Monday, November 18, 2013

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013: Helicopters and Gyrocopters

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo
http://www.airassociatesmo.com/tae/EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is known for attracting a wide variety of aircraft in addition to the core homebuilt community.  The Aero Experience continuing coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 now focuses on helicopters and gyrocopters from various manufacturers on display and on the flight line (excluding those in the "warbirds" and "airshow performers" groups to be featured in future posts).  The main rotorcraft exhibit, the Heli-Center sponsored by Helicopter Association International (HAI), featured a Robinson R22 inside the tent along with other exhibits from associated service providers.  This feature begins in the HAI exhibit and expands throughout the grounds where we found an interesting selection of rotorcraft.  Here is a sample of what we found.

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Center served as the focal point of rotorcraft flight.  The exhibit tent was located adjacent to the aircraft parking field near the taxiway and included static displays that changed throughout the week.  HAI is the trade association for the international helicopter community with about 3000 corporate and individual members in over 70 countries. 

Robinson R22 Beta from Hayward, CA 















Robinson R44 Raven II from Peoria, IL 











 
 
 
A trio of Rotorway International kit-made helicopters

 



Paul Minear's experimental home-built "John 1" from Ramsay, MN and Rotorway International 162 from Granbury, TX 


 

 










Three kit-made Safari helicopters resembled the Bell 47 in flight

















Enstrom F-28F Falcon is prominently displayed outside the MAI pavilion

















AutoGyro Cavalon and Calidus models on display

































The Red Bull MBB BO-105 aerobatic helicopter on display near the MAI pavilion








 

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