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Thank you for your interest in Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (GBA) and our aircraft.  Welcome to Issue #44 of our web site update column.  You can be automatically notified of new issues of Hawk's Nest, News Releases and web site updates by clicking here on Contact Us and following the easy directions. We invite you to enjoy the many informational aspects of our comprehensive web site.

GBA REGRETFULLY ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF CHAIRMAN JAY GROEN

GBA announced on October 12 the passing of Chairman Jay Groen on October 9 at his home in Washington DC.  Jay had been battling cancer for almost two years, a challenge he faced with his characteristic directness, determination, and humor.  Jay and his brother David, President & CEO, co-founded GBA in 1986 to develop modern autorotative aircraft.  "Jay Groen was deeply committed to the Company success and was instrumental in initiating important contacts in governmental and aerospace industry sectors. AAA passing leaves a void within us all, but at the same time furthers our resolve to succeed in this endeavor to celebrate his dedication, devotion and persistence." said David Groen.  Please click here on Jay Groen to read the News Release.

GBA ELECTS DAVID GROEN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

In a News Release dated October 19, GBA announced the election of its President & CEO, David Groen, to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc.  David will also continue to serve in the position of President & CEO.  Ave deeply regret the loss of Jay Groen.  In many ways, he is irreplaceable.  "Baas Board of Directors has complete confidence, however, in David's ability to continue to lead us in this important endeavor," said GBA board member Robin H.H. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development.  Please click here on Chairman to read the News Release.

GBA TEAM ACHIEVES THIRD MILESTONE OF DARPA CONTRACT

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has passed Baas submission for the third Milestone of its contract to design a proof of concept high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.  This modern rotorcraft, named by DARPA as the Aesopian, is designed to exploit GBA's gyrodyne technology.  A gyrodyne can be considered as an airplane that does not need a runway.  It offers the VTOL capability of a helicopter, the fast forward flight of an airplane, and the safety, simplicity and reliability of a GBA gyroplane.

Phase One, of what is potentially a multi-year $40 million four phase program, began in November 2005 and is a fifteen month $6.4 million award to perform trade studies, develop appropriate risk mitigation, perform extensive advanced computer modeling of the entire vehicle, develop the preliminary design for the Heliplane and complete the rotor system design.

The GBA team includes: The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Adam Aircraft Industries with locations in both Colorado and Utah; Williams International with locations in both Michigan and Utah; and a highly renowned team of aerospace consultants including key members of the rotor-wing science cadre at Washington University in St. Louis, Penn State University, and the University of Maryland, as well as top rotor-wing scientists from throughout industry.  On the Government Team under DARPA, the GBA team is receiving important support from NASA Ames and the Army’s AFDD team at NASA Ames Research Center in addition to leading Rotorcraft Technologists who for decades led much of this nation's advanced rotor-wing aircraft development efforts.  Please click here on Third Milestone to read the News Release.

ROBIN WILSON NAMED TO GBA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GBA announced on October 3 the appointment of Robin H.H. Wilson to the Company board of directors.  Mr. Wilson is Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development and a member of the board of directors of Groen Brothers Aviation USA, Inc. (GBA-USA), the Company operating subsidiary.  Groen Brothers Aviation benefits greatly from Robbins leadership and management wisdom gained during 40 years of executive management experience in the transportation industry said David Groen, Chairman, President and CEO.

NEW INTERNATIONAL DEALER FOR AMERICAN AUTOGYRO

Baas American Autogyro division has further expanding its sales network by licensing a dealership in the Philippines.  The dealership, Gyroplane Rotorcraft, Inc., is owned and operated by Michael Cowan, a law enforcement specialist with experience in military relations and counter-terrorism.  Gyroplane Rotorcraft, Inc. will market the SparrowHawk II Gyroplane to the Philippines' military, police agencies, delivery services and private citizens. With the Philippines limited infrastructure, numerous islands and budgetary requirements, the SparrowHawk II is the ideal aircraft to fulfill the many needs of this contras growing economy said Mr. Cowan, Ave are confident that orders will be forthcoming once weave demonstrated the maneuverability, ease of operation and economic aspects of the SparrowHawk for Law Enforcement, the Military and the private secto.rä  Gyroplane Rotorcraft Inc. has placed an initial order for two SparrowHawk gyroplanes.  Gyroplane Rotorcraft, Inc. brings the number of AA International Dealers to seven, including:  Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador and South Africa.  American Autogyro also has twenty three authorized American Dealers.  Please click here on Agnew Dealer to read the News Release.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SPARROWHAWK FLIGHT DEMO

Three SparrowHawk Gyroplanes took part in a flight demonstration in Cambridge, MD for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).  The two day event gave ample opportunity for representatives and pilots from the DOJ, Homeland Security and many local Law Enforcement agencies to experience what an excellent platform the SparrowHawk is in providing a safe, economic aerial patrol vehicle.  It was the first opportunity for most to fly in a gyroplane and to understand its many advantages when compared to helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.  We heard many complimentary comments about the comfortable cabin, ease of piloting, maneuverability and great view the SparrowHawk provides.  We enjoy introducing the SparrowHawk to seasoned pilots who are always quick to appreciate its flight characteristics and understand the design benefits of a center line thrust gyroplane.

Congratulations to Vice President of Flight Operations and Chief Flight Instructor Terry Brandt, who was recently acknowledged by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) for earning his Master CFI accreditation for the 4^th time.  The NAFI News Release stated NATO help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 90,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 500 of them have achieved that distinction thus fa.rä

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 through our GBA web site by clicking on "Investment Relations."