Groen Brothers Aviation Announces the First Flight of Its American Autogyro Inc. Subsidiary's SparrowHawk Gyroplane
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Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (OTC BB: GNBA) announced today the occurrence of the maiden flight of its SparrowHawk Gyroplane, designed and manufactured by their wholly owned subsidiary American Autogyro Inc. (AAI). The SparrowHawk, an enclosed, centerline thrust, two-place kit-built gyroplane, is a dynamically and statically stable aircraft that provides great safety advantages. "Based upon GBA's years of experience in aircraft structures and flight stability and control, and the several months and hundreds of fleet hours of flight time of AAI stabilization modified aircraft, we are comfortable predicting that 'There will be no safer kit-built aircraft,'" said Jim Mayfield, President of AAI. The large two-place cabin with a width of 44 inches, more than 4 inches wider than a Cessna 172, provides great visibility and comfort for the pilot and passenger.
Jim Mayfield, the President of AAI and GBA's Chief Test Pilot and principal designer, said, "The SparrowHawk in flight handles, as was anticipated, very well. During the first flight basic handling qualities were quantified and found to be within predicted limits. We are excited about offering the aviation community a gyroplane with this level of engineering excellence coupled with unparalleled safety. The centerline thrust design, incorporating a generous horizontal stabilizer, ensures stability and increases safety. I believe that most pilots will find the SparrowHawk fun and easy to fly. I'm also proud to announce delivery of the initial components of SparrowHawk kits to many of our AAI Dealers who have already begun manufacture and assembly. The input of their experience will help ensure a satisfying and pleasurable experience for our current and future customers who build this aircraft. I speak with pride on behalf of all GBA/AAI employees who have worked so hard to make this project a reality." |
