asc3

Hello

from the

Hot Seat!

Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Ralph Taggart and it is my privilege to be serving as the first Director of the ASC Rotor Wing. How did I fight my way to this pinnacle of power and influence? Well, I did it the same way we are going to get most things done in the Rotor Wing - I volunteered! Later on we will have real elections, but, for the moment, I have the responsibility of getting the new Wing off the ground and flying in decent trim!

Here are some of the high-points with respect to my ultralight rotorcraft background:

I started flying a 15 hp weight-shift Quicksilver back in 1981.

I designed and, with my flying partner Don Chubb, built the Gyrobee ultralight gyroplane, which I have been flying since 1990. I am also a co-designer of the HoneyBee ultralight gyro.

I am the Ultralight Editor for the PRA's Rotorcraft magazine.

I am the gyroplane columnist for Kitplanes magazine.

I have written numerous articles for a variety of magazines, including the old Ultralight Aviation, Kitplanes, Rotorcraft, and Ultraflight. I also wrote the ski-flying chapter in Markowski's book, Ultralight Techniques.

I am a member of the Popular Rotorcraft Association, Aero Sports Connection, and the United States Ultralight Association.

I am a registered ultralight pilot (AOPA/USUA/ASC) rated for weight-shift, fixed-wing, and gyroplanes

On a more personal note, I am 58 years old, married (a very understanding wife, three daughters, and a grandaughter) and unlimited enthusiasm for ultralights in general and gyroplanes in particular.

I will be doing the most energetic job I can to get the Wing off to a good start, but I can't do it alone. I am going to need your input and suggestions as we pick up speed. Input on what? Why anything that impacts the structure and operation of the Wing - anything! In order of preference, you can contact me:

E-mail: Gyrobee@aol.com

Phone: 517-676-1207 (evenings)

Mail: 602 S. Jefferson

Mason, MI 48854

ASC has given us the opportunity to go almost anywhere we want in the operation of the Wing. I suspect, for a while at least, that we will remain one of the smallest Wings in the organization, but I don't see any reason why we can be one of the best! Let's pool our talents and make it happen!