1999 has been a banner year for those of us interested in ultralight gyroplanes. First, back in April, the Board of Directors of the Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA) put its "stamp of approval" on ASC's ultralight gyroplane flight training program. While structured, two-seat training programs or their equivalent, are the norm for Experimental gyroplanes and most areas of ultralight aviation, there were no formal programs available for prospective ultralight gyro pilots. Despite the relatively small number of potential students, ASC, under Jim Stephenson's direction, undertook to develop a training program and qualification criteria for both BFI and AFI gyro-rated instructors. At the same time, serious debate began within the PRA about safe and appropriate ways to handle ultralight pilots at major PRA fly-ins. All kinds of ideas were being kicked around, mostly by folks who had no real experience with the kind of instruction and registration programs being used on the ultralight side of the aviation world.

Geoff Taber, an Ohio ultralight gyro pilot, Dave DeWinter (a newly elected PRA Board member), and myself started a dialog with Jim Stephenson on the specifics of the ASC program. After several months of intense work using the Internet as our communications conduit, we had crafted a package we felt would be acceptable to the PRA Board. Dave DeWinter got the subject on the Bensen Day's agenda and served as point man, despite the fact he doesn't fly ultralights. All the work paid off when the PRA Board approved the package. As a result of that action:

• Gyro-rated AFI's and BFI's can now offer instruction at PRA sanctioned events, just like the FAA CFI's have been doing for years.
• An ASC pilot registration card (with a gyro rating) will be accepted by PRA event officials as evidence of basic flying competence.

This represents a major breakthrough that formalizes the recognition of legitimate ultralight pilots and aircraft within the PRA and sets the stage for future cooperative efforts.

• The new Rotor Wing will serve as a bridge, giving ultralight gyro pilots a link to the wider world of ultralight aviation.

Although each one of us tends to be a booster for the specific types of machines we fly, the ultralight movement is a spectacular example of diversity. In contrast, gyroplanes are pretty specialized aircraft and ultralight gyros are even rarer birds. Ultralight gyro pilots stand to benefit from the network of ultralight clubs and flightparks; the benefits training and safety programs, and vehicle and pilot registration; and the hard-won status that has been achieved by the wider ultralight movement. In turn, the movement can only benefit by the enthusiastic participation of a new group of aviators, each bringing along their unique perspectives and talents.

• The Rotor Wing will facilitate a productive relationship between ASC and PRA.

Most of us that have worked to form the new Wing have solid backgrounds within the PRA. Gyroplanes are specialized aircraft and the best way to keep up with developments is to be an active PRA member. Every gyro pilot should be a PRA member, but if you fly ultralight gyros, ASC's new Rotor Wing is a way to hook up to a dynamic organization that will look out for your ultralight interests! I expect we will gain new ASC members through PRA and I also predict that PRA will see an influx of membership as a result of the Wing's effort to showcase gyroplanes within the wider ultralight community. As one symbol of the connection, I will be lobbying for ASC sponsorship of some ultralight-specific awards to be given each year at the PRA's annual fly-in/convention.

Ultralight gyros are one of the best-kept secrets in ultralight aviation. While it is certainly true that there is no such thing as the "best" type of ultralight, gyroplanes bring a whole bunch of new features into the ultralight aircraft mix. Over the next year or so I will try to get the rest of you up to speed on how they work and just what it is about them that we find so exciting. In the meantime, all of us would like to thank the rest of ASC for extending a warm welcome to the gyro community. We are all looking forward to some great times ahead!