What the heck is this flying machine...?

Question

This flying thingamajig flew over southwestern Ohio on November 26, 2006, and, besides watching in amazement, I snapped a photo, linked below. I've been trying to find photos of 2-seat personal helicopters online, but I haven't located the right one, yet. If you know what it is, would you please share that info with me?

The image is here: http://www.geocities.com/geothorn/whirlybird2.jpg

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is a gyroplane. The vehicle is thrust forward by an engine and propeller, just like a regular airplane. The force of the relative wind then causes the rotor blades to spin, which then create lift like a helicopter. The pilot is required to be licensed by the FAA if the vehicle does not qualify as an ultralight (Ultralight pilots are not required to be licensed; refer to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 103 for information on what aspects qualify an aircraft to be considered an ultralight).

Answer 2

It's called an autogyro. It ain't nothin new, either. They been building 'em since the early 1920s. The propellor drives it forward, and as the air moves past the unpowered, free-spinning rotor blades and gets them to spinning, lift is created, and the darn thing can fly like a conventional airplane and land almost vertically like a helicopter. As long as it maintains forward speed, it will stay in the air. Cut the motor, and it will come down, but the more forward airspeed it has, the softer the landing. Traditional helicopters use the same method, called autorotation, to land if they lose their engine and need to make an emergency landing. Here's some reading material you can print and take in the bathroom with you.

http://www.jefflewis.net/autogyros.html#history

Answer 3

Air Scooter

http://news.com.com/A+slow+liftoff+for+the+personal+helicopter/2100-11398_3-6139682.html

Answer 4

I certainly not heard or obvious a slug fly. They move slowly across the floor. There are leaf insects (do not know the phylum identify) and so they appear precisely like a leaf and are probably discovered in a tree or a bush. They do fly and do not harm you. I am lovely definite that in case you variety in a seek for a leaf trojan horse , it is going to take you there. I'd say they're roughly three-four inches lengthy however their wings are higher and used as camouflage. A praying mantis appears an identical in colour (inexperienced) to camouflage itself and flies too. There could also be a going for walks stick that appears identical to a brown twig. Interesting, so pleased searching!

Answer 5

It is an autogyro or gyrocoptor. They used one in a James Bond movie. Ken Wallis, the man who made it, is still building them and they have been used by the police in the UK. Here is a link.

Answer 6

A gyrocopter. Related to a helicopter, but the rotor is un-powered.

Answer 7

It looks like a gyrocopter of some kind. They are not at all common these days, as they offer little advantage over a fixed-wing aircraft.

Answer 8

If you can read the N number on it go here and it will tell you what it is:
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_inquiry.asp

Answer 9

This is a gyro copter. many are flying, mostly homemade.
Read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autogyro

Answer 10

UFO?