories from Rockhampton and Brisbane... many years ago...

[@jumpingjacks5558]

Thanks so much for posting this video. I felt like I was riding a long. The aircraft seemed to really fly quite well.

[@lagyro]

Thank you for the kind words… posting these videos is a way for me to share the fun, and to have a place to come back to wonderful memories…

[@randyporter3491]

Thanks for sharing this trip ! Great video, great gyro and great hat ! What's not to love ? Safe skies my friend.

[@lagyro]

Ha-ha… i like the hat, too…😜 Thanks for the kind…

[@randyporter3491]

@@lagyro I have one just like it, so I appreciate good tastes in headwear lol!

[@Risingstartrans]

I bet views are breathtaking

[@lagyro]

Some say it feels like you are flying on a magic carpet... Because the spinning rotor does not obstruct your view and the overall size of the body of the aircraft is so small around you, you feel like you are suspended in the air. The large windows of the Kallithea give you the feeling of unabstructed 360 degrees visibility...

[@wiley0714]

91.119(c) you might want to read that and check out 26:50 in your video ;) the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

[@lagyro]

If you were in normal circumstances, you would be correct… but during AirVenture the FAA issues a NOTAM suspending this rule on approach to the event. All the very low level flying you see on this video was impose on me be the approach procedures. At the same time there are airplanes operating couple of hundred feet above me as they were following their approach procedures.

[@wiley0714]

Wow, you taught me something. Sorry but for 120,000 cavalon, Im not flying a GA aircraft at 300. (I wouldn't like it if I was in my powered parachute, chugging along at 30 miles an hour and had someone like me fly up behind me and then have to go over me at 65mph and blow air down onto the top of my chute). And mind you, ultralights, clearly would be under the control of aerospace and yet they're telling you what your altitude has to be. can you have the guys out there, like Trent, fighting the court battle for two years because he went to land on his friends, private land, decided not to, and a neighbor, sent a video of him, making that low-flying pass over the property and he's been fighting off a suspension for the last two years ....: Nonesense

[@lagyro]

@@wiley0714 I don't know what to tell you...

[@RachelAnsibin]

Guessing you have flown many different gyros. Where would you rate this one compared to other similar enclosed types.

[@lagyro]

I would say the clear winner in things that are different is the unmatched visibility from the cockpit. The flight charcteristics are a similar to other enclosed tandem gyros, and far superior to any side-by-side design. The interior on the Kallithea is luxurious - exposed carbon fiber, beautifully stiched upholstery. A wide selection of engines and avionics packages. Oh, and very easy access in and out of the seats - very useful for some of my custimers with limited mobility.

[@MsMsmak]

What a great adventure! Very impressive!

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching, and I appreciate the kind words...

[@kloss213]

Thank you, I would love to see an autogyro cross lake Michigan. Maybe stop at one of the large island airports.

[@lagyro]

it will not be me flying across the lake, but in one of my next videos you will see my trip along the Chicago waterfront... it was amazing...

[@kloss213]

@@lagyro I will look forward to it. Thank you.

[@berniemccann8935]

I.F.R (I fly roads) but not at right hand side, it seems.

[@lagyro]

There is no right or wrong side in this case... I follow the road not as a highway, but so I don't walk far in case of emergency. I am so low to the ground that encountering oposite (or any) traffic is almost impossible. Throughout the entire 4 day trip, if we do not count traffic in a vicinity of an airport I am landing, I encountered exactly 2 (two) GA airplanes that passed in the opposite direction high above me. I also encountered and avoided few crop dusters, but at the time I was not "following roads" in the classic meaning.

[@waynecatterton5127]

Man that would be so fun. If you ever come to Vegas, I'd love to go up!

[@lagyro]

Hey, come visit us in L.A.

[@majorwedgie8166]

Get in, buckle up and CLEAR PROP!!!!

[@lagyro]

This is what I start doing after few flights, when my mind clears all the fluff from the usual "get in, look around, set your headset, listen to the radio, look around..."... ;)

[@halfrhovsquared]

Thanks for posting this. I once asked, in an aviation-related FB group, if anyone had flown a gyro into Oshkosh and what the procedure was... The "best" response I got was, "trailer it in". That did not answer my question. Your video does. Thanks.

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching... Flying into Oshkosh in a gyro is fairly straight forward - follow the NOTAM, make sure you are there within the allotted time, and keep your head on a swivel when you are flying the Ultralight pattern. Feel free to contact me directly at [e-mail] if you have gyro related questions.

[@halfrhovsquared]

@@lagyro - Thanks. I wish I could, one day, get the opportunity to fly into Oshkosh. I am based in Scotland with a UK PPL(G), so the chances of my ever doing so are quite remote... but... it's still a bucket-list item for me.

[@lagyro]

Well, the guy on the back seat in the video clip is from Bulgaria... ;) Now, he happens to be the designer of the Kallithea, but that is secondary. Get in touch with the right people, be in the area during the event, and you will be surprised how easy it is for this happen.

[@halfrhovsquared]

@@lagyro - Still a tall order, but probably more realistic for me to be a passenger than PIC. One day... maybe... one day... :)

[@lagyro]

At least you know you have options… stay in touch if you are planning to come to the US… otherwise stand by for more videos…

[@ayokay123]

Does the passenger seat have a control stick?

[@lagyro]

Yes, there is a removable stick with trim and PTT buttons. There is also a throttle quadrant linked to front one.

[@ayokay123]

@@lagyro Fascinating. Thanks!!!

[@lagyro]

I forgot to mention the rudder pedals… 😉

[@ayokay123]

@@lagyro Very cool!

[@PabloHernandez-qj1gd]

Followed you on all 4 days, again very enlighting as to what the Gyroplane can do. This really makes me want to set up a cross country on my Gyroplane but not as far !

[@lagyro]

Even if you take a day trip, you will enjoy it immensely… take a friend for the ride…

[@cholubaz]

Awesome video! I have been going to OSH every year since 2011. Camp on site with my friends and make many more friends every year. I have never been up in a Gyro. I bought a Piper Turbo Archer III last year and will be flying it to OSH this year. If you are going to be there again this year I would love to get to see your awesome Gyro!

[@lagyro]

I have no definitive plans yet, but it is always good to meet friends at Oshkosh.

[@randysmitchell4810]

It would have been interesting to have an understanding of what the issue was at Spanish Fork? Although your altitude was frequently discussed, only twice was your AGL mentioned: 2,000 & 300. Wouldn't a faster pre-rotation have assisted the 'high density' takeoffs you made? What would you have to add, so you could fly direct, as opposed to I.F.R. (which was funny by the way)? A very enjoyable 4 days.

[@lagyro]

The issue at Spanicsh fork was a mounting bolt that has gotten loose and I missd it during my preflight, or maybe it got loose during the long day of hard flying. Either way it was stripped and needed to be replaced, so my mechanic drove overnight from Los Angeles with a spare part. The issue was not critical, but with th elong trip ahead in mind it had to be corrected. The AGL is something gyro pilots kind of determine for themselves what they can live with. Some consider 500 feet to be way too high, others have no problem climbing as necessary. For me the determining factor are potential obstacles en route, winds strength at various altitudes... If I have no wires to worry about I don't mind flying low, but that is rarely the case. Sometimes winds are less of a problem closer to the surface and sometimes it is the oposite. If the terrain is broken and I have to cross few ridges, I am just staying above the ridges, and npt following the contours of the landscape. When I reached the green fields of the Mid-West, I had to be aware of crop dusters so I stayed at 2,000 feet AGL. Higher pre-rotation is not a bad thing, and it would have helped, that is why I was prerotating a bit more than I do at my home airport. About my chosen route... I have everything onboard that would allow me to fly directly to my next point... if the mounatins are not too high. I just hate to be crossing unfamiliar terrain, so I stick to roads... I guess I am a chicken when it comes to taking "risks". Also you have to keep in mind that this is my first long trip with this machine, so I am allowed to have some reservations during the first few days. By the way, on my 3rd day I did cut accross Nebraska's cow country, and it was OK in my book The machine performed flawlesly, so on my return trip I did cut accross wide open areas to a greater extend. Additionally, gyro traditionally have been utilizing very unreliable engines and many pilots have had emergency landings. That have been engrained in the ethos of the gyro community. These days we have the Rotax 9xx series 4-stroke engine and these are very reliable and have proven themselves to be work horses, so your question is a good one...

[@cdsbow1]

Looks awesome! Unfortunately there is no gyroplane training around here. I would like to get into it someday.

[@lagyro]

Where is your neck of the woods? Keep in mind that most gyro pilots have traveled signifficant distance to find an instructor. Thisngs are getting better by the day, but still not as many CFIs as in the fixed wing community...

[@cdsbow1]

@@lagyro southwest Michigan. I am currently a fixed wing pilot, CFII. Would be looking to get a gyroplane private pilot not a sport pilot cert, possibly even become an instructor someday. I went flying in a cavalon a few years ago and I've been thinking about it ever since haha. Just need to find the time off to go do it.

[@lagyro]

@@cdsbow1 I would recommmend getting your Sport Pilot Gyroplane add-on first. This will legally make you a gyro pilot and in a few short hours you, with your CFI experience, can become a Sport CFI Gyro. Most of the gyro pilots never want to get above the Sport Pilot level mainly because of Basic Med. If you still want to climb up the ratings ladder, you can do that at your own pace while flying and enjoying your gyro. There is a fantastic Gyro Sport CFI at Kenosha Airport, so I would recommend going to see hem when you have a chance... or contact me at [e-mail] if you want to extend the conversation away from here...

[@kiokiaulen7428]

nicht schlecht 👍👍

[@digitalranger4259]

While watching this and the previous videos, I noticed that you seem to be constantly fighting oscillations in the control stick. It seems to vibrate a lot. Is that normal for gyroplanes?

[@lagyro]

I would not say "fighting" the stick, but there are vibrations involved in flying gyros. There is no way to completely eliminate all vibrations, but there are actions you can take to minimize the ones introduced by rotor inbalance, or other mechanical factors. I am sure my machine can be balanced a bit better, but from practical stand point it is within accepted norms.

[@notmyworld44]

I notice you bank just like an aeroplane does when you turn. What control surfaces accomplish this? Thanks for a reply from anyone. I have watched the entire journey today. Loved it!

[@lagyro]

When you fly a gyroplane, you fly the rotor disk. As I push the cyclick stick to the left, the disk tilts to the left, and the aircraft turns in that direction. Rudder pedals can be used to make a coordinated turn. Additionally, because the "wing" of the gyro is the rotor, and it keeps spinning as long as there is air going through it, you can execute some very tight turns... almost appearing like you are stationary when flipping the direction of flight...

[@currentfaves65]

Do you have a version without music so we can hear the airplane ?

[@lagyro]

Sorry, no version without music. I tried to keep the music volume as low as possible… and i also noticed that the engine sound becomes quite boring after few minutes.

[@currentfaves65]

@@lagyro Thanks for sharing your flight. That was very interesting and fun. I've never seen the ultra light approach. Very cool that you can go to Oshkosh as a day trip !

[@lagyro]

@@currentfaves65 a day trip is absolutelly possible... and I recommend staying for the nigh show...

[@shable1436]

"I want more, we're not landing yet" 😂 damn right, we flew from LA to be here, and ppl are going to see us buzz the landing strip by God! Yeah we made it!! 😂

[@lagyro]

Haha... stand by for the return trip... I went to the PRA Convention at Mentone Airport in Indiana, and from there I heade back to L.A.. That was an adventure in its own right as well...

[@shable1436]

@@lagyro Roger, will do, stay safe up there friend

[@thomassibalski958]

Everyone that viewed this video will try to find a way to get one. Nice Job.

[@lagyro]

All they have to do is to give me a call… 😉

[@dungeonviper2606]

Have you ever flown to Catalina Island in the Gyro?

[@lagyro]

There are 22 miles of open water between the main land and the island, and I am too big of a chicken to cross that. A frirnd of mine has been there few times with his gyro. Technically the machien does not care of it flies over water or ground, but I do... :)

[@dungeonviper2606]

@@lagyro Does your friend have a KZbin channel? As far as the "Chicken" goes... I have watched your videos (some more than once) you are definetly not a "Chicken".

[@lagyro]

I think he is too busy flying and does not have my patience to deal with processing videos and posting. He might be on Instagram - look for Jimmy's Wild Adventures... or something like that... By the way, I am not afraid of flapping in the ocean myself, being in the Marines and such, but I would hate to loose my gyro in the depths of the sea in case of emergency.

[@KrasherJack]

Flew in in 85 and 87 where did Ripon go...

[@lagyro]

Ripon is still there...it is still a part of the main approach route, but I was cheating a bit and entered the area through the ultralight route which is open for gyros as well...

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

can you upload the same video with no music? i really want to hear how quiet the Kallithea is

[@lagyro]

@@BlackJeepConvertible thank you for watching… it is very hard to judge the noise level from a fairly low quality mic. If I can describe it, the Kallithea cockpit is less noisy than a Cessna. The Rotax engine is fairly quiet, it is equipped with a muffler, and the propeller is also designed to comply with European noise standards. As you can see from the video, I use “Clarity Aloft” headset, and I an quite happy. If you use an ANR headset, like the Bose, you may get even quieter experience.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

@@lagyro i was curious because i heard it's the quietest gyro out there where you can have a conversation with your passenger without headphones

[@lagyro]

@@BlackJeepConvertible You probably could, but why strain your voice if you can use the intercom with the headsets. Plus I would use any help that would reduce the stress on my ears. If you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, stop by Whiteman Airport to see by yourself... ;)

[@andron967]

Didn't you have a bunch of gear in your rear seat ?

[@lagyro]

Left it behind in Kenosha for the Oshkosh visit...

[@andron967]

Are you.making videos for thr airshow and California return trip?

[@lagyro]

@@andron967 To be honest there are a million Oshkosh air show videos out there, so I will only do travel videos. I am going to Mentone, Indiana, next, then heading back to California... Stay tuned... ;)

[@arcburn3364]

That last camera shot of the Kallithea is just beautiful!

[@lagyro]

@@arcburn3364 It is a gorgeous gyro... I wish I had good external footage in flight...

[@Swaggerlot]

Its a bit busier than when I was there in 1975.

[@lagyro]

It was very well organized…

[@MENSA.lady2]

Why such a long take-off run ?

[@lagyro]

The reason for the unusually long takeoff run is the density altitude. According to the Koch chart i used for my planning, the takeoff run should be expected to be 3 times longer, and the climbing performance was diminished by 75%… Very unnerving situation if you are inexperienced pilot and loose faith in your aircraft.

[@MENSA.lady2]

@@lagyro Thanks for the explanation. I was at Oshkosh that day so I assume the density altitude was more important to you than it was to us in our Bonanza.

[@lagyro]

@@MENSA.lady2 Initially I was not sure which takeoffs were you refering to. I though you were watching the ines iin Wyoming - those were white nickle affairs. Gyros in general should not be considered short takeoff aircraft, but on top of that my Kallithea has a fairly short rotor, and that couses it to require higher rotor speed to provide the same lift as larger rotors. Not a show stopper, but definitelly something to be aware of, and not push the gyro in the air before it is ready to fly. To be honest, once you get beyond the initial gyro flight training, you kinda forget about the length of the takeoff run, and just concentrate on the behaviour of the machine trying to get in the air.

[@danielbouadana4075]

Once in a while, you should show your instruments so that the people can see how fast you're going are you are and so on thank you ver

[@lagyro]

I don't disagree with you on principle... but it is hard to zoom in on the control panel with those fairly inexpensive action cams. When appropriate I try to mention the flight data. I am still learning various techniques to record the flights... and I do appreciate greatly all the feedback from the viewers...

[@russcoaus2043]

😎👍

[@lagyro]

Thank you for watching...

[@tennwingman3350]

If you are going to have the GoPro behind you at least use a wired mike so we can understand what you are saying and get rid of the background music it just drowns you out. Thanks for the flight

[@lagyro]

I hear you... although the cabin jiber-jaber was not intended to be a part of the video's audio... sometimes I say things that are not exactly PG-13... ;)

[@tennwingman3350]

@L.A. Gyroplane Aviation yeah I understand but a commentary and explanations would add so much more to the content. Just saying, you could always beep out the bad on post edit

[@weatherherk1]

Why do you not use point to point waypoints for navigation vs following highways ?

[@lagyro]

Well, i do that when flying over familiar terrain. It is an old gyro flying set of mind to always be concerned about your engine dying left over from the days of unreliable engines of various origin. These days the 4-stroke engines are very reliable so your question brings a good point.

[@LouisvilleKyrich]

@@lagyro smart man👍🙏

[@shable1436]

You could land that thing on the back of a tractor trailer going down the interstate 😂 that's why you fly so close to them, lol

[@lagyro]

Technically, you can land a gyro in a very tight places, but that does not mean you can take off from the same space, so one should be carefull. In my trip planning, I do consider, as a last resort, landing at big rig stops...

[@skeggjoldgunnr3167]

NEVER leave Wisconsin without packing up LOTS of aged State Fair blue ribbon winner cheddar. New Glarus Spotted Cow beer. Fresh bratwurst. PLEASE do yourself that one big favor. Find out how we grill and serve the bratwurst in tomato beer and onion. Or Sauerkraut and Dusseldorf mustard. When gisting our cheese - think 4 lbs per person. Beer? At least a case per friend. Now that's a bit much for a gyro. We got you covered! Dry-ice pack shipping! You saw how green Wisconsin is. That means it's GOOD. Germans and Swiss infested these lands - (not by mistake, okay?) bringing with them all the best cheese beer and sausage.

[@lagyro]

Man, my mouth is watering reading your post... I will take your advice to heart... ;)

[@apfelsnutz]

Nice video however, flying up the LEFT SIDE of a major hwy. in the US can get you killed by oncoming air traffic... Word to the wise.

[@lagyro]

I hear you, and on principle, I agree with you that we need to select our route for maximum safety...

[@marcruel9401]

Please, music just removes me from full experience

[@lagyro]

I hear you, but the video is designed to appeal to wide range of viewers... some like the music, some don't...

[@ronnronn55]

The eternally repetitive music is distracting and annoying. Otherwise a good and interesting series.

[@lagyro]

I hear you about the music... I have to admit, I am still learning the craft of producing well rounded videos...

[@ronnronn55]

Thanks, it can only get better :) Ronn

[@michealjones8444]

This thing is just too slow!!!

[@lagyro]

The way I like it... ;)

[@AirstripBum]

This is funny. A couple of minutes after you landed, I thought I smelled the food at the event. Smells good! It's my wife in the kitchen. We're having BBQ chicken tonight. Smell-O-Vision! LOL

[@lagyro]

Airplanes and carnival food... the best combination... ;)