Turbulence Penetration & Stability
Part 5
By Greg Gremminger
Previously we discussed the flight stability benefits of the “Big Tail Way Back” airframe dynamic damping configuration. That basically eliminates the potential for the flight instability issues of buntovers and Pilot Induced Oscillations. However, there is more to the story of strong dynamic damping and its benefits. The autorotating rotor also has inertia and presents dynamic pitch (and roll) damping into the whole system. As we mentioned, Magni rotor inertia and dynamic response is tuned to the airframe dynamic response so as to harmonize controls and turbulence reactions. This is achieved with the heavier, higher inertia Magni composite rotors. The harmonized rotor system contributes and amplifies not only flight stability, but improves the whole system’s ability to penetrate and dampen wind gusts. The result is a smoother ride through strong turbulence without requirement for pilot corrective actions. With heavier rotors, the gyroplane is able to penetrate turbulence more comfortably.
No other gyroplane employs such high inertia rotors. Although the reports are anecdotal, pilots who are familiar with flying both Magni gyros and other models in turbulent conditions, such as around mountains and hot thermally deserts, report the Magni is much more comfortable in turbulent conditions. I have an anecdotal report to this myself. In preparing for four Magni gyros to make a cross‐country trip from Missouri to California this past Summer, I inquired with another experienced gyro pilot who happened to fly across the same hot Southwest U.S. desert a few years ago in a Magni “clone” – “Big Tail Way Back” ‐ but with a lighter aluminum rotor. His advice to me was to fly in the mornings only because the thermals are too rough in the heat of the day in the desert. The four of us did fly, four Magni M16s, full days across New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada in the heat of 110 degree days. Although we could tell it was indeed turbulent, none of us were deterred from continued flying from morning to dusk in these conditions. On that same adventure, in the high and rough country just west of Albuquerque, a storm wall cloud chased us on a retreat back to an alternate airport. For a good 20‐30 miles, we were in the grip of that gust front, with cold air and strong winds undulating against rugged terrain. If I had had my druthers, I would have avoided that experience, adrenalin was pumping! But all of us out raced that storm to take refuge in a lonely airport providing shelter from the immediate storm!
