MENTONE - It has been called "The world's greatest rotorcraft event."
Gyroplanes, helicopters and autogyros, built and flown by their owners, will gather at the Mentone airport Aug. 5-9 for the 46th annual convention of the Popular Rotorcraft Association.
This is an opportunity to see the aircraft, talk to the builders and kit manufacturers, and see them fly. The rotorcraft will range from simple open-frame ultralight gyroplanes and helicopters to multi-seat enclosed cross-country rotorcraft.
This event is devoted exclusively to homebuilt rotorcraft. In recent years, it has been held at the Mentone airport, owned by Popular Rotorcraft Association.
Fixed-wing visitors are welcome to fly in, and a control crew will work to blend fixed-wing and rotary-wing traffic. The airport has onsite space for tent camping, and also has hookups for water and electricity for campers. A concession stand provides food and beverage service. Local motels are available.Visitors will see daily flight demonstrations of rotorcraft and open flying continuing throughout each day. Gyro flight instructors also will offer demonstration rides for those who want to experience the thrill of flight in a gyroplane.
Forums will be presented daily, discussing many aspects of building and flying gyroplanes and helicopters. Convention visitors may visit the on-field Archimedes/LeRoy Hardee Museum of Homebuilt Rotorcraft.
For more information about PRA and its activities, visit online at www.pra.org or call 574-353-7227.
