A unique lightweight aeroplane-helicopter hybrid is set to stun crowds at South Ayrshire’s air show in September.
Council chiefs have announced that Peter Davies in his Calidus Autogyro will join the line up for The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight.
The autogyro, which is part aeroplane and part helicopter, is a fascinating aircraft whose rotor blades are not powered by an engine but are actually spun by the passing wind as the autogyro moves through the air; powered by the propeller on the back.
Not much bigger than a family car, the Calidus Autogyro is extremely light at only 300kg, which makes it super fuel efficient and very easy to manoeuvre.
It has a top speed of 120mph, but can also be flown as slow as 25mph, which is extraordinarily slow for any aircraft.
Festival-goers can not only look forward to Peter showing off his amazing autogyro piloting skills, as he throws this little aircraft across the sky – pirouetting, pitching and yawing – but also give him a huge wave as he safely takes his hands of the controls to wave down at the crowds below through the glass canopy.
Peter will perform as part of both Friday and Saturday’s aerial displays over the festival weekend from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10.
Dr Geoff Coxon, CEO of theSKYLAB, said: “Peter will deliver an amazing display in his autogyro and amaze people at what this small aircraft can do.
“It’s also a great display to generate some interaction with the audience too, as Peter waves at the crowd wearing his day glow gloves which are super easy to see.”
Councillor Alec Clark, the council’s spokesperson for tourism, culture and rural affairs, said the Autogyro display “will no doubt have the crowds holding their breath”. He added: “This is a unique aircraft and I’m very much looking forward to seeing Peter in action!”
Councillor Brian Connolly, spokesperson for sport and leisure, said: “This display will be a wow factor for all the family, and children in particular will love to look out for Peter waving with both hands while still in flight.”
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