AUTO-GYRO BID BACK ON

16 May 2010

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Norman Surplus, attempting to be the first person to fly an auto-gyro around the world,  plans to get back in the air after his recent forced landing in a shallow lake in Thailand.

Emerging unscathed from the water, Norman intends to continue his circumnavigation of the globe within a month. Before this happens the autogyro will be repaired and go through flight tests – only then can he continue.

Directly after the incident on 3 May it was thought that the circumnavigation record attempt had ended. However permanent water damage was avoided as a result of the fast retrieval of the auto-gyro from the lake. Although the auto-gyro suffered superficial damage to the fixed undercarriage, fortunately the main airframe keel retained its integrity.

When the autogyro entered the water it rapidly rolled upside down. Norman emerged using a "a canoe escape routine" drawing on his experience with the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and years participating in other water sports.

However, all of Norman's recording equipment was rendered useless due to water damage including still and video cameras, digital voice recorder and mobile phone. Luckily his personal possessions were quickly retrieved, cleaned and dried. This and the lifting of the autogyro from the lake were facilitated by a group of locals and expats who were hosting Norman at Nongprue, Thailand.

The main damage to the autogyro is a bend in the main rotor mast section about a metre down from the rotor head. This was sustained as the autogyro turned over in the lake. Once repairs have taken place the stripped down aircraft will be put back together. Instrumentation and other electrical components will then be checked for long-term water damage. Miraculously, the engine started when tested shortly after the event but it will be re-checked prior to flight trials and rotor balancing.

The next phase of the flight will cover approximately 17,000 miles  through 11 countries over mountains and open sea including the Baring Strait. Norman will fly through south-east Asia, Russia, the Far East, North America, North Atlantic and home.

Anticipated timescale to restart the flight is approximately three to four weeks, depending on the availability of people and parts.

For more info:
www.gyroxgoesglobal.com
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