How to throw a Gyrocopter

The problem is how to throw a wooden apparatus, have it fly around in a circle, return to the thrower, stop over head and descend gently for an easy catch by the vain section. The wings still spinning in your hands.

The answer is two parts.

First you need to construct such an apparatus. Fortunately we have already done this for you. Our Gyrocopters are very capable of consistent returns.

Second you need to learn how to throw. Throwing a Gyrocopter is a skill and must by practiced if one is to make the perfect catch. However most people will make some catches within the first five or ten throws and will make that perfect catch with in a few sessions. This is pretty amazing when you consider that a Gyrocopter travels about 100 feet on average and up to about 200 feet on some of the long-range models. This is about eight to twelve seconds in the air. Time enough for just a little wind to move it several feet. But we will get to that part later.

Safety

Where to throw. Select a large grassy field void of trees or other obstructions. This is probably a good time to tell you that the mortal enemy of the Gyrocopter is the chain link fence. Stay far enough away to be absolutely sure you will not hit any thing or you may break your new Gyrocopter. About 75 to 100 paces to the nearest object. Be aware of the tree monster! A Gyrocopter tangles easily in the branches of a tree and can be difficult to retrieve. Another good way to loose a Gyrocopter is to take it to school, the school will take it away.

Spectators. People will stop to watch you and kids will come running up to you. Be aware of any one entering the throwing area. Some people may be totally unaware that they are walking into your flight path. Just be polite and let them walk on past. If a crowed gathers caution them and have then stay out of you?re throwing area. Don?t take even a small chance of injuring anyone. Remember this is a large heavy spinning object, traveling at high speed.

Throwing Technique

Hold the Gyrocopter by the handle, on the end of the wing, with the flat side to your right palm. Hold the Gyrocopter in a vertical position and throw it directly into the wind. The Gyrocopter will circle to the left and return to the thrower. Catch the Gyrocopter by grabbing the Vane.

Hold the Gyrocopter like this.

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Throw the Gyrocopter overhand like this.

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Catch the Gyrocopter like this.

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Never Ever throw your Gyrocopter side arm

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How to find the wind.

Pick up some dry grass, hold it out and crumble it into the wind. The grass will drift down wind at the same speed the Gyrocopter will. If most of the grass falls straight down you have good conditions and you can see what direction the wind is coming from. If the grass blows away at a 45-degree angle it is two windy and will have to wait for less wind. In most areas around sunset or in the early morning are good times. Some areas have evening thermal winds and should be avoided. Most of the time the middle of the day is not a good time because of the thermal winds caused by the uneven heating of the earth?s surface. However there are times when there is little of no wind during the day and may be a good time to throw. Just start watching the tree tops, you will find the good times to throw in your area.

Fine tuning your throw

If the Gyrocopter lands in front of you:

Throw harder

Throw higher

Throw with more spin

Throw more to the left of the wind

Recheck wind direction you may be throwing down wind

If Your Gyrocopter crashes before starting to return

You may be throwing with the Gyrocopter too vertical. (Too little lay over)

Throw higher

If the Gyrocopter lands behind you:

Throw easier

Throw lower

Throw more to the right of the wind

It may be too windy

If the Gyrocopter lands to the left of you:

Throw more to the right of the wind

If the Gyrocopter lands to the right of you:

Throw more to the left of the wind

If the Gyrocopter climes high into the air or slices down on the return:

Throw with less layover 5 to 15 degrees is about right.

In more wind

Throw harder and more to the right of the wind, with less lay over

In zero wind

An easy to medium throw with a little more layover should get a perfect return.

If the Gyrocopter stops overhead and then slips away

You are probably throwing to hard or with too much lay over.

More Lay over makes the Gyrocopter apex the turn sooner.

Less lay over makes for a more round and level flight.

Spin and technique are more important than power when throwing a Gyrocopter

The Catch

When the Gyrocopter returns keep an eye on it. If it is going slow enough you may go for a catch. Be careful. It takes time to recognize the flight path. Don?t get your fingers into the spinning wings. Wait for the Gyrocopter to return and when within reach, grab the vane section quickly. Don?t be in the flight path; if you miss the catch be out of the path of the Gyrocopter. Some people prefer to ware gloves to protect their hands. You can get a blister in your palm just from throwing, and of course to protect your hands when catching.

A secure form of eye protection should be used.

So have fun, be safe and practice.