Bensen Float Gyrocopter on Slipway

Recorded in September 1986. GRP floats, Rotax twin cylinder 65 bhp water-cooled two-stroke and wood prop. However, the water spray was badly shredding the prop and we made enquiries about getting a metal one specially made.

Meanwhile, a set of wheels got added into the floats to make the craft amphibious. But the floats started taking water by the gallon. So we had to think again. Eventually I got cheesed off financing this project and sold the machine to a bloke who converted it to a standard tricycle wheel version, in which form I believe it is still flying today.

At least now we can be almost certain that a successful amphibious gyro needs a metal prop and retractable wheels. Unless you know different of course...

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• gyro
• gyrocopter
• Bensen
• amphibious
• Rotax
• float
• floats
• rotary
• wing
• light
• amateur
• aviation
• watersports

[bonsaimountain]

are you serious about flying this?

[unclealister]

I was - over 20 years ago. But not now. With age comes an increasing sense of one's mortality.

[radio112]

You want an Ivo-prop see "floats2005"

Seems to handle any amount of water

Cheers

[unclealister]

Thanks for this. I'll check it out.

[professor1964]

You could show us that taking off from the waters.

[clamb147]

Still have this thing? I'll buy it from you.

[pdxflyerZ]

Nothing cooler than aircraft on water!

[TheRooster602]

another option is the "rock guard" under the prop in the Bensen plans - maybe you could make it larger to shield the prop from the spray (even if you do go to a composite prop). Might try a reinforced leading edge, too. Great idea for getting to remote lakes.