100 years of the Gyroplane

On the weekend of 10 and 11 June, a gyroplane gathering was held to mark 100 years of these aircraft.

More than 35 gyroplanes from all over France had registered with the organisers, Frédérique and Gérard Lange, of La Maugerie ULM Autogire. The company has existed for around ten years and offers trial flights, introductory flights and instruction flights on 2 machines (the M16 Tandem, open, and the M24 side-by-side, enclosed) at Blois-Le Breuil aerodrome.

Frédérique and Gérard have been pilots at Le Breuil for more than 30 years, first on aeroplanes. Ten years ago they took up gyroplanes, fell in love with these aircraft and developed their flying business: Gérard became an instructor and Frédérique followed the same path, and is now a trainee instructor. They had noticed long ago that 2023 corresponded to 100 years: they could not let it pass unmarked. Flying Magni gyroplanes, without which the gyroplane would not be what it is today, they put together a whole exhibition on the history of these aircraft. The presence of amateur builders at the event added a richness that participants appreciated.

Unfortunately, after two months without a single drop of rain at Blois, storm barriers formed over almost all of southern France, preventing many pilots from reaching Blois. On Saturday, rain and thunderstorms arrived at Blois, making the day very difficult weather-wise. But no matter: in the end 10 gyroplanes were able to gather in an excellent atmosphere. The pilots were able to fly the planned rallies over the Loire valley and its châteaux. For example, the "Chambord" circuit flew over the châteaux of Menars, Chambord, Villesavin, Cheverny, Fougères, Chaumont and Herbault. A fine collection!

On the ground, the public was invited to take part in a photo competition. Tarpaulins had been laid on the ground, on which visitors were invited to look up at the sky and photograph the gyroplanes (an air experience flight was up for grabs). Many air experience flights were given, in the sunshine that returned from Sunday.

The weekend was also an opportunity to officially present the book "100 years of gyroplanes", published for the FFPLUM by Bleu Ciel Diffusion and written especially by Patrick Perrier to celebrate class 4. Illustrated mostly with the author's photographs taken during the Blois microlight shows, the book was very well received. As they turned the pages, some pilots even recognised themselves or found their own gyroplane.

The French Microlight Federation was present at these 100 years of the Gyroplane with Francis Berthelet (FFPLUM Secretary General) and Antonin Lefert (FFPLUM communications officer).

Note the next gyroplane event: the PACA rally next September.
Mondial de l'ULM website
Link with Gabriel Gavard's art "History of the Gyroplane" ULM INFO no. 122 page 32 and 33
©Text and photos: Frédérique LANGE and Patrick PERRIER