05-25-2026, 11:47 AM
I have built around 7 Rotorways from the frame up and have assisted numerous builders in completing their builds. My wife convinced me to purchase our first Rotorway kit in 1989. I built it that winter and then had Darrold Crawford travel to my location to go over everything and do the test hover.
I next attended the Rotorway factory flight school and learned to hover the Exec 152. A short time later I attended phase II flight training at the Rotorway factory and earned my solo endorsement for altitude as well as my maintenance training for maintaining my Exec.
After several months of solo flight I attended phase III at the factory for my prep and private pilot check ride with Stretch Wolter. I passed and now had my Rotorcraft/Helicopter add on to my private pilot license.
We joined the Sierra Rotorcraft Club in California and became friends with many other Rotorway owners. Many of them did not know how to fly their helicopters so we came up with a plan. Len Chrysler was a R/H CFI but could not fly with students due to having his legs crushed in a dozer accident. He had me fly with the students and stayed on the radio giving us instructions as to what he wanted the student to do, I was there to demonstrate and be the safety pilot. We were able to get most of the club members soled with this method.
Jeff Dunham was a member of the Sierra Rotorcraft Club and it was at one event that I met Homer Bell who was there with Jeff.
I have lot's of stories but will see if folks are interested in reading them before taking the time to write them down.
I next attended the Rotorway factory flight school and learned to hover the Exec 152. A short time later I attended phase II flight training at the Rotorway factory and earned my solo endorsement for altitude as well as my maintenance training for maintaining my Exec.
After several months of solo flight I attended phase III at the factory for my prep and private pilot check ride with Stretch Wolter. I passed and now had my Rotorcraft/Helicopter add on to my private pilot license.
We joined the Sierra Rotorcraft Club in California and became friends with many other Rotorway owners. Many of them did not know how to fly their helicopters so we came up with a plan. Len Chrysler was a R/H CFI but could not fly with students due to having his legs crushed in a dozer accident. He had me fly with the students and stayed on the radio giving us instructions as to what he wanted the student to do, I was there to demonstrate and be the safety pilot. We were able to get most of the club members soled with this method.
Jeff Dunham was a member of the Sierra Rotorcraft Club and it was at one event that I met Homer Bell who was there with Jeff.
I have lot's of stories but will see if folks are interested in reading them before taking the time to write them down.