Some Frequently Asked Questions about the Utah Rotorcraft Association (URA - PRA CHapter 2)

Q - What does your organization do?

A - The Utah Rotorcraft Association was organized to promote and support individuals who want to fly Rotary Winged Aircraft.  Our mission is to give support and encouragement to those who are (or will be) in the process of building their own Rotary Winged Aircraft, or who want to learn to fly in Rotary Winged Aircraft.  We want to always encourage safe practices in both building and flying activities.  We believe the best way to ensure our continued freedom to fly these Rotary Winged marvels is to increase our numbers and to expose the general public to our activities ina way that increases public support for what we are doing.

Q - Are there dues or other expenses of being involved in the URA?

A - Yes, we charge annual dues of $20 to help support our organization.  This is the least expensive investment you will ever make in your flying future and absolutely the best value.

Q - Do I have to belong to the national "Popular Rotorcraft Association" in addition to the local chapter?

A - No, you are not required to join the national "PRA".  However we strongly recommend and encourage everyone to do that for several reasons.  First of all, we are a very small group of people and an incredibly small percentage of the entire Aviation community.  The only group out there that understands our unique needs and has our best interests at heart and that goes to bat for us with the FAA is the PRA.  They need our support desperately if they are to be effective in Lobbying in our behalf.  Also if you belong to the PRA you will get the only Monthly Magazine devoted to the interests of Rotary Winged Pilots that include Gyroplanes.  To sign up for the PRA simply go to their website at www.pra.org.

Q - Are your regular monthly meetings always held at the Airgyro Hangar in Spanish Fork?

A - Airgyro has been gracious enough to allow us to use their facility as our regular meeting location, however we occasionally meet at one of the members home or shop to tour their building project, or we may meet at another location to take advantage of a unique experience available at another location.  We try to meet the first Sat. of each month when there isn't a compelling reason to change to a different day.  Some times it seems there are more exceptions to the rule than times we follow the rule but we try to follow the rule and have as much consistancy as we can.  We also try to schedule one meeting per quarter away from our home base to tour a project or be involved in a special activity.  We send out e-mails to everyone that is on our contact list to try to keep everyone informed and reminded of what is going on.  If you would like to be on our contact list and are not yet please contact me at doug@domaworld.com and I will get you added to the list.

Q - What is the Rotary Forum and how can I take advantage of it?

A - The Rotary Forum is a Free Website where people who share a loe for Rotary Winged Flight can come to learn from one another and share ideas or ask questions on any topic related to Rotary Winged Flight.  You can go to this site by going to "rotaryforum.com".  You do not need to sign up and become a member but there is no cost to do so and there are advantages in being able to post questions so we highly recommend it.

Q - Do you have to be wealthy to get into Rotary Winged Flight?

A - While there are many Heliocopters on the market that cost more than a Million dollars jsut to acquire the aircraft, and have operating costs that run into several hundred dollars per hour jsut to go flying, there are also aircraft at the other end of the scale that make this speort just about as affordable as many other kinds of recreational activities like boating, four wheelers or riding a Harley.  YOu can buy a Helicopter  kit and build your own Helicopter for around $30,000 or buy a Gyroplane kit and build for as low as $15,000.  While there are always bigger and nicer aircraft that can cost more than these numbers (you can easily spend $50,000 to $100,000 for many of the nicer enclosed cabin models) you can also get started and experience the true thrills of Rotary Winged Flight on a budget that many very average people have been able to manage.  If money is extremely tight and you have more time than money, you can even build a Gyroplane from scratch usingt plans, and just buy the materials as you go along.  I know people who have gotten into the air for less than $5,000.  It all depends on how bad you want to fly and what you are willing to sacrifice to make it happen.  Many Gyroplanes operate for less than $20 per hour, which is a super bargain in any flying group.  Take your time learning about all the different flying opportunities and really get to know your different options.  Searching for the aircraft that is just right for you can be one of the best parts of the journey.  Once you make your choice and get started down that raod, the work will begin.

Q - Is there instruction available here locally?

A - Absolutely!!!!  If you are wanting to learn to fly a Helicopter, there are manyu local flight schools that would love to help you learn to fly.  Almost every Airport seems to have a Helicopter CFI available so just start looking and you will have plenty to choose from.  Now when it comes to Gyroplane Instructors, that is a whole different question. With only about 30 Gyroplane CFIs across the whole country, many people have to travel 1,000 miles to get any kind of Gyro instruction.  We are SOOO incredibly lucky to have Airgyro here available to us in Utah.  Michael Burton provides instruction in their Sparrow Hawk in Spanish Fork UT.  Mike is also a fixed wing instructor but what we are excited about is that he is not only qualified but is an excellant Gyroplane Instructor and makes it possible for many people here in the intermountain west to get instruction when they would otherwise be traveling a long, long ways to get taught how to fly a Gyro.