| Welcome
to issue #36 of our website update column. You can be automatically
notified of new issues of Hawkís Nest, News Releases and web site
updates by clicking on "Contact
Us" and following the easy directions. We invite
you to enjoy the many informational aspects of our comprehensive
web site. Thank you for your interest in Groen Brothers Aviation,
Inc. (GBA) and our aircraft
SPARROWHAWK
DEBUT A SUCCESS AT MENTONE & OSHKOSH
American
Autogyro Inc.ís (AAI) introduction of the SparrowHawk prototype
at the annual convention of the PRA (Popular Rotorcraft Association)
and at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture was a
great success. "The response and respect for our efforts from
the many who visited our booth and from those who took the opportunity
to fly in our aircraft was very encouraging. It was most gratifying
to introduce the SparrowHawk to such an appreciative audience at
both shows" said AAI President Jim Mayfield. AAI offered introductory
flight lessons in SparrowHawk prototypes during both events, and
more than 150 people flew in the aircraft. As a result of our participation
at these events, several SparrowHawk kits were sold and discussions
are ongoing with a number of other potential buyers. More than 25
SparrowHawks have been sold to date. AAI is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Groen Brothers Aviation. We invite you to visit the AAI website
by clicking here on "SparrowHawk."
At
the PRA event, held at Mentone, Indiana, the crowds of dedicated
rotor enthusiasts were very favorable in their appraisal of the
SparrowHawk and its centerline thrust design. AAI received this
yearís award for the "Best New Design," which was presented
to AAI President Jim Mayfield at the annual banquet. The award is
given to the helicopter or gyroplane "...which has made the
most significant advancement to the rotorcraft movement this year."
Jim Mayfield and Master Flight Instructor Terry Brandt conducted
several, well-attended forums during the event. A complete explanation
of the safety advantages of a centerline thrust gyroplane is posted
on the AAI web site and can be accessed by clicking here on "Safety."
This
yearís EAA AirVenture, celebrating 100 years of powered flight,
drew an estimated 770,000 visitors to Oshkosh. The crowds kept GBA/AAI
personnel and ten AAI Dealers busy answering questions during the
week long show. From the novice to the knowledgeable, folks attending
the event were drawn to the SparrowHawk prototype on display. AAI
was pleased to receive an award at AirVenture from the Aero-News
Network. Presented to AAI for important "Contributions to General
Aviation," this award underscores AAIís commitment to safe,
stable and sensible rotorcraft design.
The
potential for the SparrowHawk to be sold as a completed, FAA certified
aircraft within the new sport pilot and light-sport aircraft (SP/LSA)
categories is very high. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey announced
at AirVenture that the FAA had completed work on the final rule
and that the rule making package has now been forwarded to the Department
of Transportation (DOT) for review. Hopes are for the categories
to become a reality sometime next year.
AAI
TO EXHIBIT AT COPPERSTATE
AAI
will have the SparrowHawk prototype on display at the upcoming 2003
Copperstate Regional EAA Fly-in, held at the Phoenix, AZ Regional
Airport on October 9th through the 12th. For more information on
this popular event, please click here on "Copperstate."
If youíre planning to attend, please accept our invitation to see
the SparrowHawk prototype in person at our booth in the Aircraft
Exhibit area.
HAWK
4 HOMELAND DEFENDER UPDATE
GBA
has received letters from fifty-five government agencies, representing
twenty-seven states, requesting federal funding for the Hawk 4 Gyroplane.
Almost all of these requests are from Law Enforcement departments.
These many agencies are specifically seeking the Hawk 4, instead
of helicopters or fixed wing aircraft, because of the gyroplanes
inherent simplicity, low cost, safety and ease of pilot training.
We are seeking to qualify the aircraft for funding through the Office
of Domestic Preparedness grant program. The Hawk 4 was used during
the 2002 Winter Olympics by the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command
(UOPSC) as an aerial observation platform. During its operational
period, the Hawk 4 "Homeland Defender"ô gyroplane was
available 24-7, completing 67 missions and accumulating 75 hours
of maintenance free flight time. The Hawk 4 is an ideal aircraft
for aerial observation as it proved during its mission with UOPSC.
TAKING
STOCK OF GBA
Groen
Brothers Aviation, Inc. is a fully reporting, publicly traded corporation,
listed on the OTC Bulletin Board as GNBA at any Stock Brokerage
Company. Investment information including stock reports, Market
Makers and SEC annual and quarterly reports are accessible on or
through our web site by clicking on Investment. |